Udaipur, the heart of Mewar, is home to several institutions dedicated to preserving the legacy of Maharana Pratap. Among them, Pratap Gaurav Kendra, Haldighati Museum, and the City Palace Museum stand out for their contributions to conserving heritage and educating the public about the valorous history of Mewar.
Pratap Gaurav Kendra
Located at Tiger Hills near Udaipur, Pratap Gaurav Kendra is a cultural center established by the Veer Shiromani Maharana Pratap Samiti in 2002. The center spans 25 bighas and features a 57-foot metal statue of Maharana Pratap in a seated posture. It offers immersive exhibits, including light and sound shows, galleries, and films that depict the history of Mewar and its heroes like Bappa Rawal and Panna Dai. The center serves as a tribute to valor and patriotism, attracting history enthusiasts and tourists alike. President Bhagwant prakash sharma, General Secretary Pawan sharma and director anurag saxena.
Haldighati Museum
Situated near the historic battlefield of Haldighati, the Maharana Pratap Museum was founded by Dr. Mohan Shrimali. Driven by passion, he invested personal resources to create a space that showcases artifacts, traditional lifestyles, and the valor of Maharana Pratap. The museum features a vast collection, including traditional agricultural implements, musical instruments, and a library with over 6,000 books. It also offers light and sound shows, attracting over six lakh visitors annually, thereby boosting local tourism and economy.
City Palace Museum
Housed within the 450-year-old City Palace of Udaipur, the museum was opened to the public in 1969 through the efforts of Maharana Bhagwat Singh Mewar. Managed by the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF), the museum preserves a remarkable collection of artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, textiles, and arms. Under the chairmanship of Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar, MMCF also oversees the Maharana Mewar Research Institute, which houses over 35,000 rare books and manuscripts, furthering research in Mewar's history and culture.
The Shri Eklingji Trust
Established in April 1955, is dedicated to preserving the sanctity and traditions of the revered Shri Eklingji Temple, located in Kailashpuri near Udaipur, Rajasthan. This temple, devoted to Lord Shiva, holds immense spiritual significance as the family deity of the Mewar dynasty. The trust ensures the temple's upkeep, manages daily rituals, and upholds centuries-old customs. Currently, the trust operates under the leadership of Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar, who serves as its Chairman maharana mahendra singh mewar and Managing Trustee. His stewardship reflects a commitment to maintaining the temple's religious and cultural heritage, ensuring its legacy endures for future generations.
Every year, India celebrates Maharana Pratap Jayanti to remember and honor one of its greatest warriors — Maharana Pratap Singh, the brave king of Mewar. He was born on May 9, 1540, in Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajasthan. Known for his unmatched courage, deep love for freedom, and unbreakable spirit, Maharana Pratap remains a symbol of Indian pride and honor.
This day is very important, especially in Rajasthan, where people celebrate his life with great respect. Schools, colleges, and social groups organize events to teach the younger generation about his inspiring story.
The Battle of Haldighati is one of the most well-known battles in Indian history. It took place on June 18, 1576, between Maharana Pratap’s army and the Mughal forces led by Raja Man Singh, a general of Akbar.
Maharana Pratap’s army was smaller, but they were full of courage and determination. He fought bravely on his horse Chetak, who also became a hero in this battle. Although the battle did not end in a complete victory for either side, Maharana Pratap escaped safely and continued his struggle for freedom.
One of the most emotional parts of Maharana Pratap’s story is about his horse Chetak. During the Battle of Haldighati, Chetak was seriously injured but still managed to carry Maharana Pratap to a safe place. After ensuring his master’s safety, Chetak took his last breath. Today, Chetak is remembered as a symbol of loyalty, bravery, and sacrifice.
Height and Strength: He was over 7 feet tall and wore armor that weighed more than 70 kg.
Heavy Weapons: His spear was about 80 kg, and his total battle gear weighed nearly 200 kg.
A True Patriot: He never accepted the Mughal rule and chose a tough life in forests over living under foreign control.
Rebuilding Mewar: After years of struggle, he slowly regained control over many parts of his kingdom.
Maharana Pratap is not just remembered for his battles. He is respected for his values, honesty, self-respect, and deep love for his people. Even though he faced many hardships, he stood firm like a rock. He proved that real strength lies not in wealth or army size, but in courage and determination.
His life teaches us to never give up, even in the most difficult situations. He also shows us the importance of freedom, loyalty, and national pride.
Maharana Pratap Jayanti is a day to remember a true hero who chose honor over comfort and freedom over fear. His life is a shining example of bravery, sacrifice, and leadership. As we celebrate this day, we should also try to follow his values in our own lives.
Let us remember him not just once a year, but every day — as the king who never bowed down and always stood tall for his land and people.
Pratap Gaurav Kendra – https://pratapgauravkendra.org
Wikipedia on Pratap Gaurav Kendra – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pratap_Gaurav_Kendra
Maharana Pratap Museum (Haldighati) – https://www.maharanapratapmuseum.com
Founder of Haldighati Museum – https://www.maharanapratapmuseum.com/founder.html
City Palace Museum – https://citypalacemuseum.org
MMCF (Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation) – https://www.eternalmewar.in/mmcf
Shri Eklingji Trust – https://www.app.eternalmewar.in/collaboration/charities/trusts/shri-eklingji/index.aspx
Arvind Singh Mewar Official – https://arvindsinghmewar.com/foundation.php
Maharana Pratap Jayanti Overview – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maharana_Pratap
2025 Jayanti Date (India Times) – https://www.indiatimes.com/events/maharana-pratap-jayanti-wishes-2025
Battle of Haldighati – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Haldighati
Battle summary (Testbook) – https://testbook.com/ias-preparation/battle-of-haldighati-1576
Chetak the Horse (Madras Courier) – https://madrascourier.com/insight/chetak-a-partner-in-life-death
Chetak Legacy – https://allabouthorses.org/warfare/chetak-horse
Maharana Pratap’s Stature and Equipment – https://www.reddit.com/r/librandu/comments/ullstu/is_maharana_pratap_really_75