The ruler of Mewar, considered to be one of the most valiant Hindu kings during the Mughal rule, Maharana Pratap is remembered for his undefeated courage and spirit.
To honour his valour and strength, his birthday on 9 May is celebrated as Maharana Pratap Jayanti every year.
On Maharana Pratap Jayanti 2020, here are some lesser-known facts about the king:
1. Pratap’s father was Rana Udai Singh, who founded the city of Udaipur.
2. He is believed to have been of a grand stature. Standing tall at 7 feet 5 inches, Pratap weighed around 110 kgs!
3. While the neighbouring Hindu kingdoms had surrendered to the Mughal superpower led by Akbar, Maharana Pratap kept resisting.
4. It was his dream to avenge the annexation of Chittor. He made a pledge to eat in a leaf plate and sleep on a bed of straws till he freed Chittor.
5. Maharana Pratap fought against Akbar’s army in the famous war of Haldighati in 1576 and faced defeat. Thereafter, he fled to the hills. Mewar was left at the hands of eventual decline.
6. By 1584, Pratap had managed to win back most of his strongholds as Akbar was preoccupied in Punjab during that time.
7. Despite having defeated Pratap on the battlefield, Akbar could not get hold of the Rajput king till his last breath.
8. Maharana Pratap died of an injury received while tightening the string of a bow for hunting in the year 1597.
Maharana Pratap Jayanti 2020 Wishes
This day is considered to be auspicious in Rajasthan, especially in the city of Udaipur where the palace still stands.
The Quint has compiled a few wishes and images that you can share with your friends on this day.
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