Pious woman of Rajasthan

Pious woman of Rajasthan Although Rajasthan is famous for the tales of the bravery of kings and Maharajas but one can’t forget the womanpower of the state. The ladies here have also acquired a special position in the history of Rajasthan either because of their bravery or due to their devotion and sacrifice. They have presented an example beside the world and one could be greatly inspired and influenced from their Virtuous lives. One great woman of such pious character was Rani Padmini, wife of Rana Ratan Singh of Chittor. She was the owner of the enormous beauty. The praise her beauty had been spread all around. The Sultan of Delhi, Ala-ud-din Khilji also heard this fame. Hearing this praise he became excited to have a look of her beautiful face. But it was an impossible task as she was the wife of a Rajput king and they were not allowed to come before a strange person. But Ala-ud-din was determined to have her as his wife. So he lay siege on Chittor fort in 1303A.D.to capture Rani Padmini. But the brave rajputs struggled against this huge force and the result was the prolongation of the siege. This made Ala-ud-din impatient. At last he proclaimed to withdraw if he would be allowed to see a glimpse of Padmini’s beautiful face. Rana Ratan Singh agreed for this, but Ala-ud-Din Cunningly abducted him. Now he offered his freedom in exchange of Rani Padmini. The Rajputs got enraged from this incident and they decided to outwit Ala-ud-din. The warriors planned to go to the Khilji's camp to rescue their Raja. So, disguised as rani's maids and hidden in their palanquins they reached the camp and rescued their king.Ala-ud-din became furious due to this event and decided to take the revenge. Thus he stormed Chittor. Rajput fought bravely to protect their pride. But when the defeat became inevitable, these brave defenders of Chittor tied theirsaffron robes, which is a symbol of sacrifice and forfeit their lives fighting. Soon this news spread in the Chittor fort. Hearing this sad news, women in fort decided to save themselves from dishonour. Rani Padmini and other women of the fort dressed themselves in bridal finery and immolated themselves in the sacred fire of ‘Jauhar’ and protected their honour. It is said that Ala-ud-din was never succeeded in seeing Padmini in the flesh but he was only able to see her bewitching reflection in a mirror as she stood on the steps of her palace-the Jal Mahal. It was Padmini's summer palace that still exists amidst a lotus pool. In this way the lady sacrificed her life for her self-respect and gave a lesson to a proud king that determination of a person is more powerful than the strength of a sword. She had presented an example before all the Indian women that they are not weak but have a strong will power to convert an impossible task possible as she had done by defeating a proud and strong king. For her courage and strength, still today she is being remembered amongst Indian women.