Maharana Pratap Singh was the ruler of Rajput kingdom of Mewar in Rajastan in Western India. Inspite of heavy odds, he stood against might of Mughal emperor Akbar when he tried to capture his kingdom.
This Poem is dedicated to the person who is worshiped like God and is a ‘legend’ in true sense.
Prayers to Shri Eklingji fructified and blessed was Mewar was a with son,
Legends of his bravery and courage, in history will be second to none.
In the forts of Chittor and Kumbhalgarh, as ‘Kika’ he was known,
To protect the Motherland of Rajputs, was he sworn.
Loved by nobles, generals and common folk,
With rapt attention everybody heard, when he spoke.
Quick was he in learning, the art of politics, peace and war,
Spreading was the word of his bravery, chivalry, and wisdom via folklore.
Campaigns he started winning, enemy defences he tore,
Happy was the Kingdom and popularity his soar,
Being the eldest and most eligible of the princes, certain was he to be crowned,
But the King, enamored by the younger queen, had other plans in background,
Broke the traditions, the King, and named Jagmal as heir to the throne,
With head held high, into a settlement of Bhils, Rana and his few men were gone.
Lived with Bhils happily for years,
Into the life of the downtrodden, he brought many cheers.
On the death of the King, nobles and princes, removed Jagmal from the throne,
And as the King of Mewar, Rana was sworn.
All around, Kingdoms were giving up to Akbar’s might,
Not the Rana, with few brave men, he was ready to fight.
To teach a lesson to Rana, concentrated were the Mughal forces in Haldighati plains,
On the name of Eklingji, sworn were the Rajputs, not to let them make any gains,
Fought the Rana’s army with blood, guts and life,
Etched their name in history of the fierce strife.
Outnumbered and surrounded; Rana made a tactical retreat,
To fight another day, not accepting defeat,
Into the jungles he retreated, keeping his pride intact,
Hardships he faced, but never his will cracked.
With Bhils and his loyals, steadily he rebuilt his legion.
With patience and courage, he re-captured his region.
Never was defeated, courage, determination and self-respect, he personified
Adversaries withdrew disheartened and he ruled with pride
Mewar prospered, and redeemed its glory.
Immortalized in annals is brave Rana’s story,
The path to persevere for harder right, he has shown,
Reason why, in Indian ballads, as a ‘legend’ he is known.
Musings of a Wanderer 