JAIPUR: In an attempt to offer an alternative view of the shortest battle in Indian history, The University of Rajasthan has received a proposal from one of its syndicate members, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Mohan Lal Gupta, to include a text book in its history syllabus which claims the famous battle of Haldighati (1576) was won by Rajput King Maharana Pratap, and not Mughal emperor Akbar’s forces.
Acting vice-chancellor of The University of Rajasthan Rajeshwar Singh clarified that this was not a “plan” to rewrite history. "It has been forwarded to the University’s board of studies for critical examination and appropriate decision," Singh said.
He said the proposal was to include a textbook in the history syllabus which will portray Maharana Pratap as the victor so that an "alternate opinion" on the Haldighati battle is highlighted.
The Battle of Haldighati was fought between Rana Pratap Singh, a prominent Hindu Rajput ruler of Mewar, Rajasthan against Man Singh, the Rajput king of Amber (Amer), the great general of Mughal emperor Akbar.
It is a popular view of historians that the forces of Mughal emperor Akbar had defeated Maharana Pratap in the Battle of Haldighati, also known to be the shortest battle in Indian history which lasted only four hours.
Chairman of the Rajasthan Heritage Conservation Authority Onkar Singh Lakhawat refused to comment on the issue while sources in the University of Rajasthan said only Mohan Lal Gupta could decide the name of the book.