The author Prof. Rima Hooja (Ph.D Cambridge) is an Archaeologist and a leading authority on the history of Rajasthan. She has written several books including the Comprehensive History of Rajasthan.
Accounts relating to famous personalities in India tend to
be hagiographic and distance the hero from the social and historical realities
of that period. This account of Maharana Pratap is written by a
scholar-historian of repute who narrates a great story while maintaining
academic sobriety. The imagination stops short of becoming historical fiction
and the book is an account based on sound research, yet very interesting for the
lay reader.
In 1572, the 54th custodian of the illustrious
house of Mewar inherited a seat of stone instead of a gilded throne
and to top it all, his anointment took place in the open air. In spite of being his father’s eldest
son, Pratap was not appointed heir but unlike his arrogant ancestor
Vikramaditya, he had powerful friends both among his own clan members as well
as other castes and tribes. This positive trait ensured Pratap’s quick
accession and held him in good stead in the tumultuous years that followed. Brought up with
tales of valour, honour and pride, Pratap was profoundly influenced by these
lofty ideals which were deeply ingrained in his persona and dominated his
destiny.
Akbar’s Rajput policy encouraged co-opting enemies, near
enemies or potential enemies as friends, in order to use them as proficient
warriors and allies for future campaigns. Some of the rulers saw political advantage in this policy and forged matrimonial bonds acknowledging Mughal supremacy.
Following an alliance with Amber, several Rajput rulers reached amicable
arrangements with the Mughals. Once again, Pratap like his father and
grandfather refused imperial dominance and stood as the odd one out. The years
of resistance and conflict that followed produced a rubric around which
legends, stories and poems were composed both around his persona as well as the
principles and ideals he upheld.
In 1576 Pratap confronted the imperial Mughal army at
Haldighati using a traditional battle formation. Experience would teach him to
change his attack tactics and adopt innovative strategies in future. He stood
steadfast and unchanged only on his core beliefs and commitments. The travel writer Badayuni who witnessed the
event reported 500 slain. Later accounts would quote much higher figures
possibly to emphasise the gravitas associated with the major protagonists. Both
sides claimed victory as there was no surrender by Mewar and the Mughals
continued in the field. The author points out the important role played by Raja
Mansingh of Amber who was in charge of the Mughal forces. This resulted in the
Maharana’s escape from the battlefield and on the Raja’s part attracted severe
censure from the emperor.
Pratap continued to evade capture and remained a profound
symbol of defiance to the mighty Mughals. Attracted by the very desperations of
Pratap’s fortunes several others pressed to his standard. He was supported by
the wealth and fidelity of his relatives, clansmen and well wishers. The famous
Bhama Shah came up with a large amount of wealth which would sustain the
Maharana’s war efforts. When faced with insurmountable challenges assistance
from sympathisers and supporters would soon be forthcoming. Pratap like his
ancestors shifted the command and control to locations inaccessible to the
unwieldy Mughal army. To commemorate the desolation of Chittor, the Maharana
interdicted to himself and his followers all articles of luxury and pomp until
their honour was restored. Why was it so important for Akbar to subdue Mewar?
The author argues that the reasons went beyond the obvious and had deeper roots in the
individual psyche of the opposing protagonists.
A "SUN" is Born
Much later Col. James Tod would write “Mewar pride themselves as having preserved their blood uncontaminated and became an object of respect and envy to those who had forfeited the pretensions of a Rajput”. Chittor may have been sacked before and during the reign of Pratap but the spirit of the Mewar rulers always remained undefeated. Social scientists and teachers alike would draw much value and inspiration from this and other veracities of Pratap’s life. Much after his death his stand would yield dividends for his successors as none would dare challenge the illustrious house of Mewar. Rahim the 16th Century poet in Akbar’s court who is famous for his couplets would write “Land and wealth will disappear but the virtue of a great name lives forever”
Much later Col. James Tod would write “Mewar pride themselves as having preserved their blood uncontaminated and became an object of respect and envy to those who had forfeited the pretensions of a Rajput”. Chittor may have been sacked before and during the reign of Pratap but the spirit of the Mewar rulers always remained undefeated. Social scientists and teachers alike would draw much value and inspiration from this and other veracities of Pratap’s life. Much after his death his stand would yield dividends for his successors as none would dare challenge the illustrious house of Mewar. Rahim the 16th Century poet in Akbar’s court who is famous for his couplets would write “Land and wealth will disappear but the virtue of a great name lives forever”
Bhamashah presents financial support
The author points out that trade and the arts continued to survive if not flourish in this difficult period. The Chavand school produced unique miniature paintings and various Ragamalas depicting the changing moods and seasons were composed. This is an interesting feature which underlines the popular support Pratap received and sustains the belief that conflict and social change can coexist and flourish. The book refers to periods before and after the incident of Haldighati and provides a rich canvas to understand the enigma of Pratap as well as the social history of those times. The Maharana was most certainly an inspiration for Shivaji in the following century. Though Chittor was not won back during his life time Pratap’s son was able to get it back albeit under terms of a treaty which saved face and prevented further bloodshed.
Courage in the face
of adversity, death before dishonour and other lofty ideals of valour and
bravery were deeply embedded in Pratap’s psyche. He so impressed and mesmerised
his opponents that on his death the poet Dursa Charan lamented “ Now as the
Badshah learns of your passing he does not rejoice. All know (the Emperor) has
fallen into a deep silence”. The author concludes that this was indeed Pratap’s
final victory.The author points out that trade and the arts continued to survive if not flourish in this difficult period. The Chavand school produced unique miniature paintings and various Ragamalas depicting the changing moods and seasons were composed. This is an interesting feature which underlines the popular support Pratap received and sustains the belief that conflict and social change can coexist and flourish. The book refers to periods before and after the incident of Haldighati and provides a rich canvas to understand the enigma of Pratap as well as the social history of those times. The Maharana was most certainly an inspiration for Shivaji in the following century. Though Chittor was not won back during his life time Pratap’s son was able to get it back albeit under terms of a treaty which saved face and prevented further bloodshed.
