Who was Maharana Pratap? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Indian Celebrities Born In May

Also Known As: Pratap Singh I, Maharana Pratap Singh Sisodiya

Died At Age: 56

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Maharani Ajbade Punwar

father: Udai Singh II

siblings: Sagar Singh

children: Amar Singh I, Chanda Singh, Sahas Mal, Shekha Singh

Emperors & Kings Indian Men

Died on: January 19, 1597

place of death: Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

Cause of Death: Injuries

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1

What was the significance of Maharana Pratap's role in the Battle of Haldighati?

Maharana Pratap's leadership in the Battle of Haldighati was crucial in defending Mewar against the Mughal forces led by Akbar. Despite facing defeat, his bravery and strategic maneuvers inspired future generations.
2

How did Maharana Pratap maintain his stronghold in the face of Mughal expansion?

Maharana Pratap employed guerilla warfare tactics and relied on the support of his loyal followers to resist Mughal dominance. His refusal to submit to Akbar's rule showcased his unwavering commitment to Mewar's independence.
3

What were the key principles of governance followed by Maharana Pratap during his reign?

Maharana Pratap prioritized the welfare of his subjects, promoted religious tolerance, and upheld traditional Rajput values of honor and courage. His focus on protecting the sovereignty of Mewar earned him respect among his people.
4

How did Maharana Pratap's defiance against the Mughals impact the Rajput community?

Maharana Pratap's defiance against the Mughals symbolized the Rajput resistance against foreign invaders and inspired a sense of unity and pride among Rajput clans. His legacy continues to be celebrated for his valiant stand against oppression.
5

What were the key battles fought by Maharana Pratap during his reign?

Maharana Pratap engaged in several battles, including the Siege of Chittor, the Battle of Dewair, and the Battle of Haldighati. These conflicts exemplified his determination to protect Mewar's sovereignty and uphold Rajput honor against formidable adversaries.

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Personal Life & Legacy

Maharana Pratap was born on 9 May 1540, in Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajasthan, as the eldest son of Udai Singh II and Maharani Jaiwanta Bai. His father was the ruler of the kingdom of Mewar, with his capital at Chittor. As the eldest son of the ruler, Pratap was given the title of Crown Prince.

In 1567, Chittor was surrounded by the Mughal forces of Emperor Akbar. Rather than capitulating to Mughals, Maharana Udai Singh decided to leave the capital and move his family to Gogunda.

Prince Pratap wanted to stay back and fight. But the elders in the family convinced him that leaving Chittor was the best idea. Udai Singh and his nobles set up a temporary government of the kingdom of Mewar in Gogunda.

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Accession & Reign

Udai Singh passed away in 1572, and Prince Pratap ascended the throne as Maharana Pratap, the 54th ruler of Mewar in the line of the Sisodiya Rajputs. His brother Jagmal Singh had been nominated as the Crown Prince by their father in his last days. But since Jagmal was weak, inefficient and had a drinking habit, the seniors in the royal court preferred Pratap to be their king. Jagmal swore revenge and left for Ajmer, to join the armies of Akbar, and obtained a jagir - the town of Jahazpur - in return for his help.

After the Rajputs had left Chittor, the Mughals had taken control of the city. However, they were unable to annex the kingdom of Mewar. Akbar wanted to rule all over Hindustan by himself and sent several emissaries to Pratap to negotiate an alliance.

In 1573 alone, Akbar sent six diplomatic missions to Mewar but Maharana Pratap turned down each one of them. The last of these missions was headed by Raja Man Singh, the brother-in-law of Akbar himself. The failure of efforts to negotiate a peace treaty angered Akbar who resorted to war to lay his claim on Mewar.

Akbar deputed Man Singh and Asaf Khan I to lead a force against Maharana Pratap in 1576. The Mughal forces numbered 80,000 men while the Rajput army had 20,000 soldiers, commanded by Gwalior's Ram Shah Tanwar and his three sons, Rawat Krishnadasji Chundawat, Maan Singhji Jhala and Chandrasenji Rathore of Marwar.

The Battle of Haldighati was a very fierce one following which the whole of Mewar except some of the Aravallis fell in Mughal hands. The Mughals were, however, unable to kill or capture Pratap who never ceased in his efforts to reclaim the kingdom.

In July 1576, Pratap recaptured Gogunda from the Mughals and made Kumbhalgarh his temporary capital. But then Akbar personally led a campaign against Pratap and occupied Gogunda, Udaipur and Kumbhalgarh, forcing the Maharana to retreat into the the mountainous tracts of southern Mewar.

Ever the resilient warrior, Maharana Pratap remained steadfast in his aim to recover his kingdom and within a few years he recovered many of his lost territories including Kumbhalgarh and the areas around Chittor. Eventually he also regained Gogunda, Kumbhalgarh, Ranthambore and Udaipur.

Major Battles

In 1576, Maharana Pratap fought the fierce Battle of Haldighati against the Mughal forces. Even though his army was greatly outnumbered by that of the Mughals, the Rajputs fought valiantly. The Rajput army faced heavy causalities, including the loss of the Maharana’s favorite horse Chetak, but the Mughals were not able to kill or capture the Maharana himself.

Personal Life & Legacy

Maharana Pratap had 11 wives; among them his first and favorite wife was Maharani Ajabde Punwar. He had 17 sons and five daughters.

He sustained injuries in a hunting accident and died on 29 January 1597, aged 57. Upon his death his son Amar Singh succeeded him. On his death bed, Pratap told his son never to submit to the Mughals and to win Chittor back. But Amar Singh eventually submitted in 1614 to Emperor Jahangir, son of Akbar.

Facts About Maharana Pratap

Maharana Pratap was known for his love of animals and was said to have a special bond with his horses, often spending hours with them.

He was a skilled archer and was known for his exceptional marksmanship, which he honed through years of practice in the forests of Mewar.

Maharana Pratap was a devout follower of the Hindu faith and was known for his piety and devotion to his family deity, Eklingji.

Despite being a fierce warrior, Maharana Pratap was also a patron of the arts and supported poets, musicians, and artists in his court.

He was a man of great physical strength and endurance, often taking part in hunting expeditions and military campaigns on horseback for long periods without rest.

Maharana Pratap Biography

You wanted to know

What was the significance of Maharana Pratap's role in the Battle of Haldighati?

How did Maharana Pratap maintain his stronghold in the face of Mughal expansion?

What were the key principles of governance followed by Maharana Pratap during his reign?

How did Maharana Pratap's defiance against the Mughals impact the Rajput community?

What were the key battles fought by Maharana Pratap during his reign?