Fort Chittaurgarh
En route from Ranthambhore to Udaipur, we stopped at Fort Chittaurgarh, by far the largest hilltop fort we saw on our trip, covering over 700 acres, commanding a sweeping view of the valley below, and including numerous temples and palaces.
The fort was the site of one of the largest acts of jauhar, or ritual mass suicide of women, in Indian history. Jauhar was the self-immolation of thousands of women brought on by the impending sack, rape, and pillage of a conquering army. Over 16,000 women committed jauhar at Fort Chittaurgarh by burning themselves to death.
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