Pratap Singh

(1540–1597) was ruler of Mewar in Rajasthan. He narrowly escaped death in the Battle of Haldighati (1576) against the army of the Mughal emperor, Akbar. Myths indicate that to facilitate his escape, one of his lieutenants took Pratap’s distinctive garments and assumed his place on the battlefield. He was soon killed. Meanwhile, Pratap was able to successfully evade capture and escape to the hills. Pratap was riding his trusted horse, Chetak, which despite being seriously wounded and utterly exhausted carried its master miles away from the battle, eventually succumbing to the injuries. Pratap is popular in India, as he is considered to exemplify qualities such as bravery and chivalry, to which Rajputs aspire.