Rajasthan's Deputy Chief Minister, Dya Kumari, recently announced a significant historical revision. She revealed that an inscription at the Haldighati battlefield, previously installed there, contained inaccurate information.
Jaipur: Rajasthan's Deputy Chief Minister and former Member of Parliament, Dya Kumari, reignited the historical debate surrounding the Battle of Haldighati with a significant statement. Speaking at a cultural event in Jaipur, she disclosed that an inscription at the Haldighati battlefield previously depicted Maharana Pratap as defeated. She stated that she had this inscription changed during her parliamentary tenure. The new inscription now mentions Pratap's victory.
Old Inscription Mentioned Akbar's Victory
Kumari stated that considerable confusion has long surrounded the Battle of Haldighati. The ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) inscription at Haldighati recorded Akbar's victory and Maharana Pratap's defeat. She described this as a historical injustice, adding that correcting it was a source of pride for her.
She explained that this change was made possible in 2021, when she was a Member of Parliament from Rajsamand. "I contacted the central government and the Ministry of Culture to rectify this historical error. Arjun Ram Meghwal was the Culture Minister at the time, and with his cooperation, we were able to make this change," she said.
The Importance of Presenting the Truth of History
Kumari emphasized the need to present the correct historical narrative to the public. She stated, "People often speak inconsistently about the Battle of Haldighati. Some consider it a defeat, others a draw. But we must understand that Maharana Pratap was not merely a warrior; he symbolized struggle and self-respect. He refused Mughal subjugation and fought for independence for years." This statement comes at a time when several historical accounts are undergoing renewed social and political scrutiny.
The Battle of Haldighati: Defeat or Victory?
The Battle of Haldighati, fought in 1576, is considered a decisive battle in Indian history. It was fought between Maharana Pratap and the Mughal commander Raja Man Singh. Historical documents do not definitively label it as decisive, although the Mughals gained control of the battlefield. However, Maharana Pratap's army regrouped and, in the following years, recaptured significant portions of Mewar.
Historians' opinions on this battle remain divided. Some view it as a partial Mughal victory, while others consider it a strategic and moral victory for Pratap.
Kumari's statement not only initiates a new discussion about history but is also seen as part of the BJP's cultural nationalism and historical revisionism strategy. This action is part of ongoing efforts to review historical facts and 'correct' several older accounts.
