Chittorgarh (the fort, garh, at Chittor) is the largest fort complex in India, and a fascinating place to explore. It rises from the plains like a huge rock island, nearly 6km long and surrounded on all sides by 150m-plus cliffs.
Its history epitomises Rajput romanticism, chivalry and tragedy, and it holds a special place in the hearts of many Rajputs. Three times (in 1303, 1535 and 1568) Chittorgarh was under attack from a more powerful enemy; each time, its people chose death before dishonour, performing jauhar.
Heroism, valour, sacrifice, devotion… Chittorgarh Fort stands as a literal representation of the virtues of the Rajput kings and queens. This beautiful, extensive structure is the most popular fort of Rajasthan. The fort has seven gateways that one has to pass through to get in, along with the numerous water pools in the vicinity of the fort, which is vastly spread over 700 hectares.
Kumbha of Mewar, or Rana Kumbha, was the ruler of the region of Mewar during 1433 to 1468 AD. Rana Kumbha is known to have valiantly defeated Mahmud Khilji among other enemies who lay siege to Mewar. He reconstructed the destructed state of Mewar, and restored its pride by erecting fortresses. The Rana Kumbha Palace, which was once resided in by Rana Kumbha is a projection of his might.
Aptly named after Maharana Fateh Singh, the Fateh Prakash Palace is an epitome of modern architecture. Housing an idol of Lord Ganesh, along with a fountain, and found here and there are an array of wall paintings and murals. It is now popular as a museum of Rajput history, and the architecture is breathtaking just like all the other historical forts and palaces in Rajasthan.
In the vicinity of the Chittorgarh Fort, the Meera Temple stands as proof of the immense love and devotion that Meera felt for Lord Krishna. The temple was erected by Rana Kumbha, and it is adorned beautifully with idols of Vishnu and other significant gods and goddesses.
48 km away, on the way to Rana Pratap Sagar Dam lies one oldest and most spectacular temple complexes in Rajasthan belonging to the 9th century AD. It is built a little before the classical period of temple building.
Vijay Stambha, also known as victory tower, is a piece of resistance of Chittorgarh. It was constructed by the king of Mewar, Rana Kumbha to celebrate his triumph over the combined forces of Malwa and Gujarat led by Mahmud Khilji, in 1448. The mighty tower was constructed between the period of 1458 and 1488 and is so tall and massive that it is visible from any part of the city. Hence, the entire town can be viewed from here.
The wildlife sanctuary covers an area of 50 Sq.Km. near Bassi village. The key fauna of the sanctuary are panther, wild boar, antelopes and mongoose. Migratory birds also visit the sanctuary. For entry into the sanctuary, prior permision is to be obtained from the District Forst Officer, Chittorgarh.
Rani Padmini’s Palace makes for a visual treat. It is one of the earliest palaces constructed in India to be completely surrounded by water. The queen’s ill-fated but legendary beauty is reflected in the lotus pool that surrounds her small but stunning palace.
The Sanwaliaji temple of the Dark Krishna is situated on the Chittorgarh - Udaipur Highway, at the town of Mandaphia, about 40 kilometers from Chittorgarh. The deity also known as Shri Sanwaria Seth.The legends has it that in the year 1840, a milkman named Bholaram Gurjar dreamt of three divine statues buried under the ground in the Chapar village of Bhadsoda-Bagund.
Built in the 12th-century, Kirti Stambh is situated inside the Chittorgarh Fort, Rajasthan. The 22 meters tall tower was constructed by a Jain merchant, Jeeja Bhagerwala during the rule of Rawal Kumar Singh, to glorify Jainism. The tower contains figures from the Jain pantheon, and hence, Kirti Stambh is considered a major Jain pilgrimage by many Jainism followers.
Jauhar was an act of self immolation where women jumped to death in a huge fire bowl, known as Jauhar Kund. This was much on the lines of Sati, but Jauhar was practiced only by Rajput women. In times of wars, while hundreds of Rajput men lost their lives, the women were treated like trophies by the invaders. Rajput women preferred death over being captured for harem.
5th Street, Bapunagar, Senthi
Udaipur Road, Chittorgarh -312001 (Rajasthan) INDIA
