Madhya Pradesh

• 24 May 2023

Maharana Pratap Lok will be Established in Bhopal

Why in News?

On 22 May 2023, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the construction of Veer Shiromani Maharana Pratap Lok in Bhopal at a function organized at Bhopal Lal Parade Ground on the occasion of Maharana Pratap Jayanti.

Key points:

• The life and works of Maharana Pratap will be depicted in the memorial. Along with this, the contribution of his seven associates Bhamashah, Punjabhil, Chetak and others will also be depicted.
• Maharana Pratap Lok will be built with the aim that the coming generation can be aware of Maharana Pratap's struggle to protect his culture and freedom and his ability to stick to the values of life and adopt rites accordingly.
• Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that stories of bravery and valour of Maharana Pratap will be taught in the school curriculum in the state. Along with this, Maharana Pratap Welfare Board will also be formed.
• Maharana Pratap Singh Sisodia was born on 9 May 1540, in Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan. He was the grandson of Mahavir Rana Sanga. They are immortal in history for their valour, bravery, sacrifice, valour and determination.
• He did not accept the subordination of Mughal emperor Akbar and struggled for many years, ultimately Akbar failed to subdue Maharana Pratap. Maharana Pratap's policies became a source of inspiration for everyone from Shivaji Maharaj to freedom fighters.
• The horse on which Maharana used to sit was 'Chetak' , one of the best horses in the world. Maharana used to wear 72 kg armor and hold an 81 kg spear in his hand. They used to fight the war by lifting a total weight of 208 kg, including the weight of shields and swords, including spears and armor.
• On May 30, 1576, a fierce battle broke out between the huge Mughal army and the Ranbankuri Mewari army in the plains of haldi valley. In the war, Maharana freed the enemies, but the Rajput army could not stand in front of Akbar's huge army and Rana Pratap had to take refuge in the forest, but he did not accept Akbar's slavery.
• Except Chittor, Maharana again snatched all his forts from the enemy. Apart from Chittorgarh and Mandalgarh, Maharana re-established his kingdom over the entire Mewar. He made Udaipur his capital. After this, the Mughals challenged Maharana many times, but the Mughals had to face defeat. Finally, Maharana Pratap died in Chand on January 29, 1597, due to injuries sustained during war and hunting.