Maharaja Pratap Aditya

Maharaja Pratap Aditya Biography

Maharaja Pratap Aditya was the most prominent of the Hindu rulers of Bengal who lived in the 16^th century who declared independence from the Mughals and established an independent Hindu state in Bengal. He was the most prominent of the Baro-Bhuyan of Bengal. His kingdom extended from Nadia, North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas of West Bengal to Kushtia, Barisal and Sundarbans of Bangladesh.

He was a great patriot with intense love for his motherland. His epic battles against the Mughal imperialists and his life as a true patriot made him the most famous legendary hero for the Hindus in Bengal. His bravery and heroism became the subject of many ballads. He was born in the year 1561 in Jessore of present Bangladesh and died in the year 1611 aged 50. Pratapaditya Roy has been recognized as a national hero in several narratives of Hindu Nationalism and placed aside the names of great patriots like Shivaji and Guru Govind Singh.

His father Srihari was an influential officer in the service of Daud Khan Karrani who later got the title of 'Vikramaditya' and the zamindari of one Chand Khan, who had deceased without leaving any heir. On the fall of Daud Khan in 1576, he fled away with the government treasure in his custody. Srihari declared independence and assumed the title of "Maharaja". As a prince, Pratap Aditya had won many battles for the state including a few fought against neighbouring Muslim states.

After Jahangir ascended the Mughal throne, Islam Khan was deputed as the governor of Bengal in 1608. He began to make preparations in order to subdue the Bara Bhuiyans. Pratapaditya fought against the Mughal imperial army during intrude into Bengal in the early 16th century. His capital was established at Dhumghat. In the first battle against Mughals, his troupe witnessed defeat. He chose Kagarghat canal and the Jamuna as his base of fight for the second time. This time he was defeated and captured by Mughals. In fact no authentic information is available regarding his last days. Probably he died at Benares on his way to Delhi, as a prisoner.

Published: N/A

Updated: September 24, 2017