Chittorgarh, The Town of Valor, Sacrifice and Epitome of Romance
General Information
Other Name:ChittorDistrict:ChittorgarhState:RajasthanCountry:IndiaArea:6.5 Sq. Km.Language Spoken:Rajasthani, Hindi, EnglishLong Distance Code:+91-1472Importance:Tower of victoryBest Time To Visit:October to MarchDescription:
Chittorgarh has always been the pride and glory of Rajasthan. Once the place full of citadels, graceful palaces and chhattris, today lies in ruins. But these ruins echo the tales of valour and romance of the past, very unique to Rajasthan and the Rajput people. Chittor is famous for the beauty of Rani Padmini and the quest of Allauddin Khilji to overpower her. The legendary tale had a tragic end by Rani Padmini committing Jauhar or suicide rather than dishonouring herself in the hands of a foreigner.
Since then Chittor has experienced many Jauhars and tragic ends adding to the tales of valour of the Rajput kings of this place. The place was often attacked by the Mughals and the Muslim rulers of Gujarat. It was the heir of the kingdom of Chittor, Prince Udai Singh, who fled the place only to build a new capital of his own and beautiful that too on his name, today know as the city of Lakes, Udaipur.Location:
Chittorgarh is located 112 km off Udaipur in the countryside in South Rajasthan. It is located on the banks of River Gambheri.
Nagari Town is one of the oldest in Rajasthan and was an important town during the Mauryan period. Situated on the banks of Bairach, it is 20kms from Chittaur. Hindu and Buddhist remains from the Maurya and Gupta period can be found here.BASSI Village, 25 kms on the Bundi route is a marvelous village with historical forts, temples, and Kunds (tanks). It is famous for its sculptures and wood craft.
MATRI KUNDIA TEMPLE is a popular sacred place dedicated to Lord Shiva, 50 kms from Chittaur and is known as Haridwar of Mewar.
The 22 mtr high Tower of fame was built by a wealthy Jain merchant in the 12 century A.D. and is dedicated to Adinathji, the first of the Tirthankaras. The tower is decorated with Jain Pantheons.
Built beside a pool, this is a magnificent palace. It was here that Rana Rattan Singh showed a glimpse of Rani Padmini to Allauddin Khilji. Rani Padmini stood in the Zenana Mahal, and her reflection was visible to Khilji in a mirror placed in the main hall. Khilji, after having a glimpse of the queen, was smitten by her beauty and with the passion to posses her invaded Chittaur.
Built during the reign of Rana Kumbha in the Indo-Aryan style, this temple is associated with the mystic poetess Meerabai, an ardent Krishna devotee. She was wife of Prince Bhojraj.
A temple of Goddess Kali symbolizes, power and valor. Originally built as a Sun temple in the 8th century, it was later made in to Kali Mata temple in 14th century A.D.
Presently housed in the Fateh Prakash Mahal, the museum has sculptures from temples and the fort.
The ruins of palaces of Rathore Jaimal and Sisodia Patta remain the symbols of exemplary gallantry performed by these two young warriors.
The ruined structure is of great, architectural and historical importance. It is the most massive monument of the fort. The palace is said to have an underground cellar where Rani Padmini and others committed Jauhar.
The indomitable pride of Chittaur, the fort is a massive structure with many gateways, built by the later Maurya rulers in the 7th century A.D. It is built on a 180 mts high hill and sprawls over 700 acres of land. The tablets and the chhatris inside are the reminders of the Rajput heroism. The main gates are the Padal pol, the Bhairon pol, the Ram pol and the Hanuman pol. The fort has magnificent monuments all fine examples of the Rajput architecture.It is located on a steep hill besides the modern township. A zigzag ascent of about one km. leads the tourist to its main gate, the Ram pol. On the way one can see two chhatris or memorials of Jaimal and Patta. It was here they fell while defending the fort during the siege of 1568. Though most of the monuments are in ruin, they reflect the glory and grandeur of its rulers.
This tower was built by Rana Kumbha to commemorate his victory over Mahmud Khilji of Malwa in 1440 A.D. This 37 mtr High tower is 9 storeyed and has a number of balconies at each storey which gives a nice view of the monuments within the fort.