View source for Rana Punja Solanki Statue Inaugurated in Chittorgarh Amid Identity Controversy

'''Rajasthan's Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma unveiled''' a statue of the legendary Rana Punja Solanki—portrayed as a Bhil tribal—in Bhupal Sagar, Chittorgarh, on May 29, 2025. While the event was framed as a tribute to a hero of the Battle of Haldighati (1576), where Rana Punja stood shoulder to shoulder with Maharana Pratap, many see it as yet another attempt by the BJP to distort Rajput history, misrepresenting a Rajput warrior as tribal. This misrepresentation has sparked outrage among Rajput communities, and is being widely criticized for fuelling caste conflict under the guise of inclusive history.

The inauguration, while intended to commemorate Mewar’s martial heritage, has sparked widespread debate and protest due to the statue’s portrayal of Rana Punja in tribal attire, which many claim distorts his historical identity.

== Rana Punja: The Forgotten Solanki Warrior of Mewar ==
Rana Punja, the chieftain of '''Panarwa''', belonged to the '''Solanki Rajput clan''', a well-respected warrior lineage in Mewar. He is remembered for rallying a formidable force of warriors and allying with Maharana Pratap during his resistance against the Mughal forces led by Man Singh.

Historically, Rana Punja has been described in various records, family genealogies, and regional traditions as a '''Rajput leader''', not a tribal one. The '''royal family of Panarwa''', his descendants, have preserved this identity and heritage for centuries.

== Controversy Over Attire and Representation ==
The statue unveiled by the CM, however, shows Rana Punja dressed in a simple dhoti, barefoot, and holding a bow and arrow — attire traditionally associated with the Bhil community. This depiction has triggered strong objections from Rajput organizations, Solanki lineage descendants, and historians.

On May 19, a delegation of Mewar Kshatriya organizations submitted a memorandum urging the Rajasthan government to correct the attire of the statue to reflect authentic Kshatriya warrior clothing. They warned that such misrepresentation could lead to distortion of history and fuel unnecessary caste tensions.

== Voices from Panarwa ==
Krishna Kanwar, a direct descendant of the Panarwa royal family, stated:<blockquote>“Rana Punja was a Solanki Rajput noble who fought with honor beside Maharana Pratap. Portraying him in tribal dress is an insult to his sacrifice and legacy.”</blockquote>Multiple letters have been sent to '''Prime Minister Modi''', '''Home Minister Amit Shah''', and state officials demanding immediate action to preserve historical accuracy and prevent further '''politicization of identity'''.
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