During the reign of the Mughal Emperor
Akbar (1542- 1605), most parts of Western India was ruled by the
Rajputs. Most Rajput kingdoms did not accept the overlordship of Akbar. Mewar was one of them. In fact it gave shelter to one of Akbars’ enemies, Baz Bahadur of Malwa.
Akbar attacked Chittor, the capital of Mewar. Udai Singh, the king of Mewar, fled Chittor. After the capture of Chittor, the other Rajput kings who did not form an alliance with Akbar, yielded to his supremacy. However Udai Singh maintained his independence in spite of the loss of his capital. After Udai Singh's death on March 3, 1572, his son Rana Pratap continued the war against the
Mughals.
Rana Pratap was a good leader and he fought hard against the Mughals. His condition was tough as he lacked a strong base and the neighboring kingdoms rallied alongside the Mughals. In April 1576, a battle was fought at the pass of Haldighat (in Rajasthan) between the Mughals, led by Man Singh of Amber and Asaf Khan, and Rana Pratap. Rana Pratap was defeated in this battle and managed to escape to the hills. Rana Pratap continued the wars and recovered most of the territories before he died in 1597. His war were carried forward by his son Amar Singh.
