In the annals of India’s history, there are very few names that resonate with the same fervor and respect as does the name of Maharana Pratap. A peerless embodiment of courage, patriotism, and an indomitable spirit, the 13th Sisodia Rajput king of Mewar stands as an eternal symbol of defiance against overwhelming odds. His life, a saga of relentless struggle against the mighty Mughal Empire, continues to inspire generations. Under circumstances when all other Rajput kings, one after another, kept succumbing to Akbar’s expansion, this descendant of Maharana Hammir Singh, without an iota of doubt in his mind, remained so steadfast to foreign rule that his life’s story continues to remain an inspiration even after 5 centuries.
As we approach his 485th Birth Anniversary (observed as per the Vikram Samvat on Jyeshtha Shukla Tritiya, which falls on May 29, 2025), it’s a fitting time to delve into the captivating story of this extraordinary warrior.
On the 9th of May, the Maharana’s birth anniversary as per the Gregorian Calendar, Prime Minister Modi tweeted:
The Formative Years and a King’s Persona
Born on May 9, 1540, in Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan, to Maharana Udai Singh II and Maharani Jaiwanta Bai, Pratap’s early life was steeped in the traditions of Rajput valor and duty. From a young age, he displayed characteristics that would define his reign: unwavering resolve, a strong sense of honor, and a deep love for his homeland. His training in martial arts, swordsmanship, and horsemanship was rigorous, preparing him for the arduous path that lay ahead.
His early years were spent in Kumbhalgarh, the massive fortress that was once constructed by Rana Kumbha – the Sisodia stalwart – whose reign was one of the most flourishing periods for Mewar.
Spanning over 36 kilometers, the fortification walls of the Kumbhalgarh Fort are the second longest continuous wall in the world, after the Great Wall of China.
Pratap’s personality was marked by a fierce independence. Unlike many contemporary Rajput rulers who chose to ally with the powerful Mughal emperor Akbar, Pratap staunchly refused to submit. This defiant stance was not born out of arrogance, but a profound commitment to the sovereignty of Mewar and the dignity of his people. He was known for his humility, leading from the front, and sharing the hardships of his subjects, earning their unwavering loyalty.
It is said Akbar sent missions after missions to secure his submission, the last led by Raja Todarmal. But, the Maharana’s refusal to submit remained an utter frustration till the Mughal emperor’s death.
A Brother’s Feud: Shakti Singh
The intricacies of royal families often involve complex relationships, and Maharana Pratap’s was no exception. His younger brother, Shakti Singh, initially harbored ambitions for the throne. Historical accounts suggest a period of strained relations and even estrangement, with Shakti Singh at one point aligning with the Mughal forces. This family feud added another layer of challenge to Pratap’s already daunting task of defending Mewar.
However, the story of Shakti Singh takes a poignant turn during the Battle of Haldighati. Witnessing his brother in a perilous situation, surrounded by Mughal forces, Shakti Singh reportedly experienced a change of heart. His guilt is said to have overwhelmed him. Legend has it that he charged into the fray, risking his own life and even sacrificing some of his Mughal allies to protect Maharana Pratap. This act of bravery and brotherly love marked a significant reconciliation, highlighting the enduring bonds of family even amidst political turmoil.
The Legendary Battle of Haldighati (1576)
The Battle of Haldighati, fought on June 18, 1576, remains etched in history as a testament to unparalleled courage and strategic brilliance. Vastly outnumbered, Maharana Pratap’s forces, comprising around 3,000-4,000 Rajput warriors, faced a formidable Mughal army of nearly 20,000 troops led by Raja Man Singh I of Amber. The battle took place in the narrow mountain pass of Haldighati, a strategically chosen location by Pratap to minimize the Mughal army’s numerical advantage.
The initial ferocity of Mewar’s charge was overwhelming. The Mughals retreated and there was significant disarray in the Mughal ranks. But eventually, the sheer numbers eventually began to tell. The battle was a brutal, hand-to-hand combat, marked by fierce resistance from both sides. It was during this epic encounter that Maharana Pratap, mounted on his legendary horse Chetak, directly confronted Raja Man Singh.
The story of Jhala Man Singh
History unfortunately sometimes forgets remarkable men and women whose contributions were no short of the protagonists. One such person was Jhala Man Singh.
During the battle, when the difficult decision to retreat was reached, Jhala Man Singh assumed the Maharana’s royal signage to attract the Mughal soldiers allowing the Maharana a safe passage. Though sharing his name with the opponent Mughal General, Man Singh, his loyalty to his Maharana and his country was unrelenting and remained unblemished.
Chetak and Ram Prasad: Loyal Companions
The story of Maharana Pratap is incomplete without mentioning his extraordinary companions: Chetak, his loyal horse, and Ram Prasad, his brave elephant.
Chetak: Chetak was the Marwari horse of Maharana Pratap. It is believed he was brought to Mewar with a horse merchant along with two others – Atak and Natak. Chetak’s name remains immortalized in history for his loyalty to the Maharana.
During the Battle of Haldighati, Chetak displayed incredible bravery. He is said to have worn a mask resembling a baby elephant to confuse the Mughal war elephants. In a daring move, Chetak famously rose on his hind legs, allowing Pratap to launch an attack on Man Singh, who was seated on an elephant. Although Man Singh narrowly escaped, Chetak sustained severe injuries, including a fatal wound from a sword attached to a Mughal elephant’s trunk.
Despite his grievous wounds, Chetak carried his master to safety, leaping across a wide ravine before finally succumbing to his injuries. The Chetak Smarak in Rajsamand District stands as a poignant memorial to this magnificent animal’s sacrifice.
Ram Prasad: Less known but equally significant was Ram Prasad, Maharana Pratap’s war elephant. Described as incredibly strong and intelligent, Ram Prasad caused immense havoc in the Mughal ranks during the initial stages of Haldighati, reportedly killing 13 Mughal elephants.
So valuable was Ram Prasad that Emperor Akbar himself coveted him. After the battle, Ram Prasad was captured by the Mughals. Despite being offered lavish hospitality and renamed ‘Peerprasad‘ by Akbar, the loyal elephant refused to eat or drink anything offered by his new masters and died after 18 days, showcasing an astounding level of devotion to Maharana Pratap.
Akbar himself is recorded to have remarked, “The one whose elephant didn’t bow down in front of me, how would I be able to slay Maharana Pratap?“
Explore Udaipur, the Capital of Mewar
The Unyielding Resistance and Recovery
Although the Battle of Haldighati is often seen as a tactical victory for the Mughals, Maharana Pratap’s spirit remained unbroken. He refused to surrender and retreated into the Aravalli hills, initiating a prolonged period of guerrilla warfare. This phase of his life truly highlights his perseverance and resourcefulness. He faced immense hardships, with his family enduring poverty and displacement, yet his resolve to regain Mewar remained unwavering.
Col James Tod, the celebrated author of the Annals of Rajputana, records in his first volume of “Annals of Mewar” of the one time when Pratap sent a letter of reconciliation to the Mughal Emperor and his foe, Akbar. On a day when a wild cat snatched a bread from his daughter and she shrieked in pain, the Maharana sent the letter. And, Akbar is said to have been overwhelmed with joy on his last enemy’s surrender.
However, Akbar’s joy was short lived, for Prithviraj Rathore, the younger brother of the King of Bikaner, an admirer of the Maharana wrote to him a letter reminding the latter of his glory and his unblemished, fearless character.
The world asks, whence the concealed aid of Partap? He has no aid but the soul of manliness and his sword ; with them well has he maintained the khatri’s pride. This broker in the market of men will one day be overreached ; he cannot live for ever : then will our race come to Partap for the seed of the Rajput to sow in our desolate fields. To him all look for its preservation, that its purity may again become resplendent
His resilience bore fruit in the Battle of Dewair (1582), often referred to as the “Marathon of Mewar.” In a decisive victory, Maharana Pratap, along with his son Amar Singh, launched a surprise attack on Mughal outposts, systematically dismantling their control over Mewar. This victory allowed Pratap to reclaim much of his lost territory, including important strongholds like Gogunda, Kumbhalgarh, and Udaipur. He established a new capital at Chavand, rejuvenating Mewar’s administration and cultural life.
Listen to the story of the Maharana’s return after the Battle of Haldighati on Pathbeat.
Amar Singh: The Heir to a Legacy
Maharana Pratap’s eldest son, Amar Singh I, played a crucial role in his father’s later campaigns and continued the fight against the Mughals after Pratap’s death. Born on March 16, 1559, Amar Singh was a constant companion to his father, learning the art of warfare and the unwavering spirit of resistance. He proved his mettle in battles, notably at Dewair, where he distinguished himself.
Upon Maharana Pratap’s demise in 1597, Amar Singh inherited the monumental task of defending Mewar’s independence. While he initially continued his father’s policy of fierce resistance, the prolonged warfare had taken a heavy toll on Mewar’s resources and people. In 1615, after years of relentless conflict, Amar Singh, in a pragmatic move for the welfare of his people, entered into a treaty with the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. This treaty, while acknowledging Mughal suzerainty, was unique in its terms, ensuring Mewar’s dignity and exempting the Rana from personal attendance at the Mughal court.
Legacy and Inspiration
Maharana Pratap’s life was a saga of unrelenting struggle, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to his land and people. He stands as a towering figure who chose the path of arduous independence over comfortable submission. His story is not just a tale of battles won or lost, but a powerful narrative of character, resilience, and the unyielding human spirit. He is celebrated as India’s first freedom fighter, a symbol of Rajput valor, and a timeless inspiration for those who dare to stand against injustice. His legacy continues to echo through the hills of Mewar, a reminder that true honor lies in unwavering self-respect and the relentless pursuit of freedom.
