Jauhar Kund in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan

History Behind Jauhar Kund Chittorgarh 

The Jauhar was performed in the year 1303 and was the first one in Chittorgarh. It was committed when Mewar was ruled by Rawal Ratan Singh and the central India was under the reign of Alauddin Khilji. Mewar area was becoming popular because of Zawar, Aguch, and Dariba, these areas were famous for the mining of precious metals. Khilji also heard about these places and decided to take his large army and march directly to Chittorgarh. As soon as Khilji reached Chittorgarh, he demanded surrender from Rajputs. Rawal Ratan Singh denied surrender even though he was aware of the Khilji’s large army. Alauddin didn’t return to Delhi, instead decided to surround the fort and set-up camps. The blockade by Khilji lasted for 8 months. Slowly the supplies within the fort declined and finally, King Rawal Ratan Singh ordered that the gates of the fort will open and Rajputs will fight with the army of Khilji. After this decision, the women of Chittorgarh were left to choices either to perform Johar or to be captured by Khilji’s army and face dishonor. Finally, the decision was in favor of mass self-immolation and a large pyre of fire was lit and Rani Padmani along with many women of Chittorgarh jumped into the fire. There are other stories as well revolving around Jauhar Kund of Chittorgarh.

About Chittorgarh Fort and its Sections

Chittorgarh Fort is one of the largest forts in India. The might fort is spread in an area of around 700 acres. The site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013. The famous sections of Chittorgarh Fort are:

Padmini Palace

Rana Kumbha Palace

84 Kunds (water bodies)

Vijay Stambh

Kirti Stambh

Gaumukh Reservoir 

Meera Temple

Kalika Mata Temple

Fateh Prakash Palace

Jain Temple

7 Gates of the fort (Padan Pol, Bhairon Pol, Hanuman Pol, Jorla Pol, Ganesh Pol, Laxman Pol, and Ram Pol)

Significance of Jauhar Kund of Chittorgarh

Rawal Ratan Singh and Rani Padmini got married in 1302. There are many stories revolving around their marriages. One of which is Padmini’s talking parrot escaped the execution which was ordered by her father and reached to Rawal Ratan Singh. The parrot told Ratan Singh about the beauty and good nature of Padmini which led Ratan Singh to a love chase and finally both were married. Another story suggests that Padmini lost in swordsmanship to Rawa Ratan and hence the marriage. It is believed that after the marriage a sorcerer forms the court of Ratan Singh informed about the beauty of Pandmini to Khilji and hence Khilji attacked Chittor with a large army. Women of Chittor along with Rani Padmini committed Jauhar to save their respect and integrity. 

After this Jauhar, Chittorgarh saw two more Jauhar. One in 1534 by Rani Karnavati who was from Bundi and was the wife of Rana Sangram Singh of Chittorgarh. And the last Johar in Chittorgarh took place in the year 1568.

Current situation of Jauhar Kund

The Jauhar Kund is located inside the Chittorgarh Fort, it is a wide open well type. As of now it is not in good condition, you will find collected rain water and weeds growing inside the kund. 

Myths about Jauhar Kund

There is always a debate among historians about Rani Padmini, if the character was fictional or factual.

At present, some people believe that Jauhar Kund at Chittorgarh is haunted.

It is also believed by many historians that Rani Padmini was a princess of Sri Lanka.

As per many historical records, Rani Padmini was extremely beautiful. 

Places to visit near Jauhar Kund of Chittorgarh

Chittorgarh Fort

Rana Kumbha Palace

Fateh Prakash Palace

Padmini Palace

Meera Temple

Kali Mata Temple

Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary