The Cambridge History of India, Vol. III: Turks and Afghans v3.c29.s2.125
The Cambridge History of India, Vol. III: Turks and Afghans v3.c29.s2.125
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v3.c29.s2.125
The annals of Jaisalmer record a siege of the city by the troops of 'Alā-ud-dīn Khaljī of Delhi, which lasted for eight years, from 1286 to 1295. 'Alā-ud-dīn did not ascend the throne of Delhi until 1296, and no such siege as that sung by the bards ever took place. The account of the performance of the rite of *jauhar*, and of the death of 24,000 women in the flames, is detailed and circumstantial. Three thousand eight hundred Rājput warriors rushed on the foe; Mūlrāj III, the Jādon chief, and seven hundred of his kin fell, and Jaisalmer was occupied by a Muslim garrison which, after holding the place for two years, dismantled it and retired.