Maharana Pratap and places to visit
Dr. Prabhat Kumar Singhal, Kota
A unique example of patriotism and self-respect, Maharana Pratap, decorated with the likeness of Veershiromani, after taking over the administration at the age of 27, with determination to keep Mewar free from the Mughals, lived in forests, caves and ate grass bread in difficulties for 30 years. Keep fighting. The Haldighati War is called the Thermopolis of India. Even the temptation of giving away half of India's kingdom could not sway him. Bhils contributed to making Pratap's success story and fought with their lives in the world-famous battle of Haldighati. Due respect was given to the Bhils in the state symbol of Mewar. This time, on the occasion of Maharana Pratap Jayanti, let us know his story and historical events through the places of interest related to Pratap located in Udaipur and nearby. To see which tourists from all over the world reach. I also saw these places and understood Pratap during my Udaipur posting.
Haldighati
The Yellow Mud Pass is called Haldighati, 40 km from Udaipur. In the past, this valley between Khamnor and Balicha village, on June 18, 1576 AD, the world-famous Battle of Haldighati was fought between the Mughal army under the leadership of Maharana Pratap and Mansingh, the ruler of Mewar. No one could win a decisive war that lasted a few hours. In this war, many patriot soldiers, including Jhala Mann, Hakim Khan, and Gwalior Naresh Ram Shah Tanwar, who were allies of Maharana Pratap, sacrificed their lives in the country's interest. His famous horse Chetak showed his self-devotion even after being injured and sacrificed his life by saving the life of Maharana Pratap. The place where the soldiers' blood was shed is called Rakta Talai.
Earlier, when tourists used to come here to see the Haldighati battle site, they used to see a simple canopy built as a memorial to Maharana Pratap's horse Chetak. The yellow soil here for which it is said that there was great reverence for the war that turned the earth into sandalwood.
Many people felt blessed by applying this holy soil on their forehead and used to take some soil with them as a remembrance. The natural environment surrounded by hills and the narrow path of Haldighati was also visible here. With the development, the nature of Haldighati Pass has changed, and now a metalled road has been built here. Rakta Talai, Shahi Bagh, Pratap Cave, Samadhi of Horse Chetak, and Maharana Pratap Memorial on the high hill are worth visiting here. The Maharana Pratap memorial on a hill is also worth visiting.
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In Balicha village, 3 km from Haldighati, a beautiful museum has been built on a hill, preserving the memories of Maharana Pratap's life and war incidents. Emblem of Mewar, the Sacrifice of Pannadhay, Maharana Pratap's confidential advice to his ministers in the cave, Pratap fighting with the lion, the Statue of Maharana Pratap's tableau installed in Indian Parliament, Maharana Pratap fighting with Mansingh, Maharana Pratap, and injured Chetak horse The meeting of Maharana Pratap, along with the exile life of Maharana Pratap, as well as other incidents related to him, have been displayed here in an attractive form of models, pictures, and tableaux. Portraits of Meera Mirabai, Maharana Amar Singh, Maharana Udai Singh, Maharana Sangram Singh (Rana Sanga), Maharana Kumbha, and Maharana Bappa Rawal dedicated to Krishna devotion are also displayed here.
The live presentation and illustration of this historical heritage have been displayed in the form of artifacts and sculptures, as well as light and sound-based tableaux have also been made entertainingly. There is also a small movie theater where visitors are informed about Pratap's life through short films.
In the museum, along with the aspects related to the life of Maharana Pratap, to preserve the vanishing culture of the region in ancient times, to get water out of the well, Rahat, kola, chakras, oil ghani, chariot, bullock cart, agricultural machinery an extensive collection of musical instruments, costumes, utensils, locks, etc. has been displayed in the form of an attractive tableau. An artificial lake has been made for the entertainment of the visitors, which also has boating facilities. This museum is a living example of the imagination and passion of a teacher, Mohanlal Shrimali, amidst the struggles of his life. This heritage gives the message and inspiration of patriotism to tourists and future generations.
Gogunda
Gogunda, surrounded by dense hills at a distance of 35 km from Udaipur, has been the emergency capital of the Maharanas of Mewar several times. It was here that the coronation of Maharana Pratap took place. When Chittor was out of the hands of Maharana Uday Singh, he stayed here and established the city of Udaipur. After his death, Maharana Pratap made Gogunda the capital and later moved to Udaipur. When Akbar snatched Udaipur, Maharana Pratap again came to Gogunda. To meet Maharana Pratap, Jaipur's Mansingh, and Akbar's commander Raja Todar Mal also came to Gogunda and met. Even today, the memorial of Maharana Uday Singh is built here. The colossal fort of Gogunda has come in a dilapidated condition today. In Gogunda, mainly Ganesha of Gudha, along with many temples, are worth visiting.
myra's cave
Due to the characteristics of Myra's cave near Gogunda, Maharana Pratap made it his armory and used it to tie his horse Chetak to it. Pratap used to do intelligence while staying here. The cave's structure is equal to a maze due to Teddy Meddy. Although there are three ways to go to the shelter, there is no way to go inside when seen from outside. Maharana Pratap had taken a new vow to leave the palaces and live in the forests until he freed Mewar from the terror of the Mughals. This cave was a vital cave during Pratap's stay in the forests.
Pratap Memorial - Motimargi
In Udaipur, the 131-bigha historical hill of Motimagari on the banks of Fatehsagar Lake was divided into four parks, and one park was named Maharana Pratap Park, where Pratap Memorial has been constructed. This place has become scenic, with natural vegetation and attractive gardens and fountains. In a small garden, a black statue of Maharana Pratap riding on Chetak, the faithful horse of Maharana Pratap, has been made on a high platform. The sculpture of Pratap and Chetak's horses is beautiful. The events related to the life of Maharana Pratap have been carved in stone paintings around the platform on which this statue is installed. A telescope has been installed nearby, where the shade of Fatehsagar can be seen for a minimal fee.
In the second park, a life-size statue of Bhilu Raja, the Bhil commander of the Haldighati war, who was called by the name of Poonja, has been installed, where glimpses of tribal Bhil life, snake house, antelope, Bhil houses, and an artificial lake are visible. The statue of Bhilu Raja was unveiled on February 8, 1989, by the then Prime Minister of India, Shri Rajiv Gandhi. The third park has been developed in the name of Danveer Bhamashah, and a life-size statue of Bhamashah has been installed on a giant tower. Here Kamal Talai fountain, an artificial waterfall, and scenes of a snowy hill have been made. Bird Sanctuary is also located in this park.
Another park named Hakimkhan Suri has been built on the hill below on the left side of the central statue. The ruins of Janane palaces are also found here. A statue of the great warrior Hakimkhan Suri has been installed in front of the cannon on a high rock on the east side of Janane Mahal, and a beautiful garden has also been developed. Along with these significant sightseeing places, Veer Bhawan Hall of Heroes and Weapons Museum has also been built on Motimagri Hill. Another attraction and historical importance on the hill is the "Moti Mahal." Today it exists as ruins. It is said that Maharana Uday Singh had built these palaces on this hill before establishing the city of Udaipur.
City Palace Udaipur
Those who want to know about Maharana Pratap must watch it. The City Palace of Udaipur exhibits historical materials related to Maharana Pratap and a collection of large beautiful paintings based on the events of his life. There are 11 magnificent palaces in the City Palace, which were built by different rulers, yet they look similar. The Manak Mahal (Ruby Palace) has crystal and porcelain specimens. Bhim Vilas showcases a splendid collection of miniatures depicting the real-life stories of Radha-Krishna.
'Krishna Vilas' is known for a remarkable album of miniatures depicting Maharaja's royal processions, festivals, and games. The Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace) is celebrated for its lavish decorations, while the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors) is known for its breathtaking mirror work. The 'Chini Chitrashala' is famous for its Chinese and Dutch decorative tiles. The 'Dilkhush Mahal' (Palace of Joy) is known for its mural and wall paintings.
The Bada Mahal is an exotic garden palace on a 90 feet high natural rock formation. The Rang Bhawan palace used to contain the royal treasury. The temples of Lord Krishna, Meera Bai, and Shiva are situated to the right of 'Rang Bhavan.' The 'Mor Chowk' has extraordinary glass mosaics of peacocks set on walls representing the summer, winter, and monsoon seasons. 'Laxmi Vilas Chowk' is an art gallery with an exclusive collection of Mewar paintings. A part of the City Palace and the 'Zanana Mahal' (Ladies' Chamber) has been converted into a museum. The museum is open to the public. Lakshmi Chonk is a beautiful white pavilion. The 'Amar Vilas' is the highest point of this palace and has magnificent hanging gardens with fountains, towers, and terraces. The delicate mirror, marble, frescoes, wall paintings, and silver inlay work are outstanding in the City Palace.
Kumbhalgarh Fort
Rana Pratap lived here long after the turmeric war in Kumbhalgarh, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Many memories of Pratap are associated with this fort. During his time, it was the capital of Mewar. The royal family lived in this fort from Maharana Kumbha to Raj Singh. Pannadhay hid Uday Singh here and brought him up. From the point of view of security, Kumbhalgarh has been built in the middle of seven hills in such a way that its existence is visible only after reaching very close. The military and protective importance of the fort built between many hills and valleys is known from the fact that this fort was always invincible. In the Kumbhalgarh Prashasti, the names of the mountains have been mentioned as Neel, Shwet, Hemkoot, Nishad, and Gandamdan. Some plaques in praise of Kumbhalgarh are preserved in the Udaipur Museum. This invincible fort was built by Maharana Kumbha on May 13, 1459. It was created by a craftsman named Mandap. To go to the fort, the road goes west from the town called Kelwara, which reaches the fort through both Atepole and Hallapole gates.
The fort's main entrance is Hanuman Pol, outside of which there is a statue of Hanuman Ji. A strong wall and strong bastions have been built around the fort. The series of bourgeois appear to be in the shape of a champagne bottle. It is said that this wall is the longest after the wall of China. The length of the wall is 36 km. It is long and 15 feet wide. Its width is such that four horses could run on it simultaneously. In Nagara style, many artistic temples have been built on the fort, including Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. In this fort, made based on Vastu Shastra, entrance gates, ancient reservoirs, palaces, residential buildings, sacrificial altars, pillars, umbrellas, etc., have been made. There are over 360 temples in the fort, of which 300 are ancient Jain temples, and the rest are Hindu temples. There is another fort inside the fort which is called Katargarh. This fort is protected by seven huge gates, Vijay Pol, Bhairav Pol, Nibu Pol, Chagan Pol, Pagda Pol, Ganesh Pol, and strong ramparts. Badal Mahal and Kumbha Mahal were built on the highest part of this fort. Kunwar Prithviraj's umbrella is also made in this place.
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