Maharana Pratap Jayanti is celebrated in India every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of the great Rajput warrior Maharana Pratap. According to the Hindu calendar, this auspicious day falls on the third day of the Jyeshtha month. This year Maharana Pratap Jayanti is being celebrated on 9th May 2024, being Maharana Pratap’s 484th birth anniversary. However according to Julian calendar Maharana Pratap was born on 9 May 1540. Therefore, some people observe it on 9 May. But, according to Gregorian calendar the birth anniversary of Maharana Pratap falls on 19 May. Majority of people follow Hindu calendar to celebrate Maharana Pratap Jayanti. According to drikpanchang.com, Maharana Pratap Jayanti 2024 will be observed on Sunday, 9 June 2024, but as per original Date of Birth, the day is observed on 9th May.
Maharana Pratap was born to Udai Singh II of Mewar and Jaiwanta Bai on May 9, 1540, in Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan the year in which Udai Singh ascended to the throne after defeating Vanvir Singh. His younger brothers were Shakti Singh, Vikram Singh and Jagmal Singh. Pratap also had 2 stepsisters: Chand Kanwar and Man Kanwar. He was married to Maharani Ajabde Punwar of Bijolia Amar Singh I. He belonged to the Royal Family of Mewar. After the death of Udai Singh in 1572, Rani Dheer Bai wanted her son Jagmal to succeed him but senior courtiers preferred Pratap, as the eldest son, to be their king. The desire of the nobles prevailed and Pratap ascended the throne as Maharana Pratap, the 54th ruler of Mewar in the line of the Sisodia Rajputs. Jagmal swore revenge and left for Ajmer, to join the armies of Akbar, and obtained the town of Jahazpur as a Jagir as a gift in return for his help.
He belonged to the Rajput clan of Sisodias and was the eldest son of Maharana Udai Singh II. Despite being the heir to the throne, Maharana Pratap refused to bow down before the Mughal emperor Akbar, who was expanding his empire rapidly.
Maharana Pratap, a member of the Sisodiya clan of Rajputs was a courageous Hindu Rajput King. He is considered a true patriot, who spearheaded the country’s first war of independence and fought alongside Mughal Emperor Akbar at the battle of Haldighati in 1576. Though Maharana Pratap’s army was significantly smaller, he managed to put up a formidable fight and proved to be a major obstacle in Akbar’s plans to expand his empire. Maharana Pratap was eventually forced to flee the battlefield, he managed to slay a significant number of his opponents, earning immense admiration for his bravery.
Pratap became a folk hero for his military resistance through guerrilla warfare which proved inspirational for later rebels against Mughals including Malik Ambar and Shivaji.
Maharana Pratap fought many battles against the Mughals and never sought their help to protect his kingdom.
He recognized the importance of a free and independent Rajputana and thus, refused to surrender his sovereignty to the Mughals. His valor and courage inspired many other Rajput warriors to join him in his battle against the Mughals. Maharana Pratap was one of the greatest kings who ruled the country.
In stark contrast to other Rajput rulers who accommodated and formed alliances with the various Muslim dynasties in the subcontinent, by the time Pratap ascended to the throne, Mewar was going through a long standing conflict with the Mughals which started with the defeat of his grandfather Rana Sanga in the Battle of Khanwa in 1527 and continued with the defeat of this father Udai Singh II in Siege of Chittorgarh in 1568. Pratap Singh, gained distinction for his refusal to form any political alliance with the Mughal Empire and his resistance to Muslim domination. The conflicts between Pratap Singh and Akbar led to the Battle of Haldighati.
Reportedly, Pratap died of injuries sustained in a hunting accident, at Chavand on 19 January 1597, aged 56. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Amar Singh I. On his death bed, Pratap told his son never to submit to the Mughals and to win Chittor back.
He is remembered as a symbol of valor, bravery, and dedication. On the occasion of Maharana Pratap Jayanti, people across Rajasthan and other parts of India pay tribute to his legacy through various cultural programs, rallies, and ceremonies. It’s a time to reflect on his unwavering spirit and find inspiration from his courage and determination.
