PrAja/RoSal Paradise #40 : Standing Alone In The Crowd - Page 93

Bharat Ka Veer Putra - Maharana Pratap

Concept Note: Maharana Pratap is known as the first freedom fighter of India. Instead of accepting the suzerainty of the Mogul Emperor Akbar and leading a lavish and peaceful life like the other rajput kings, he chose to dedicate his entire life fighting to reclaim his lost territory of Mewar and Chittour from Akbar. And he mostly succeeded in doing so.

If anyone can question Akbar on his claim of being the emperor of India, it is only Maharana Pratap. Because Maharana Pratap refused to surrender and kept defending his territory in spite of countless incessant attacks from Akbar interspersed with six diplomatic missions. In fact Maharana Pratap refused to take Akbar by his name as he always addressed Akbar as that turk'.

Maharana's army and resources was miniscule compared to that of Akbar. To repulse and defend his Mewar Kingdom from Akbar's invading armies Maharana resorted to guerilla warfare by moving his people and army to the Aravalli hills. To set an example to his men he took to leading a Spartan life. He vowed to eat in leaf plates, sleep on the floor on a thin mat and live in mud houses.

The bhils, tribal people of the mountains were inspired by the young leader's patriotism and supported him with their resources and lives.

Maharana's biggest support came from his lovely wife, Ajabade. He married her when he was seventeen. She was only 15 at that time. Before they became couple they were best friends. He shared with her all his thoughts, his strategies, ambitions and fears. She blindly supported him even we his idea was outrageous sometimes befitting his young age. The only time complications or sweet misunderstandings cropped up between them was when their friendship slowly but naturally transformed to love. Ajabade transformed into a dutiful and loyal wife to Maharana Pratap. She also understood and performed her duties as a mother to the soldiers of Rana whose heads bowed with sheer reverence to the lovely queen. Ajabade bore Rana a son, Amar Singh who like his father was equally valorous.

One of the saddest losses to Maharana Pratap was the untimely death of Ajabade. Even more difficult for him was to marry Rattanpanwar, the younger sister of Ajabade. Ajabade forced Rana to marry again on her death bed which took even the Rana by surprise. Rattanpanwar unlike her sister revolted against Rana and his Spartan life style. She wanted to live like any of the other rajput princess and queens in luxury and comforts. He treated her tantrums and ran tings with indulgence and certain vocal silence. It was the sheer magnetic personality of the Rana and his forbearance (there was an age gap between Rana and Soira) which slowly brought about the required change in Rattanpanwar.

Such was the Rana's belief in dharma that he refused to bow to sly methods to conquer his enemies. Once Raja Man Singh the commander in chief of the Mughal army was out hunting with a few hundred of his troops. Maharana Pratap's Bhil spy reported this to him at his camp a few kilometers away and advised him to attack Raja Man Singh as it would be a surprise attack and a easy victory for them. But Maharana Pratap straight forwardly refused to back stab him and defeat him other than that on a battlefield.

Other time the women from the family of Abdur Rahim Khankhana, a Mogul commander, were captured by Pratap's son Amar Singh, and presented in front of the Rana.

At this point of time, Khankhana was actually on the march against Pratap, and was camping at Sherpur. Infuriated and not withstanding this act, immediately Pratap commanded his son Amar Singh to arrange for the safe conveyance of the mogul ladies to their camp. Khankhana was so affected by this incident that he refused to fight against such a chivalrous monarch. He petitioned Akbar to be relieved of his post.

Maharana Pratap and the stories between him and his loyal horse Chetak are legendary. In the end Chetak sacrificed himself to save his master in on the battles against the enemies.

For more than 50 years Akbar tries to defeat or kill Maharana Pratap. But was not successful. Finally Akbar got tired and gave up, concentrating on expanding in the North West frontiers.

Maharana Pratap reclaimed all the lost territory of Mewar. Only Chittour his Mewar's capital was to be taken. It was very much in his grasp, what with Akbar now refusing to look his side. But, The greatest Rajput to be ever born, Maharana Pratap, never gave up his freedom and fought for his people right till the end. He never surrendered in spite of great hardships and grave personal tragedies. Finally he came out victorious.

When Akbar came to know of the death of the Maharana, he instantly shed tears and refused to eat that day.

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