"Padmavat" (epic poem)

"Padmavat" is a 16th-century epic poem by the Sufi poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi, written in Awadhi, a dialect of Hindi. It tells the story of Rani Padmini, the legendary queen of Chittor, renowned for her beauty and courage. The poem narrates her abduction by the Sultan of Delhi, Alauddin Khilji, and the subsequent siege of Chittor to rescue her. It explores themes of honor, sacrifice, and the ideal of love, celebrating the resilience of women and the valor of Rajput warriors. "Padmavat" has influenced literature, art, and cinema in India, becoming a part of the cultural heritage.