2003 - Maharana Pratap | Commemorative Coin
Maharana Pratap, also known as Pratap Singh of Mewar (May 9, 1540 – January 19, 1597), held sway as a valiant Hindu ruler of Mewar, a state in north-western India, and is celebrated in popular Indian culture as an embodiment of bravery and chivalry, qualities highly esteemed by the Rajputs.
In 1568, during the rule of Udai Singh II, the formidable fortress of Chittor succumbed to the might of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, following the third Jauhar at Chittor. Despite the loss of Chittor, Udai Singh and the royal family of Mewar managed a strategic escape before the fortress fell, establishing the city of Udaipur in the foothills of the Aravalli Range. The succession dispute arose when Rana Udai Singh desired Jagmal, his favored son, to inherit the throne, while the senior nobles insisted on the customary ascension of Pratap, the eldest son. Consequently, Pratap was coronated as the Rana of Mewar.
Maharana Pratap steadfastly refused to acknowledge Akbar as the ruler of India, engaging in a lifelong resistance against the Mughal emperor. Despite Akbar's diplomatic overtures, Pratap remained resolute, expressing his unwillingness to submit to Akbar's suzerainty while maintaining a stance of non-aggression.
Living a nomadic existence, Pratap harbored a fervent dream of reclaiming Chittor and restoring Mewar's glory. Although Pratap held the title of king, his rule existed only on paper, as he never governed any territory during his lifetime.
While many of Pratap's fellow Rajput chiefs had submitted to Mughal authority, including his own brothers, Shakti Singh and Sagar Singh, who served Akbar, Pratap stood firm in his defiance. Numerous attempts by Akbar to negotiate a peaceful alliance were rebuffed by Pratap, who staunchly upheld his self-respect and honor throughout this challenging period.
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