Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde on the occasion of Maharana Pratap's birth anniversary at a function in Udaipur reprimanded popular stories about Mughal Emperor Akbar and the Amer royal family, describing many of the accounts as exaggerated and incorrect.
The Governor questioned the validity of numerous versions, pointing out that the majority of early Indian history was written by foreigners, which he feels resulted in many distortions.
Speaking to the audience, Bagde pointed to discrepancies in the commonly received account of Akbar's marriage, especially as told in the Akbarnama, the emperor's official biography. "Akbar's marriage is not being spoken of in his official biography. The very commonly repeated story of his marriage to a princess of Amer does not hold good. I have heard the story, but the Akbarnama does not have anything by way of evidence or documentation to support it," he claimed.
He explained that Raja Bharmal's daughter was not wed into Akbar's household as part of a royal marriage but was related through a maid, suggesting a less formal connection than commonly depicted.
The Governor also spoke against educational resources, contending school textbooks inappropriately glorify Akbar and provide scant coverage to Maharana Pratap, a legendary warrior-king famed for his dogged fight against Mughal occupation.
"An imbalance prevails in the glorification of Akbar in history textbooks while Maharana Pratap remains underrepresented. This needs to be corrected. Fortunately, the New National Education Policy (NEP) is trying to rebalance this and keep India's rich cultural and historical heritage aflame," Bagde said.
He praised the unwavering commitment of Maharana Pratap towards sovereignty and dignity and observed that he never yielded to pressure or compromise.
Comparing Maharana Pratap and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Governor referred to both great leaders as long-lasting symbols of patriotism and valour. "Although almost 90 years apart, if they had been contemporaries, the course of Indian history and destiny would have been very different," he stated.
Bagde also pointed out the ancestral connection between Shivaji Maharaj's Bhonsle family and the Sisodia family of Mewar, pointing to deep historical links between these iconic warrior clans.
In a heartfelt tribute to the residents living near the India-Pakistan border, the Governor praised their bravery and patriotism. “Even amid the dangers of war, when bullets are flying, these villagers uplift our soldiers’ spirits by chanting ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’. This exemplifies the true spirit of India, defending the very soul of the nation,” he said.
The function witnessed attendance by the dignitaries like Rajya Sabha MP and Rajasthan BJP President Madan Rathore, MP Chunnilal Garasiya, among others.
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