It might be difficult to believe but it is a real fact that Chavand in Rajasthan, the last capital established by Maharana Pratap where he spent the last days of his life, presently lies in shambles, courtesy the ignorance of Rajasthan Government. EB&W Media reviews the medieval glory of Indian history with the feature image capturing Rana Pratap’s Memorial (he was cremated) at Chavand…
By Harsh Vardhan
Chavand, basically, is a place where Pratap lived for about two decades and breathed his last on June 29, 1597. Presently, one needs to walk through the rubbles to try to trace out the penultimate period of this hero, who was the bravest amongst all braves, in the mediaeval Indian history.
Awaiting the restoration of Mewar ro maan’ (prestige of Mewar region), Maharana Pratap’s armoury, stables, store-rooms and the main apartment at this place where he lived till his last, have fallen flat to ground
He set up his capital at Chavand after Haldi Ghati Battle
This forlorn place is situated around 65 km south of Udaipur where Maharana Pratap had set up his capital after the Haldi Ghati battle was over on June 18, 1576. He tried to reorganise infantry and cavalry to fight back and restore “Mewar ro maan” (prestige of Mewar region) through the new capital at this place. After living there for about two decades, he breathed his last at Chavand in June 1597.
An entry gate, the lone sentinel of one-time Mewar’s capital
The precincts were allowed to decline in character since no one cared to restore or renovate last remains of the nation’s hero. Dilapidated walls reveal living chambers and other buildings. Scattered stones, lime, wooden beams, etc can be re-assembled if a renovation initiative is taken up. It is over a raised hill-side overlooking the main village. An entry gate still stands as lone sentinel of the one time Mewar’s capital.
Poor luck of Rana of Mewar?
What luck for the forgotten Rana? Some years ago, then Governor of Rajasthan tried to push up the official stones. So a marble cenotaph was raised amidst a rectangular garden over an island in Kejad lake, a few kilometres away from Chavand. A stone idol of Lord Shiva is placed beneath the cenotaph, reminder of Lord Ekling ji. A bridge was created to link the island with main land. And a tin hoarding raised at entrance to give details of entire Sisodia clan. It looks wind blown, too obvious not cared after having been installed.
Rana’s legacy appeals all
Swallows breed at the balconies raised around the small garden. Open-billed Stork, Painted Storks, Red-naped Ibis, and Egrets are found scurrying water to search mollusk, fish, frogs etc. A leopard walks down the cenotaph at evening time. The Jaisamand Sanctuary is not far away. The site is awesome with Rana’s legacy as authentic background, to be fashioned out as a new destination: walking down Rana’s capital and folding up at the cenotaph. To be laced with period icons like the Mewari horse, images of battle-hungry warriors surviving on “macca ri roti” (corn bread), etc.
Rana being neglected at Haldi Ghati too!
Neglect towards this Rana is too obvious at Haldi Ghati. A tiny cenotaph signifies the place where his war horse, Chetak had fallen down for ever. A museum on his legacy is run by a private entrepreneur, showing off flimsy historic yarns. Down the road, couple of cenotaphs stand amidst a small green to eulogize warriors who fell in that battle.
Tourism and Archaeology authorities’ fail to mark foot prints on Pratap’s land
The Tourism and Archaeology authorities’ foot prints are difficult to be observed. Contrary to it, Kumbhalgarh, where this Rana was born on 9 May 1540, is restored and agog with visitors. Udaipur, where this Rana seldom lived, show cases Rana’s Statue at Moti Magri forest regime. The display is fairly majestically with appreciable upkeep.
Who shall bell the cat at Chavand?
Who shall bell the cat at Chavand? Governor or Chief Minister of Rajasthan? Or the Mewar ruling house, successor of the famed Rana? EB&W Media is informed that some people at Chavand claim ownership of Rana’s ruins and waiting for an official call. Can their case be heard logically? A gold-mine for tourism now to be allotted to some one?