The Rajput Ceremony of Jauhar (Holocaust), 1567 (litho)

The Rajput Ceremony of Jauhar (Holocaust), 1567. This terrible ceremony has frequently been performed in Indian history. The most famous instance occurred when Chitor was taken by the Emperor Akbar in 1567. The description in the contemporary chronicle is sufficiently impressive: - "Jauhar is the name of a rite among the Hindus. When they know for certain that there is no escape, they collect their wives and children, goods and chattels, heap firewood around the pile, and fire it with their own hands. After the burning is accomplished, they rush into the fight, and give themselves over to death." Illustration for Hutchinson's History of the Nations (Hutchinson, c.1920). Note: Image has been digitally enhanced to facilitate repro.