Battle of HaldiGhati
                     Battle of HaldiGhati
 “Battle of HaldiGhati”, biggest battle in Rajputana and one of the most horrible battles in 
Indian history was played on 18th June 1576. Though it was not conclusive because 
neither Mewad lose nor Mughals won.
 The reason behind saying this battle as the most horrible battle is that Mewad army 
comprising of 22,000 Rajput soldiers (most of them were from Bhil tribes who were not 
expertise in open field battle) faced around 100,000 Mughal soldiers in the open 
battlefield. In that 14,000 Mewad soldiers died as against 40,000 soldiers of Mughal 
Army
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 I must say that Mughals though able to suppress Mewad for some time but they never 
won over Maharana Pratap because-Akbar, with his all soldiers could not kill or arrest 
Maharana Pratap in battle.
 Even After this huge battle, Akbar could not attain full control over Mewad.
 After completion of the battle, signature authorities were still under Maharana Pratap.
 During this battle and afterward also Akbar had golden chance to suppress Maharana 
Pratap with mere 7000 soldiers remaining, but he couldn’t even after following attempts.
 In mere 6 months, Pratap won Udaipur from Jagmalsingh as appointed by Akbar in initial 
‘Guerilla Warfare’ technique.
 Due to lack of much soldiers, Maharana Pratap started guerrilla wars with Mughals 
which means that attacking enemies surprisingly and not enter into direct open battle 
war. This was the innovation of Maharana Pratap which afterward accepted by various 
Indian patriots as Shivaji Maharaja in Maharashtra.
 To suppress Maharana Pratap and overcome incomplete win in HaldiGhati Akbar 
launched Shabaz khan with almost 1,00,000 Mughal soldiers Shahbazz khan remained 
unsuccessful in arresting Maharana Pratap or getting control over Mewad
India today
 In one incidence Mewad army faced Shabaz Khan army for continuous 7 days in 
jungles & on 7th day Maharana Pratap was found in Shahbazz Khan’s trap but 
Maharana Pratap had successfully escaped from the place. After trying relentlessly for 
3 months he came to Agra with empty hands.
 After HaldiGhati to suppress Pratap Akbar had sent 6 massive military campaigns 
consisting not less than 1,00,000 soldiers each time. (The strength of military 
campaigns prove that Akbar did not want to take chance against Pratap's army of not 
more than 25,000 in numbers):
Haldi ghati
 15th October 1577: Bhagwabdas, Mansing along with Sayed Hashim, Sayed 
Kashim, Shahbazz Khan etc.
 3rd April 1578: Shabaz Khan along with Kazi Khan Badkashi, Mansing, Bhagwandas 
etc.
 October 1579: Again Shabaz Khan (Third time attacked Mewad)and others16th June 
1580: Rahim Khankhna (Ajmer) and others.
 December 1584: Jagannath Kachwaah and others.
 After getting disappointed from Shabaz Khan for the third time, and other chieftains 
like Mansing, Bhagwandas etc. finally Akbar himself arrived in Mewad to suppress 
Maharana Pratap. But after trying relentlessly for 6 months even he could not 
suppress Rana Pratap and finally returned to Agra.
Maharana Pratap had strong will power and hence he continued the struggle for independence with 
mere 7000 soldiers remaining after HaldiGhati battle. It was not easy for him at all because Mewad 
had already Financially depleted. Maharana Pratap used to eat “Ghass Ki Roti” & eat on Leaf 
plates. His famous pledge is as follows:-
he said, “My brave warrior brothers, our Motherland, this holy land of Mewar, is still under the 
clutches of Mughals. Today, I take an oath in front of all of you that till Chittod is freed, I will not 
have food in gold and silver plates, I will not either sleep on a soft bed nor will stay in the palace; 
instead I will eat food on a leaf-platter, sleep on the floor and stay in a hut. I will also not shave till 
Chittod is freed. My brave warriors, I am confident that you will support me in every way sacrificing 
your mind, body and wealth till this oath is fulfilled.” All the chieftains were inspired with the oath of 
their king and they too promised him that till their last drop of blood, they would help Rana Pratap 
Singh to free Chittod and join him in fighting the Mughals; they would not retreat from their goal. 
They assured him, “Rana, be sure that we all are with you; waiting only for your signal and we are 
ready to sacrifice our life.
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