Rajput History Archive > War
Siege Of Chittorgarh
Siege Of Chittorgarh is an important war in the cultural and military history of Rajputana, situated within Rajputana Historical Realm. Associated with the chivalric traditions of the Rajput Kshatriya (Suryavanshi lineage), it preserves significant archaeological, genealogical, and architectural records reflecting centuries of martial sovereignty, classical temple patronage, and feudal administration documented in regional khyats and imperial survey gazetteers.
Detailed Historical Chronicle
The Third Siege of Chittorgarh (1567–1568 CE): The Supreme Saka of Jaimal and Patta
The Third Siege of Chittorgarh, commencing in October 1567 and culminating on 23 February 1568, stands as the most famous testament to Rajput martial honor (*Aan*), fidelity (*Swamibhakti*), and supreme sacrifice in Indian military annals.
1. Strategic Context Mughal Emperor Akbar recognized that Mewar, under Maharana Udai Singh II, remained the sole unconquered bastion standing between Delhi and the ports of Gujarat. When Akbar marched with an army of over 60,000 veterans and heavy siege artillery, Maharana Udai Singh was persuaded by his council of 16 Umraos to withdraw into the forested defiles of the Aravallis (later founding Udaipur) to preserve the royal seed and continue the war from the hills.
The defense of the sacred citadel was entrusted to Rathore Jaimal of Badnor and Rawat Patta Sisodia of Kelwa, supported by Rawat Saindas Chundawat of Salumber and 8,000 valiant Rajput garrison warriors with their families.
2. The Four-Month Siege & Mining Operations Akbar encircled the 8-mile perimeter of the Chittor plateau, deploying hundreds of European and Turkish gunners to blast the ramparts. The Mughals constructed two massive Sabats (covered approach corridors shielded by thick leather roofs) to dig mines under the citadel walls: - In December 1567, the Mughals detonated two mines under the Chitrangori bastion. The second explosion prematurely detonated, killing nearly 500 imperial sappers and Rajput defenders. - Night after night, Rao Jaimal supervised the repair of breached bastions under heavy musket fire.
3. The Fatal Shot & The Sacred Jauhar On the night of 22 February 1568, Akbar personally spotted a tall figure in a coat of mail directing repairs on the Lakhota gate by torchlight. Using his famous personal musket named Sangram, Akbar fired a lead ball that struck Rao Jaimal in the leg, crippling him.
Realizing that the breach was undefendable and provisions were exhausted, the defenders prepared for the final, eternal rite of Kshatriya Dharma:
- The Jauhar: In the early morning hours of 23 February, three massive funeral pyres were ignited at Samidheshwar temple and the inner palace courts. Rani Chauhans, Sisodian princesses, and Patta's mother and young bride performed Jauhar, casting themselves into the flames to safeguard their sacred honor.
- The Saka: Donning the saffron robes (*Kesariya*), the 8,000 Rajput warriors broke open the seven fortified gates of Chittorgarh for the final charge.
4. The Last Stand of Jaimal and Patta Because Rao Jaimal's leg was shattered by musket fire, his heroic nephew Kalla Rathore (Four-Armed Deity) lifted Jaimal onto his shoulders. With Jaimal wielding two swords above and Kalla wielding two swords below, they fought through the Mughal ranks like a living whirlwind before falling honorably near the Bhairon Pol.
Sixteen-year-old Patta Sisodia of Kelwa led the vanguard charge alongside his mother and wife, fighting with superhuman ferocity before being crushed beneath an imperial war elephant near the Ram Pol.