Chittorgarh

GARH TOH BAS CHITTORGARH BAAKI SAB GARHIYA" is a very common old saying in the Princely state of Rajasthan. It literally translates to "There is only one fort, Chittorgarh, rest all are just fortresses.

Chittorgarh is the epitome of Rajput (Indian warrior caste) pride, romance and spirit for people of Chittor always chose death before surrendering against anyone. It reverberates with history of heroism and sacrifice, and that is evident from the tales sung by the Bards of Rajasthan till date.
By the 16th century, Mewar had become the leading Rajput state. Rana Sanga of Mewar led a combined Rajput forces against the Mughal emperor Babur in 1527, but was defeated at the Battle of Khanua. Later in 1535 Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat besieged the fort causing immense carnage.It is said that again just like in the case of Jauhar led by Padmini in 1303, all 32000 men alive then in the fort donned the saffron robes of martyrdom and rode out to face a certain death in the war, and their women folkes committed Jauhar led by Rani Karnawati.