The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Chittorgarh): The Siege of Chittorgarh, which took place from October 23, 1567, to February 23, 1568, was a defining moment in the history of the Mughal Empire and its relationship with the Rajput kingdoms of Rajasthan. The conflict, which pitted the mighty Mughal army led by Emperor Akbar against the valiant defenders of Chittorgarh led by Jaimal Rathore and Patta Sisodia, had far-reaching consequences for both sides and continues to be remembered through the festival of Holi.
The siege began when Akbar, as part of his expansionist policy, marched on the strategically important Rajput capital of Chittorgarh in October 1567. The Mughal emperor, who had recently put down revolts by the Uzbeks, saw the conquest of Chittorgarh as crucial for establishing a stable route to Malwa and Gujarat and for making further inroads into the Deccan. Akbar also gave a religious dimension to the conflict by declaring it a Jihad against the infidels.
Upon learning of Akbar’s advance, Rana Udai Singh II, the ruler of Mewar, decided to evacuate the fort and seek refuge in the mountainous regions of his kingdom on the advice of his war council. He left the defense of Chittorgarh to Jaimal Rathore and Patta Sisodia, two of his most trusted generals, along with a force of around 7,000 to 8,000 cavalry and musketeers.
The Mughals initially attempted to storm the fort directly but were repelled by the sturdy walls and the brave defenders. Akbar then ordered his engineers to construct sabats (approach trenches) and mines to breach the walls. After nearly two months of grueling efforts, the Mughals finally managed to reach the walls and detonate the mines, but the defenders quickly sealed the breaches.
The tide turned on February 22, 1568, when Akbar himself took aim with a matchlock and shot Jaimal Rathore, the commander of the Rajput forces. The death of their leader dealt a severe blow to the morale of the defenders, who considered the day lost. That night, the Rajput women of Chittorgarh, led by Rani Karnavati, committed Jauhar (mass self-immolation) to protect their honor from the Mughals.
On the morning of February 23, which coincided with the Hindu festival of Holi, the remaining Rajput defenders, dressed in saffron robes, opened the gates and charged the Mughal army in a final act of defiance known as Sakha. The Mughals, after a hard-fought battle, finally captured the fort, but not before suffering heavy casualties themselves.
What followed was one of the darkest chapters in the history of the Mughal Empire. Akbar, enraged by the stiff resistance and the heavy losses his army had suffered, ordered a general massacre of Chittorgarh’s population. According to contemporary accounts, around 30,000 civilians, mostly non-combatants, were slaughtered, and a large number of women and children were enslaved. Akbar also ordered the desecration of many Hindu and Jain temples within the fort.
The fall of Chittorgarh was a turning point in Akbar’s reign and his relationship with the Rajputs. The Mughal victory brought almost all the major Rajput kingdoms, except Mewar, under Akbar’s suzerainty. However, the brutality of the massacre and the desecration of temples left a deep scar on the Rajput psyche and sowed the seeds of future rebellions.
For the people of Mewar, the memory of the siege and the sacrifice of their ancestors became an integral part of their cultural heritage. The Jauhar of 1568 is still remembered on the day of Holi, with the red color of the festival symbolizing the blood that was shed on that fateful day. The heroic resistance of Jaimal Rathore and Patta Sisodia, along with the sacrifice of Rani Karnavati and the women of Chittorgarh, have become the stuff of legend and are celebrated in folk songs and ballads across Rajasthan.
The siege also had a profound impact on the Mughal court and Akbar’s policies towards the Rajputs. The emperor, who had earlier sought to win over the Rajputs through diplomacy and marriage alliances, now adopted a more hardline stance. The reimposition of the Jizya tax on non-Muslims in 1575 was seen as a direct result of the Chittorgarh campaign and Akbar’s growing religious orthodoxy.
However, Akbar’s successors, particularly Jahangir and Shah Jahan, sought to mend fences with the Rajputs and bring them into the Mughal fold. They recognized the martial prowess and the loyalty of the Rajputs and sought to harness it for the benefit of the empire. Many Rajput nobles were given high positions in the Mughal court and army, and Rajput princesses were married into the Mughal royal family.
The Siege of Chittorgarh also had a lasting impact on the art and architecture of the region. The Vijay Stambha, or Victory Tower, which stands at the entrance of the fort, was built by Rana Kumbha in the 15th century to commemorate his victory over the Muslim rulers of Malwa and Gujarat. The tower, with its intricate carvings and inscriptions, is a testament to the skill and artistry of the Rajput craftsmen.
The fort itself, which dates back to the 7th century, is a marvel of medieval Indian architecture. The massive walls, which stretch for over 13 kilometers, are interspersed with seven gates, each with its own story and legend. The Rana Kumbha Palace, the Rani Padmini Palace, and the Fateh Prakash Palace are some of the most notable structures within the fort complex.
In conclusion, the Siege of Chittorgarh was a defining moment in the history of medieval India, with far-reaching consequences for the Mughal Empire and the Rajput kingdoms. The heroic resistance of the Rajputs and the brutal massacre that followed have left an indelible mark on the region’s history and continue to be remembered through the festival of Holi.
The red color of Holi, which signifies the blood that was shed during the siege, is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the people of Chittorgarh. It is also a celebration of the indomitable spirit of the Rajputs, who refused to submit to the might of the Mughal Empire and chose death over dishonor.
Today, the fort of Chittorgarh stands as a silent witness to the tumultuous events of the past. The ruins of the palaces and temples, the towering walls and gates, and the memorials to the fallen heroes all tell the story of a glorious and tragic past. For the people of Rajasthan, Chittorgarh is not just a historical site but a symbol of their identity and pride.
As we celebrate Holi and revel in the colors and the festivities, let us also take a moment to remember the brave men and women who laid down their lives for the sake of their honor and their kingdom. Let us draw inspiration from their courage and their sacrifice and strive to uphold the values of justice, freedom, and equality that they fought for. In the end, the true legacy of Chittorgarh lies not in its ruins but in the spirit of its people, who continue to celebrate life and love in the face of adversity and oppression.