Haldighati Udaipur is a famed mountain pass in the hills of the Aravalli Range. The pass, about 40 kilometres from Udaipur, connects the districts of Rajsamand and Pali. The pass gets its name from the yellow-coloured soil of the region (turmeric is called haldi in Hindi). The mountain pass has gone down the annals of history as the site where the Battle of Haldighati Udaipur was fought in 1576 between Rana Pratap Singh of Mewar and Raja Man Singh of Amber who was the general of the Mughal emperor Akbar. The site of the battle lies at the south-west side of Nathdwara.
Maharana Pratap fought a brave war, but his loyal horse, Chetak, gave up his life as the Maharana was leaving the battlefield. In 1997, the Government of India proposed and constructed the Maharana Pratap National Memorial, and it is today dedicated to the spirit and valour of the Rajput King. The memorial, a cenotaph with white marble columns, displays a bronze statue of the Maharana riding Chetak. Besides the battle, Haldighati Udaipur is known around the world for its charity rose products and mud art of Molela.
Facts about Haldighati –
- Haldighati is a famous historical site which is popularly known for the gallantry of Maharana Pratap.
- The site is located at a distance of 40 km from Udaipur city.
- It is a mountain pass in the Aravalli range joining two districts are Rajsamand and Pali of Rajasthan.
- These are called Haldighati due to the Tumeric colour of the mountains. This narrow mountain plays a very important role in defending the honour of Mewar dynasty.
- In 1576, Haldighati witness a huge war between Rana Pratap Singh of Mewar and Raja Man Singh of Amber.
History of Haldighati
Known for the bloodiest battle fought in the region, the Battle of Haldighati has an essential place in history. If you have a slight bent towards Indian history, you will know that the Indian history is incomplete without reference to the Battle of Haldighati Udaipur.
This historic Battle of Haldighati has been fought on 21st June 1576 between Maharana Pratap, the Mewar King, and Emperor Akbar, a Mughal ruler. Even though it is one of the most significant battles in Rajput history, it was also the shortest battle ever fought in the past Places To Visit Udaipur.
This ferocious fight fought on this narrow strip of mountains lasted for 4 hours, only leading to mass-scale death of the heroic soldiers of the time. The blood could be found all over the place, making it turned red instead of yellow in this case.
Sadly Maharana Pratap lost the battle to Raja Man Singh of Amber, one of the most trusted army generals of Mughals during the times.
Haldighati Udaipur is also significant for another reason, i.e., the unexplainable companionship of Maharana Pratap and his horse, Chetak. Chetak, the loyal companion of Pratap, took his last breath just a few kilometers away, only after leaving Pratap to a safe place.
Haldighati is considered to be the pride of the Rajsamand district of Udaipur Tourism. The stellar role of Haldighati and its indifferent aura reminds us of the sacrifices made by the gallant warriors to protect the honor of the Rajputana kingdom. The place also sends chills down the spine as it speaks of the merciless killings and selfless acts of soldiers made to protect India from the clutches of brutal foreign forces.
Battle of Haldighati
In 1576, Akbar deputed Man Singh I and Asaf Khan I to lead a force against Maharana Pratap. The Rana advanced with a force numbering almost half the Mughal numbers and took a position near Haldighati Udaipur which was at the entrance of a defile. In Pratap’s army, the main commanders were Gwalior’s Ram Shah Tanwar and his three sons, Rawat Krishnadasji Chundawat, Maan Singhji Jhala and Chandrasenji Rathore of Marwar.
His army also included Afghans led by Hakim Khan Sur and a small contingent of Bhil tribals headed by Rao Poonjaji fighting alongside him. Anticipating the Mughal attack, the Rana had also devastated the entire region up to Chittor to prevent the Mughal forces access to food and fodder. The Mughals were then guided by Pratap’s brother Shakti Singh that what was the way they could face Pratap in open and with minimum casualties.
The Battle of Haldighati Udaipur was fought on 18 June 1576 for around 4 hours. It was primarily fought in the traditional manner between cavalry and elephants since the Mughals found it difficult to transport artillery over the rough terrain. In a traditional fight, the Rajputs were at an advantage; their impetuous attack led to a crumbling of the Mughal left and right wings and put pressure on the centre until reserves, but a rumour of Akbar’s arrival turned the tide and resulted in a Rajput retreat. The heat, and fear of ambush in the hills, resulted in the Mughals deciding not to pursue the Rajputs into the hills.
After the battle, Akbar captured many Rajput forts including the Mewarian capital Udaipur Tour Packages This fight can be viewed as an assertion of local independence arising from local and regional patriotism.
Best time to visit Haldighati
The best time to visit Haldighati Udaipur is the month between October and March. During this time, you can escape the unbearable heat of the sun. The months from July to September end are also favorable as rainy season acts a savior here.
How To Reach Haldighati
By Air: The nearest airport to the site of Haldighati is located in Udaipur at a distance of about 50 km. You can get direct buses and cabs to Haldighati from Udaipur.
By Rail: If you are looking forward to travelling by air, then the best way to reach Haldighati is by taking a direct train to Udaipur and then from there, a bus or cab to Haldighati Udaipur.
By Road: Being a mountain pass, the region of Haldighati is well connected to other cities and towns by road. Hence, you can easily approach it.