A Great War Begins
Rajasthan is a land of stories—some of bravery, some of love, and some of sacrifice. One such story comes from Ranthambore Fort, where a queen, a princess, and 12,000 women made a heartbreaking choice to protect their honour. This is the story of First Jal Johar at Padmala Talab, Rajasthan’s first and only recorded Jal Johar.
Long ago, in the 13th century, Maharav Hammir Dev Chauhan ruled Ranthambore. His wife, Rani Rangadevi, and their daughter, Devaldeh, lived in the grand fort, surrounded by high walls and strong warriors.
But far away in Delhi, a powerful ruler, Alauddin Khilji, wanted to conquer Ranthambore. He sent his huge army to attack the fort. For months, the Rajput warriors fought bravely. The enemy was strong, but the Rajputs did not give up.
The Fort is Surrounded
As time passed, food and water in the fort began to run out. The Rajputs inside knew that if the enemy won, they would not be spared. The women feared they would be captured. The Rajput women always lived with dignity, and they refused to live as prisoners.
A Painful Decision: The First Jal Johar at Padmala Talab
Rani Rangadevi gathered the women of the fort. She spoke to them about their honour and courage. “It is better to die with pride than to live in shame,” she said. The women agreed. They made a decision—they would perform Johar.
Johar was a painful but brave tradition. The women would either jump into fire or water to escape capture. In Ranthambore, they chose Padmala Talab, a beautiful pond inside the fort.
The Dilemma of Devaldeh
However, there was a complication. Hammir’s daughter, Devaldeh, was only around 16 years old and had not yet been married. According to tradition, an unmarried girl could not participate in Johar. This left Maharav Hammir in a dilemma, as he struggled to decide the impending war.
Understanding the situation, Devaldeh made a heartbreaking choice. She decided to end her life by jumping into a nearby pond, ensuring that she upheld the honour of her family and kingdom.
The Night of the First Jal Johar at Padmala Talab
.On a dark and silent night, the women dressed in their finest clothes, like brides. They lit lamps and sang prayers. Then, with heavy hearts, they walked towards Padmala Talab.
One by one, they stepped into the water and drowned themselves. The pond became their resting place. 12,000 Rajput women, along with Rani Rangadevi and Devaldeh, gave up their lives in Rajasthan’s first and only recorded Jal Johar.
The Final Battle
When the Rajput warriors saw what had happened, their anger turned into strength. They rode out for one last battle against the enemy, fighting until their last breath. Ranthambore Fort finally fell to Alauddin Khilji, but the Rajput spirit remained unbroken.
A Story That Lives On
Today, Padmala Talab still exists in Ranthambore Fort. The water is calm, but the story it holds is full of emotion. The sacrifice of these brave women is not forgotten. Their story is told by the wind that moves through the fort, by the stones that have seen history, and by the people who still remember their courage.
This is not just a story of war. It is a story of love, honour, and the unbreakable spirit of Rajasthan’s women. A story that will always be remembered.
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