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India Today
17-07-2025
- General
- India Today
The brutal legacy of Akbar's Chittorgarh siege referenced by NCERT
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has released a new Class 8 Social Science textbook that offers a revised take on Indian history from the 13th to 17th centuries. The book, part of the series Exploring Society: India and Beyond, calls Akbar's reign a mix of brutality and tolerance, referring to his massacre of 30,000 people at siege of Chittorgarh is a pivotal event in Indian history. It marks the beginning of Akbar's campaign to subdue the Rana of Mewar. Below is a detailed account based on historical sources, primarily the Akbarnama by Abu'l Fazl, of the causes, events, and aftermath of the Sisodia RajputsThe Rajputs, a warrior caste of northern India, are organised into numerous clans claiming descent from ancient Kshatriya lineages, often linked to solar (Suryavanshi), lunar (Chandravanshi), or fire-born (Agnivanshi) dynasties. The Sisodias, a Suryavanshi Rajput clan, ruled Mewar from Chittorgarh and later Udaipur. Renowned for their fierce independence, they resisted Mughal domination longer than most, notably under Rana Udai Singh II and his son Rana Pratap located in present-day Rajasthan, was a formidable hill fortress and the heart of Mewar. Sprawling over 700 acres atop a 180-meter-high hill, the fortress had a history of resistance, having faced sieges by Alauddin Khalji in 1303 and Bahadur Shah of Gujarat in 1535. Its core structure - walls, gates, and key monuments - dates back to the pre-Mughal era, with contributions from the 7th to 16th Siege of ChittorgarhBy 1567, Akbar had consolidated power over much of northern India, including Malwa and parts of Rajputana. Unlike other Rajput rulers, such as those of Amber and Bikaner, who allied with Akbar through diplomacy and marriage, Rana Udai Singh II refused to recognise Mughal overlordship. His support for rebellious Mughal vassals, like Baz Bahadur of Malwa, further provoked the October 1567, Akbar marched from Agra with 40,000 men with the objective of bringing the Rana to his knees. His large army was equipped with cannons, muskets, and siege equipment. The army set up camp at the base of the Chittorgarh hill, choking off the Chittorgarh fort, a stronghold of Rajput pride, 8,000 warriors led by Jaimal Rathore braced for the storm. Mewar's ruler Rana Udai Singh II had retreated into the Aravalli hills, leaving his trusted commander to hold the Sisodia capital against an unstoppable cannons began to roar, hurling iron at the 30-foot-thick walls of the fort. But the fort's height and defences repelled the Mughal army's efforts. Jaimal's men answered from the ramparts, targeting the Mughals with arrows, musket fire, and stones hurled from catapults. Night after night, the Rajputs struck with quick raids on Mughal by the army's failure and the Rajput resistance, Akbar asked his men to creep toward the fort in covered trenches (sabat). The Mughals burrowed beneath the fort, packing gunpowder to rip the foundations apart. But the Rajputs were watching. They dug counter-mines and fought of ChittorgarhWeeks turned into months, but the defenders stood firm. Akbar, sleepless, prowled his camp, watching the army lose patience and hope. But in February 1568, Jaimal Rathore was killed, possibly by a Mughal marksman or during a sortie (though Mughal chronicles say he was shot by Akbar himself). His death was a turning point, as it demoralised the defenders and signaled the fort's imminent defeat inevitable, the Rajput women inside the fort performed jauhar on or around February 23, 1568, to avoid capture. The men donned saffron robes and launched a final sortie against the Mughal February 23-24, 1568, after nearly four months of siege, the Mughals breached the fort's defences through a collapsed wall section. Mughal sources claim that the defenders were almost entirely killed, with estimates of 8,000-10,000 Rajput deaths. Akbar, enraged by the prolonged resistance, ordered a general massacre of the fort's non-combatant population, with estimates of civilian deaths ranging from 20,000 to 30,000. The fort, scarred and silent, stood as a hollow AftermathThe fall of Chittorgarh marked a significant victory for Akbar, weakening Mewar's resistance and sending a message to other Rajput states. The fortress was briefly occupied by Mughal forces but was not permanently garrisoned due to its remote location and the high cost of maintenance. Akbar appointed a governor to oversee the region, but Mewar's resistance continued under Rana Udai Singh's son, Pratap Singh, who later waged a guerrilla campaign against the the Rajputs, the siege became a symbol of sacrifice and defiance. The jauhar and Rajput bravery at Chittorgarh were immortalised in Rajput ballads and chronicles, celebrating the heroism of Jaimal, Patta Sisodia (another commander), and the women who performed jauhar. Rana Pratap's refusal to submit to Akbar further cemented Mewar's reputation as a bastion of Rajput fort still exists and retains significant elements of its pre-1568 structure, such as its gates, towers, and major palaces, reminding visitors of the siege, the massacre, and the unyielding spirit of the Ranas of Mewar.- EndsMust Watch
India Today
05-05-2025
- General
- India Today
May 2025: Full list of important national and international days
May is the fifth month of the year and is characterised by good weather and unique observances. It has a broad spectrum of national and international days that are commemorated around the globe. These days, we raise awareness, commemorate special causes, and celebrate the achievements of individuals from various walks of Labour Day, May 1, to World No Tobacco Day, May 31, each week in May is significant. Whether it comes to health, environment, education, mothers, nurses, or cultural heritage, every day provides us with a reason to recall and following is an exhaustive list of significant days in May 2025, along with a brief description of OF IMPORTANT DAYS IN MAY 2025May 1 – International Labour Day / May Day: Commemorates the hard work of working-class individuals and labourers. It's a national holiday in most nations, including 3 – World Press Freedom Day: Honours the role of free and independent media. Reminds us of the danger that journalists risk giving us the 4 – Coal Miners Day: Celebrates coal miners and their role in the energy 7 – World Athletics Day: Promotes youth to engage in athletics and sports for improved 8 – World Red Cross Day: Commemorates the birthday of Henry Dunant, the Red Cross founder, and honours humanitarian 9- Maharana Pratap Jayanti: The festival of Maharana Pratap Jayanti celebrates the glorious and courageous reign of Chittor's first ruler. He was a great warrior, the pride of Rajasthan, and a force to be reckoned with. He was the son of Rana Udai Singh II, the king of 11 – National Technology Day (India): Commemorates India's success in nuclear testing in 1998. It celebrates innovation and technology in 11 – Mother's Day (Second Sunday of May): A day to celebrate and recognise mothers and 12 – International Nurses' Day: Observed on the birthday of Florence Nightingale to recognise the service and devotion of nurses all over the 12 - Buddha Jayanti or Buddha Purnima: It is said that Gautama Buddha was born on the full moon of the month of Vaishakh at Lumbini near Kapilavastu. He is also referred to as 'Jyoti Punj of Asia' or 'Light of Asia'. Buddha Jayanti or Buddha Purnima is being celebrated on 12 May this 15 – International Day of Families: Draws attention to the significance of families within society and encourages family 17 – World Telecommunication and Information Society Day: Emphasises the use of digital technology and communication in our 21 – National Anti-Terrorism Day (India): Observed on the anniversary of the death of former PM Rajiv Gandhi, to make people aware of terrorism and its destructive 22 – International Day for Biological Diversity: Reminds us to safeguard biodiversity and natural resources for a better 31 – World No Tobacco Day: Motivates individuals to give up smoking and makes them aware of the ill effects of tobacco on health. May's important days are not merely dates on a calendar. They have messages of awareness, respect, oneness, and development. Whether it is about respecting hardworking people, safeguarding health, or respecting families, every day teaches us something and makes us reflect.
