Jauhar was a custom practiced by Rajput women in India. When facing certain defeat in war, particularly against Muslim invaders, these women and their children would commit mass suicide by fire to escape capture, enslavement, and violence. This act was often accompanied by the men engaging in a final battle to the death, known as saka.

Jauhar refers to both a woman’s self-sacrifice by fire and the men’s last stand. Facing defeat, Rajput women and children would commit suicide by fire (jauhar) to escape dishonor, while the men (in saka) would fight to the death, valuing honor over life.

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Historical Accounts of Jauhar

Historical accounts of Jauhar come from Muslim chroniclers of the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire. A famous example is the 1303 CE mass suicide by women in Chittorgarh Fort, Rajasthan, to escape the invading Khalji dynasty. Jauhar wasn’t limited to Rajasthan; it was also practiced in other parts of India, like the Kampili kingdom of Karnataka.

• The word “jauhar” likely comes from the Sanskrit term “jatugr̥ha,” meaning a place built for burning people alive.
• Some mistakenly believe it comes from the Persian word “gōhar” meaning “gem” or “virtue.” This confusion arose because historical writings used the same symbol for both “v” and “u” in some cases, leading to “jivhar” (meaning something related to gems) being misinterpreted as “jauhar.”

Rajput women practiced Jauhar, a mass suicide by fire, to escape a terrible fate. Facing defeat by invaders, they chose this path to avoid capture, enslavement, and potential abuse. Jauhar was seen as preferable to simple suicide because it ensured their bodies wouldn’t be violated or desecrated by the enemy.

Hindus and Muslims have contrasting views on Jauhar

Hindus saw it as a courageous act by women facing a horrific fate at the hands of invaders. Muslim historians, however, portrayed it as a forced cultural practice. Even within Muslim accounts, there were variations. Professor Arvind Sharma cites the poet Amir Khusrau who, while acknowledging the strange nature of Jauhar, viewed it as a form of heroism despite its unusual nature.

Jauhar was particularly prevalent in Rajasthan

The infamous Chittorgarh fort witnessed it three times, in 1303, 1535, and 1568. Jaisalmer also saw Jauhar twice, during the reigns of Alauddin Khalji (1299) and the Tughlaq dynasty (1326). Both Jauhar (women’s self-sacrifice) and Saka (men’s last stand) were celebrated as acts of heroism, finding their way into Rajasthani ballads and folklore.

In 712, an Arab army led by Muhammed bin Qasim invaded western India. They besieged the capital of Raja Dahir, a Hindu king. After Dahir’s death, the queen (Ladi) bravely led the city’s defense for months. Facing starvation and potential capture, the queen and other women chose Jauhar, a ritualistic self-immolation by fire. The remaining men then fought to the death against the invaders.

Facing an attack by the Delhi Sultanate in 1232, Rajput women in Gwalior fort chose Jauhar. This practice of mass self-immolation was their way to avoid capture by the invading army of Shams ud-Din Iltutmish. The specific location within the fort where this happened is known as Jauhar-tal or Johar Kund (Jauhar Tank).

In 1301, the Delhi Sultanate’s Alauddin Khalji laid siege to and captured Ranthambore Fort. Knowing defeat was inevitable, the fort’s ruler Hammiradeva chose to fight to the death alongside his soldiers. Meanwhile, his minister Jaja coordinated the tragic act of Jauhar, where the women of the fort – queens, daughters, and other relatives – committed self-immolation.

Facing a losing battle against the invading Muslim army in 1301, Rani Rang Devi (Hammira Dev’s wife) and their daughter Padmala, along with other women, chose to protect their honor through Jauhar. However, time was short, and they couldn’t build the traditional Jauhar pyre. Instead, they made the agonizing decision to commit mass suicide by jumping into the fort’s reservoir. This reservoir was later named “Padmala Talav” in honor of Padmala.

Many believe the infamous 1303 Jauhar at Chittorgarh fort was the first. This act of self-immolation by Rajput women became a legend in Rajasthani poems. The story often centers around Rani Padmini, who along with other women, chose Jauhar to escape capture by Alauddin Khalji of the Delhi Sultanate. However, there’s debate about the historical accuracy of this specific Jauhar. While it’s ingrained in Rajasthani tradition, some evidence comes from Islamic Sufi literature, like the poem “Padmavat” by Malik Muhammad Jayasi.

The Essential Guide to Routine Blood Tests for General Health

Inside, you’ll discover:

The role of blood tests in maintaining good health: Learn how blood tests provide valuable insights into your body’s inner workings, allowing healthcare professionals to monitor your health, screen for potential issues, and guide treatment decisions.

Demystifying common blood tests: Explore the most frequently performed tests, including: