The Maharana Pratap singh memorial is located on top of Moti Magri / Pearl Hill in Udaipur, Rajasthan. This memorial was set up by Maharana Bhagwat Singh Mewar who took the help of a public trust.
Picture1 – Rana Pratap Memorial Park
The hill has been landscaped with a Japanese garden and an imposing bronze statue of Maharana Pratap seated on his favorite and loyal horse Chetak. The ruins of Moti Mahal form the backdrop overlooking the Fateh Sagar Lake.
Picture2 – Bronze statue of Rana Pratap
About Rana Pratap:
One of India’s bravest rulers who fought Mughul Emperor Akbar was Maharana Pratap Singh. He was born on May 9th 1540 and succeeded to the throne on February 28th 1572 on the death of his father Maharana Udai Singh. He fought the famous battle of Haldighati against Emperor Akbar.
Picture3 – Rana Pratap Statue (left) and Battle of Haldighati (right)
The land of Mewar resonates with the brevity, sacrifices, valor, super human courage, self esteem of their beloved king and this memorial is a place where people come to pay their respects to Maharana Pratap. Maharana Pratap had to roam in the jungles for most part of his life and the tribals known as Bhils, became his confidant. He died on January 19th 1597. Ultimately the Rajputs were defeated by the Mughuls but the Mughals were shaken and acknowledged that Maharana Pratap was the fierecest opponents that they ever faced in India.
Picture4 – Fateh Sagar Lake
About Chetak:
Maharana Pratap bought a white Arab bred horse and named him Chetak. Chetak is as famous as his master who has contributed a lot to the history of Mewar. Maharana Pratap, was always accompanied by “Chetak” who was faithful and stood for his master at every crucial stage. In the battle of Haldighati, though Chetak was wounded badly he ran like wind and jumped over a gorge and saved the Maharana. He died later on the lap of the Maharana in true Rajput tradition of wounds inflicted on the battlefield.
Picture5 – Moti Mahal Ruins
About Moti Mahal:
Maharana Udai Singh II father of Rana Pratap built this palace and lived here when he first came to settle down in Udaipur. Maharana Udai Singh was very happy on the birth of second son of Rana Pratap Singh and visited Eklingji shrine. He consulted and discussed with his chieftains and advisers and started the construction of Moti Mahal and establishment of a city towards the north of present day Udaipur. The ruins of which exist to-day, known as Moti Mahal. A light and sound show is organized in the evenings here showcasing the 900 years of rule of Mewar.
Picture6 – Chottor fort model
Museum:
The museum has paintings, models of Chittor fort, battle of Haldighati etc. The painting of Queen of Chittor, Rani Padmini is outstanding.
Picture7 – Rani Padmini and Meera Bai paintings
Other places nearby are Fateh Sagar Lake, Swaroop Sagar Lake, Saheliyon Ki Bari.
Place Statistics:
Type of Place: Memorial
Situated: Atop of Moti Mari, Udaipur, Rajasthan
Distance: Udaipur is
Transport: Take local buses, tongas, auto-rickshaws and taxis from the city.
Facilities: Rest room and small snack shop available
Timing: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm
Light and Sound Show: During winter: 7:30pm and summer: 8:15pm
