India, June 4 -- At a short distance from Haldighati lies the grave of Hakim Khan Suri, a forgotten hero of an epic battle, which remains a source of controversy over who was the victor, Maharana Pratap Singh or Emperor Akbar.

In the summer heat of 1576, Emperor Akbar (1542-1605), who, having subdued most Afghan rebellions against the incipient Mughal rule, rode out with his ally and relative Raja Man Singh of Jaipur and others towards Gogunda near present day Udaipur. In a tradition replicated by his descendants, to cement alliances and allegiance, Akbar had married Man Singh's bua or father's sister in 1562. Akbar further strengthened the bond by marrying his son Salim (later emperor Jahangir) to Man Singh's sister Manbhawati Bai in 15...