The life and times of Maharana Pratap Singh renowned for valiantly fighting the Mughals to keep his kingdom of Mewar, in present day Rajasthan, free is now out in a new book that combines fact and legend.
The book "Maharana Pratap: Mewar's Rebel King" by Brishti Bandyopadhyay, features a chronological telling of the history of the Rajputs, their descent from foreign races such as the Hunas and the Sakas and their base in Chittorgarh from where they fought the Afghans, the Delhi Sultanates and the Mughal empire.
Incidentally, the royal died in an accident, eight years before Mughal emperor Akbar.
Published by Rupa Books, the tome also talks about the beautiful princess Padmini, who led a gamut of women to commit jauhar OR 'Jay har'- a practise of self immolation - to keep their dignity intact.
"The author claims that even though historians opine that the character of Padmini has no historical basis, jauhar did happen," says the publisher.
Brishti Bandyopadhyay talks about the family lineage behind Maharana Pratap and the man who exercised the most decisive and enduring influence on him - Rana Sanga or Sangram Singh, his grandfather.
The author goes on to quote his sources which include local chroniclers, colonial rulers and historians.
The book gives an account of future generations of Maharana Pratap and details the history of the colourful and princely state of Rajasthan, which still evokes images of royalty.
