Raj moves to kick-start ₹235-crore Maharana Pratap Circuit project

Jaipur: The Rajasthan govt has initiated steps to revive the long-pending Rs 235-crore Maharana Pratap Circuit project, holding a meeting with Union govt agencies recently to expedite work.In a significant course correction, the state has accepted key objections raised by Vishwaraj Singh Mewar, a member of the erstwhile Mewar royal family, and decided that the circuit will be developed in a manner reflecting the architecture, history and ethos of Maharana Pratap’s era.Mewar had opposed the project’s original concept, particularly the proposal to construct modern buildings, arguing that such structures had no connection with 16th-century Mewar and would undermine the authenticity of Maharana Pratap’s legacy.

He urged the govt to replace the contemporary design with architecture faithful to the period.Officials said the govt has accepted these concerns and agreed that the circuit, spread across Udaipur, Salumber, Chittorgarh and Rajsamand districts, will feature period-appropriate architecture and historically accurate interpretation.The project gained momentum after RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s visit to Udaipur on June 17 to mark the 450th anniversary of the Battle of Haldighati.

Sources said the Bhajan Lal Sharma govt is keen to complete the project before the 2028 Assembly elections.“The ball has started rolling. The meeting was constructive, and several suggestions and concerns were discussed,” an official associated with the project told TOI.The official said Union govt agencies specialising in heritage conservation, archaeology, museums and cultural infrastructure are likely to execute the project instead of private firms.“There will be no private developer. Since the project is linked to Maharana Pratap’s legacy, every structure and element will be vetted to ensure historical authenticity. The focus is on conservation and accurate representation, not on creating modern tourist infrastructure,” the official said.Chandra Shekhar Sharma, former head of the history dept at Meera Girls College in Udaipur, said the circuit should showcase Maharana Pratap’s broader legacy rather than focusing solely on the Battle of Haldighati.“Haldighati is only one chapter of his life. The circuit should also highlight his contributions to governance, agriculture, water management, social harmony and administrative reforms. Rajasthan should present Maharana Pratap’s legacy as comprehensively as Maharashtra has done for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,” Sharma said.