| Padmini was the queen of Rana Ratan
Singh of Mewar in Rajasthan. She was famous for her exquisite beauty. However, she also
has an exalted place in the Rajput chivalry. No woman in the history can match what
Padmini did to uphold the honor of Indian womanhood. It is said that one reason for Ala'uddin Khilji's invasion was his
infatuation for Padmini. The history records the chivalrous role of Padmini and a number
of other women of Mewar at the time when the famous citadel of Chitter was besieged by
Ala'uddin.
The valiant Rajputs offered a heroic resistance against his
onslaught for about eight months, but they were no match to the large army of Delhi.
Before the final battle of the citadel, however, on the 26th of August 1303, the brave
Rajput women, under the leadership of Rani Padmini, plunged themselves into the fire of
JAUHAR (self immolation) to escape captivity.
The historical records show, "The funeral pyre was
lighted within the great subterranean retreat, in chambers impervious to the light of the
day, and defenders of Chitter beheld in procession the queens, their own wives and
daughters, to the number of several thousands. The queen Padmini closed the throng. Then
they were conveyed to the cavern, and the opening was closed upon them, leaving them to
the final security from dishonor in the devouring fire."
Thus Padmini and other women of Chitter preferred heroic
death to disgrace and rape. |
