In 1308, the Delhi Sultanate ruler Alauddin Khalji captured the Siwana fort located in present-day Rajasthan, India.

Siwana, located near the Thar Desert, was controlled by a Paramara chief named Sitala Deva (also called "Satal Deo" or "Sital Dev" in medieval chronicles).

[2] The legendary poem Kanhadade Prabandha claims that on one occasion, the Jalore Chahamana ruler Kanhadadeva sent an army in Sitala Deva's aid.

[2] The Kanhadade Prabandha claims that Sitala Deva was betrayed by a man named Bhayala, with whose help Alauddin defiled the main water tank of Siwana with cows' blood.

Facing a desperate situation, the women of the fort committed jauhar (mass self-immolation), while the men decided to fight to their deaths.

[4] The 16th-century historian Firishta incorrectly states that Sitala Deva ultimately surrendered by sending a golden statue of himself to Alauddin and asking for a pardon (which was granted).