Remembering The Princely State: Rajputana (Mewar) - II

Thanks for such a support on previous post about Shekhawai, today in same series I would love to share about another region of princely Rajputana - Mewar, a land of warriors. (Also about less known 'Great wall of China' :) )

Mewar is south central region of Rajasthan. It include areas with historical importance such as Bhilwara, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Rajsamand majorly.

Fort of Chittorgarh

There is a saying in Rajasthan
"Garh to Bas Chittorgarh, baki Sab Garhiya" which means "Chittorgarh is the only fort, rest of all are fortresses". This single saying itself describe the impact of Mewar, its pride and history.  At first glance Chittorgarh does not present a very pretty picture, unlike the lavish splendor of Jodhpur’s Umaid Bhawan or Udaipur’s Lake Palace. But it is when you look at the background of this fort, that you feel its true spirit. Chittorgarh was the capital of the Mewar kingdom. Mewar, a name synonymous with bravery, honor and pride.

This was the only Rajput kingdom which refused to surrender to Akbar, and even after the Mughal Army conquered it, they were never allowed to rest in peace.

Chittorgarh fort was once who witnessed Jauhar of Rani Padmini rather than falling into the hands of the invaders,  Maharana Pratap swored not to eat in silver vessels, and slept on the ground, until he recaptured this fort from the Mughals. Also Mira Bai composing wonderful bhajans in praise of Lord Krishna.

In 734 A.D, Bappa Rawal , founded the kingdom of Mewar, with Chittorgarh as the capital but was attacked and captured by Allaudin Khilji in 1303 AD.

Less known Great wall of India - Kumbhalgarh

Many may not know but one of later ruler of Chitorgarh 'Rana Kumbha' erected around 32 forts, and the famous fort of Kumbhalgarh in this region. This is the second largest continuous wall on the planet. Also refered by some as 'The Great Wall of India' although this is little known outside its own region. His rule is also know a Golden era of Mewar region.

Later Rana Sanga made Mewar most powerful Rajput state with hardcore warriors. Due to this no much wonder most known and deadly warriors as well wars have been marked in this region. He lost Mewar to Mughals in Batte of Khanwa which en-marked start of Mughal rule in this region. Mewar never remained a piece of cake for Mughals not even for Akbar who was challenged by bravest and most valiant hero 'Maharana pratap', he was the only Rajput king, who refused to accept Akbar’s rule. In 1576, the famous Battle of Haldighati took place.

In the end however it was a pyhric victory for the Mughals, as they suffered great losses. Rana Pratap later with the help of the Bhils recaptured many forts in Mewar from the Mughals. However his dream of recapturing Chittorgarh was never realized in his lifetime, and later with Udaipur becoming the capital