Maharana Pratap Singh—one of the most neglected rulers in Indian history was an embodiment of valor, sacrifice and selfless service. This Tuesday, when India was celebrating the 477th birth anniversary of 16th century ruler Maharana Pratap, 9th May passed like just another day in Rajasthan. Indian states organized public functions, rallies and seminars to commemorate Pratap’s bravery. Home minister Rajnath Singh unveiled Pratap’s statue in Pali whereas Haryana renamed its horticulture university after Maharana Pratap. Political icons like PM Narendra Modi, UP CM Yogi Adityanath and Urban Development & Broadcasting minister Venkaiah Naidu tweeted birthday greetings for Pratap. Amidst all these festivities, Rajasthan marked Pratap’s birthday on May 28th.
Why Rajasthan Stayed Mum on Maharana Pratap Jayanti?
Maharana Pratap is famed for his contribution in the battle of Haldighati fought between the Rajputs and the Mughals in 1576. Maharana Pratap descends from Sisodiya clan of Rajasthan Rajputs. His brave spirit is worshipped by the royal families in Rajasthan till date. Maharana Pratap is renowned for his clever battle strategy and planning against the Mughals. After nearly five centuries, Pratap’s name made it to the tabloids again with a fresh controversy started by academicians and politicians in Rajasthan.
KS Gupta, Retired Professor from Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur claimed that after extensive studies of Rajasthani and Persian records, it’s safe to conclude that Maharana Pratap won the famous Haldighati battle in ancient Mewar, Rajasthan. Things turned controversial when Rajasthan education minister certified the claims.
This time it’s not the battle of Haldighati, but Pratap’s birth date, which is a topic of fresh discussions.
When was Pratap Actually Born?
The oldest reference of Pratap’s birth dates back to 15th century when Mughal poet Abul Fazal mentioned Maharana Pratap in his book ‘Akbar Nama’ (1580 AD). Pratap’s birth date was mentioned in Hijri’s Calendar in terms of Islamic calendar. Contrary to this, Indian poet mentioned Pratap’s birth according to the Vickram Samvat in his book ‘Rawal Rana Baat’ in 1710 AD.
However famous British historian James Tod calculated Pratap’s birthday according to Julian calendar. The English calendar observes Pratap’s birthday as May 9th, 1540, as mentioned in Tod’s book ‘Annals and Antiquities’. Contrary to this, the Proleptic Gregorian calendar mentions it as May 19th, 1540.
Professor Lokendra Singh Chundawat from Chittorgarh University argued that May 9th, 1540 is Pratap’s birthday according to English calendar. However, Indian calendar is based on planetary positions. According to the Hindu calendar, Maharana’s birthday falls on Jesht Shukla Tritya (Third day of Shukl Paksh in June).
Therefore, Rajasthan academicians requested the people to follow traditional Hindu calendar as in the case of major festivals like Holi and Diwali. Based on these claims, Rajasthan will observe Maharana Pratap Jayanti on May 28th.
