Maharana Pratap: A Symbol of Valor and Unity

Maharana Pratap: The Epitome of Bravery and Unity

Maharana Pratap is not only a symbol of valor but also of unity. The idea of a ruler who does not discriminate between his subjects may seem fictional in the medieval era, yet Maharana made it a reality. From a young age, he engaged with the Bhils and forest dwellers, sharing meals and playing with them, a tradition he upheld throughout his life. His practice of dining and resting alongside his soldiers fostered immense love and trust, motivating them to fight for their motherland until their last breath, without worrying about their own hardships.

The Battle of Haldighati: A Prelude to Victory

The Battle of Haldighati, where he had to retreat after a valiant struggle, is often highlighted by historians. However, the true story continues with the Battle of Dewair, where Maharana made a comeback and reclaimed most of his kingdom from the Mughals. On the occasion of his birth anniversary, let us explore some significant events from his life.

Childhood Struggles and Resilience

Maharana Pratap faced discrimination from an early age. His father, Uday Singh, favored his other queen, Dhir Bai, and their sons, Jagmal and Sagar. Dhir Bai aimed to see Jagmal on the throne of Mewar, necessitating Maharana's separation from his father. Dhir Bai succeeded in this plan. When Pratap and his mother, Jaywanta Bai, arrived in Udaipur, they were not allowed to stay there. Following Uday Singh's orders, they were sent to reside in Kunwarpada near Chittorgarh Fort, accompanied by only ten soldiers for protection. Pratap was entirely deprived of the luxuries and comforts typically afforded to royal princes.

Strength Through Adversity

These childhood hardships remained a part of Pratap's life. However, the struggle for survival instilled in him a sense of strength and resilience. Food was sent from Chittorgarh Fort, and he initiated the tradition of 'Bhojan Peti' (food box). Pratap would sit on the ground and share meals with the soldiers, which fostered immense love and trust among them. This practice sent a positive message to the public, increasing their respect and admiration for him. Pratap maintained this tradition of communal dining throughout his life, which greatly motivated his soldiers.

Lifelong Bond with the Bhils

Although his father, Maharana Uday Singh, distanced him from Udaipur, the lifestyle Pratap adopted among the Bhil tribes in the forests of Chittorgarh instilled in him courage and garnered the trust and support of a significant community, which stood by him during challenging times. These Bhils, unfamiliar with royal customs, played and interacted with Pratap, learning their language and sharing meals with them. The mothers of the Bhil community grew so fond of him that they began to call him 'Kika.' Interestingly, even after Pratap ascended the throne of Mewar, the Bhils continued to refer to him as 'Rana Kika,' a title he affectionately accepted. In reality, Pratap bridged the gap between the king and his subjects, earning their unwavering trust.

Uncompromising Pride in Power

Maharana Uday Singh passed away in 1572, leaving behind 25 sons, with Pratap being the eldest. However, Uday Singh had declared Jagmal, born to Dhir Bai, as his successor. Pratap respected his father's decision, but the nobles of the court believed that for the protection of Mewar, Pratap's ascension to the throne was essential. After some disputes, Pratap was crowned king. He managed internal challenges but was aware that Akbar had his eyes on the remaining Mewar. Like many Rajput kings, Pratap could have chosen to negotiate with Akbar for a peaceful reign, but he refused to bow to a foreign invader. For him, it was not merely about personal power; it was a struggle to protect his motherland, its culture, and traditions. This struggle was not just political but also cultural, social, and moral.

Lessons from the Battle of Haldighati

On June 18, 1576, the forces of the Mughals and Maharana Pratap clashed at Haldighati. The Mughal army was superior in numbers and weaponry, while Pratap's forces were limited. Despite these disadvantages, Pratap and his troops displayed unparalleled bravery. In the narrow pass, he managed to inflict significant damage on the Mughals. The legendary role of his horse, Chetak, became a part of folklore, as Bhil warriors astonished the enemy forces. However, the lack of resources forced Maharana to retreat strategically. Historians agree that the Battle of Haldighati was neither a decisive victory for the Mughals nor a complete defeat for Maharana.

Preparing for a Comeback

Maharana's life was filled with challenges, especially after the Battle of Haldighati. He roamed the forests of Gogunda, Kumbhalgarh, and the Aravalli hills, not merely to save himself but to gather strength for a counterattack. This was a time when his family struggled for food and lacked shelter. The story of eating grass bread dates back to this period. While historical records may not confirm this literally, historians agree that Maharana and his family lived in dire conditions. However, he was not alone in this struggle; Bhama Shah and his brother Tarachand dedicated their entire wealth to support him. This substantial amount became the foundation for the resurgence of Mewar, enabling Maharana to organize a large army and equip them with weapons. It is believed that this funding could cover military expenses for the next twelve years.

The Winning Streak Resumes

With the army organized, Maharana was once again ready to confront Akbar. In 1577, he began reclaiming Mughal outposts. After Akbar seized Udaipur and renamed it Muhammadabad, Pratap regained control and restored its original name. He melted down Mughal coins and reclaimed Gogunda. The joint forces of Mewar and the Bhati clans began destroying crops in the region. Here, Mughal infantry was present alongside three thousand cavalry led by Mujahid Beg. In a fierce battle, hundreds of Mughal soldiers were killed. Pratap successfully captured Mohi. By 1580-81, Akbar was preoccupied with rebellions in Bengal, Bihar, and the northwestern frontier. Taking advantage of this situation, Maharana Pratap strategized the Dewair campaign with his loyal commanders, Bhama Shah, Hakim Khan Sur, Chundawat leaders, and Bhil allies. He reclaimed most of his lost 36 forts and established Chavand as the capital, reorganizing the administration and focusing on agriculture and trade.

Settling Scores at Dewair

Dewair, located in the valleys of the Aravalli mountain range, was a crucial route connecting Mewar with Marwar and Gujarat. Capturing Dewair meant controlling the lifeline of Mewar. Pratap advanced with his army, although historians disagree on the exact date of the Dewair campaign, with some suggesting 1582 and others, including Omendra Ratnu, citing the date as Dussehra in 1583. Pratap's forces launched a three-pronged attack on the Mughals, resulting in the deaths of Mughal commanders, including Serima Khan and Uzbek Bahlool Khan. There were no prisoners taken in this battle, and Pratap's army inflicted severe damage on the enemy. By noon, the saffron flag was flying over Dewair, and by that night, Pratap had achieved victory over all thirty-two Mughal outposts surrounding Mewar, reclaiming Kumbhalgarh. According to Colonel James Tod, just as the Greeks decisively halted foreign invaders at Marathon, Pratap shattered the backbone of the Mughal forces at Dewair. This victory restored not only the majority of the mountainous region of Mewar under Maharana's control but also revived the lost confidence and pride of his people, dispelling the despair from the defeat at Haldighati. The Mughals received a clear message that Mewar was not ready to yield.