Col James Tod stated that “the riches of the mines of Jawura were expended to rebuild the temples and palaces levelled by Alla-a-din (the Tartar, Alauddin Khilji, Sultan of Delhi).” In Rana Lakha Singh’s time, silver and lead mines were discovered and substantial amounts of these metals produced, thereby increasing the state’s income. The territory in which Zawar lies is described as having silver and tin deposits. The first historical references, specifically to Zawar, occur in the reign of Maharana Lakha Singh (1382-1421). Dr Craddock’s focus on zinc mining in Mewar sharpens our understanding of Rana Pratap’s life and traumatic times.Įarly Metallurgy Report (Dr Paul T Craddock, KTM Hegde, LK Gurjar, L.Willies) provides a historical narrative while researching on ‘the production of lead, silver and zinc through three millennia in north-west India’. There are innumerable historical references to Rana Pratap going underground, becoming untraceable for months in the Aravalli Hills. Pratap Khan or Pratap’s mine is an ancient zinc mining site in Zawar where Rana Pratap often took shelter as he waged relentless battles against the Mughal Empire. He takes us deeper into the zinc mines of Zawar near Udaipur. We owe it to Dr Paul T Craddock, a renowned archaeo-metallurgist from the British Museum, London.
His glory, his story continues to grow with time.įew are aware of the story of Pratap Khan. It happens here in Rajasthan, especially in southern districts where Rana Pratap is omnipresent.
In today’s China or Russia, no one in their right mind would refer to the 16th century and hope to win elections. Or Queen Elizabeth whose age marked the 16th CE. Why only 2019 general polls, every election sees candidates from all parties chanting his name, recalling his sacrifices, vowing to uphold Pratapi gaurav and shaan (Pratap’s honour and pride).Ĭome to think of it in England, campaigners would be mocked at if they sought votes in the name of Queen Mary of Scots. To imagine 479 years after his birth, during the recent elections in the region of Mewar, candidates were heard seeking votes in the name of Maharana Pratap. The iconic 16th-century ruler of Mewar remains probably the most charismatic leader of the sub-continent, whose birth anniversary on May 9 and the Battle of Haldighati anniversary on June 18, is celebrated with a reverence that defines deification. Come the summer months of May-June each year and the celebratory chants of ‘ Rana Pratap amar rahe’ get more heated.
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