Maharana Pratap, the 13th King of Mewar’s birth anniversary is observed across India on Sunday. Maharana Pratap Jayanti falls on May 9 every year, according to the English calendar, while as per the Hindu calendar the warrior king’s birth anniversary falls on the Tritiya tithi of Jyeshtha’s Shukla Paksha and hence is being celebrated on June 13 this time. Indian states including Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh, celebrate Maharana Pratap Jayanti in grandeur and the day is also declared a public holiday.
Here are some unknown facts about Maharana Pratap:
1. Maharana Pratap was born on May 9 to Udai Singh II was the 12th ruler of the Mewar dynasty and the founder of Udaipur. He belonged to the Rajput family and was the eldest child in the family and had three brothers and two stepsisters.
2. Pratap is regarded as one of the strongest warriors in Indian history, was 2.26 metres (7 feet 5 inches) tall and would wear a body armour of 72 kilograms (kg) and carry a spear of 81kg.
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3. He is known for his military defence against the expansionism of the Mughal empire and his significant part in the battle of Haldighati and the Battle of Dewair. Mughal emperor Akbar was defeated thrice by Pratap in 1577, 1578 and 1579.
4. The Rajput king had 11 wives and 17 children. His eldest son, Maharana Amar Singh 1, became his successor and was the 14th king of the Mewar dynasty.
5. At the age of 56 on January 19, 1597, Maharana Pratap died after getting injured in a hunting accident.
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Maharana Pratap has been lauded as a great Rajput warrior. He is praised for bringing glory to the country with his valour, courage and known for his battle skills. His sacrifice and devotion to the motherland will always be memorable and stay as an inspiration for millions of Indians.