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Haldighati: The Battlefield
The year 1576. It's been four years since Maharana Pratap was coronated as Rana in 1572 and Akbar had sent three peace treaties via Man Singh and Bhagwan das in 1573, 1574 and 1575. Maharana Pratap was in a dilemma; if Akbar refused to wage a war then how could he win back all the portions Mewar had lost since 1568. He was intelligent enough to send Amar Singh, his successor to meet Maan Singh when he arrived in 1575. This resulted in a verbal duel and Maan Singh's insult by Amar Singh. Akbar let Maan Singh command his army in a battle against Pratap. Pratap's message was clear, it was a war of independence and not for any religion or against one. To establish this, he made his friend and Afghan aide, Hakim Khan Sur, nephew of Sher Shah Suri, the commander in chief. The historic Battle of Haldighati took place in the "Rakth Talai" or "Khun ki Talai" later known as Badshahi Bagh, beside the Banas River, on 21st June 1576, after the Mughals camped there on 18th June 1576. Some say the Bhils fought them in small troops for three days from the 18th restricting them to the other side of Banas until the Mewar army arrived. The ratio of army heads was 4:1, it appeared to be an easy battle for the clueless Mughals.
The war strategy of the Rajputs was simple and influenced by Bhils guerrilla strategy. The moment the war started with "Jai Mewar!" The Maharana holding the red flag high ordered his men to retreat. Shocked at them moving away from the banks of Banas, the Mughal army followed them into the yellow passes of Haldighati. The Bhils played their parts showering them with rocks and arrows. The armies finally met at the now-called "Khun ki Talai" and the war started. The Mughals were headed by Maan Singh, Bahlol Khan and others. The war result was evident in a while. Maan Singh Jhalla who looked identical to the Maharana helped him escape.
Rakt Talai, the battleground had been made into a beautiful garden and preserved. We can see several chhatris dedicated to the deceased here, the most famous one being of the Tanwars. Ram Shah and his two sons Shallavan, who was Pratap's brother in law and also Pratap Singh Tanwar.
The first Chatri that welcomes us is one made for numerous soldiers. So many lives were lost that it made a pool of blood on the forest floor. Hence the name of the place.
The second one is of the Tanwars, their idols made in Mewari Miniature style. It is clear evidence that not only were they great aides and family to the Maharana they died valiantly, saving him. Shallavan's eighteen-year-old son, also Pratap's nephew died in this war.
The memorial of Tanwars
The Haldighati Pass
As soon as the car crossed the large plains at Rakth Talai and the dried-up Banas, we saw the roads narrow. The driver said this road was narrower 500 Years ago, so much that only one horse could pass at a time. Chetak ran through this very pass, 5Kms from the Battlefield to where he died, injured and on three legs. His blood left a trail for the Mughals to follow, and two soldiers on horseback did follow him until Kunwar Shakti slayed them. The soil here is as yellow as Tumeric powder and I stopped the car to step out and see around. The descriptions of the terrain are exactly like Akbarnama mentions. The soil, the forest, the pass and the thorns.
The car stopped first at a cave. And a small forest temple. A Shiva Linga that Maharana Pratap worshipped when he hid here to make war plans, during the pre-Haldighati war days.
The Mahadev Maharana Pratap worshipped, a small stream runs nearby and is very beautiful.
A few metres from this cave is the Chetak Samadhi. When Chetak fell here, Maharana Pratap had lost his most loyal friend. He had no option but to bury his horse here before making a hasty escape with the help of Kunwar Shakti Singh. However, he came back to this place to mark the memorial. The Chatri however was built by Rana Amar Singh when he became the ruler to acknowledge Chetak's bravery.
The best part was the Haldighati Museum, it was worth every penny but the photo quality was bad inside, sorry for that! The awesome jungle effects inside, with an audio explanation on each exhibit, were a marvellous eye-catching idea as they explained all major parts of his life. All who were looking for Ajabde Baisa's mention will find it here in the Light and Sound show, inside. However, they call her Ajbante Kanwar in the local language of the place. Below is the Video, you can take a look too!
Potrait of Haldighati
Chetak breathing his last
Pratap attacking Man Singh
The Five Gems of Haldighati War
Ram Shah Tanwar, Rana Punja, Hakim Khan
Many poems are found here, describing the war, do take your time n see them, worth a read!
Replica of Maharana's shield and sword
Replica of his attires
Jagmal being forced to leave the throne of Mewar
Weapons used in war
Coronation
Amar Singh insults Man Singh
Bappa Rawal
Rana Kumbha
Rana Sanga
Udai Singh II
Ram Shah Tanwar
Punja
Terrains of Haldighati
Hakim Khan
Once Kunwar Amar Singh was on a mission against a Mughal camp and won it, from Khan E Khana Abdul Rahim, the son of Bairam Khan. His wife was taken prisoner as per the norms and was presented before the Maharana. The Maharana was extremely displeased at this behaviour towards an innocent woman from his son and questioned his own upbringing telling Amar Singh to take the woman back with the right respect. He was strongly against women being political tools and often resented alliance marriages as well.
Maharana Scolding Amar Singh for Capturing Mughal Women
After 1576, Maharana Pratap had lost his men and finances to continue his battles further, using this opportunity, Man Singh had marched ahead to capture Kumbhalgarh. Under Shahbaz Khan, this campaign had the aid of the Amer royals, Todarmal and Bahlol Khan as well (no he didn't die in haldighati) So, Bhahmah Shah, a warrior aide and a dacoit turned Jain businessman, decided to submit all his wealth to the Maharana for his battles. Thus, the armies were formed again till 1581.
Royal Sign of Mewar
Haldighati Battle
Rakt Talai
Bhahmah Shah
Bhahmah Shah gave wealth
Chittorgarh model
Jauhar scene
Amar Singh getting scolded
When the Maharana had become king he had vowed to free his motherland from the Mughals. He had promised that until he did that he wouldn't sleep in beds but on hay, eat leaves, mix grass on his roti, and take no luxury of Mahals and Palaces. He withheld these vows till his last breath in Chavand, regretting that he couldn't win back Chittorgarh.
Hari ghas ki Roti
In the cave, we saw above
Chundawat was Udai Singh's chief aide and a father figure to Pratap.
Maharana Pratap on Chetak.
In 1582, Maharana Pratap's army made a sudden attack on the Mughal camps at Dewair. He famously cut Bahlol Khan along with his horse in half and Maan Singh escaped to Achalgarh. He marched victoriously into Kumbhalgarh and also won back the adjacent areas. Amar Singh showed great valour in killing Shahbaz Khan in this battle and the crown Prince Salim was rushed to safety in Lahore. Seeing Salim's near-death experience, and the Maharana's determination, Akbar decided to call back his army camps from Mewar and quit his dream of winning Mewar. However, Chittorgarh remained with him. In the year 1581 Maharana shifted his capital to Chavand, and he ruled for a peaceful 17 years from there until his death. The battle of Dewair is sometimes confused with the Battle of Haldighati however, both are different. This day was indeed a memorable one as I stood on the Rakt Talai reflecting.
Funny thing to mention here, I came back to Udaipur in the evening, from the tour and I opened Sony's Bharat Ka Veer Putra Maharana Pratap, and the Battle started that day itself! Up next, we will go to Chavand and also have a glimpse of Jaismand Lake on the way!
There have been many versions, folktales and local stories in Rajputana on their Kings and Queens. None of these versions is, however, historical as history only mentions her as wife to Maharana Pratap, his consort and Queen Mother to Amar Singh. She was busy making a garland when Ratnawati rushed inside, hardly able to breathe. Concerned, the elder sister stopped her work and looked at her panting young sibling. " What is it? What's wrong?" "Jija maa sa is not letting me go to the haat mela alone. Please come with me, I need to buy some bangles." The spoiled younger one pleaded. " Wait, let me do my aarti first, then we can go." The reluctant Ratnawati sat down impatiently. In another room, their mother was helping their father get ready for the day. He was the Samant of Bijolia, the representative of the Rana of Mewar. Throughout the day he had to deal with administrative problems in Bijolia and give people justice, but today he had something...
Many of you have read my fan fiction as well as historical representations of the life and times of Maharana Pratap Singh of Mewar. I provided small details of his life in many articles. But never have I ever made a separate historical post on him. It is very difficult to put together his life without the help of folklore because historical evidence is scarce. This one was requested and hence here it goes. Needless to say, this one is very special. This is a blend of history and folklore. Leave your love. ❤️ Background and Birth: The year was 1540. Mewar was under a cloud of uncertainty. Banbir, their ruler for four years now, was a very incompetent ruler who always spent his time in luxury, drinking and dancing with girls. The crown prince Udai Singh was rumoured to be killed by him. Chittorgarh was in darkness. Around March 1540, Mewar once again saw hope as some trusted generals along Mewar with Kunwar Udai Singh attacked Chittorgarh taking Banbir by surprise. He was soon to re...
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I am back with another History post, this time it is on the wives and sons of Rana Udai Singh II of Mewar, his son and heir Maharana Pratap and Rana Amar Singh. This is a continuation of the Sisodia Family History I posted some time back. The information has been taken from Annals of Mewar by James Todd, Maharana Pratap by B.N. Rana, Maharana Pratap by Rima Hooja Udai Singh II was son to Ranisa Karnawati and Rana Sangram Singh. He was born on 4th August 1 522, at Chittorgarh and died on 28th February 1 572 at Gogunda . He was the Ruler of the Sisodia Dynasty. He is believed to have 56 sons, and 2 5 wives apart from the many insignificant queens in his Rani Mahal. Here is a list of his main queens and their sons. Maharani Jaivanta Bai Songara of Jallore was his chief queen and consort. Her son is Maharana Pratap. He was married to her before he went to war with Banbir as her father Akshayraj Rao was a friend and ally of his father Rana Sanga. Sajjabai Solankhini...
Satyavati: She was the adopted daughter of a Fisherman, rejected by her King's father. She dreamed of running the kingdom because she was born a princess and refused her rights. She was the mother to the extremely talented Krishna Daipayan who she rejected as he came on the path of her dreams. She mesmerized the emperor with her beauty. She made Devabrata into Bheeshma . The king died soon. Her arrogance led to the fall of her spoilt sons and yet she desired more. She brought up her grandchildren with desires that later lead to Adharma . She was Satyavati , Princess of Matsya, Queen of Hastinapur. Draupadi Yajnaseni: She was born to be used as a tool of revenge, she knew it and had no say. Her Swayambhar was a flaw as only he could win the archery contest. She was his winner's prize. He shared her with his brothers because his mother said so. She was the direct reason behind the greatest Dharma Yudh . She was disre...
Col. James Todd’s Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan describes Rajputana through History, Geography, Mythology, Folklores, Veer Gathas, Traditions, Cultures, Heritage, Rules, Valour and its people. However, one must remember that he was commissioned to write the narrative and his resources are not based on historical evidence. However, it is worth a read and very interesting. The following excerpts are from his book. Please take note that Todd's accounts are based on hearsay, stories and commissioned by royals and hence aren't treated as historically accurate. However, his book is important as it is the first English-language book to have extensive work done on Rajputana. Rajputs are commonly believed to be people from Rajasthan, however, their branches have spread far and wide into Punjab, Gujrat, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Maharastra and even parts of Bengal. The initial origination-based clans/tribes had been subdivided first in the book Prithvirajraso by Chand Bardai, but howe...
Kelwa/Kailwa is a small village situated around two hours away from Chittorgarh and an hour from Lake Pichola. It was mainly inhabited by the Rathores and ruled by the Chundawat clan, who were once the rulers of Mewar. One chief of Kelwa, was Rawat Sihaji Singh Chundawat. He was a very close ally of Rana Sanga. His son Jaga Singhji too died fighting for Rana Udai Singhji in one war with the Afghans in 1555 AD. Kelwa’s heir was the minor child of Jaga Singhji and his widow Sajjan Bai Songara Chauhan. Being from the clan of the Chauhan Rajputs, she was a warrior at heart. From the early age of about four, her only son was brought up under his uncle Naga Singhji, to fight for his motherland and serve it like all other Mewaris. Fatta (Patta), as fondly called by everyone was a deft warrior even before he reached his teens. His name and bravery spread across the land, to Rana Udai Singh’s ears in Chittorgarh. He was also the nephew to Ranaji’s close aide Rawat Chundawatji. Upon the order of...
!!BOOM!! The shopping mall echoed with a noise. The buzz grew silent. Fear crept in. Until somebody shouted, " It's just a Baloon!" The buzz grew again, the shopping continued, the romantic couples continued their walks, and the food court filled up with the aroma of the orders... A few decades back people used to laugh carefree at a balloon bursting or a tyre booming in the streets or in various crowded areas. Now in the back of everyone's head, a loud noise always brings the same thoughts... Another year, Another city, Another crowded place, Several innocent lives. They don't spare religious places too. For the sake of mankind? Religion? Politics? Power? They only know. Who are they? Nobody knows. It is said the demon Kaali who ushered in KaliYug decided to reside in a few things. Addiction, Wealth, Desire, and Anger are some such things he resides in. This is KaliYug where an innocent child's balloon makes adults fear the extremes. What is dharma here? We...
Udaipur, the Capital of Mewar since 1568 ever since Akbar seized Chittor. However, for 25 Years between 1572 to 1597 Maharana Pratap decided to shift his capital from Kumbhalgarh to Chavand and decided that Udaipur was Vulnerable to the Mughal's Attack. The places to see around Udaipur are to be roamed by auto in a day, and it is best to stay near Lake Pichola. We Stayed at Gangaur Palace Hotel near the Gangaur Ghat. It is a ghat where till today the Gangaur festival is celebrated with a month-long Mela in March. Talking of Melas, I forgot to mention that Chittorgarh also celebrates the Annual Jauhar Mela in Feb-March to pay homage to the Viranganas of the 1568 Jauhar. Udaipur has 7 lakes, four of which are tourist spots. We have to visit all the other places like Haldighati, Kumbhalgarh etc from Udaipur only. The places to see in Udaipur are: 1. The City Palace and Museum : The city palace was built by several Maharajas in different sections over the years, starting from Udai Sing...
Funny thing to mention here, I came back to Udaipur in the evening, from the tour and I opened Sony's Bharat Ka Veer Putra Maharana Pratap, and the Battle started that day itself! Up next, we will go to Chavand and also have a glimpse of Jaismand Lake on the way!
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