The Jauhar of Chittorgarh Fort
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Jauhar Chittorgarh Fort
The Tragic Glory of Jauhar
Jauhar – Perched on a rugged hill in Rajasthan, Chittorgarh Fort stands as a massive stone witness to battles and bravery. Its towering walls and grand palaces draw you in with tales of kings and queens. Yet, beneath this beauty lies a heartbreaking story of jauhar at Chittorgarh Fort—acts of mass self-sacrifice by Rajput women to escape capture and shame.
Imagine flames lighting up the night as women in silk saris choose fire over defeat. This fort, a UNESCO site, saw three major jauhars that shaped Rajput history. In this article, we explore the jauhar of Chittorgarh Fort, from its deep roots in honor to the lasting echoes in modern times. These events mark the ultimate stand against invaders, blending courage with sorrow.
Jauhar – The Ritual of Ultimate Honor
Jauhar means a group of women ending their lives by fire to guard their honor during war. It ties to Rajput ways, where death beats dishonor. Unlike simple suicide, it was a planned choice in the face of loss.
Rajputs lived by dharma, a code of right living in fights. Men showed mard, or true manhood, through bold defense. Losing meant capture, and for women, that often led to worse fates like slavery or worse.This code pushed them to fight till the end. No surrender came easy. It kept their spirit alive even in dark hours.
Jauhar – Protecting Dignity Above Life
Jauhar saved women from harm by enemy troops. Armies back then took captives for force or gain. By choosing fire, they denied that power to foes.It was a group act, full of songs and prayers. Families faced it together. This choice guarded their freedom in spirit.Psychological weight drove it too. Shame of fall hurt more than pain. Jauhar turned defeat into a win of will.
The First Jauhar: Rawal Ratan Singh and Alauddin Khilji (1303 AD)
In 1303, Alauddin Khilji’s army surrounded Chittorgarh Fort. The sultan wanted its riches and might. This led to the first big jauhar in the fort’s long tale.
Khilji heard of Rani Padmini’s beauty. Legends say he glimpsed her in a mirror or pond reflection. That sparked his greed, though facts mix with myth. His troops cut water and food lines. The fort held for months. Rajputs fought hard under Rawal Ratan Singh.
Women gathered in the fort’s heart. They built huge fires and stepped in, singing hymns. Over 160 queens and ladies joined, sources claim.Children went with mothers. The sight shook even enemies. Khilji took the fort soon after. Ratan Singh fell in fight. The pyre’s glow lit the loss. It marked Chittor’s first big scar.
The Second Jauhar: Against Bahadur Shah of Gujarat (1535 AD)
By 1535, threats grew from Gujarat’s sultan, Bahadur Shah. He eyed Mewar’s lands. This siege hit during weak rule, leading to another fiery end.
Maharana Vikramaditya was young and rash. His choices left defenses thin. Bahadur’s cannons breached walls after weeks.Troops inside numbered few. They held gates with grit. But numbers overwhelmed them.Betrayals sped the fall. Allies turned. The fort faced doom.
As regent, Rani Karnavati led the women. She sent a rakhi to Mughal emperor Humayun for help, but it came too late. She chose jauhar for thousands.Fires burned brighter than before. Estimates say 13,000 women perished. The scale stunned survivors.Karnavati walked into flames last. Her act inspired songs. It showed queenly strength.
The Third Jauhar: Akbar’s Conquest and the Final Sacrifice (1567-68 AD)
Akbar’s Mughal force came in 1567. He sought to bind Rajputs to his rule. This clash ended Chittorgarh’s free days with one last jauhar.
Maharana Udai Singh saw the threat. He left for safer hills to build Udaipur. He left Jaimal and Patta in charge. This move saved the line. The fort became a bait. Defenders knew the cost. Plans set for the end. Women prepared in quiet resolve.
The Last Stand of Jaimal and Patta
Jaimal led from a post, shot in leg but unbowed. Patta held another gate. Akbar’s mines and guns broke stone.Fights raged for months. Rajputs used every trick. Casualties hit 8,000 on their side.Heroes fell one by one. Their tales spread wide. It was pure defiance.
The Final Flame: The Last Recorded Jauhar
Women lit pyres as walls cracked. Up to 8,000 joined, history notes. Flames rose with dawn cries.This jauhar closed an era. Mughals won, but at huge price—over 30,000 dead. Chittor burned in memory.It stood for lost freedom. The fort’s spirit lingered.
The Jauhar Kunds
Step into Chittorgarh Fort today. You’ll find Jauhar Kunds—deep pools near palaces. Legends say women bathed there before fires.Padmini’s Palace holds a tank tied to her story. These spots draw quiet crowds. They whisper of past choices. Walk the paths. Feel the weight. Stones mark sacred ground.
Chittorgarh Fort Video
Must visit place in Chittorgarh Fort
Chittorgarh Fort is one of the most important citadel in Mewar region of Rajasthan. Many historical and iconic structure must visit in Chittorgarh Fort Rana Kumbha Palace , Vijay Stambh, Jauhar Kund Samadhiswar Temple, Gaumukh Kund, Kirti Stambh, Rani Padmini Palace, Ratan Singh Mahal, Suraj Pol Mirabai mandir , Kalika Mandir and Various Jain Temples.
How to reach
Flight – The nearest airport is Dabok Airport in Udaipur city which is about 105 km away.
Road – Regular buses are available to Chittorgarh from all major cities in Rajasthan.
Train – Chittorgarh is connected by rail to and from Udaipur, Ajmer, Jaipur, and Delhi.
Timing-
Timing to visit in the morning 9.00 am to 5.00 pm
Entry Fees
Entry fees 15 Rs for a single monument and 40 Rs for a complete Chittorgarh fort
Best Time To Visit Chittorgarh
The ideal time to visit is during the cooler months, from October to March. The weather is pleasant, making it perfect for exploring the kund and its surroundings. Avoid the hot summer months to enjoy a more comfortable experience
| TEMPERATURE | ||
| 24°C to 45°C | 21°C to 35°C | 10°C to 30°C |
| Summer (April to June) | Monsoon (July to September) | Winter (October to February |
Best Time To Visit Chittorgarh
The ideal time to visit is during the cooler months, from October to March. The weather is pleasant, making it perfect for exploring the kund and its surroundings. Avoid the hot summer months to enjoy a more comfortable experience.
HOW TO REACH HERE
Flight – The nearest airport is Dabok Airport in Udaipur city which is about 105 km away.
Road – Regular buses are available to Chittorgarh from all major cities in Rajasthan.
Train – Chittorgarh is connected by rail to and from Udaipur, Ajmer, Jaipur, and Delhi.
Famous Fort near Chittorgarh
Kumbhalgarh Fort, Just 150 km from Chittorgarh one of the famous fort after Chittorgarh. Kumbhalgarh has a 36 km world’s second-largest wall. it is situated 3600 ft and has more than 360 temples.
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