Maharana abandoned the traditional style of warfare and adopted the policy of guerrilla warfare, small attacks and cutting the supply lines of the enemy army.
Maharana Pratap’s place in Indian history is that of an invincible warrior who did not compromise with self-respect for power. In reality, he fought not for personal honor and power but to protect the motherland and its cultural traditions from foreign invaders. This struggle was dire. But they blossomed into Kundan and became safe in memories forever. Pratap’s struggle was not merely political in the era of the seemingly invincible power of the Mughal Empire.
It was also cultural, social and moral resistance. This is the reason why he is alive in history as well as in public memory. Maharana Pratap’s struggle was not just a question of independence of Mewar, it was an attempt to find an alternative in contemporary Indian politics.
I put aside feudal thinking since childhood.
Maharana Pratap had put into practice the lessons of struggle in his childhood itself. Father Maharana Udai Singh of Mewar was kind to mother Bhatiyani Rani Dheer Bai. Dheer Bai wanted to see her son Jagmal on the throne. At his behest, Maharana Pratap and his mother Jaywanta Bai were sent to live in Kunwarpada under the fort of Chittorgarh, away from Udaipur. Here he mingled with soldiers, forest dweller Bhils and common people.
Started the tradition of “food box” with the soldiers. Food used to come from the fort and Pratap used to serve it sitting on the ground with the soldiers. He followed this tradition throughout his life. This simplicity of Pratap gave him immense trust and love among the army leaders and soldiers. This style of Pratap was not limited only with the soldiers. He charmed the people with his natural presence and kindness among the common people. He kept aside the feudal thinking and built close relations with the people.
Maharana Pratap.
Kika of Bhils
The Bhils, residents of the hills of Mewar, were completely dependent on forests. They were completely different from the population of the plains in terms of food, language, lifestyle and customs. But Pratap developed close relations with him. Although Rajputs had relations with Bhil society since the seventh century. The Bhils of Oguna Panarwa had saved the life of Bappa Rawal. But Pratap established a relationship of intimacy and love with her.
While wandering in the forests near Chittor in his childhood, Pratap developed friendship with the Bhils of his age. Learned the art of living there amidst the difficulties of mountains and valleys. His relations with these Bhils were so cordial that the Bhil population was filled with pride to have him among them. She would lovingly address him as “Kika”. In their language it means “small child”. According to historian Dr. Dashrath Sharma, “The relationship between the rulers of Mewar and the Bhils was not of king-subject but of symbiosis.
bridged the gap between king and people
Even after the coronation of Maharana Pratap on the throne of Mewar, these Bhils used to call him “Rana Kika” and Maharana himself accepted this address with love. Maharana’s easy relations with the Bhils were a major source of his power. Bhil power played a big role in providing information about secret routes, providing supplies and guerrilla attacks on Mughal posts.
Maharana Pratap was called “Rana Kika” by the Bhil community.
Historian R.C. According to Majumdar, “Pratap’s resistance had taken the form of a mass movement. He was not ready to bow down under any circumstances in front of the huge military power of the Mughals. Naturally, it was necessary for him to change his strategy to fight. Maharana abandoned the traditional style of war and adopted the policy of guerrilla war, small attacks and cutting the supply line of the enemy army. Along with the Bhils and the army, the people of his state had a big contribution in this campaign, among which He had bridged the gap between the king and the people.
Rana sleeps on earth
Historian James Todd writes, Pratap’s biggest strength was the public’s unwavering faith in him. In reality, to earn this trust, he did not let the royal thsak get close to him. There is a popular saying about him, “Rana is above the ground, as is the soldier.” The main reason for his popularity was that he never presented himself like a prince or a king even among his army or subjects. He was always at the forefront in the war. He ate the same food as the rest of the army.
In war practice, he labored like other soldiers. Before learning discipline, he set an example. Did not patronize sycophants. He never compromised with his self-respect and honor and never forgot the contribution of his comrades who stood by him even in difficult circumstances and risked their lives.
Battle of Haldighati: One step back for two steps forward
The battle of Haldighati on 18 June 1576 is such an incident related to the struggling life of Maharana Pratap, which is still alive in the minds of the people of India even after centuries. In reality, this war was neither about the decisive victory of the Mughals, nor about the complete defeat of the Rana. The Mughal army was superior in military numbers and resources, yet Pratap limited the Mughals by challenging their strategy in the battle of narrow passes. The role of his horse Chetak in this war, the direct conflict with Mansingh and the attacks of Bhil warriors, all these make the war extraordinary.
In reality, this war gave a message to Maharana of the need for change in strategy. They had limited army and resources to compete with the huge military power of the Mughals. Obviously, guerrilla and limited attacks instead of face-to-face conflict and disrupting the ration supply chain of the Mughal army were necessary to make further victory possible. To move two steps forward, Maharana Pratap took one step back and always remained out of reach of the Mughals. Abul Fazal admitted in Akbarnama that Rana Pratap escaped from the battlefield alive and the Mughals failed to capture him.
the most difficult phase of life
After the Haldighati battle, Maharana enters the most difficult phase of his life. But in this struggle, they shine like gold and secure their place forever as legends in the memories of people. At this time he had to leave most of the area of Mewar. He kept wandering in the forests of Gogunda, Kumbhalgarh, Aravali and the hills of southern Mewar. This was not just a political conflict, but a time of human suffering, when there was not enough food for the family. There was lack of permanent residence.
The context of grass-fed bread prevalent in the folk memory is not found verbatim in historical documents, but there is consensus among historians that Pratap and his family lived in extreme poverty. Historian Satish Chandra writes that Pratap’s struggle was limited from the court to the jungle, but his moral base and aura became stronger.
…and then back again
But Maharana did not bow down even in those adverse circumstances. By compromising with Akbar, he could return to the throne. They could free themselves and their families from that miserable life in which there was no place to live or eat. Maharana waited for the favorable time. Not just waited but earned the power of military resources. After 1585, when Akbar became entangled in the north-western frontiers, the Maharana recaptured most of the 36 forts one by one and made Chavand the capital. Reorganized the administration. Strengthened the army. Focused on agriculture and trade.
This shows that he was not only a warrior but also a visionary ruler, who was concerned about the progress and prosperity of his subjects. Maharana is popular even today because he did not compromise with self-respect for power. That self-respect was not his personal but of Indian tradition and culture which was being trampled by a foreign invader. According to historian Satish Chandra, Pratap is an example of moral victory despite political defeat in Indian history.
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