Trip to Udaipur - 4: Visit to Chetak samadhi and some emotional moments

Chetak was the faithful horse of the king of Mewar, Maharana Pratap Singh. In the middle of the Battle of Haldighati, a sword hidden in the trunk of elephant tore through one of Chetak's rear legs and injured it badly. But the Chetak didn’t give up. To save his master life, injured Chetak carried his wounded master on his 3 legs and jumped over a big canal to reach a safer place. 

As soon as the canal was crossed, Chetak collapsed in lap of his master thus saving the life of Maharana pratap singh. 

According to folklores, it was said that during that time Brave Maharaja cried badly taking the dead Chetak in his lap. Today, this place is known as Chetak Samadhi/tomb where Chetak breathed its last in lap of Raja.

The content is not very clear in the above picture. Please read it below:

"Chetak was the beloved and favorite horse of Maharana Pratap. Inspite of being badly wounded in the battle of Haldighati on 18 June 1576, Chetak saved the life of this master by carrying him from Rakt Talai to this place by jumping across a stream where he fell and breathed his last in the lap of his master.
This memorial was built in the memoir of the supreme sacrifice that the loyal Chetak made while saving the life of his master."

We felt very emotional especially at that time when we were listening it by the guide.  

Also, Chetak was disguised as Baby elephant to confuse the elephants in the war by placing an artifical trunk on his face.

There was a very beautiful poem called Chetak ki Veerta which I read on internet. Please click here to read that poem.

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Trip to Udaipur - 3: Imagining moments of Battle of Haldhigati at Haldighati

Please Zoom if content is unclear

The remarkable battle of Haldighati was fought between Maharana Pratap singh, the great Rajput ruler of Mewar and Raja Man singh, who was also a Rajput but owing to wish of his grandfather Raja Bharmal joined the Mughal Army. 

Akbar has already conquered the eastern part of Mewar including Ranthambhor and chittor continuing his desire to rule all over India. Akbar was not using his army but based on diplomacy and power, he is asking rulers to accept his suzerainty. Many of the Rajput rulers surrender to Akbar. There was only 1 ruler of Maharana Pratap singh that did not accepted the Mughal ruler. Maharana was not willing to compromise on the independence of Mewar. Akbar sent Raja Maan singh but Maharana refused to meet him. Maharana was raja himself and Maan singh was just Raja’s son. Akbar also sent Maan Singh’s father Raja Bhagwan Das to sign peace treaty but all his efforts went in vain. Maharana Pratap openly declared that he would not come under the leadership of any other ruler. 

Taken at Rana Pratap Museum

Finally, when nothing happened for 3 year, Akbar sent Maan singh Led army to fight with Maharana Pratap. There were many rulers that came in support of Maharana Pratap. Fierce battle was fought. Rana Pratap was surrounded by small army of Mughals. Maharana got injured along with his horse, Chetak. During this time, one of the loyal soldier took the crown of Rana Pratap to disguise enemies. As a result, Maharana escaped and the loyal soldier died fighting. The result of the war is not very clear but it was clear demonstration of spirit, valour and bravery of Rajputs. 

Mughals considered themselves as victorious only for some time until they came to know the truth that Maharana Pratap was escaped and they have killed his soldier. 

This is how the battle came to an end. Next day, when Mughals reached the battleplace there was no one from Maharana pratap side to fight. Histroy text books classified the result of this battle indecisive although it was a great loss to Mewars. I think it is because of the indomitable spirit with which Maharana pratap fight against Mughals despite the fact that Mughals army was more than 5 times than that of Maharana pratap’s army.

This is how the battle came to an end. Next day, when Mughals reached the battleplace there was no one from Maharana pratap side to fight. Histroy text books classified the result of this battle indecisive although it was a great loss to Mewars. I think it is because of the indomitable spirit with which Maharana pratap fight against Mughals despite the fact that Mughals army was more than 5 times than that of Maharana pratap’s army.

Also, There is 1 museum where I clicked all the pictures used in this post. This museum is very beautiful and will cover the entire story of Maharana Pratap’life through 10 minutes video followed by the some animated light and sound show. It was terrific. Though the infrastructurally it wasn't great but the message was clear.

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