Chittorgarh: The First Jauhar

The concept of Jauhar holds a profound place in Rajputana history. It is a ritual where Rajput women willingly choose death by jumping into a fire altar, invoking the gods, and embracing honour rather than living under the humiliation of enemy conquest. Unlike Sati, Jauhar was never forced or compulsory; it was considered the most honourable death a Rajputani could choose when their men lost battles and the enemy laid siege.

The Historical Setting: Jauhar Gate and Chittorgarh Fort

Chittorgarh Fort once housed the palace of Rana Ratan Singh near the famed Vijay Stambh and his Jal Mahal at the fort’s main gate. When Alauddin Khilji invaded Chittor, much of this was destroyed. However, later ruler Rana Kumbha rebuilt the Jal Mahal and re-established the Jauhar Sthal to honour Queen Padmavati (also known as Padmini).

Ratan Singh, who ruled Mewar during Khilji’s reign as Sultan of Delhi, was known to be a peace-loving monarch who enjoyed music and poetry. One of his court poets, Raghav Chetan, was revealed to be a spy for Khilji. Upon discovering this betrayal, Ratan Singh expelled him, sparking a chain of events that would lead to one of history’s most tragic episodes.

The Story of Rana Ratan Singh and Queen Padmavati

Ratan Singh had fifteen wives and nineteen sons. His chief queen was Padmavati, the princess of Singhal ( assumed to be present-day Sri Lanka). Official histories blend with poetic accounts (like the Padmavat by Jayasi, written two hundred years after the incident), but the truth centres on Khilji’s lust for Padmavati after Raghav Chetan’s vengeful report.

Khilji’s desire to conquer Chittorgarh was strategic, controlling taxes on the route to the ports in Gujarat and asserting dominance in the west, but also personal, as he sought to possess Padmavati. Despite knowing Khilji's intentions, Ratan Singh welcomed him as a guest in line with Rajput hospitality. Khilji requested to see Padmavati, and Ratan Singh, proud of her beauty, agreed under certain conditions. Padmavati only appeared in front of Khilji, in the Jal Mahal, the reflection of her beauty falling in the water of the Kund and reflecting on the mirror at the Palace, for Khilji, thus preserving her dignity. Khilji agreed, and it is said that in a drunken state, when he lay his eyes on her, Khilji ran to the mirror to hug it. Jayasi says that despite being so brash, he was forgiven by Ratan Singh in his vanity and accompanied to the foothill of the fort by the Rana. A very scandalous move, because the moment they were out of the fort, Khilji ordered the capture of the Rana. A pawn to trade for Padmavati's surrender.

Padmavati cleverly set terms: she would appear accompanied by 1,000 women (Sakhibaan) in 800 palanquins, their faces veiled to maintain dignity, and she wished to see her husband one last time before her surrender.

The Ingenious Escape and Siege

At dawn, Mewar’s best warriors, disguised as women, journeyed in palanquins, led by Padmavati's trusted companions, Gora and Badal. Once inside the camp, they revealed themselves and fought bravely. Ratan Singh was given a horse by Padmavati’s uncle Gora to escape, but Gora and his nephew Badal both fell defending the fort. Six months later, with supplies dwindling and defeat inevitable, Padmavati and the other queens made a heartrending plea to accept Jauhar, choosing death over dishonour.

The warriors donned saffron robes of Saka, symbolising their readiness to fight to the death, while the Rajput women wore their wedding finery, applied sindoor, and performed prayers. They sought blessings from the goddess Eklingji, applying a tilak to their husbands before the final, tragic act.

The Day of Jauhar: August 13, 1303

When the gates finally opened, Khilji’s forces brutally killed Ratan Singh’s sons and valiantly faced the final battle. As the cries of “Jai Bhawani” filled the air, the enemy smelled burning and rushed inside, only to find the fort engulfed in flames.

Thousands of noble Rajput women, led by Padmavati and other queens such as Rani Suhag Kanwar, Suraj Kanwar, Jaith Kanwar, and Swarupa Kanwar, Amar Kanwar, Chahu Kanwar Ratta Kanwar, Chand Kanwar, Pith Kanwar, Jahaj Kanwar, Padam Kanwar, Again Kanwar, Shyam Kanwar, and Ajab Kanwar among others, embraced the fire’s embrace without tears or fear, true warriors to the last breath. They took the blessing of the goddess, wished to be born and die again for Mewar and jumped into the burning Jauhar Kund. Not one wailed, not one shed tears. They were fighters, true Rajputanis.

Khilji found a burnt and desolate palace, heard no cries or laments, and believed the fort was cursed by the souls of the bravest Rajputanis. In his anger, he destroyed what remained and left.

Personal Reflections from the Light and Sound Show

Listening to this story during Chittorgarh’s Light and Sound show was a deeply moving experience. Though I had read it many times, seeing it performed made the emotions tangible. Padmavati’s courage and the stoicism of those women sent chills down my spine.

Preservation and Legacy

The Jal Mahal today is a simple reconstruction, offering a glimpse into the events. The original palace of Rana Ratan Singh near Vijay Stambh now stands as a barren site, but the sacredness is preserved in the Jauhar Gates constructed by Rana Kumbha to protect the area.

The remains of the Jauhar Kund are still visited by Rajputs from across India who come to offer prayers. This site is as revered as any temple at Chittorgarh and marks a significant chapter in Rajput history as the first documented Jauhar, a sacrifice that echoed through centuries.

Clarification on the Ratan Singh Palace

It’s worth noting that the Ratan Singh Palace at the opposite end of the fort is often confused with the residence of Rawal Ratan Singh. However, it was built by Rana Ratan Singh II, son of Rana Sanga, and was his brief seat before his early demise.

The Enduring Truth of Rani Padmavati’s Tale

What was once considered legend has been substantiated through the discovery of the site and multiple records of Jauhar at Chittorgarh. The courage, sacrifice, and dignity of Rajput women like Padmavati remain woven into the fabric of Mewar’s identity and continue to inspire generations.

Visiting Chittorgarh and standing at these hallowed spots offers not just a glimpse of history but a profound connection to the spirit of resistance and honour that defined Rajputana.

Jauhar Gate

Jal Mahal Entrance

Padmini Jal Mahal Palace

Palace of Ratan Singh (Jal Mahal)

A view inside

The original Jal Mahal

The Mirrors where reflection can be seen

Jauhar Sthal

Remains of Jauhar Sthal

Jauhal Sthal of Rani Padmini

Gate of the Ratan Singh Palace of 1535

Ratan Singh Palace

Ratan Singh's Palace is actually the palace of Rana Sanga's second son, Ratan Singh, not to be confused with Padmini's husband of the same name.

From Fire Altars to Forgotten Gods: The Chaotic Evolution of Hinduism

The Indian Subcontinent is a diverse mix of cultures, religions and traditions that make up its value system. The moment we discuss the early Indian subcontinent and its religions, long before Buddhism or Jainism came into existence or the Abrahamic religions were introduced on the western coasts by travellers and traders, long before any invasion proved any sign of forced conversion, a layman’s idea of the Indian Subcontinent is that of a single unified culture. Historically speaking, that is far from the truth. The Indian Subcontinent, since the evidence of early civilisation has been found in its river banks, like that in Bhirrana or Mehrgarh, dating back to around 6000 BCE, has never had one unifying belief through its geographic boundaries. The terms Hindu, Hindustan and many others come originally from attributed to primary sources of the Ancient West Asian civilisation. But our history starts much earlier than that. And where there is society and civilisation, there is bound to ...

Maharana Pratap: The Sun of Mewar

Many of you have read my fan fiction as well as historical representations of the life and times of Maharana Pratap Singh of Mewar. I provided small details of his life in many articles. But never have I ever made a separate historical post on him. It is very difficult to put together his life without the help of folklore because historical evidence is scarce. This one was requested, and hence here it goes. Needless to say, this one is very special. This is a blend of history and folklore. Leave your love. ❤️ Background and Birth: The year was 1540. Mewar was under a cloud of uncertainty. Banbir, their ruler for four years now, was a very incompetent ruler who always spent his time in luxury, drinking and dancing with girls. The crown prince Udai Singh was rumoured to have been killed by him. Chittorgarh was in darkness. Around March 1540, Mewar once again saw hope as some trusted generals, along with Kunwar Udai Singh, attacked Chittorgarh, taking Banbir by surprise. He was soon t...

Rakhi Tales

A Rakhi to the Enemy: The year was 1535 CE. The Rajmata of Mewar, widow of Rana Sanga, was in a dilemma. On one hand was an attack from Bahadur Shah of Gujarat as a threat to her capital, Chittorgarh, and the throne of her beloved teenage son Vikramaditya. On the other hand, there was the son of her husband's archenemy, Humayun, who could be of some help. Rani Karnavati wrote a letter to Humayun, who was in the east at that time. Along with it, she sent a Rakhi, a thread of brotherhood, asking him, as a sister, for protection against the enemy. But the road was too long, and time was of the essence. Humayun arrived at Chittorgarh, in response to her letter, keeping his end of the bargain but a little late. Rani Karnavati had already performed the Jauhar. They never met. Humayun established Rana Vikramaditya on the throne of Mewar, as he had promised as a brother, and returned to his post. Two dynasties, political rivals and sworn enemies, from Sanga-Babur to Pratap-Akbar and even R...

The Warrior Prince

This is part of the "Uttara Series" You will find under the Mahabharata . The series is also available on Wattpad. The Prince was born in Dwarka. He grew up at his Uncle's place, learning the art of weapons from him. He proved a worthy heir to the warrior prince. Wherever he went, he was praised for his archery skills. People said he inherited it from his father, the son of Indra. He also learned to use the Mace and Sword. When he was fifteen, news arrived that his father's exile was over, and he had decided to marry his son to the princess of Matsya. His mother was pleased. The grand wedding followed the preparations for the battle. What excited him most was meeting his father, uncles, Rajmaata Panchali and his cousins for the first time. The young prince spent a few months in the Matsya capital of Viratnagar with his new bride. A few months later... at Kurukshetra... The Battlefield was getting ready. It was the Twelfth Night of the battle, waiting for the Thirteen...

Epic Love

Shiva - Sati/Parvati: The Destroyer of the Trinity, the supreme God of Gods, was a loner, vagabond, refusing to settle down and be tied down by earthly relationships. Enters Sati, the daughter of Prajapati Daksha of Kankhal. At such a young age, her love moves everyone except her father. The reluctant Shiva had to answer her calls, and for the first time, somebody wanted to marry him as a boon. What followed was wrath between Shiva and Daksha, a clash of egos that ended the soft maiden Sati's life. She chose death after overhearing her father insult her husband. Shiva's sorrow turned to the angry tandav that destroyed the world. He roamed around as a vagabond again, this time with a broken heart! A few years passed by in her memory as he roamed the land of Aryavarta, making a Linga at every Sati Peeth beside her. In that way, this time, he will always be there by her side to protect her. Enters Parvati, the daughter of Parvat Raj. She was believed to be Sati reborn by everyo...

The Thirteenth Night

This is part of the "Uttara Series" You will find under the Mahabharata. The series is also available on Wattpad. The night of the Bhadra Amavasya saw a funeral pyre in the Pandavas' camp. Wails of the ladies filled the air as the young brave heart was turning into ashes. The ashes lit up a celebration in the Kauravas' camp. Duryodhan, Dushyasan, Shakuni, and Jayadrata all succeeded in their mission. Breaking the Pandavas' backbone, killing their favourite son. Karna joined in the celebrations reluctantly; he had released the boy from the pain. The face kept coming back to him. After all, he was his nephew. He shut his eyes in pain. The air tonight seemed cursed. The pyre burning made the teenage widow run towards it. She had no hope of living without him. Life was already tough; each day, he went to war with a smile on his face. She had already lost her brother. Now she had none to return home to her. "Stop!" His mother pleaded between the wails. "...

The Buddhist Empress of India

Many historians believe that although Devi was the first wife of Asoka, his Buddhist queen, Asandhimitra, was not the same person. However, some also theorise based on Buddhist and Jain stories that they were in fact the same person, and the reason for that is that they don't seem to appear in the timeline together. Devi disappears when Asandhimitra arrives at the scene rather abruptly to do her charitable work. Hence, I personally believe they were one and the same. This story, however, is a retelling of folklore and not history. Please do not consider this piece of fiction as history. The whole village of Vidisha Nagari was buzzing with activity. Every home was being cleaned, and cooking preparations were underway. The youngest prince of Magadha was coming to a halt at their village on his way to Ujjain. Great unrest was reported at Ujjain, and the youngest prince, as the general of this region, was being sent by the emperor to solve the issue. The villagers were scared as the wh...

Etched In Stone

This historical short story is a fictitious account of Ashoka, the Mauryan Emperor and his first wife Devi, who finds no place in Magadhan History. There is another fiction about her in the blog as well. This story stemmed from a merge of two ideas, one was to mention the cave inscription found in Saru Maru that mentions Asoka spending some days there with his lover (presumed to be Devi), the other idea of how if words did not immortalise a lot of battles and achievements, the names of many great men would be lost in time. The prince stood on the edge of the cliff, looking at the horizon. Dawn arrived as the birds started leaving their nests, wings fluttering, eager to discover the world. He looked up at them, the thought of once again going back to exploring the length and breadth of his state making him feel a little restless as he eyed his healing wounds. He was left to die; his enemies wished so. Yet by some miracle of fate, as if his purposes were yet to be fulfilled, here he was ...

Sisodiya: Kings, Queens and Princes (1538 - 1597)

I am back with another History post, this time it is on the wives and sons of Rana Udai Singh II of Mewar, his son and heir Maharana Pratap and Rana Amar Singh. This is a continuation of the Sisodia Family History I posted some time back. The information has been taken from Annals of Mewar by James Todd, Maharana Pratap by B.N. Rana, and Maharana Pratap by Rima Hooja. Udai Singh II was the son of Ranisa Karnawati and Rana Sangram Singh. He was born on 4th August 1 522, at Chittorgarh and died on 28th February 1 572 at Gogunda . He was the Ruler of the Sisodia Dynasty. He is believed to have 56 sons and 2 5 wives, apart from the many insignificant queens in his Rani Mahal. Here is a list of his main queens and their sons. Maharani Jaivanta Bai Songara of Jalore was his chief queen and consort. Her son is Maharana Pratap. He was married to her before he went to war with Banbir, as her father, Akshayraj Rao, was a friend and ally of his father, Rana Sanga. Saj...

The Garuda Cannon of Krishna Chandra

Maharaja Krishna Chandra was an influential king in Nadia, Bengal, who formed his capital at Krishnanagar. During the preparation of the Battle of Plassey that sealed the deal for British Colonisation in Bengal in 1757, Krishna Chandra was under the Mughals of Delhi, who did not support Bengal Subah Nawab Siraj Ud Daulah in his attack against the British in Calcutta. As a result, he too was vocal against Siraj and supported the British. Siraj ordered for him to be imprisoned for not paying his due taxes to the Nawab, and he found freedom only after Robert Clive and Mir Jafar ousted Siraj by betraying him. Once Krishna Chandra was back in his state, the Mughal emperor, who was now reduced to a puppet of the British, by suggestion of Robert Clive, gifted the king a token of appreciation for his support, a cannon, which the Raja named the Garuda Cannon. What was so special about the cannon? This is the only cannon found in any museum with an inscription in Bengali scripture. Most cannons ...

A Journey To Discover Life

Search This Blog