Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Chouhan pays tribute to Maharana Pratap

“The towering patriot taught the everlasting lesson that it is indeed glorious to confront excruciating hardship for the cause of the beloved motherland than to lead a life of ease and comfort! The Maharana – who dedicated his existence to defending the prestige and self-respect of Bharat Mata – symbolises gallantry and might,” the veteran leader conveyed via social media.

The sentiments were echoed by Home Minister Narottam Mishra.

"His bravery, courage and the stories of war arts in the battlefield make every Indian proud," he posted on Facebook.

In the words of eminent historian Satish Chandra, “Rana Pratap’s defiance of the mighty Mughal Empire, almost alone and unaided by the other Rajput states, constitutes a glorious saga of Rajput valour and the spirit of self-sacrifice for cherished principles. Rana Pratap’s methods of guerrilla warfare were later elaborated by Malik Ambar, the Deccani general, and by Shivaji".

The Battle of Haldighati – an indelible chapter indeed – was fought on June 18, 1576 between the Maharana and the forces of Badshah Abu al-Fath Jalal al-Din Muhammad Akbar commanded by Man Singh of Amer. The site was a narrow mountain pass in the vicinity of Gogunda, in present-day Rajsamand District. Pratap led approximately 3,000 cavalry and 400 Bhil archers against a numerically-superior foe. Pratap was wounded during the fierce engagement.

Eventually, as soon as the empire’s focus shifted north-west, Pratap and his men recaptured territory.