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India Today
18-06-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Locating Haldighati - Between myth and reality
"And how can man die betterThan facing fearful odds,For the ashes of his fathers, And the temples of his Gods."--Thomas Babington MacaulayOn June 18, 1576, a narrow mountain pass in the Aravalli Range became the stage for one of medieval India's most storied battles. The Battle of Haldighati, fought between Maharana Pratap of Mewar and the Mughal forces led by Man Singh of Amber, has since passed into legend. The very soil of Haldighati – turmeric-yellow by nature – ran red by the battle's end, forming Rakt Talai, the "Lake of Blood." For centuries, tales of this clash have been told and retold, often blurring the lines between history and myth. Yet, beyond the glow of legend lies a reality just as backgroundBy the latter half of the 16th century, the Mughal Empire under Akbar had established its dominion over much of northern India. The successful siege of the fort of Chittorgarh (1568) followed by the Naguar Durbar in 1570 led to most of the Rajputana acceding to Mughal success of the swift Mughal campaign in Gujarat opened the great trade route from the north to the ports of Khambhat, Bharuch and Surat. The route, however, had parts of Mewar that necessitated either the full conquest of Mewar or the acceptance of Mughal suzerainty by Maharana Pratap Singh of Mewar.A large part of India underwent Mughal conquest in a short period, yet Mewar remained a blip on the map, independent and unrelenting. Akbar had seen the bravery of the Mewar forces during the long siege of Chittorgarh and was mindful of the cost that military conflict entailed. This made him prefer diplomacy. A series of missions followed, beginning with Jalal Khan Korchi to Prince Man Singh I of Amber, followed by his uncle Raja Bhagwant Das and Jagannath Kachhwaha. None of these could convince Pratap to accept Mughal suzerainty. Akbar, determined to secure the region (and with it, vital routes to Gujarat), eventually resolved to subdue Mewar by force. The stage was thus set for on both sidesadvertisementAfter seeking the blessings of the Khwaja at Ajmer, Akbar entrusted the task of subjugating Maharana Pratap to his ablest general, Man Singh of Amber, whom he fondly addressed as Farjand (son). The emperor presented Prince Man with a robe, a decked horse and gifts matching the Mughal army started from Ajmer with 3,000 strong cavalry, 2,000 infantry, elephants and some light artillery. The prolonged halt at Mandalgarh waiting for the Mewar forces to attack the plains led to the addition of another 2,000 men. The Bhils (the original inhabitants of the land) with their elaborate knowledge of forests and mountains, kept on giving regular updates on the movement of the imperial army to generals of repute and nobles assembled at Loseeng to decide on the future course of action. A 3,000-strong force was assembled comprising old nobles, young soldiers and Bhils. While the youth wanted to go on the offensive, the experienced generals suggested waiting in the mountains to attack from a position of strength. A consensus was reached with Maharana agreeing to go for the offensive but not too deep in the plains, which kept open the possibility of retreat in case of an adverse battle led to the Haldighati pass near Khamnor being an ideal choice to meet the invading army. The place Haldighati (Turmeric Valley) is called so due to the ocherous tint the soil has. It used to be a narrow defile with vertical rocks on both sides, making it difficult to cross by large contingents Battle of HaldighatiA night before the battle, the two armies were separated by about six miles and the river Banas. The Mughal contingent moved with Man Singh in the centre and left and right wings moving south of the main route and parallel to the river Banas respectively, with reserves under Mihtar Khan waiting at the river hours into the daybreak, waiting for the opportune moment, Maharana Pratap advanced from behind the pass and divided his men into two divisions. One attacked the vanguard under Asaf Khan and the other, commanded by Pratap, attacked the result of this was absolute mayhem described poetically by Mughal chronicler Badayuni. The intrepid charge by Pratap led to the vanguard and centre running for cover over miles. The chase of the running ranks brought the battle from the narrow pass to the plains at Rakt arrival of reserves under Mihtar Khan with the announcement that the emperor himself had joined the ranks helped reign in the running Mughal troops and bring order to the ranks. The counter-offensive with the strength of the Mughal contingent to fight in the plains led to a series of setbacks for the Mewar side with the gallant sacrifices of Raja Ramshah of Gwalior, his sons and several others. Amid the frenzy, Pratap sighted Man Singh atop his war a moment that would become legendary, Pratap and Chetak surged forward, plunging straight toward the howdah of the Mughal commander. Chetak reared and leapt, propelling Pratap within spear's reach of Man Singh. The thrust missed its mark – the Mughal general ducked, and Pratap's lance struck the mahout instead. In retaliation, Man Singh's elephant brought its tusk sword down, slashing into Chetak's flank. The legs of Chetak were injured and Pratap was encircled by enemy troops on all no victory in sight for both sides, a stalemate ensued. Pratap was goaded by old nobles to leave the battlefield for a protracted struggle, with Jhala Man taking away the crimson insignia to cover the retreat. The steed Chetak died a few miles away after bringing his master to safety. The battle sapped the Mughal contingent of any motivation to chase the retreating army. General Man Singh instead consolidated defences and in the days ahead, moved cautiously to Gogunda, waiting for and legacyHaldighati was a brief battle – a mere four hours of ferocious combat – but its impact resounded through the annals of Mewar. The battle did bring temporary territorial changes with the Mughal occupation of Gogunda and Udaipur, but it broke the myth of Mughal invincibility. Kesri Singh of Moondiyar writes that no doubt the field remains with Man, but for the emperor's army, no victory was ever more like defeat; for Mewar, no retreat was more glorious. The days ahead brought misery for Man Singh and the men. A harsh summer with no food to eat due to the scorched earth policy and looting of caravans by Bhils and Rajput soldiers led to a cautious retreat by Mughal writes that no one on the route believed the Mughal victory and all were convinced of the heroics of Pratap and his men. The emperor, unhappy with the outcome, ordered the dyodhi bandh of both Man Singh and Asaf Khan and himself marched to capture Maharana Pratap. Several missions followed but Pratap neither surrendered nor lost hope. The battle elevated the status of Pratap as the champion of freedom. A lot of like-minded rulers joined the coalition of Maharana Pratap and a long struggle followed. Beginning with the Battle of Dewair in one quick campaign, Pratap captured the entire lost territory except for two forts of Chittorgarh and the people of Rajasthan, Haldighati was not merely a battle of one afternoon, but a symbol: a testament to the idea that honour and homeland were worth the ultimate was the beginning of a long struggle and became a symbol of local resistance against imperial dominance, with Colonel Tod giving an apt epithet to Haldighati as the "Thermopylae of Mewar". And thus, the story of Haldighati lives on in both myth and myths – grand and poetic – speak to the emotional truth that Maharana Pratap's struggle has come to symbolise: courage against the odds, patriotism, and honour. The reality, meticulously pieced together by historians, reveals a nuanced and human tale of strategy, sacrifice, and resilience. Between the two, lies the true legacy of Haldighati, a legacy that continues to captivate the imagination while reminding us that history's real stories are every bit as profound as the legends they inspire. In remembering Haldighati, we locate not only a ravine in the Aravallis, but the very souls of people who choose freedom over surrender, time and time again.(Lalit Narayan Singh Sandu is an IAS officer of the Gujarat cadre and a PhD scholar in Gandhian economic thought)(Views expressed in this opinion piece are those of the author)
India.com
16-06-2025
- India.com
Discover The Timeless Charm Of Udaipur's Unchanged Street After 50 Years
The City of Lakes in Udaipur, and it is a one-of-a-kind place that contains modern life fused with history and culture. It is recognized for its elegant palaces, calming lakes, and lively markets. Over the years, Udaipur has changed a lot, but there is one street in Udaipur that still possesses its old world charm despite the rampant urbanization. This street is known as Hathi Pol Bazaar and is called the 'soul of Udaipur.' Hathi Pol serves a deft reminder of the era gone by and evokes charm in every manner. 1.A Peek into History Hathi Pol Market is a Hathi Pol bazaar in Udaipur that brings with it the remains of the traditional Udaipur. It is a narrow but energetic street located close to Udaipur's famous City Palace. Hathi Pol in Hindi translates to 'Elephant Gate' and this name was given for a reason. The street was once a grand entry way through which elephants would march into the city. This stunning street encompasses all the rich components of Hathi Pol's history, from the Mewar dynasty until now. Unlike Hathi Pol's surroundings which have seen immense development, this area remains untouched, combining old architecture and culture with the modern world. Architecture: A Cultured Fusion The most eye-catching aspect of Hathi Pol Bazaar is the architectural features. The street contains many havelis that have old carvings, carved jharokhas, and large elaborate flaunting fronts. These havelas, which were home to noble families and rich traders in the past, now contain small shops, handicraft centers, and local businesses. It is constructed in the Rajputana architectural style and it emphasizes symmetry and craftsmanship, as well as local sandstone and marble quarried in the region. It can be truly said that Hathi Pol Bazaar is a living museum that has preserved its culture for centuries. Even in their dilapidated state, the buildings tell a story of elegance and past glory. The narrow lanes that can barely accommodate two cars on a side, are lined with businesses that are hundreds of years old. What makes the street more distinct is the fact that unlike the other parts of the city, there are no modern buildings and glass fronted shops, deepening the sense of history and atmosphere compared to the busy and modern markets. 3.A center for Traditional Crafts and Culture Hathi Pol Bazaar is not only an eyeful, but also a cultural center. The street is famous for traditional Rajasthani crafts such as miniature paintings, textile weaving, silver jewelry making, and leather works. Artisans and craftsmen have set up shop here for years and have continuously passed down their skills to each new generation. The shops boast vibrant colors and intricate design alongside the unmistakable scents of leather and raw dyes. Hathi Pol derives its name from sculptures of elephants that sit at the entrance of Hathi Pol Gate. It is known for several prominent shops, one of them being Sadhna, a cooperative society of Rajasthani craftsmen and artisans, which was set up in 1988. Sadhna's main focus is to enhance women power by facilitating local artisans to display their work. The shop equally features embroidered clothes and leather bags alongside home decorations made by the local craftsmen. Life of Hathi Pol Bazaar's Market What really distinguishes Hathi Pol Bazaar from the other streets is its juxtaposed rhythm of life. Although several years have gone by, the street continues to function on its own clock, completely indifferent to the fact that life is moving on at a much quicker pace. Like every other marketplace, the vendors here also put in their work and open their shops at the crack of dawn. With a symphony of rattling bangles, quarrels, and the rare honks of scooters, vendors at Hathi Pol Bazaar proudly showcase their products. Apart from being a wonder for shoppers, the street is also a food lover's paradise. Traditional Rajasthani foods such as dal baati churma, ghewar, and kachoris are beautifully crafted and served at small eateries and sweatshops. There are so many snacks that are freshly made, and the smell alone is so tempting that it's almost impossible to avoid. Of the many sweetshops Jagdish is the single most famous one and has gained fame and reputation over 70 years for their preserved mouth watering sweets. 5.A Living Legacy Featuring a historical deep-rooted market, Hathi Pol Bazaar reflects Udaipur's brilliant magnificence along with its intricate culture. Traditions were heavily interwoven in the lives of the people in the past, and Hathi Pol memorializes that phase of life. In today's world, when modernization is rapidly taking center stage, the vintage spirit of Udaipur is symbolized through Hathi Pol, which is a true testimonial of the city's ethos and charm. Whether a seasoned traveler or a novice, everyone enjoys a walk in Hathi Pol Bazaar as it stands as an epitome of nostalgia capturing the true spirit of Udaipur. Locals hold immense pride and affection for this place as it acts as a representation of their roots and stands as a cherished part of their life. Change is the only permanent thing in life, except for Hathi Pol the buzzing existence of Udaipur remains thrilled around the bazaar. The mere thought of it evokes warm feelings, and as Udaipur expands, we can only hope that it continues to remain Hathi Pol Bazaar – the city of lakes gem.
