Chittorgarh embodies romance and chivalry. The stories told of the ruined Fort Chittor evokes awe and respect to this day. The fort fell more than once and each time the inhabitants fought literally to the last man and the women committed Jowhar, or mass immolation, to escape the ignominy of capture.

The most famous instance, which is now a part of folklore, occurred in 1303 when the legendary Rajput beauty, Rani Padmini committed Jowhar with thousands of womenfolk to escape dishonour at the hands of the soldiers of Allaudin Khilji, Sultan of Delhi.
A second instance occurred in 1533 when Bikramjeet of Chittaur was defeated by the Sultan of Gujarat - many women and children sacrificed themselves in the Jauhar led by Rani Karnavati. Chittorgarh stands today as a symbol of Rajput courage and pride.