Johar Place

Jauhar Place Chittorgarh which is also pronounced as Jowhar or Juhar was a Hindu custom of mass self-immolation (by burning themselves in the fire) of women and children in parts of Indian subcontinent. This custom was followed in order to avoid capture, enslavement and rape by the invaders when they are facing certain defeat during the war. Even dead bodies were not spared by these invaders whose necrophilic tendencies are recorded in history. The most famous Jauhars of the history was recorded during wars between Hindu Rajput kingdoms in Rajasthan and the Muslim armies.

It has been recorded that the Jauhar and shaakh were never carried out when the Rajputs were at war with other Hindus, such as the Marathas, as the defeated was expected to be treated with dignity.

Monuments in Chittorgarh

Monuments in Chittorgarh resonates with stories of Rajputana bravery, pride and passion. The bards of Rajasthan sing tales of courage and sacrifice recounting stories that are known to every child and adult in the city. Chittorgarh is named after its most imposing structure, the Chittorgarh Fort which stands atop a 180 metre high hill and is spread across 700 acres. Chittorgarh Fort has had a tumultuous past. This bastion of the Rajputs has faced violent attacks thrice in its entire history. The first was in 1303 when the Sultan of Delhi, Ala-ud-din Khilji, who was enamoured by Queen Padmini, launched an attack to abduct her. More than two centuries later, in 1533, it was Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat, who caused immense destruction. Four decades later, in 1568, Mughal Emperor Akbar attacked and seized the fort. It was finally in 1616, under the rule of Mughal Emperor Jahangir that the fort was returned to the Rajputs.