"Chittaurgarh" has a marvellous history behind it. ‘Jauhar’- was a custom in which the women and children committed the self immolation to save their chastity and pride from the invading rulers,
It first happened during the invasion by Alauddin Khilji. Legend has it in 1303 A.D., Alauddin Khilji was so taken back by the regal beauty of Padmini, and he was overpowered by a desire to possess her. But the noble queen preferred death to dishonour and committed ‘Jauhar’. The victim was Chittaur, which come under the sword of the marauder.
Then again, in 1533 A.D, during the Bikramjeet’s era, comes the second attack from Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat. Once again the ‘Jauhar’ was led by Rani Karmawati, a Bundi Princess. Her infant son was smuggled out of Chittaur and survived to inherit the throne of the citadel. Valour was what he learned from his experiences. So when the Mughal Emperor invaded Chittaur, Udai Singh fled to establish a new capital, Udaipur a truly beautiful lake city. He left behind Chittaur to be defended by two 16 year old heroes, Jaimal of Bednore and Patta of Kelwa. These two young men in their youth displayed the Rajput Chivalry before being consumed by the ‘Jauhar’ flames. Immediately, afterwards the fort was raised to the ground by the Akbar.
Chittaur never saw the inhabitants again, but its pride, glory and the royal posts are still alive. |
