Siege of Chittorgarh
Topic: Regional Resistance: Rajputs, Ahoms, Sikhs · NCERT: Class 8, Ch 2 "Reshaping India's Political Map"
Meaning
The Siege of Chittorgarh was Akbar's attack on the main fort of Mewar in 1567–68. A siege means surrounding a fort and cutting it off until it gives up or falls. The Rajput defenders held out for months, but the fort fell in early 1568. It was one of the hardest blows Mewar suffered, yet Mewar still did not accept Mughal rule.
Example
The Rana of Mewar, Udai Singh II, had moved to the hills, and the fort was defended by the commanders Jaimal and Patta. When it fell, hundreds of women, led by their queens, committed jauhar, and about 30,000 people inside were killed.
Don't confuse with
- Siege of Chittorgarh, 1303: Alauddin Khilji's earlier capture of the same fort, linked in legend with Rani Padmini and also ending in jauhar.
Related concepts
- Mewar
- Rana Kumbha
- Kumbhalgarh Fort
- Vijay Stambha
- Rana Sanga
- Battle of Khanwa
- Jauhar
- Hill Forts of Rajasthan
- Sawai Jai Singh II
- Jaipur City