Jauhar and Shaka

Every community of the world has struggled to secure their independence and prosperity and have made every possible sacrifice. In the history of war tradition of Rajasthan, Jauhar and Shaka has a special space where inspite dependency on others people prefer to welcome death happily when they could not live further in their survilence.

Jauhar:
Jauhar refer to the ancient Indian tradition. Honorary self immolation of women and subsequent march of men to the bettle field to end their life with respect. It was specially followed by Rajput clans. It was originally the voluntary death on a funeral of the queen and royal of defeated Rajput Kingdoms.

First Jauhar:
In 1303 AD. Ala-ud-din Khilaji was the sultan of Delhi, and Rana Rawal Ratan Singh was King of Chittor and Rani Padmini Was Queen. Ala -ud-din ordered his army to attack on Chittor while Rawal Ratan Singh was a prisoner of Ala-ud-din Khilaji. So the choice was in favour of suicide through Jauhar. A huge pyre was lit and followed by their queen, all the women of Chittor jumped into the flames and deceived the lustful enemy waiting outside.

Second Jauhar:
In 1528 AD, Rana Sanga died and then after his widow Rani Karnavati came under the regency of Mewar and Chittor. The Kingdom was menaced by Bahadur Shah of Gujarat, who besieged Chittorgarh. Without relief from other forces and facing defeat, Rani committed Jauhar with other women. According to one legend, Karnavati importuned the assistance of Humayun, her late husband's enemy, by sending him a Rakhi and a request for his help as a brother. the help arrived too late.

Third Jauhar:
In September 1567, Emperor Akbar besieged the fort of Chittor. Rana Uday Singh II, his sons, and the royal women escaped from fort using secret route after the siege began.The fort was left under Jaimal Rathore and Patta sisodiya's command. One morning Akbar found Jaimal who was inspecting repairs to the fort which had been damaged by explosives. Akbar killed him. On the same day the Rajputs realized that defeat was certain. The rajput women committed Jauhar in the night of Feb 22, 1568.

Shaka:
When Rajput warriors see their women and other dear ones burning themselves through Jauhar, they used to wear saffron cloths and attack enemy forces in such a way that either they do or they die thats Shaka.