History, Mythology, Folklores, Analysis and Fact Check!
Search This Blog
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!
Bijolia is situated in the current Bhilwara district of the state of Rajasthan, 55KMs from Bundi town and 105 km from Chittorgarh on the Bundi-Chittor Road. Previously, a part of Mewar this small town has its own history and tales. For a start, it was ruled by the Punwars or Parmer Rajputs from the 11th to the 13th Century. In the 13th Century, it went under the rule of the Chauhan dynasty who made a fort at Bhilwara and thus the capital of Bijolia shifted from Bijolia town to Bhilwara fort. The Punwars sought refuge in Mewar. The Chauhan rule ended soon and Rana Kumbha brought Bijolia under Mewar's rule. The Parmers served as Rao in Bijolia as a representative of the Mewar Royals. The Bijolia Inscriptions are equally famous but sadly the town is not a tourist site especially if you travel by bus or car. The Jain Temples that are made around the 14th and 15th centuries are an example of Mewar's rich architecture. There is no good place to stay in Bijolia. A few hotels and guest...
“We have no Knowledge of the beginning and end of the world, the first and last of this ancient book has fallen out” Abu Talib Karim Rightly said by the poet laureate of Emperor Shah Jahan above, we do not actually know the beginning and end of anything in the universe, be it the traditions, culture or human race, or the world. What we know are fragments of the past we extract out of evidence. It is in vain to try and determine the first and last of something. For the past few months owing to some media hype on Jauhar, many of you had asked me questions. I tried to answer most of them. However, a lot remained unsaid and unwritten. Mostly because some things are impossible to put into words. But here I try my best. Today is a very significant day in history. On the 23 rd of February 1568, the world saw the last “Jauhar” of Chittorgarh, recorded in the medieval history of India. Akbar had invaded Mewar and the siege of four months ended in the Saka. There was no better day for...
23rd February 1568. The sun rose on the eastern horizon, not with the hope of a new day. But, with the horror of what was to follow. The first rays of the Sun God were met by the chants of “Jai Bhavani!” that echoed in the air of Chittorgarh. The Mewaris knew it was time. Four months back, when the Mughals camped at the base of the fort, a helpless Chittorgarh had watched. Rana Udai Singh had left with his closest aides to make the new city westwards, his capital. If rumours were to be believed, he had left behind a cavalry of 8000 soldiers, under Rao Jaimal of Merta and Rawat Patta of Kelwa to look over the fort. He had also left behind some of his lesser queens and infant princes, as an assurance to the people that Chittorgarh was invincible. Their safety and hope had lived in Kunwar Pratap. Truth be said, they had already taken the crown Prince as their King. Ever since Ranisa had left with him till he became the Senapati, he had time and again proved to be a better lead...
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...
Roopmati had watched the troops leave. She had stood behind the chief queen as she traditionally bid goodbye to her sons. She had waited for the Sultan to come to her. He did. He was confident that the sudden advancement of Akbar’s foster brother Adham Khan could be curbed. It was not war, just precaution. He reassured her. Malwa would never bow to the Timurids. And he would not let anything happen to her. To Her. Roopmati felt suffocated by her husband’s affectionate hug. She felt trapped in the scrutinising eyes of all the people in the palace. Angry blaming eyes. She tried to pace herself and sing but her voice cracked in fear. Her melody was drowned in tears. Every evening a messenger would come to the chief queen with the news of war. Roopmati was kept in the darkness. She was not told about anything. She knew the rumours. She was a witch. A temptress who caused doom to the Sultan of Malwa. She was a spy of the enemy planted in his life to destroy him. She wondered if he came back...
The next morning the Jahaj Mahal was woken at dawn by the sound of constructions on the roof. The women flocked to the lawn to catch a glimpse of what was happening. A pathway was being cut to the hill. On top of the hillock a pavilion was to be built, the soldiers informed. A pavilion for what? The women contemplated. “Rani Roopmati’s view point of the Reva.” Suddenly all eyes of the palace were on her. Roopmati stood there stunned. Baz Bahadur had called his best builders and chosen the highest point of Mandu to build a pavilion for his new queen. If she stood on its edge and looked at the horizon she could spot a thin silver line right where the sky met the land. The Reva. The queens were displeased. A pavilion for her? What about them? Where did she find the audacity to ask for it? But their surprises were not over yet. By mid-day builders arrived to dig out the lawn. “What is happening?” One of the concubines gasped. “Our beloved flowers are being plucked out. Why are you digging ...
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...
10th November, 1908 Around late morning, a procession of lacs made their way through the streets of Calcutta (Kolkata), India. Some were chanting “Vande Mataram” others blew conch shells and Ululation filled the air. Flowers were being showered from all directions and garlands made their way through the crowd, being thrown at the procession in the middle. Bhagwat Gita and Ananda Math (Novel by Bamkim Chandra) were offered. No, this was no “ Sobha Jatra ” or celebration. This was no religious festivities either. That dawn, the Alipore Jail, which opened only two years back, witnessed the hanging of Kanailal Dutta, a twenty-year-old member of the “Jugantar Dol” an anarchist group that was set up primarily by Aurobindo Ghosh (Later Rishi Arabindo) his brother Barindra and their associates. Kanailal hailed from Chandannagore and although he was not present in most of their meetings in Kolkata he was still one of their early members from Chandannagore, then a French province. “ Jai Kan...
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...
Walls of Kumbhalgarh Kumbhalgarh was built atop a cliff 6kms from Kelwara, by Rana Kumbhakarna Singh of Mewar. He was looking for an alternative capital with the constant attacks on Delhi making Chittorgarh vulnerable to the Western invaders. It is the second most important fort of Mewar. After Mokal, Kumbha's father was killed he sought refuge here on this hill, with his mother and planned to build a fort here. But the walls were not standing. Worried, he was advised by the priests to visit a Saint at Ranakpur Village. He did so and the saint said that the Amba Devi Temple on this hill is very powerful and to build a fort he needs to give a man as a sacrifice. Kumbha in a fix asked who will do this for me. The Saint said " I will But listen to me carefully. First, at dawn, you come to me. I will not talk to you, Follow me silently. When I first start walking, start the boundary walls there. Where I stop first will be the first Pol. Where I stop second will be the next. On ...
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!
Comments
Post a Comment