A thrilling slice from the pages of Indian history, Maharana Pratap: The Brave Warrior is the story of the legendary warrior of Mewar and his beloved horse Chetak. The book traces his inspiring life and times, and his fierce resistance to the expansion of the Mughal empire under Akbar.
As we delve into the childhood of the valiant Pratap, Prince of Mewar and his loyal Bhil companions, it is evident how he shows signs of extraordinary leadership and intense love for his motherland Mewar, from his earliest years. Determined to avenge the wounds inflicted by invaders, he proves to be as fearless a warrior as he is a dreamer, always imagining the impossible. His agility and skill with the sword are unmatched and he wins the coveted ‘neelo ghodo’—the elegant blue horse with a wild silvery mane from his father, Maharana Udai Singh. He names the horse Chetak. Pratap is tutored in war strategy, alliances and ethics by his Guru Avadhuta. He learns to live away from the palace in the forest, choosing honour over comfort, before being sent out on expeditions.
The book takes us on gripping journeys through forbidding forts, forests, ravines and harsh tracts of arid land, threatened by Mughal forces. It is vital for them to take control over the Mewar belt for it lies on thriving trade routes to Gujarat and the Deccan. Ultimately, the narrow pass of Haldighati has to be a fight to the finish—and it has to be now or never! Brave Rajput blood rises to the occasion at every turn. Military tactics are beautifully captured by the author as are nuances of emotions like intense love for Mewar and loyalty to one’s army. Chetak, Maharana Pratap’s heroic horse, is mortally wounded in a fierce encounter with the Mughal forces which are interestingly led by Raja Man Singh, another Rajput, now an ally of the Mughals. Maharana Pratap is also wounded and has to retreat.
As the game of chess continues with moves and countermoves, the thoroughly exasperated Akbar appoints the son of his guardian Bairam Khan, the soldier-poet Abdur Rahim Khan-i-Khana, to govern Ajmer and to capture Pratap. But Rahim is soon devastated. ‘His post in Sherpura had been ravaged by Pratap’s son, Amar, while he was out on an expedition. The whole area was in ruins and his entire family was missing…’
Maharana Pratap is himself shocked. He declares that Amar must send the family back to their home with complete dignity and security. Rahim is overwhelmed when his family returns, and is ‘completely won over by the very man he was meant to capture’. He composes a verse in admiration of the honourable and wise Pratap:
All is unstable in this world,
Land and wealth will disappear,
But the virtue of a great name lives forever.
Pratap abandoned wealth and land,
But never bowed the head.
Alone of all the Princes of Hind,
He preserved the honour of his race.
Such was the stuff Maharana Pratap was made of!
Lively dialogue and action keep the reader’s interest intact as events unfold. The author, Harshikaa Udasi, a journalist for 20 years, writes extensively for children and enjoys researching and writing historical fiction.
Effective line drawings in black and white by illustrator Charbak Dipta capture expressions and moods superbly and add interest to the story. The cover pictures of Maharana Pratap seated on the fearless Chetak who wears the mask of an elephant, is a tactical move. Surprisingly, however, Chetak is pictured as a white horse here.
All too often, students of history find that the subject turns into a rigmarole of facts, dates, kings and their endless wars, which can be confusing as also tedious to study. Stirring stories like this action-packed one of Maharana Pratap bring history alive for young readers. The characters in the book and their inspiring legacy will stay etched in their minds.