The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c15.145

v4.c15.145

On the night of 23 February, 1568, while a body of the defenders was making a sortie a leader was observed at a loophole directing the operation. A marksman stationed in the covered way fired at him and as he appeared no more it was concluded that the shot had taken fatal effect. The marksman is said to have been Akbar, with his favourite musket “*Sangrām*”, but the identity of his victim was not at once discovered. During the night, however, flames broke out at various places in the fortress, and it was observed that the defences were deserted. Rājā Bhagwān Dās informed Akbar that the rite of *jauhar* was being performed and when day broke it was discovered that he was not mistaken. Akbar’s victim had been Jai Mal, whose death had so discouraged the garrison that they resolved to perform the rite with which the Rājput, despairing of success, ends his life.