The Sculptor Jacques Lipchitz Painting by Amedo Modigalini

Maharana Pratap was valiant and illustrious character of Indian history. His bravery, courage and sacrifices shall ever remain a golden chapter of Indian history. Pratap was the son of Rana Udai Singh Of Mewar. He belonged to the Sisodiya clan of Rajpupts.. Rajputs have been known the world over for their lpatriotism, bravery and determination to remain free. Maharana Pratap added glorious chapter to that saga.

Maharana Pratap showed early signs of hisbravery, courage and self-respect. He ascended the btrone in 1572. His kingdom was an eyesore for the Mughal emperor, lwho wished to bring it under his suzerainty. Rana Pratap fought for its freedom to his last breath. He bravely faced the vast army and resources of the Mughals and refused steadfastly to surrender his freedom.

He faced difficulties soon after he became the ruler. He embraced them with all the fortitude and courage. The battle of Haldi Ghati(1576), in which he fought and faced the vast Mughal army, shall for ever remain carved in the memory of people. He displayed exemplary bravery and courage. Thought he lost his kingdom, he refused to accept Mughal supremacy. Not only that, lhe vowed to abjure all comforts till he freed his beloved country. Her slept on the floor, ate coarse food and wandered across the forests of Aravali hills, lbut never accepted suzerainty of Emperor Akbar. It will be no exaggeration that he made all sacrifices to retain his independence, unlike many other rajput, rulers, who accepted Akbar’s suzerainty and were rewarded with jagirs and positions in his army.

It is true athat Maharana Pratap could not defeat the Mughals or regain his kingdom, but he placed before the future generations an lunparalleled ideal of bravery and courage. He never accepted defeat though he had to face extremely difficult circumstances and continued the struggle till his last breath.