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.

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 ...

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...

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...

Bijolia: Her Home

Journey to Bijolia: Lost Kingdoms and Timeless Temples of Mewar Bijoliya translates to a stop between two cities. Nestled in Rajasthan’s Bhilwara district, Bijolia sits 55km from Bundi and 105km from Chittorgarh on the well-travelled Bundi-Chittorgarh road. Once part of Mewar, this seemingly sleepy town guards a rich and layered past: it was ruled from the 11th to the 13th century by the Punwars (or Parmar Rajputs) before falling under the Chauhan dynasty, who shifted the region’s capital to Bhilwara and constructed the imposing fort there. After a brief Chauhan rule, Bijolia was reclaimed by Rana Kumbha and became an integral part of the Mewar kingdom, with the Parmars serving as local Raos, representatives and stewards of the royal house. Despite its history and the famed Bijolia inscriptions (a treasure for historians), Bijolia has never found a seat on Rajasthan’s primary tourist circuit, especially if you’re venturing out by public transport or private car. While a handful of...

Chawand: The Maharana's Capital

The road from Udaipur quickly fades into quiet countryside as you head toward Jaisamand Lake and Chavand, a journey that few package tours offer, but one that is forever imprinted on my memory. Just shy of an hour and 59km from the city bustle, you reach Jaisamand (Dhebar Lake), the “Ocean of Victory,” sprawling as Asia’s once-largest man-made lake . Built in 1685 by Maharana Jai Singh, who followed his father’s legendary tradition of dam-building, this vast sheet of water shimmers in the sunlight. I watched local ferries pass, and marble stairs dip into blue shallows, imagining bygone queens slipping into cooling water beneath the massive embankment. Even today, friendly boatmen linger, eager to usher you onto the lake for a breezy ride. They tell you stories of how once a Maharana roamed these dense forests in search of freedom. Do pause here and soak in the peaceful air before venturing further southwest, toward the forgotten echoes of Mewar’s pride. The drive to Chavand, ...

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. "...

Nawab E Bengal

Background: Nawab Alivardi Khan was ruling Bengal at the peak of Nawabi rule, expanding his strong empire. He had successfully suppressed the Marathas and had given a strong message to the British East India Company’s rising influence at Calcutta. Highly aware of the British Colonial policies across the globe, Nawab Alivardi Khan was strict with his policies and stronghold over Murshidabad, the then capital of Bengal (including present-day Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Orissa, and Bangladesh). He had two daughters and no sons. Amina Begum was the elder one, followed by Ghaseti Begum. Amina had three sons with her husband and courtier, Ahmed Khan. The second son, Mirza Mohammad, fondly called Siraj-Ud-Daulah (light of the country)by his grandfather, was born in 1733C.E. He was his grandfather’s favourite because he was born while he won over the Marathas. Alivardi Khan never let the “fortune child” of the family out of his sight. Siraj grew up accompanying...

The Hidden One

In the grand fort of Daulatabad, a princess was born in 1638 to Emperor Aurangzeb and his cherished consort, Dilras Banu Begum. She was christened Zeb Un Nisa, her very name meaning “ornament of womankind.” The youngest of her sisters, Zeb Un Nisa, grew up surrounded by the opulence of the Mughal harem at the Red Fort, under the spiritual guidance of her Sufi uncle Dara Shikoh and her wise aunt Jahanara Begum. From her earliest days, she was captivated by poetry, spending hours immersed in literature, her mind dancing among the verses of Persian and Urdu poets. As she blossomed into adulthood, Zeb Un Nisa cultivated her own literary voice and gathered the greatest poets of the Mughal Empire in her private council. Adopting the pen name Makhfi, the Concealed One, she wove magic with her words, always returning to one intoxicating theme: Love. Her father, Emperor Aurangzeb, was the most powerful man in India, unyielding in his faith and rule, yet also deeply affectionate towards his d...

The Idea of Independence

Independence is not merely about a free country, a flag, a democracy or a monarchy as the power seat of a region. It is a feeling and a choice. Entitlement to one’s own opinion and rights. Often, a reason to reform. Independence is about individuality and mass. As we grow up, we often write essays on “My Inspiration.” The word inspiration is, in reality, deeper than we understand at that young age and is more often than not merged with our childhood ideas of an ideal man, an idol, or someone who helps us, namely, our own teachers or parents. Some of the students even mug up essays that tell the tales of the lives of Swami Vivekananda or Mahatma Gandhi. But it takes us years, or even perhaps a lifetime, to be mature enough to know and understand the true meaning of inspiration and idol. When we do, it is then that we choose ones that appeal to our morals, thoughts and souls. I remember Independence Day as a child. Every 15 th of August used to be about our locality dressed up in a ...

Mystic Murshidabad

Discovering Murshidabad: A Weekend in Bengal’s Royal Past A mere 200km from the heart of Kolkata, nestled in the historical district of Murshidabad, West Bengal, I set off for a weekend steeped in stories and grandeur. Before sharing the trip’s highlights, let me give you a quick primer on this fascinating place. Murshidabad: Where Bengal’s Destiny Changed Murshidabad, once an obscure village called Maksudabad, was transformed in 1704 when Murshid Quli Khan, Aurangzeb’s formidable general, shifted the capital of Subah Bangla from Dhaka to this very spot. The move not only brought prestige but also changed the fate of the Bengal province, stretching across present-day West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Bangladesh. The town was renamed after its patron, and by 1716, Murshid Quli Khan was crowned Nawab of Bengal by the Mughal Emperor. The region’s influence soon encompassed what are now the districts of Nadia and Murshidabad. Berhampore: The Modern Gateway Today, the district...

A Journey To Discover Life

Search This Blog