Jowharan

Jowharan, also sometimes seen spelled as Joharan or variants thereof, refers to a historical practice primarily found in certain regions of India, notably among the Rajput community. It constitutes a collective self-immolation, typically by women, when facing imminent capture or defeat by an enemy force.

The practice was undertaken to avoid enslavement, rape, or forced conversion at the hands of the victorious enemy. It was considered a final act of honor and defiance, preserving the women's and their families' social standing and religious purity. Jowharan often involved entering a massive fire pit en masse.

Historically, accounts of Jowharan are primarily documented in chronicles and bardic traditions. The practice is closely intertwined with the Rajput code of honor, known as Rajputana, which emphasized valor, self-respect, and the protection of one's family and community.

While historical accounts exist, the practice is now universally condemned as an act of violence against women and is illegal in India. It's viewed as a tragic response to historical circumstances rather than a practice to be emulated or condoned. The term "Jowhar" can also refer to the location where the self-immolation took place, often marked by a memorial or monument.