Jauhar

Jauhar is a historical practice, originating from the Indian subcontinent, where women of royal Hindu Rajput families committed self-immolation to avoid capture, enslavement and rape by invading Muslim armies, when facing certain defeat during a war. This practice was followed by the women of the Rajput dynasty, who preferred death to dishonor. Jauhar has been practiced by Hindu women in many parts of India, but it is most commonly associated with the Rajput women of Rajasthan.

History

The practice of Jauhar is believed to have originated in the 7th century, during the Islamic invasion of India. The first recorded instance of Jauhar is said to have taken place in 712 AD, during the invasion of the Indian subcontinent by the Umayyad Caliphate. The practice continued until the 17th century, with the last known Jauhar taking place in 1731, in Rajasthan.

Practice

Jauhar was usually performed during the night, and was followed by Saka, where the men of the Rajput dynasty would fight to death, after their women had committed Jauhar. The practice was often carried out in a mass ceremony, in a special fort or a secluded area, where a large fire would be lit. The women, dressed in their wedding finery, would walk into the fire hand-in-hand, singing devotional songs.

Criticism and Legacy

The practice of Jauhar has been criticized for being a form of mass suicide, and for glorifying death over life. However, it is also seen as a symbol of the courage and honor of the Rajput women, who chose death over dishonor. The practice has left a deep imprint on the collective psyche of the Rajput community, and is often romanticized in literature and cinema.

See Also

• Sati (practice)
• Rajput
• History of Rajasthan

Jauhar Resources
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