What Happened to Real Padmavati?

The historical figure of Rani Padmavati, also known as Padmini, ultimately committed jauhar (mass self-immolation) along with other women of Chittor, including Nagmati, to preserve their honor and dignity when facing certain defeat against the forces of Alauddin Khilji.

The Sacrifice at Chittor

Rani Padmavati's story is a profound narrative of courage and self-sacrifice from medieval Indian history. When the Rajput forces of Chittor, under the leadership of Rawal Ratan Singh, were on the verge of being overwhelmed by the invading army of the Delhi Sultan Alauddin Khilji, a grim decision was made by the women of the fort.

Faced with the imminent capture and the dishonor that could follow, Rani Padmavati, alongside Rani Nagmati and numerous other royal women and common women of Chittor, collectively chose to perform jauhar. This act was a deliberate and ritualistic mass self-immolation in a large pyre, undertaken to protect their chastity and honor from falling into the hands of the victorious enemy.

Key Aspects of the Event:

• Context: The siege of Chittor by Alauddin Khilji's formidable army.
• Motivation: To avoid capture, enslavement, and potential desecration by the invading forces.
• Participants: Rani Padmavati, Rani Nagmati, and a vast number of other women within the Chittor fort.
• Nature of Act: A voluntary and collective self-sacrifice by fire, deeply rooted in Rajput code of honor.

This tragic yet powerful event is remembered as a testament to the extreme measures taken to protect personal and collective honor during times of war and conquest. While historical details surrounding Rani Padmavati are often interwoven with folklore and poetry, the act of jauhar at Chittor is a widely accepted historical occurrence.

More details on Rani Padmini's historical accounts and legends can be found on her Wikipedia page.