RAJASTHAN: India is making the 478 birth anniversary of Maharana Pratap, the Rajput Singh of Mewar. He is highly respected for his bravery and courage and became the only Rajput king who did not accept subjugation of Mughal Emperor Akbar.

He was seven feet tall, having a weight of 110 kilograms. He fought wars against Akbar using a 75-kg armor, 80-kg spear and two swords of 25 kilograms each.

He is known for his bravery and courage during the Akbar reign and is still worshiped by many royal families in Rajasthan.

Maharana Pratap won the battle of Dewair against Akbar in 1582. After losing the battle, Akbar moved to Lahore and remained there for the next twelve years.

Pratap recovered Western Mewar including Kumbhalgarh, Udaipur, and Gogunda. During this period, he also built a new capital, Chavand, near modern Dungarpur.

At the age of 56, Maharani Pratap Singh died of injuries sustained in a hunting accident at Chavand on 19 January 1597. Several movies have been made based on his bravery.

(Agencies)