India’s legacy is one of valiant and successful resistance to foreign invasions, not acceptance of subjugation: RSS chief

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Dr. Mohan Bhagwat said that India has inherited a glorious history of valiant and successful resistance to repeated foreign invasions, a legacy that has often been misperceived as an era of subjugation.

Addressing a function organised at the Pratap Gaurav Kendra at Gandhi Ground to mark the 450th anniversary of the Battle of Haldighati, Bhagwat said, “A careful perusal of historical references makes it clear that Maharana Pratap emerged victorious in the Battle of Haldighati.” The occasion also coincided with the 486th birth anniversary of Maharana Pratap.

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The RSS chief said, “Historical references, contemporary sources and even accounts recorded by Mughal historians indicate that the Mughal army was forced to withdraw and retreat on several occasions during the course of the prolonged battle. The outstanding valour of Chetak, Maharana Pratap’s versatile war strategy, and the high morale of Mewar’s soldiers, despite being fewer in number, inflicted severe damage on Akbar’s army, causing heavy losses in men, weapons and military assets. At the very outset of the battle itself, the Mughals were compelled to retreat from the battlefield after suffering substantial losses.”

“Even after the battle ended, the withdrawing Mughal troops were so fearful of Maharana Pratap that they locked themselves inside a fort for several days. One can therefore judge for oneself who the real victor was,” Bhagwat added.

He further said that Indian society has never displayed a mindset of willingly accepting subjugation. “Whenever foreign invaders attacked and attempted to establish their rule, our warriors and rulers, including Bappa Rawal, Lalitaditya, Maharana Pratap and many other brave heroes, resisted them courageously. Despite tremendous odds, we were never completely defeated.”

Bhagwat said that, over time, some historians and authors who were closely aligned with the ruling establishments presented history according to their own perspectives. “As a result, many of our national heroes did not receive the recognition and prominence they deserved. This has made a re-examination of history necessary,” he said.