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A Letter That Changed Course of Events

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The times were tough.

Maharana Pratap had squandered away his wealth on wars with Akbar and lived in quite poverty.Rana Pratap was distressed by the sufferings of his family. His queen slept on the bare ground, ate off leaves and his children often wept through sheer hunger. It is said that one day dogs took away the roti made for his children and they had to sleep in hunger.

And Rana thought, “Is it worth all this?”

He decided to make peace with Akbar.

In despair, the proud Rajput wrote to the Emperor Akbar suing for an honourable peace.

Akbar was triumphant and went mad with joy when he received the letter. He showed the letter to Prithviraj Rathore of Jodhpur.

Prithviraj Rathore was Pratap’s mother’s sister’s son. He was Abar’s courtier. Akbar wanted to confirm if the letter was actually from Maharana Pratap.

The Rathore was thunder-struck. He refused to believe Pratap was about to surrender. He insisted the letter was forged and obtained permission to write to Pratap himself to confirm the matter.

What follows is a legend that has been passed from generations. In garb of the letter Rathore questioned Pratap challenged him and urged him not to do the treaty with Akabar.

Here’s the letter in original language

Patal sun Patshah,bole mukh hunta bayan
Mihir picham dis mahn, uge kasap rao ut
Patakun munchyan pan,ke patakun nij tan karad
Dije likh Deewan,in do mahali bat ik

The mouth of Pratap has begun to say “Badshah”. O Rao! has the sun started rising in the West, as well? Should I keep my hand over my mustache or should my body fall with my own hands? O Deewan! write an answer chosing between the two .

The letter shook Pratap’s mind and he resolved to fight. Thus he replied

Turak kahasi turakado,in mukh sun Ikling
Uge jya hi ugasi,prachi bich Patang
Khushi hunt Peethal Kamadh,patako munchyan pan
Jete hai pachatan Pato,kilama sir kewan

Lord Eklingji will always make my mouth call him “Turk”. The sun will rise in the east always. O Prithviraj Rathore be happy and put your hand on your mustache. Till Pratap stands on his feet, his sword will keep hovering over the heads of the invaders.

This ended the incipient rapprochement between Pratap and Akbar.

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Tags: Akabar, letter, Maharana Pratap, Peace, Prithviraj Rathore