21-feet statue of Rajput king Maharana Pratap unveiled at Begum Bazar

Hyderabad: A 21-feet statue of Maharana Pratap – the Rajput king of Mewar in Rajasthan – was unveiled at Begum Bazar, Maharana Pratap Chowk in Hyderabad, on February 28 night. This monumental statue, weighing around 2 tons, is the first of its kind in Hyderabad and South India.

The unveiling ceremony was done in the presence of leaders including Rajya Sabha Member Anil Kumar Yadav, MLA Makkan Singh Raj Thakur, and Corporator Shankar Yadav.

The brain behind this initiative is said to be Thakur Surender Singh, a dedicated youth leader from the Rajput community, who spent three months overseeing the statue’s creation by artist Sunder Singh. The entire Rajput community in Telangana expresses gratitude for Singh’s unwavering efforts.

“This statue is a matter of pride and happiness for the entire Rajput community of Telangana. It symbolises our rich history and the spirit of Maharana Pratap, a legendary figure who led the Rajput resistance against the Mughal Empire,” Thakur Surender Singh said at the ceremony.

Rajput leaders and community members from across the state participated in the ceremony, marking a momentous occasion. Rajput community leader Thakur Surender Singh’s dedication and the collaborative effort of the entire community made the installation of this significant statue possible.

Legacy of Maharana Pratap

Maharana Pratap, a revered king of Mewar in Rajasthan in the early 1600s, played a pivotal role in resisting the expansionist policies of the Mughal emperor Akbar. Known for his valiant efforts in battles such as Haldighati and Dawer, Maharana Pratap is celebrated in both folk and contemporary Rajasthani culture.

The statue unveiling ceremony also had political representatives in attendance. Rajya Sabha Member Anil Kumar Yadav said, “This event signifies the strength of unity within the Rajput community. Maharana Pratap’s legacy continues to inspire generations.”

“The guerrilla warfare tactics employed by Maharana Pratap against the mighty Mughal Empire have left an indelible mark in history,” he added. Scholars like Satish Chandra and Bandyopadhyay acknowledge the significance of Pratap's defiance and influence on subsequent historical figures, including Emperor Shivaji and anti-British revolutionaries in Bengal.