the muslim conquest in the indian subcontinent brought changes to indian society. the position of indian women in society deteriorated during this period. jauhar which became a custom among rajputs was performed when they were faced with invaders like turco-afghans from the 11th century to avoid being enslaved and lose their honor or be tortured. during the conquest of sindh by muhammad bin qasim, rani bai and other rajput women had performed the jauhar. it was committed thrice, in chittor fort alone, by many of the wives and children of the rajput soldiers who died in battles at chittorgarh fort. the first time was led by rani padmini, wife of ratnasimha, who was killed in the battle in 1303, and later, by rani karnavati in 1537.