Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan, or the Central and Western Rajput States of India v1.c20.s2.t1.106

v1.c20.s2.t1.106

The Johar.—But another awful sacrifice was to precede this act of self-devotion in that horrible rite, the *Johar*,⁴ where the females are immolated to preserve them from pollution or captivity. The funeral pyre was lighted within the ‘great subterranean retreat,’ in chambers impervious to the light [266] of day, and the defenders of Chitor beheld in procession the queens, their own wives and daughters, to the number of several thousands. The fair Padmini closed the throng, which was augmented by whatever of female beauty or youth could be tainted by Tatar lust. They were conveyed to the cavern, and the opening closed upon them, leaving them to find security from dishonour in the devouring element.