‘Akbarnama is Court History, Not True History’: Rajasthan Governor Inaugurates Sculpture Exhibition on 450 Years of Haldighati Victory

On Sunday, June 14, 2026, Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde inaugurated a grand sculpture exhibition in Jaipur to commemorate the 450th anniversary of Maharana Pratap’s historic victory at the Battle of Haldighati. While praising the magnificent artworks crafted by renowned sculptor Mahaveer Bharti, the Governor emphasized that India’s authentic history and the unparalleled valor of the Mewar region continue to serve as an eternal source of inspiration for future generations.

Key Highlights of this News

• Exhibition Launch: A special sculpture exhibition was inaugurated in Jaipur to mark the 450th anniversary of the historic Haldighati victory.
• Tribute to Valor: Governor Haribhau Bagde closely observed the lifelike statues, including Maharana Pratap mounted on an elephant, honoring the warriors of Mewar.
• Bold Take on History: The Governor critically termed the ‘Akbarnama’ as mere “court history,” stating it deliberately omitted the bravery of true Indian warriors.
• Legacy of Legends: The event celebrated the indomitable courage of historical figures like Bappa Rawal and Queen Kiran Kumari, recalling their fierce resistance against invaders.

Haldighati’s Battlefield Brought to Life

Organized at the special initiative of sculptor Mahaveer Bharti, the exhibition brilliantly captures the intensity of the Haldighati war and its legendary warriors through intricate clay and stone sculptures. After offering floral tributes to the statue of Maharana Pratap, Governor Bagde meticulously reviewed the artworks. Reflecting on the historic battle, he remarked that while Maharana Pratap stood fiercely on the battlefield, Akbar never dared to face him on the front lines. He added that the great history of our nation consistently fuels society with patriotic energy.

Call to Reject Distorted Narratives

During his address, Governor Bagde spoke candidly about the distortion of Indian history. He pointed out that the British strategically designed an education system and curriculum intended to alienate Indians from their cultural roots. Taking a strong stance on Mughal-era documentation, he dismissed the ‘Akbarnama’ as a fabricated ‘court history’ written solely to please rulers. He asserted that such biased texts deliberately concealed the extraordinary valor of Mewar’s brave men and women.

Remembering Bappa Rawal and Queen Kiran Kumari

Citing the glorious sagas of Mewar, the Governor recalled how Bappa Rawal relentlessly drove Arab invaders out of Indian territory. Highlighting a fascinating historical footprint, he noted that the place where Bappa Rawal’s army camped is known today as ‘Rawalpindi’. Furthermore, he recounted the bravery of Queen Kiran Kumari, who boldly attacked Akbar to protect her dignity. Governor Bagde thoughtfully added that if Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Maharana Pratap had belonged to the exact same era, India’s historical landscape would have been vastly different.

Over 100 Statues Installed Worldwide

The prestigious event was attended by prominent dignitaries, including Urban Development Minister Jhabar Singh Kharra, Rajasthan Finance Commission Chairman Dr. Arun Chaturvedi, and MLA Gopal Sharma. Sharing insights into his artistic journey, sculptor Mahaveer Bharti revealed that he has independently spearheaded the installation of more than 100 statues of Maharana Pratap across various locations in India and abroad.