After the failure of Ulugh Khan, Alauddin Khilji himself reached Ranthambore. In his composition “Khazain-Ul-Futuh’ Amir Khusrau has depicted the eye witnessed description of this campaign and has said that-In this invasion, the Sultan took assistance from Pasheb, Magrabi and Arradaa.
After several efforts, when Alauddin Khilji remained unsuccessful in conquering the fort, then he resorted to treason and diplomacy and sent an offer of reconciliation to Hammir. For this treaty, Hammir sent hs commander Ratipal. Alauddin tempted Ratipal and with his assistance, another commander of Hammir named Ranmal to grant them the fort of Ranthambore and got their favour.
In Chauhan compositions, it has been mentioned that Alauddin won the favour of one of the officers of Hammir and adulterated the food present in the fort. Due to this, severe crisis of food emerged in the fort. In this context, Amir Khusrau has written that “In exchange of two grains of gold, not even one grain rice was available.”
Due to lack of food, Hammir was forced to get out of the fort, but due to the betrayal of Ranmal and Ratipal, he had to face defeat. During the battle Hammir died while confronting the enemy while the brave Rajput women performed Jauhar under the leadership of his queen Rangdevi.
According to Jodhraj’s composition ‘Hammir Raso’, in this Jauhar, the women of Muhammad Shah were also burnt alongwith Rangdevi. At some places, it is mentioned that Rangdevi had performed Jal Jauhar’ in ‘Padmala Pond’ situated in the fort. In this way Alauddin Khilji occupied Ranthambore on 11th July 1301 CE.”
