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Chittorgarh According to legends, Chittorgarh was founded by one of the Pandavas – Bhima. Historically, Chittorgarh is said to have been built during the 7th century by the Mauryan dynasty. Bappa Rawal, attributed as the founder of the Mewar dynasty, would later In 1303, the Sultan of Delhi, Ala- Chronicles th We’ve all grown up reading about the fierce battles and capture the fort around 8 ud-din Khilji defeated the Rajputs century to expand his kingdom when he was supposedly besotted sacrifices of the Rajputs of Chittorgarh in our school books. stretching up to Gujarat. by Rajput Rani Padmini's beauty. Once a powerful seat of the Mewar dynasty, until Maharaja The Mewars managed to reclaim At its prime, Chittorgarh was not Chittorgarh and re-establish their Udai Singh II shifted the capital to Udaipur, Chittorgarh is only one of the largest but also rule in 1326. Two centuries later, always remembered for its 'fight-till-the-end' Rajputana spirit. the strongest and wealthiest in 1533, Bahadur Shah, the Sultan forts in India. Situated on the of Gujarat captured the fort once banks of the Berach River, the again. But perhaps the most Words Edwina D'souza fortified township boasted an brutal of all sieges was in 1568, enviable location in the heart of when Mughal Emperor Akbar the Mewar kingdom. Invaders attacked Maharana Udai Singh II eyed Chittorgarh for its strategic and seized the fort. location between the Delhi Sultanate and Gujarat that had an easy access to the sea. To conquer, Chittorgarh would invariably mean to command rule over the northern and west regions; which explains why Chittorgarh had such a tumultuous past.

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small shrine dedicated to queen poetess Stambh, or the Tower of Fame is a 12th century The Rajputs were great patrons of the Mirabai. A Rajput princess, who married monument, built by a Jain merchant to pay in the powerful Mewar royal family, she is tribute to the first Jain tirthankara - Adinath. art, so expect to find poetry in stone believed to have lived in Chittorgarh for Far smaller in scale at 72 feet, but an equally a brief time before moving to Dwarka to captivating sight with intricately carved and splendid architecture influenced dedicate her entire life to Lord Krishna. sculptures of the Dighambaras adorning all sides of the tower. by the Hindus, Jains and Mughals. Rani Padmini’s Palace The palace is a major crowd puller due to One of the newer constructions inside the the legend that surrounds the queen. Tour heritage complex, the 19th century Fateh guides narrate her tales with an animated Singh Palace, has been converted into a enthusiasm. Built in the middle of a lotus Government museum where visitors can pond, the Rani Padmini palace is an 18th view restored artefacts, Rajputana clothing, century reconstruction of the original. armour and paintings. (Timing: 10am to 5pm) Nonetheless, one is quick to imagine the beauty of this place back in its day, Don't forget to drop by the Rana Kumbha surrounded by clear waters and beautiful Palace, easily one of the biggest structural lawns. Rani Padmini’s Palace is inaccessible sites inside Chittorgarh. The crumbling ruins and can be viewed from the main palace. give away the grandeur of this once beautiful palace where the kings and queens resided. In passing The Vijaystambha Stay back to watch the sunset from here, Also called the Victory Tower, it is a majestic overlooking Chittorgarh town - a fitting end Chittorgarh Fort is a part of UNESCO structure built in 1440 by Rana Kumbha to to your visit. World Heritage commemorate the victory over Mahmud monuments under Khilji. Standing tall at 122 feet, it boasts the Hill forts of of some exquisite carvings, both on the Rajasthan. The exteriors and interiors of the tower. A narrow remaining five forts that have spiralled stairway allows visitors to reach been declared as the top where you're rewarded with a bird's UNESCO heritage eye view of the beautiful complex. The Kirti are Kumbhalgarh Fort, Ranthambore Fort, Gagron Fort, Jaisalmer Fort and Spread over 700 acres of land, through seven gates or pols that were Amber Fort. exploring the Chittorgarh fort complex built according to Hindu Vastu. There was is likely to consume your entire a time when up to 70,000 people lived day, but time will snap by soaking inside the fort complex. Today, however, The Rajasthan in myriad stories of the myths and only a fraction of that number resides, and Tourism legends associated with this place. new constructions have been prohibited. Development The Rajputs were great patrons of the Corporation th organises Sound art, so expect to find poetry in stone The 15 century Kumbhashyam temple and Light show and splendid architecture influenced commissioned by Rana Kumbha in 1449 at the Chittorgarh by the Hindus, Jains and Mughals. is your first stop inside the fort. The Fort during temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, evenings. Timing: As you enter Chittor town, a road and the inside walls are covered with 7pm to 8pm everyday. leads from the Aravalli foothills to the panels depicting stories from Krishna’s summit of Chittorgarh Fort passing life. Right besides the temple, there’s a

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