Pratap Singh I, known as Maharana Pratap (1540-1597), was a Rajput Mewar king of the Sisodia dynasty who followed in his father's footsteps in fighting the expansion of the Mughal Empire.
Unlike other Rajput rulers who accepted or accommodated Mughal rule, Maharana Pratap distinguished himself by refusing to enter into any political alliance with the Mughal Empire and by putting up a sustained resistance to its rule. Even though the Mughal Emperor Akbar sent six peace despatches to Pratap offering non-violent accession to his empire, Pratap remained firm in his resolve not to submit to foreign domination. Thus, in 1576, he fought a major battle with Akbar's army at Haldighati, in which he was severely wounded and, according to legend, saved by his horse Chetak, who carried him unconscious from the battle to avoid being captured. The Mughal army, though formally victorious, achieved nothing lasting in reality, as they never managed to subdue Pratap's royal seat of Udaypur, the famous city of lakes.
In 1585, Akbar moved to Lahore, where he remained for the next twelve years. Pratap took advantage of this situation and gradually regained most of his kingdom under his control. He provided shelter to many poets, artists, writers and craftsmen. During his reign, there was a significant flowering of Rajasthani culture and to this day he is seen throughout India as a national hero who stood up almost single-handedly and without the help of other Rajput rulers to the mighty Mughal Empire. Maharana Pratap, therefore, became an important inspiration to many other figures in Indian history for his legendary Rajput bravery, pride, honour and patriotism.
Indulge in the ancient oriental fragrance of MAHARANA PRATAP Incense sticks infused with pure essential oils of Damar, Juniper, Bergamot, Galbanum, Vetiver, Nutmeg and Sandalwood inspired by the bravery and indomitable courage of India's national hero, Maharana Pratap. Discover Attar - Oriental Fragrances of Royal India!
