Who was the ruler of Chittorgarh at the time of attack of Alauddin Khilji in 1303 A.D. ?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 1:

The ruler of Chittorgarh at the time of Alauddin Khilji’s attack in 1303 A.D. was **Rawal Ratan Singh**, who belonged to the Guhila dynasty of Mewar. This historic siege is one of the most famous events in the history of Rajasthan, primarily due to the legendary tales associated with Queen Padmini (Padmini being the central character in Malik Muhammad Jayasi’s epic poem, *Padmavat*). Khilji’s motive was two-fold: the strategic importance of the Chittor fort, which was the largest fortress in North India and controlled the trade routes to Gujarat, and his imperial ambition to conquer all Rajput kingdoms. Following a fierce eight-month siege, Chittor fell in August 1303 A.D. Rawal Ratan Singh fought bravely but was defeated, and the fortress subsequently witnessed the second famous *Jauhar* (mass self-immolation) performed by the women of the royal household, an event that immortalized Ratan Singh’s sacrifice.

The incorrect option is 2:
Hammir Dev (or Hammir Singh) did not rule Chittorgarh during the 1303 siege. Hammir Dev was a later ruler who is credited with recapturing Chittor from the Khiljis decades later, founding the Sisodia branch of the Ranas of Mewar after the fort had been governed by Khilji's appointees.

The incorrect option is 3:
Kanhaddeo was the Chauhan ruler of Jalore, not Chittorgarh, at the time of Alauddin Khilji's conquests. Khilji attacked Jalore much later (around 1311 A.D.), and Kanhaddeo's resistance forms another distinct chapter in the history of Rajput defiance against the Delhi Sultanate.

The incorrect option is 4:
Kumbha (Maharana Kumbhakarna) was one of the most powerful Ranas of Mewar, but he reigned much later, in the 15th century (c. 1433–1468 A.D.). He is famed for defeating Mahmud Khilji of Malwa and constructing the magnificent Vijay Stambha (Victory Tower) at Chittor, long after the 1303 siege occurred.