The Maharana Pratap and the Battle of Haldighati, fought here in 1576, are featured in a sound/light performance at the Haldighati Museum. Haldighati is a mountain pass in Rajasthan’s Aravalli Range that connects the districts of Rajsamand and Pali.
The pass is about 40 kilometers from Udaipur. The name ‘Haldighati’ is thought to have come from the area’s turmeric-colored yellow soil. (Haldi is the Hindi word for turmeric.)
The Maharana Pratap Haldighati Museum houses various weaponry and paintings from the legendary fight. This creative museum first opened its doors in 2003. The museum’s events are depicted through light and sound performances.
A short distance from the location lies Balicha Village, which is known for its terracotta crafts. Badshahi Bagh is well-known for its ‘Chaitri-Gulab.’ Original rose water and ‘Gulkand,’ a medicinal jam formed from rose petals, are two of the garden’s main attractions.
A cenotaph (chattri) is built in pure white marble about 4 kilometres from the battlefield. As a mark of respect and affection, this cenotaph is dedicated to the brave horse Chetak. The deadly battle of Haldighati has earned an indisputable place in Indian history. The fight has been depicted in murals and ballads for centuries.
Battle of Honour/ Battle of Haldighati:
The battle of Haldighati was not merely another in a series of intense battles between Mughal and Rajput forces to reclaim territories. Many great Rajasthani rulers were alongside Akbar, including those of Jaipur, Bikaner, and Boondi.
Rana Pratap had already alienated them by mocking them for trading their daughters and sisters to Akbar in exchange for peace. The mighty Rana took on Akbar over all odds, according to James Tod’s highly praised book Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan.
Following the failure of Akbar’s previous attempts to defeat Rana Pratap, the Mughal ruler dispatched his son Salim to command the war. The great Rana had been hoping for an opportunity like this as well. He noted that the Mughal army had camped in the valley on a big piece of land that became known as Badshah Bagh.
Rana lured the army to march into the perilous valley, where the courageous Bhil tribals had been strategically deployed. The tribals assaulted and slaughtered the Mughal army as they marched through the tiny ravine known as the Neck of Haldighati.
Pratap had fitted an elephant’s mask on the horse’s face, complete with trunk and teeth. Chetak’s ruse worked, and Rana was brought within striking distance of Maan Singh.
Shop Maharana Pratap Printed tees and hoodies
How to Reach Haldighati Museum
Haldighati Fort is 40 kms from Udaipur and 50 kms from Rajasmand.
One can easily reach Haldighati from the Udaipur city by taking regular buses or by hiring taxis
Haldighati Museum Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry fee: 100 per person
Address: Near, Haldighati, Nathdwara, Rajasthan 313001
Also Read: Pratap Gaurav Kendra: Perfect destination for History enthusiast