Haldighati

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Haldighati is located at a distance of 40 KM from Udaipur. Haldighati, a famous battlefield and a pass in Aravali Mountains connecting districts of Rajsamand and Pali in Rajasthan, the battle took place here on 18th June, 1576 between Maharana Pratap Singh of Mewar and Mughal army of Akbar of Delhi. Was made popular by the heroic deeds of Maharana Pratap Singh, a historic warrior from Mewar and his devoted warhorse, Chetak. Haldighati is believed to have received its name due to its yellow sand that resembles turmeric, or haldi in Hindi. A recently constructed memorial of Maharana Pratap is the major attraction at Haldighati.

Tourist Attractions at Haldighati

Haldighati extends as a thrilling tourist attraction that flares the merciless battlefield. A single thought of those courageous soldiers standing on the exact lands where they fought, send chills down one’s spine. Haldi Ghati captures major attention because the terra firma made the battlefield to the legend, Maharana Rana Pratap and his loyal horse, Chetak. The place gives a nostalgic feeling as this was the same place where Chetak, the heroic mount of Rana Pratap, breathed his last after leaving his master to a safe place.

The memorial of Maharana Pratap at Haldighati displays large bronze statues of Maharana Pratap as well as Chetak. Here, there is an exhibition as well as a series of chambers visualizing the incidents from Maharana Pratap’s life brought alive through animated statues, impressive sound effects and voice overs. You can take out a couple of hours to visit the Haldighati memorial which is on the way to Kumbhalgarh from Udaipur at a distance of 40 kilometers. Understanding Maharana Pratap can give a great insight into the people and history of Mewar.

There is a museum storing many weapons and paintings of the famous battle. Light and sound shows give a glimpses of the events inside the museum. Entry ticket is Rs 20 and camera ticket is Rs 10 to carry inside. Inside the museum in some places particularly near the light and sound show photography is not allowed. Visitors can keep the camera with them.

At a distance of around 4 kms from the battlefield, a cenotaph (chattri) is built in pure white marble. This cenotaph is dedicated to the gallant horse Chetak as a sign of respect and admiration. The bloody battle of Haldighati has been captured an inescapable place in the History of India. The battle has been known since ages in murals and ballads. In the words of Col. James Todd (a British author), Haldighati has been referred as ‘Thermopile of Mewar’.

Close to this place, you can visit Balicha village that is famous for its terracotta crafts. Badshahi Bagh is another place which is renowned for ‘Chaitri-Gulab’. Here you can find original rose water and ‘Gulkand’ (Jam made from Rose petals) that has immense medicinal value and really tastes good. Thus, Haldighati is a place of interest for the people who value history and respect the heroes of India for their priceless efforts.

The Battle and history

Remembered as the most important event in Rajput history, the battle of Haldighati was an “Indecisive Battle”. It was fought between Akbar (Ruler of Mughals) and Maharana Pratap Singh I (Ruler of Rajputs). The political struggle behind the battle was that by fifteenth century nearly all Rajput kingdoms had surrendered under Mughal ruler, except Mewar who was unwilling to compromise on its independence. To persuade Mewar Ruler Rana Pratap Singh, Akbar had sent many envoys to have talks on peace treaties. Ultimately, Rana Pratap did agree to sign the treaty but only on his own terms that he would not tolerate the leadership of any foreign ruler.

Ignited on the bold stand of Rana Pratap, Mughals decided to fight against Rana Pratap, also allied by Raja Man Singh of Amber. The two armies stood against each other at the Haldighati pass. Rana Pratap was an exceptionally good warrior and he stood proudly on his horse Chetak to take a plunge in the challenge. The battle was a fierce one with strong repulsions from both sides; ecstatic techniques were displayed at the war front.

Raktatalai

While passing through Haldighati Mughal army faced many casualties as Bhil tribes of Rajput army attacked from top of the hills. After a retreat the Mughal army reassembled and the main battle took place at a place known as Raktatalai or Khon-ki-talai ( pool of blood ) is a plan are at the other side of river Banas where a furious fight between the victorious Rajputs and reassembled Mughal army. The Rana Pratap riding the famous horse Chetak was leading the Rajputs. Man Singh ( A Rajput and King of Jaipur ) was the commander for the Mughal army. The fight was so deadly that the place was full with dead bodies.

During the battle Rana Pratap Sing’s horse Chetak got injured as one of its leg got cut when Rana Pratap attacked the elephant of Man Singh. To save the life of Pratap Singh the injured horse took his mater away from the battle field and cover a safe distance. After jumping a 22 ft river it collapsed and died. This place is marked with a Chetak Samadhi. This circumstance had forced the Rajputs to retreat and the struggle ended at mid day of 21st June 1576 AD

The soil of this Haladighati is deep yellow in color and resembles turmeric powder. The battle of haldighati continued in guerilla manner. The battle was significant for the tenacity displayed by Rajputs and Bhils and the art of defensive mountain warfare. Maharana Pratapsingh established a great example of courage and bravery in the battle of Haldighati.

After the battle of Haldighati, Maharana Pratap Singh swore an oath that he would denounce all the earthly pleasures such as a bed to sleep, gold and silverware to eat from and a palace to live in till he freed his motherland from the enemies. For the rest of his life thereafter, he lived in the forest, slept on the grass beds and ate from the leaves giving an example of the honor and pride for which he lived.

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