Chittaurgarh, the land of romance and valour, is an old city
extending the tradition of Rajasthan. It is not just another ruined citadel,
it is a symbol of bravery in Rajasthan. Chittaurgarh was invaded three times
and on each occasion, the ritual of 'Jauhar', which involved throwing
oneself into raging fire or a well, as the case may be, to be spared
humiliation at the hands of the enemy, was performed. The first instance was
in 1303, when Allauddin Khilji, Sultan of Delhi, coveted the famous Rajput
beauty, Rani Padmini. Padmini led the Jauhar, rather than submit to
dishonour. The second instance, was in 1533, when the Sultan of Gujarat
attacked Bikramjeet of Chittaur. Rani Karnavati led the Jauhar, in which
many women and children were killed. Then Chittaur was attacked 33 years
later, in 1568, when the Mughal emperor Akbar, took the town. Once again,
the fort was defended heroically but once again, the odds were overwhelming
and the women performed jauhar, the fort gates were flung open and 8000
orange clad warriors rode out to their deaths. On this occasion, Maharana
Udai Singh fled to Udaipur where he re-established his capital. In 1616
Jehangir returned Chittaur to the Rajputs but there was no attempt of
resettlement. We offering chittaurgarh travel and rajasthan chittaurgarh travel.
Attractions in Chittaurgarh
» The Fort : It is believed to be constructed by
later Mauryan rulers in 7th century A.D., this fort is located on a 180 m
high hill and covers an area of 700 acres. It has a distinct Rajput
character and owns many architectural attractions.
» Vijay Sthamb (Victory Tower) : The Vijay Sthamb
was built by Maharana Kumbha, in commemoration of victory over the Muslim
rulers of Malwa and Gujarat, in 1440 A.D., this 37 m high tower is a
structure of nine towers. It is richly ornamented from top to bottom.
» Kirti Sthamb (Tower of Fame) : The Kirti Sthamb is
22 m high and was built by a wealthy Jain merchant, in the 12th century A.D.
It is dedicated to Adinathji, the first of the Jain Tirthankaras. The tower
is embossed with figures from the Jain pantheon.
» Rana Kumbha's Palace : This is the biggest
monument in the fort of Chitaur and is believed that Rani Padmini committed
Jauhar in one of its underground cellars. Though the palace has turned into
ruins, but still it generates historical as well as architectural interest.
The original palace was believed to have been built by Rana Hamir after
regaining the fort in the first siege. The Mewar power reached its acme
during Rana Kumbha's time, he was a great patron of art and architecture,
which is amply reflected in the palace.
» Kalika Mata Temple : It is a temple
dedicated to Goddess Kali and is the symbol of power and valour. Originally
it was built as a Sun temple in the 8th century by Bappa Rawal, but was
converted into the Kalika Mata temple, in the 14th century A.D by Rana
Hamir. The house of Chunda is situated near the temple. There are several
other temples, within the ramparts of the fort like that of the temple of
Annapurana, Jain Temples etc.
» Government Museum : The ethnic Fateh Prakash Mahal
has been converted into a museum, which houses a rare and rich collection of
sculptures from the forts and the temples. It remains closed on Fridays.
» Padmini palace : This is the palace of Rani
Padmini, who died for the sake of her honor by committing Jauhar, along with
her entire entourage before falling into the hands of Allauddin Khilji. Rana
Ratan Singh allowed Allauddin Khilji to have a glimpse of the legendary
beauty at this palace itself. The Zanana Mahal overlooks the pond, Padmini
stood over here and the reflection of her was shown in the water to
Allauddin Khilji.
» Meera temple : This temple is dedicated to the
mystic poetess Meera, and a devotee of Lord Krishna. In front of the temple
is the cenotaph (chhatri) of Meera Bai's Guru Shri Rai Das of Banaras,
inside the cenotaph is carved a figure of five human bodies with one head,
depicting that all castes are equal and even outcasts can attain God.
» Kumbha shyam temple : The temple is dedicated to
Varah (Boar), the incarnation of Lord Vishnu and was built in 1448 AD by
Rana Kumbha Mahasati. The cremation site of the Ranas and their wives, the
sites are marked with Chhatris.
» Jaimal and patta's palace : This palace is now
left to ruins and reminds of the story of the gallant Rathores Jaimal and
Sisodia Patta, the two great warriors, who layed down their lives for the
honour of Chittaurgarh.
» Gaumukh(Cow's mouth reservoir) : It is situated
near the Mahasati Chowk, the water from a spring flows through a stone
structure carved in the form of a cow's mouth into the reservoir.
» Mohar Magri (Hill of gold coins) : This
small structure was raised during the invasion of Chittaurgarh by Akbar in
1567. It gets the name Mohar Magri because it is believed that Emperor Akbar
paid one mohar (gold coin) for each basketful of earth placed on the mound,
since the work was very dangerous as there were brave soldiers guarding the
the ramparts from above. This mound was raised to such a height that the
Mughal cannons could be placed over it and fired inside the fort. The
important places inside are, the temple of Tulja Bhawani (the tutelary
goddess of the scribes), the Naulakha Bhandar or nine lakh treasury, Singar
Chauri, depicting inscriptions dating back to 1448 AD and Sat -bis-Deori,
the old Jain temple etc.
Getting there
» By Air : The nearest airport is Dabok airport at
Udaipur about 90 km away.
» By Rail : Chittaurgarh is connected with Ajmer,
Jaipur, Alwar, Delhi, Udaipur and Ahmedabad.
» By Road : Bus services operate to several
important destinations. Delhi (583 km), Mount Abu (297 km), Jaipur (325 km),
Indore (325 km) and Ajmer (185 km) away from Chittaurgarh.
