Maharana Pratap (1572-1597), the 54th custodian of the House of Mewar and son of Maharana Udai Singh, has been a Rajput ruler who is celebrated throughout the country for his courage and patriotism. Col. Tod, the famous British antiquarian, says, "There is not a pass in the Alpine Aravalli that is not sanctified by some deed of Maharana Pratap – some brilliant victory, or oftener, more glorious defeat."
As the first freedom fighter in the annals of India, he was the precursor and inspiration for Mahatma Gandhi himself. To the people at large, he is known forever as "the Light and Life of the Hindu Community." What is the mettle that made Maharana Pratap? Undoubtedly, it was his seamless courage, respect for his dynasty and the unshakable principle of never bowing down to the wrong or unjust. A famous poem on him rightly asks the readers, "Has anyone seen the Maharana bow his head before the balustrade in the Mughal court?"
Maharana Pratap’s principles never failed to flow down to his horse. Chetak, his favourite charger died in the battle, but not before saving his master's life. The horse is known to have jumped over a mountain stream when pursued by two Mughal chiefs. Chetak died soon after he had seen his master to safety.
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The rulers of Mewar have been for fourteen centuries the humble guardians of a trust vested in them in perpetuity. Maharana Pratap’s name has been immortalised far beyond the confines of Udaipur, Mewar, in books and poems written in several languages like Sanskrit, Rajasthani, Hindi, Gujarati and English.
His outstanding courage, his respect of Human Rights, his just administration, his encouragement of arts, and his undiluted protection offered to the great and sacred land of India, is emulated even today. Plays and poems were written to celebrate Pratap's glory, and countless children have been named after him in the course of the ensuing four centuries. Following his vows taken during his greatest trial, even today, the head of the family will place leaves beneath his plate and grass under his bed on certain days of the year in token respect to the vow of Pratap and the humility of his example.
Arvind Singh Mewar, who became the 76th Custodian of The House of Mewar in 1984, has taken-up the mantle of carrying forward Maharana Pratap’s duties and responsibilities towards the people of Udaipur. Innumerable efforts are being made by him to carry the torch once lit by Maharana Pratap.
A salute to the seamless courage and unquestionable principles. A salute to the sacrifice that inspires millions till date. Here’s a salute to a man of steel of the yester years who remains alive in the heart of Mewar – Maharana Pratap (r. 1572-1597). The 54th Custodian of The House of Mewar, he was the only Rajput who braved and defeated the Mughals in the battle of Haldigati, 1576. H e will always be remembered for his admirable struggle for breaking away from the chains of foreign suzerain. Independence of his realm and preservation of its principles governed the life of this icon of liberty.
As the first freedom fighter in the annals of India, he was the precursor and inspiration for Mahatma Gandhi himself. To the people at large, he is known forever as "the Light and Life of the Hindu Community."
Five day book exhibition at Sabha Shiromani ka Darikhana, The City Palace Complex has been the talk of the town. It has showcased books on various topics like sports, art and culture, Veer Shiromani Maharana Pratap and so on. It has not only made an effort to enrich experience of travelers on Rajasthan but also brought locals face to face to the culture and heritage.
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