Udaipur: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat Wednesday reignited the long-running debate over the Battle of Haldighati, asserting that Maharana Pratap emerged victorious in the 1576 conflict and accusing historians of constructing a narrative that understated his resistance to Mughal rule.Addressing the ‘Rashtra Chetna Sankalp Sabha’ in Udaipur, organised to mark Maharana Pratap’s 486th birth anniversary and 450 years of the battle, Bhagwat said Pratap’s struggle had not received due recognition in historical accounts. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and several BJP members attended the event.“Today we celebrate Maharana Pratap’s birth anniversary. Have you ever heard of any celebration of Akbar’s birth anniversary?” Bhagwat asked, while arguing that the outcome of the battle had been wrongly interpreted.He maintained that Maharana Pratap and those who fought alongside him were the true victors of Haldighati. Referring to Mughal chroniclers, Bhagwat claimed their own writings recorded that imperial forces were forced to retreat after the initial assault.“If Mughal historians themselves wrote that they had to withdraw, then whose victory was it?” he asked.Bhagwat said Maharana Pratap’s fight was not merely a military confrontation but a broader struggle to safeguard India’s freedom, self-respect and cultural identity. He argued that the Battle of Haldighati was backed by society at large and not fought by Pratap’s forces alone.Citing historical figures such as Bappa Rawal, Lalitaditya Muktapida and Rana Sanga, Bhagwat said India’s history was one of resistance against invaders. “Whenever an invader steps onto our land, efforts to remove him begin from that very day,” he said, describing Indian history as a story of continuous resistance rather than submission.Describing Maharana Pratap as a symbol of self-respect, justice and unity, Bhagwat said people from all sections of society stood with him and that he refused to submit to Mughal rule despite overwhelming odds.“He stood firm even when resources were limited and circumstances were difficult. That is why Maharana Pratap continues to live in the memory of society,” Bhagwat said.He said Pratap fought not for personal gain but for society, religion and culture. Calling for greater study of Maharana Pratap’s life and contribution, Bhagwat said the Rajput ruler’s message of unity remained relevant today. He said Indians may have differed among themselves, but they came together in the face of external threats, and Maharana Pratap embodied that spirit of collective resistance.
