Maharana Pratap was one of the greatest warriors and rulers of India. He is widely admired for his courage, bravery, and resistance against the Mughal empire. He fought many battles to defend his kingdom of Mewar from the invasion of Akbar, the most powerful Mughal emperor. He is also known for his loyal horse Chetak, who sacrificed his life to save his master in the Battle of Haldighati.
But do you know how tall was Maharana Pratap? How did his height compare to other famous rulers and warriors of history? In this article, we will explore the facts and myths about the height of Maharana Pratap and its significance in his life and legacy.
The Facts about Maharana Pratap’s Height
According to historical sources, Maharana Pratap was born on 9th May 1540 in Kumbhalgarh Fort, about 85 km away from the city of Udaipur. He was the eldest son of Udai Singh II, the king of Mewar, and Jaiwanta Bai, his chief queen. He had three younger brothers and two stepsisters. He belonged to the Sisodia clan of Rajputs, who traced their ancestry to Lord Rama.
Maharana Pratap was a tall and muscular man, with a commanding presence and a majestic appearance. He was known for his physical strength and endurance, as well as his skill in archery, swordsmanship, and horse riding. He wore a turban adorned with a plume of heron feathers, a symbol of his royal dignity and valor.
But how tall was he exactly? There are different accounts and estimates about his height, ranging from 6 feet to 8 feet. However, the most reliable and widely accepted figure is 7 feet and 5 inches (226 cm). This is based on the measurements of his armour, weapons, and personal belongings that are preserved in various museums and temples in Rajasthan.
For example, his armour, which is displayed at the City Palace Museum in Udaipur, has a chest size of 53 inches (135 cm) and a waist size of 39 inches (99 cm). His sword, which is kept at the Haldighati Museum, has a length of 58 inches (147 cm) and a weight of 12 kg. His spear, which is housed at the Kumbhalgarh Fort, has a length of 81 inches (206 cm). His shoes, which are kept at the Moti Magri Temple in Udaipur, have a length of 17 inches (43 cm) and a width of 8 inches (20 cm).
These dimensions suggest that Maharana Pratap was indeed a very tall and imposing man, who could easily wield heavy and long weapons and wear bulky and protective armour. His height also gave him an advantage in combat, as he could strike his enemies from a distance and intimidate them with his stature.
The Myths about Maharana Pratap’s Height
Maharana Pratap’s height has also been a subject of many myths and legends, which exaggerate his size and attributes. Some of these myths are:
- He was 9 feet tall and weighed 250 kg. This is a gross exaggeration, as no human being can attain such a height and weight without suffering from serious health problems and deformities.
- He could lift an elephant with one hand and throw it in the air. This is a fanciful story, as no human being can lift an elephant, which can weigh up to 6,000 kg, let alone throw it in the air.
- He could bend iron rods with his bare hands and break stones with his fingers. This is another implausible tale, as no human being can bend or break such hard materials with their bare hands, without injuring themselves.
- He could run faster than a horse and jump higher than a wall. This is a hyperbolic claim, as no human being can outrun or outjump an animal that is specially adapted for speed and agility.
These myths are not based on any historical evidence, but are rather products of imagination and folklore. They are meant to glorify and idolize Maharana Pratap, and to inspire awe and admiration among his followers and admirers. They are also meant to contrast and challenge the might and authority of the Mughal empire, which was seen as a foreign and oppressive force.
The Significance of Maharana Pratap’s Height
Maharana Pratap’s height was not just a physical trait, but also a symbol of his personality and character. His height reflected his courage, pride, and independence, which made him resist the Mughal domination and defend his homeland. His height also reflected his devotion, loyalty, and generosity, which made him respect and protect his people, culture, and religion. His height also reflected his wisdom, vision, and leadership, which made him inspire and unite his fellow Rajputs and other allies.
Maharana Pratap’s height was also a source of his fame and reputation, which made him a hero and a legend in Indian history. His height made him stand out among his contemporaries and successors, and earned him the admiration and respect of his friends and foes alike. His height made him a role model and an icon for generations of Indians, who look up to him as a symbol of patriotism, bravery, and honour.
Maharana Pratap’s height was not just a matter of inches, but also a matter of spirit and legacy. He was a tall man, not only in body, but also in mind and heart. He was a tall man, who left a tall mark on the history and culture of India.
Conclusion
Maharana Pratap was a remarkable ruler and warrior, who fought valiantly against the Mughal empire and preserved the sovereignty and dignity of his kingdom of Mewar. He was also a remarkable man, who was blessed with a towering height and a towering personality. He was a man of great stature, both literally and figuratively. He was a man who measured up to his height, and made his height measure up to him.