There have been many brave warriors in the history of India, but there are some names who became immortal not just on the strength of the sword, but by making a place in the hearts of the people. Veer Shiromani Maharana Pratap is one of them. The life struggle of Maharana Pratap is a symbol of self-respect and independence. The Vanvasis of Mewar and Vagad region have played an important role in the life struggle of Maharana Pratap and the Battle of Haldighati. Especially when they were fighting the Mughals, the Bhil Vanvasis not only actively supported them in the Battle of Haldighati but also gave shelter to Maharana Pratap and his family. He also guided them in discovering the secrets of the most difficult routes in the forests, especially the rare routes in the Aravalli Hills and helped them in implementing the guerrilla warfare method.
Maharana Pratap spent most of his life in difficult forests, hills and caves, which was very close to the Vanvasi life. He also spent his last days among the Bhil Vanvasis in Chavand of Salumber district of Udaipur division of southern Rajasthan. Because of this, even today the Vanvasi society feels connected to him. Maharana Pratap not only considered the Bhil community as his trusted ally, but also always considered his exclusive companion. He gave a respectable place to Bhil soldiers and their Bhil chief Poonja Bhil in his army and gave him the title of Rana Poonja, which gave social pride to the Vanvasi society. When Maharana Pratap decided to confront the Mughal Empire, he had limited resources but he had the support of the Bhil tribe as a strong determination and real strength. History is witness that from the battle of Haldighati to fighting hiding in the forests, the Bhil Vanvasis stood firmly with him on every front. Maharana Pratap also included them not only as soldiers in his army, but also gave them great importance as strategic allies. He never discriminated against the Bhil Vanvasis, but gave them a lot of respect. This was a revolutionary thinking in that era.
Maharana Pratap spent a large part of his life in the Aravalli hills, dense forests and caves. He was never afraid of difficulties. This struggling lifestyle was also deeply connected to the Vanvasi culture, so the Vanvasi society considered him as one of their own and even today it remembers him as a folk hero. The life of Maharana Pratap is an example of the fact that when there is a true relationship between the king and the people, no empire can stand before them. He showed that the real strength of India is not in its diversity, but in accepting that diversity. Maharana Pratap was not only a warrior, he was a ruler who gave the Vanvasi society the respect and place it truly deserved, so even today he lives in the hearts of the Vanvasi as a beloved leader, a true companion and an immortal hero.
Battle of Haldighati and Bhil warriors: Secret warriors of Maharana Pratap
The historic Battle of Haldighati on 18 June 1576 is a moment in Indian history that has become a symbol of sacrifice, courage and self-esteem. This battle is often seen as a conflict between Maharana Pratap and Akbar’s representative Mansingh, but a big and overlooked side of the Battle of Haldighati is the amazing contribution of Bhil warriors in the war. Bhils are one of the most ancient tribes of India, who have been famous for their natural life, the art of archery and living in difficult conditions. When Maharana Pratap refused to bow down to the Mughal Empire, the Bhil warriors were among the first to stand with him. These warriors not only helped Pratap hide in the hilly areas, but when the bugle of war blew, they picked up swords and bows and arrows and fought shoulder to shoulder with Maharana Pratap. Historians believe that Maharana Pratap’s total army in the Battle of Haldighati was about 20,000 soldiers, which included more than 5,000 Bhil warriors. The sacrifice made by Bhil commanders like Raja Poonja and thousands of Bhil warriors in the Battle of Haldighati still resonates in the soil of Haldighati.
Bhil Commander: Raja Poonja Bhil
The main commander who led the Bhil community in the Battle of Haldighati was Poonja Bhil. He was a local Bhil king who had his own Vanvasi kingdom. Poonja joined Maharana Pratap’s army along with hundreds of Bhil warriors from his region and adopted guerrilla warfare tactics. His soldiers attacked the huge Mughal army by hiding in the hills, bushes and forests and caused heavy damage to the Mughals. Bhil warriors were adept at mountain warfare and guerrilla attacks (guerrilla war). They were masters of guerrilla tactics. They used to attack quickly and disappear immediately. They used forest paths, caves and heights to surprise the enemies. This strategy proved to be a boon for Maharana Pratap’s army on a remote battlefield like Haldighati. Bhil soldiers were true patriots and militant leaders. Bhil soldiers not only took part in the battle, but also played roles like Maharana’s logistics, guidance, transport of weapons and messengers. He created a strong local support system behind Maharana Pratap’s army. A strong network that was impossible for the Mughals to understand and penetrate. Today, Raja Poonja and other Bhil warriors are worshipped in many Vanvasi areas of Rajasthan and the country. This alliance of Maharana Pratap and the Bhil community was not political, but spiritual. It was a unique shared legacy of struggle.
There is a famous Mewari couplet about the history of Mewar and the contribution of the Bhil community, which is very popular and deeply ingrained in the minds of the people:-
Raja Rana, Bhil Bharaya,
Tab Mewar Gadh Gadhaya
And
Bhilaan Ri Bahaduri, Ran Me Dekhi Baat
Rana Ro Sang Dhariyo, Jungle-Jungle Ghaat
The Vanvasi Bhil has also been prominently highlighted in the royal emblem of Mewar, which is very important from the historical and cultural point of view. It not only reflects the bravery and loyalty of the Bhil community, but also honors their contribution in the defense of Mewar and the freedom struggle.
The presence of the Bhil warrior in the royal emblem of Mewar shows that the saga of bravery of Mewar is not limited to the Rajputs only, but the common people, especially the Vanvasi society, also have equal rights in it. In a way, it is a beautiful example of India’s inclusive history and social partnership.
The traditional emblem of Mewar has a shield, Surya, Shivling and a sword with two warriors standing on either side of the shield. On the left is a Bhil warrior with a bow and arrow or spear. This symbolises the bravery of the Bhil community and their contribution in the struggles of Mewar. While on the right is a Rajput warrior, who is adorned with royal robes and a sword.
Chavand: The last capital of Maharana Pratap and the land of Bhil pride
Maharana Pratap made Chavand his capital in the last years of his life and lived there to build deep social and political ties with the Bhils. After the battles of Haldighati and Dewair, he recaptured most of Mewar from the Mughals, then he left Udaipur and made Chavand his new capital. This decision was not only strategic, but also symbolic, a wonderful step to honor the spirit of independence and Vanvasi cooperation. Chavand was an inaccessible, hilly area, which is a historical site located in Salumber district of Udaipur division of southern Rajasthan. Here he ruled for the last years of his life and died here in 1597. The remains of Maharana Pratap’s fort are still visible on a hill in Chavand town, nestled between the mountains on the banks of the Gargal River. This is the same fort in which Maharana Pratap spent his last days. Kunwar Amar Singh was crowned in this fort and he became the Maharana of Mewar after Maharana Pratap. This area was not only Bhils in number but was also surrounded by natural defences. Maharana Pratap chose this ideal place for his capital. Maharana Pratap built a new capital and re-established the administrative structure.
Unlike the grand Mughal capital Akbar’s court, the capital of Chavand was very simple but full of self-respect. Instead of skyscraper palaces, there was self-pride in mud houses and instead of royal clothes, there were stories of struggle in the forests. Today Chavand is not just a historical place but an immortal saga of Vanvasi cooperation and bravery. Maharana Pratap made Chavand not just a capital but an ideal place where there was a combination of self-rule, self-respect and social harmony. By living among the Bhil community, he proved that a true king should be among his people and not away from them and most importantly, he gave the Bhil community an important place in administration, security and social structure. For the rest of his life, Maharana Pratap treated the Bhils not just as allies but as his family. He gave Bhil leaders a place in the court at Chavand, gave them responsibilities and shared meals, celebrations and decision making with them. This relationship was not that of a king and his subjects but a brotherhood of two struggling classes who stood together for freedom and honour. A Mewari poem sums it up-
Jo rakhe dharam ne, tako rakhe dev
Bhil badhavai rana, ro mat gayo meva
Memorial of Maharana Pratap in Chavand
The fort located in Chavand still tells the story of Maharana Pratap’s bravery and struggle. Although today this fort has turned into ruins, its remains still attract history lovers. This fort is under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Maharana Pratap had established the temple of Chamunda Mata in Chavand. This temple is also a center of faith for the devotees even today. It is also a symbol of Pratap’s religious faith. After the death of Maharana Pratap, his last rites were performed in Bandoli village near Chavand. An eight-pillared chhatri has been built here in his memory, which reminds of his self-respect and sacrifice. The Rajasthan government plans to build a panorama to show the life and struggle of Maharana Pratap in Chavand. Under this project, the life of Maharana Pratap, the culture and history of Mewar will be presented through pictures and exhibits. Maharana Pratap was not just the Maharana of Mewar, but he was the leader of the masses, especially for the Vanvasi society, he always remained a living inspiration, companion and true protector. Due to the unbreakable and strong relationship between Maharana Pratap and the Vanvasis, even today Maharana Pratap lives in the hearts of the Vanvasis as an immortal hero.
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