Battle of Haldighati

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The famous Battle of Haldighati was fought between the Mughal king Emperor Akbar and the Rajput king Maharana Pratap of Mewar. The battle lasted only for four hours and the result was indecisive. It is remembered as the battle in which the Mughals faced an inglorious success and the Rajputs had a Glorious defeat.

As the History goes, Emperor Akbar had forced all the Rajput kingdoms to be a part of his kingdom. He could not however force the leading Rajput army to obey him. Akbar send a series of emissaries to Rana Pratap with a proposal of peace treaty. Rana Pratap agreed to sign the treaty on his own terms and conditions. Akbar felt insulted and humiliated. Out of frustration, he gathered his army and Marched to Mewar. Rana Prataps enemy, Raja Mansingh of Amber also joined forces with the Mughal army to destroy Mewar. The Mughals proceeded towards Haldighati on May 3, 1576. Maharana Pratap Singh was waiting there for the Mughal army at a pass.

Rana Pratap's army halted at the Haldighati pass and waited for the right moment to strike. Rana Pratap had a very impressive personality more so when he was dressed with a helmet, chains and armor. He always sat proudly over his horse Chetak.

Chetak was a very handsome Arab horse of good lineage. During a battle, he was adorned with colorful and flexible armors that looked like a mask. He resembled the royal elephant head and all this was designed to terrify the enemy and protect the horse from the enemies' war elephant. The assumption was that, one elephant would not harm other.

At the battle of Haldighati, both the sides fought bravely. Rana Pratap personally attacked Mansingh during which his horse Chetak was severely injured. One of the tendons was cut during and he rode with only three legs. He rode though he was badly hurt. Rana Pratap had meanwhile fainted due to loss of blood as he had sustained seven wounds from the sword, musket and lance.

Chetak died only after carrying his master to safety. Thus, the battle of Haldighati was very significant as it showed the valor and tenacity displayed by the Rajputs and Bhills. Maharana Pratap became a legend and is still known for his bravery and courage in the Battle of Haldighati.

The Battle of Haldighati is considered as the first major breakthrough of the Rajputs against the Mughals. This battle has a great significance in history.