Latest news with #BattleofHaldighati
Time of India
29-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
‘Traders facing socio-eco emergency'
Lucknow: Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday said that the flawed policies and complicated tax system under the BJP govt has brought about an economic and social emergency for traders. Speaking at a meeting of the party's Vyapar Sabha, Akhilesh said, "This govt calls itself a double engine govt but all its 'engines' are busy in arranging 'fuel' instead of focusing on governance. " "The govt claims that it has simplified taxes like GST but it has hardly helped businesses. On the contrary, it has created more hurdles for them," he said. Citing media reports to claim that 35,000 MSMEs have shut down in the last year, he promised that SP would ensure safety and convenience for traders if it formed govt in 2027. "Business associates have also resolved to work with full responsibility, supporting the SP's election campaign from their respective places," he said. Akhilesh also paid tribute to Bhamashah and recalled his contributions to society and support to Maharana Pratap during the Battle of Haldighati. SP Vyapar Sabha state president Pradeep Jaiswal assured full support to the party from the trader community.
India Today
18-06-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Locating Haldighati - Between myth and reality
"And how can man die betterThan facing fearful odds,For the ashes of his fathers, And the temples of his Gods."--Thomas Babington MacaulayOn June 18, 1576, a narrow mountain pass in the Aravalli Range became the stage for one of medieval India's most storied battles. The Battle of Haldighati, fought between Maharana Pratap of Mewar and the Mughal forces led by Man Singh of Amber, has since passed into legend. The very soil of Haldighati – turmeric-yellow by nature – ran red by the battle's end, forming Rakt Talai, the "Lake of Blood." For centuries, tales of this clash have been told and retold, often blurring the lines between history and myth. Yet, beyond the glow of legend lies a reality just as backgroundBy the latter half of the 16th century, the Mughal Empire under Akbar had established its dominion over much of northern India. The successful siege of the fort of Chittorgarh (1568) followed by the Naguar Durbar in 1570 led to most of the Rajputana acceding to Mughal success of the swift Mughal campaign in Gujarat opened the great trade route from the north to the ports of Khambhat, Bharuch and Surat. The route, however, had parts of Mewar that necessitated either the full conquest of Mewar or the acceptance of Mughal suzerainty by Maharana Pratap Singh of Mewar.A large part of India underwent Mughal conquest in a short period, yet Mewar remained a blip on the map, independent and unrelenting. Akbar had seen the bravery of the Mewar forces during the long siege of Chittorgarh and was mindful of the cost that military conflict entailed. This made him prefer diplomacy. A series of missions followed, beginning with Jalal Khan Korchi to Prince Man Singh I of Amber, followed by his uncle Raja Bhagwant Das and Jagannath Kachhwaha. None of these could convince Pratap to accept Mughal suzerainty. Akbar, determined to secure the region (and with it, vital routes to Gujarat), eventually resolved to subdue Mewar by force. The stage was thus set for on both sidesadvertisementAfter seeking the blessings of the Khwaja at Ajmer, Akbar entrusted the task of subjugating Maharana Pratap to his ablest general, Man Singh of Amber, whom he fondly addressed as Farjand (son). The emperor presented Prince Man with a robe, a decked horse and gifts matching the Mughal army started from Ajmer with 3,000 strong cavalry, 2,000 infantry, elephants and some light artillery. The prolonged halt at Mandalgarh waiting for the Mewar forces to attack the plains led to the addition of another 2,000 men. The Bhils (the original inhabitants of the land) with their elaborate knowledge of forests and mountains, kept on giving regular updates on the movement of the imperial army to generals of repute and nobles assembled at Loseeng to decide on the future course of action. A 3,000-strong force was assembled comprising old nobles, young soldiers and Bhils. While the youth wanted to go on the offensive, the experienced generals suggested waiting in the mountains to attack from a position of strength. A consensus was reached with Maharana agreeing to go for the offensive but not too deep in the plains, which kept open the possibility of retreat in case of an adverse battle led to the Haldighati pass near Khamnor being an ideal choice to meet the invading army. The place Haldighati (Turmeric Valley) is called so due to the ocherous tint the soil has. It used to be a narrow defile with vertical rocks on both sides, making it difficult to cross by large contingents Battle of HaldighatiA night before the battle, the two armies were separated by about six miles and the river Banas. The Mughal contingent moved with Man Singh in the centre and left and right wings moving south of the main route and parallel to the river Banas respectively, with reserves under Mihtar Khan waiting at the river hours into the daybreak, waiting for the opportune moment, Maharana Pratap advanced from behind the pass and divided his men into two divisions. One attacked the vanguard under Asaf Khan and the other, commanded by Pratap, attacked the result of this was absolute mayhem described poetically by Mughal chronicler Badayuni. The intrepid charge by Pratap led to the vanguard and centre running for cover over miles. The chase of the running ranks brought the battle from the narrow pass to the plains at Rakt arrival of reserves under Mihtar Khan with the announcement that the emperor himself had joined the ranks helped reign in the running Mughal troops and bring order to the ranks. The counter-offensive with the strength of the Mughal contingent to fight in the plains led to a series of setbacks for the Mewar side with the gallant sacrifices of Raja Ramshah of Gwalior, his sons and several others. Amid the frenzy, Pratap sighted Man Singh atop his war a moment that would become legendary, Pratap and Chetak surged forward, plunging straight toward the howdah of the Mughal commander. Chetak reared and leapt, propelling Pratap within spear's reach of Man Singh. The thrust missed its mark – the Mughal general ducked, and Pratap's lance struck the mahout instead. In retaliation, Man Singh's elephant brought its tusk sword down, slashing into Chetak's flank. The legs of Chetak were injured and Pratap was encircled by enemy troops on all no victory in sight for both sides, a stalemate ensued. Pratap was goaded by old nobles to leave the battlefield for a protracted struggle, with Jhala Man taking away the crimson insignia to cover the retreat. The steed Chetak died a few miles away after bringing his master to safety. The battle sapped the Mughal contingent of any motivation to chase the retreating army. General Man Singh instead consolidated defences and in the days ahead, moved cautiously to Gogunda, waiting for and legacyHaldighati was a brief battle – a mere four hours of ferocious combat – but its impact resounded through the annals of Mewar. The battle did bring temporary territorial changes with the Mughal occupation of Gogunda and Udaipur, but it broke the myth of Mughal invincibility. Kesri Singh of Moondiyar writes that no doubt the field remains with Man, but for the emperor's army, no victory was ever more like defeat; for Mewar, no retreat was more glorious. The days ahead brought misery for Man Singh and the men. A harsh summer with no food to eat due to the scorched earth policy and looting of caravans by Bhils and Rajput soldiers led to a cautious retreat by Mughal writes that no one on the route believed the Mughal victory and all were convinced of the heroics of Pratap and his men. The emperor, unhappy with the outcome, ordered the dyodhi bandh of both Man Singh and Asaf Khan and himself marched to capture Maharana Pratap. Several missions followed but Pratap neither surrendered nor lost hope. The battle elevated the status of Pratap as the champion of freedom. A lot of like-minded rulers joined the coalition of Maharana Pratap and a long struggle followed. Beginning with the Battle of Dewair in one quick campaign, Pratap captured the entire lost territory except for two forts of Chittorgarh and the people of Rajasthan, Haldighati was not merely a battle of one afternoon, but a symbol: a testament to the idea that honour and homeland were worth the ultimate was the beginning of a long struggle and became a symbol of local resistance against imperial dominance, with Colonel Tod giving an apt epithet to Haldighati as the "Thermopylae of Mewar". And thus, the story of Haldighati lives on in both myth and myths – grand and poetic – speak to the emotional truth that Maharana Pratap's struggle has come to symbolise: courage against the odds, patriotism, and honour. The reality, meticulously pieced together by historians, reveals a nuanced and human tale of strategy, sacrifice, and resilience. Between the two, lies the true legacy of Haldighati, a legacy that continues to captivate the imagination while reminding us that history's real stories are every bit as profound as the legends they inspire. In remembering Haldighati, we locate not only a ravine in the Aravallis, but the very souls of people who choose freedom over surrender, time and time again.(Lalit Narayan Singh Sandu is an IAS officer of the Gujarat cadre and a PhD scholar in Gandhian economic thought)(Views expressed in this opinion piece are those of the author)
India Gazette
29-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Haryana CM Saini participates in Maharana Pratap Jayanti celebration in Karnal
New Delhi [India], May 29 (ANI): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini participated in the Maharana Pratap Jayanti celebration in Karnal on Thursday. The Maharana Pratap Jayanti was celebrated with great fervor and widespread participation from all communities. A state-level function was organised in Salwan village, Karnal district. Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini attended the programme as the chief guest. Paying tribute to Maharana Pratap, the Chief Minister said he was not just a warrior but a living symbol of pride, valor, and sacrifice and encouraged the youth to draw inspiration from his life and contribute to nation-building. The Chief Minister made several key announcements including, the naming of the Primary Health Centre in Salwan village after Mohan Singh, Rs 21 lakh allocated for the construction of Maharana Pratap Dharamshala in Assandh, and a sports stadium to be built in Salwan once the Gram Panchayat will give land for the same. He said that a feasibility study will be conducted for developing an HSVP sector in Assandh. The Chief Minister also announced to give Rs 88 crore for special repair of 54 roads spanning 186 km in Assandh Assembly constituency, Special repair for 16 additional roads covering 91.49 km, maintenance of 41 more roads, totaling 123 km in length, paving of the village drain in Salwan. Announcing infrastructure projects, the Chief Minister announced Rs. 9 crore for strengthening the Assandh bypass, Rs. 34.37 crore for special repair of the Kohand-Assandh road. The Chief Minister also announced to give Rs 5 crore for the construction of community halls in Assandh constituency, an additional Rs 5 crore for other development works in the region. The Chief Minister emphasised that a society or nation that remembers and honors its heroes, warriors, and martyrs continues on the path of progress and prosperity. He said the government has made it a policy to officially celebrate the birth anniversaries of saints and great personalities, unlike previous governments that only remembered figures from their own families. Paying homage to Maharana Pratap, he said that such personalities belong to the entire nation. Their lives inspire values of patriotism, unity, and brotherhood, all of which contribute significantly to state and national development. He praised Maharana Pratap as a historical figure who never learned to bow or give up, making him a timeless role model. Highlighting the historical Battle of Haldighati, the Chief Minister said it was not merely a war but a clash of culture versus power, pride versus imperialism, and righteousness versus oppression. CM Saini reaffirmed its core principles: freedom, equality, justice, and secularism and said these ideals reflect the vision of warriors like Maharana Pratap, freedom fighters, and champions of democracy. The Chief Minister said that under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, and guided by the mantra 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan', India is progressing toward becoming a global superpower. He urged citizens to teach children that national interest must always come first, and to protect the nation's values, culture, and constitution. (ANI)
NDTV
29-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Why A 16th-Century King's Statue Has Sparked A Row In Rajasthan
Jaipur: Mewar's Rajput ruler, Maharana Pratap, took on the Mughals in the Battle of Haldighati in 1576. Among the smaller rulers who fought by his side was Rana Poonja, the ruler of Bhomat, a hilly and forested area in modern-day Rajasthan. Nearly 450 years after that epic battle, two communities are fighting over the clothes -- and legacy -- of Rana Poonja. History, caste, politics and appropriation tactics criss-cross in this face-off, blurring the lines between the real and the myth. While Rajputs, including the erstwhile royal family of Panarwa, claim that Rana Poonja was a Kshatriya from the Solanki clan, local tribals say he was from the Bhil community. Both sides claim historical evidence is in their favour. What has brought this never-ending debate to the spotlight now is a statue unveiled by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma in Chittorgarh today. A Statue Flashpoint The Chief Minister today unveiled five statues -- Maharana Pratap riding into battle, Rana Poonja and Panna Dhai, the nursemaid to Mewar ruler Udai Singh II and a local icon. The spotlight is on Rana Poonja's statue. The statue shows the warrior king dressed in a dhoti and armed with a bow and arrow. Rajputs have objected to this sartorial choice. They claim Rana Poonja was a Kshatriya and is not "dressed appropriately" in the statue. The Bhils insist that Rana Poonja is a tribal leader and allege attempts to distort history. Claims and Counterclaims Bhil Sena, an outfit representing the tribal community, has submitted a memorandum to the local authorities and alleged that attempts are being made to distort their glorious history. "Some people are tinkering with history for their selfish interests. Rana Poonja is a Bhil warrior. In 1576, at the Battle of Haldighati, who was the warrior in dhoti and armed with bow and arrow? This is our question," said Gopal Lal Bhil, district president of Bhil Sena. Local Rajput leaders disagree. Tej Pal Singh, a functionary of Jauhar Smriti Sansthan, said, "The attire on the statue is wrong. It should be in Kshatriya attire, with 'Rana Poonja Solanki' written on it." Tribal Valour In Battle Of Haldighati The Battle of Haldighati was a valiant display of Maharana Pratap's guerrilla tactics and multiple tribes, including Bhils, are said to have fought alongside the Rajput ruler. While the Bhils use this fact to stress that Rana Poonja was one of them, the Rajputs disagree. A 'Coat Of Arms' Debate The 'Coat of Arms' of the erstwhile Mewar kingdom has also been dragged into this Rajput vs Bhil debate. The Coat of Arms shows two individuals -- one dressed as a tribal, the other as a Rajput. Tribals claim the two figures are Maharana Pratap and Rana Poonja. The Rajputs argue the Coat of Arms is just a symbol to show Rajput-tribal unity. "Maharana Pratap's army had people from 36 communities, many tribals fought alongside him. This image is a symbol of social harmony under Maharana Pratap and not an actual representation of Rana Poonja," said Tej Pal Singh, adding that the Rajput community will distance itself from the idol unveiled today. A Letter To PM Modi The erstwhile royal family of Panarwa, which claims to have descended from Rana Poonja, wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022, alleging a distortion of their family's history. "We are proud of our connection and respectful terms with the brave Bhils, Garasiyas, etc. who've been our companions and with whom we have shared our brotherhood for about seven centuries, however we are Solanki Rajputs from Bhojawat subclan, that reside in Panarwa. This is how we have known ourselves through authentic genealogy as well as through other ancestral procured records. This equally applies to my ancestor, 'Rana Punja of Panarwa' who bravely fought in the Battle of Haldighati protecting the freedom of Mewar along with his fellow Bhil tribesmen and Rajput army getting himself labelled as 'Bhiloo Rana'," the letter by Krishna Solanki, a member of the Panarwa family, states. Another member of the family Rana Manohar Singh Solanki, repeated the claim in a newspaper ad, and said any person who "defames the prestige and honour of his family and heirs in the society by distorting the caste of his ancestor Rana Punja ji" will face action. The Political Backdrop Rajputs claim the alleged historical distortion is driven by vote bank politics in a region where tribal voters play a key role. Interestingly, decades ago, an earlier statue unveiling programme by then President KR Narayanan was cancelled following Rajputs' protests because the statue had Rana Poonja in tribal attire. The Panarwa royals' letter mentions in. "...Mahendra Singhji Mewar (then MP from Chittaurgarh and descendant of Maharana Pratap) wrote an open Letter to President KR Narayan and Manohar Singhji Solanki (The 16th Direct descendant of Rana Punja Solanki) an open Letter to Rajasthan Chief Minister, Mr. Bhairon Singh Ji Shekhwat, recalling how it would create rifts between rajputs of Bhomat and Bhils in future, who cohabitated for centuries and fought together through generations shoulder to shoulder...," it states, adding that the event was eventually cancelled.
NDTV
29-05-2025
- General
- NDTV
Maharana Pratap Jayanti 2025: Honouring The Unyielding Spirit Of A Rajput Legend
On May 29, 2025, India commemorates the 485th birth anniversary of Maharana Pratap, the legendary Rajput ruler of Mewar. Born on May 9, 1540, in Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan, Maharana Pratap is celebrated for his unwavering resistance against Mughal emperor Akbar, notably in the Battle of Haldighati in 1576. While his birth date is May 9 in the Julian calendar, Maharana Pratap Jayanti is traditionally observed according to the Hindu lunar calendar on Jyeshtha Shukla Tritiya, which falls on May 29 this year. The Tritiya Tithi begins at 1:54 AM and ends at 11:18 PM on this day. Across Rajasthan and other parts of India, the day is marked by prayers, processions, and cultural events celebrating Maharana Pratap's courage and dedication to his kingdom. Social media platforms are abuzz with tributes, quotes, and images honouring his enduring legacy. His life continues to inspire generations, symbolising the spirit of self-respect, patriotism, and resilience. Born in the Heart of Rajasthan Maharana Pratap was born on May 9, 1540 (Jyeshtha Shukla Tritiya 1597 Vikram Samvat), at the historic Kumbhalgarh Fort in present-day Rajsamand district of Rajasthan. Belonging to the illustrious Sisodia dynasty of Mewar, he was the son of Rana Uday Singh II, the founder of Udaipur. His early years were marked by hardship and adversity, yet Maharana Pratap remained unwavering in his commitment to self-respect and the defence of his homeland. Unyielding Spirit Against the Mughals After ascending the throne of Mewar, Maharana Pratap famously refused to acknowledge the authority of Mughal emperor Akbar. A staunch defender of independence, he spent much of his reign in the Aravalli Hills, leading guerrilla warfare to resist Mughal dominance. Despite ruling over Udaipur, Chittor, and nearby regions, he chose struggle over submission, becoming a lasting symbol of Rajput bravery and resilience.
