Chitor.
Towards the end of the thirteenth century this fortress was besieged by the Pathans under Ala-ud-Din, and was defended by the Rana, Lakhsman. The first attack was repulsed, though the Rajputs suffered terribly, but at the second attempt the Pathans overpowered the defenders, who were mercilessly put to the sword. All the Rajput women in the place committed suttee, to avoid captivity. Lakhsman Singh and eleven out of his twelve sons fell in the defence.
The second sack of Chitor took place in 1535, when the Rana Bikrmajit made a gallant but unavailing defence against the Gujeratis under Bahadur Shah. Thirteen thousand women were slain by the remnant of the garrison, before they opened the gates, and rushed out to fall fighting. Only one small child of the Royal line escaped the massacre, namely Udai Singh. It was during the reign of this Udai Singh that the third sack took place in 1568, by the Delhi Moguls under Akbar. Udai Singh deserted his capital, which was defended by a garrison of 8,000 Rajputs under Jagmal. The siege was scientifically conducted, and, a breach having been effected, an assault was ordered. A mine, however, was exploded in the breach, killing 500 of the assailants, and the assault was repulsed. Shortly afterwards Jagmal was killed, and a second assault proved successful, the garrison, refusing to surrender, being put to the sword.