Mewar war- Rana Pratap
In the early morning Rana Pratap ordered his generals to take up their positions along the gorge. One division would be kept in reserve and another would bring p the rear. The red flag of Mewar emblazoned with the golden sun-they symbol of the royal house –fluttered in the breeze. Rana Pratap led his en o battle.
As the enemy drew near, the ground seemed to shake –so great were their numbers. His sword held high and uttering is battle cry. ``Victory for Mewar! Death before dishonor!’’ the Rana and is valiant soldiers charged down the steep rocky slopes of the pass. The Mughal under Quazi Khan were caught unawares. Trying to leave the narrow pass, they were met by the rear guard of Mewar. A bloody battle took place. Both sides suffered many losses and tragically, the Rana himself was injured as was his beloved Chetak. The Mughal retreated, only to regroup under man Singh, leading his horde of dreaded elephants.
Rana Pratap was determined to halt the advance of the tuskers, although he knew his chances of victory were slim. But he would not give in to the enemy! Despite his injuries and loss of blood, the Rana led his men straight into the enemy ranks.
Spotting man Singh standing atop his elephant, Rana Pratap urged Chetak towards him. `I know you are exhausted, dear friend,’ he whispered in the horse’s ear, `but I know you will not let me down!’
As if he understood, Chetak neighed ad at Rana Pratap’s signal, raced straight at man Singh’s elephant! A rain of arrows fell about them, but they didn’t stop the furious change. The Rana Pratap dug is heels into Chetak’s side, and the noble beast reared and stamped his forelegs on the tusker’s forehead. The enraged tusker, swung away and this caused the broadsword at its rear to cut a muscle of Chetak’s kind legs. Limping badly, the horse chased the tusker, giving his master the chance to slay the mahout. As the elephant turned, Rana Pratap thought he saw his enemy slip to the ground. Both horse and rider, though badly inured, gave chase, but were blocked at every turn.
It was at this time that one of the young Rajputs officers begged is leader to ride to safety. `Sir’, he said, `For the sake of Mewar, I beg you to seek refuge. Mewar will be lost without you! I promise to fight till the end.’ Shouting `Death to the traitors!’ he charged into the thick of battle, the banner of Mewar held aloft!
``Mewar will always e safe in such hands,’ thought the Rana, as Chetak, faltering, but not once stopping, galloped towards the safety of the forests.
As the horse and rider approached the camp, Chetak collapsed. The sentries rushed to their aid.
``Chetak first,’ said Rana. Then he caressed the head of the dying horse and said, `Farewell, brave warrior! History will remember you as the hero of Haldi Ghati’.
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