Chitor and Ala‑ud‑din Khalji
By M. L. Mathur
Summary
This historical narrative recounts the siege of Chitor (Chittor) in 1303 by Sultan Ala‑ud‑din Khalji of Delhi. After the death of Rawal Samar Singh, his son Ratan Singh ruled Mewar from the formidable fortress of Chitor, a symbol of Rajput pride. The article recounts the famous legend of Padmini, Ratan Singh’s beautiful queen. According to tradition, Ala‑ud‑din demanded to see her and, after being allowed only a reflected glimpse, treacherously captured Ratan Singh and insisted on Padmini’s surrender as ransom. The Rajput heroes Gora and Badal led a daring rescue and smuggled Ratan Singh out of captivity. The story culminates in Ala‑ud‑din’s siege and sack of Chitor, where the defenders fought fiercely but were ultimately overwhelmed. The article stresses that while the Padmini story has become central to Rajput folklore, modern historians doubt its historicity, noting the absence of contemporary evidence. Nevertheless, the siege was a significant event in the struggle between Rajput states and the Delhi Sultanate. By combining traditional accounts with critical historiography, the article illuminates both the military strategies employed by Ala‑ud‑din and the enduring power of legend in shaping historical memory.
Conclusion
The fall of Chitor to Ala‑ud‑din Khalji marked a watershed in Rajput–Delhi relations. Although the romantic tale of Padmini adds dramatic colour, contemporary records do not substantiate it. Recognising the divergence between legend and history allows a more nuanced understanding of this conflict and demonstrates how folklore can influence perceptions of historical events.