The best place to experience history! Visiting Rajasthan, besides its spectacular destinations like Jaipur,Udaipur, Jaisalmer… Don’t forget to add Chittorgarh, a true treasure trove to your itinerary!
A destination that’s known to offer tourists an insight into the life of Rajasthan’s great Rajput rulers, who sacrificed their lives fighting the enemy than lead a life of surrender under them. A city that’s filled with remnants of the glorious yester years, Chittorgarh is a city that boasts of many historic tales dating back to even the days of the Mahabharata. Legends have it, that it was here the powerful Pandava brother, Bhim, stomped the ground using his foot with such force that it caused a water body to be born!
A city filled with ruins of a glorious past, the majestic Chittorgarh Fort is said to be the biggest & most spectacular of all forts in India. Sprawling gloriously over 180 m high hill it spreads over an area of 691.9 acres, and is known to house many a magnificent palace, temples, even two commemoration towers.
Known for its exquisite carvings the Vijay Sthamb (the 9 storey Victory Tower) was built in 1440 AD after Maharana Kumbha, was victorious in taking over the fort. The second commemoration tower here is Kirti Sthamb (TowerofFame); this 22 m high tower was built in the 12th century A.D by a wealthy Jain merchant, and is dedicated to Adinathji, the first of the Jain Tirthankaras.
This picturesque fort is was attacked thrice, the first time in 1303 A.D. by Alauddin Khilji after being mesmerized by the beauty of Queen Padmini who chose death (Jauhar – self immolation) rather than to be with him.It is believed she committed Jauhar in one of the underground cellars of the famous Rana Kumbha’s Palace, the largest of all monuments within the fort.
In 1533 A.D., the fort was once again attacked by Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat. While Rani Karanavati, the Bundi princess followed in the footsteps of Queen Padmini, her infant son Udai Singh survived when he was smuggled out of Chittaur and taken to Bundi.
Though he later returned to reclaim the citadel in 1567 when the fort was again invaded by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, he left Chittorgarh and founded the city of Udaipur. It is said that over the years, nearly 13000 women and children sacrificed their lives rather than give in to the enemy.
Of all the majestic monuments within the fort, Rana Kumbha’s Palace was one of the most exquisite of all palaces here as he was said to be a great patron of architecture and art, other palaces here worth visiting is that belonging to Queen Padmini. Ironically it was in this very same Palace that Allauddin Khilji was allowed a glimpse of the beautiful queen by Rana Ratan Singh. So mesmerized was he by her image reflected in the waters of the pond that he attacked and took over the fort.
The palace of the two brave warriors Rathores Jaimal and Sisodia Patta, who fought Emperor Akbar whilst Udai Singh fled the fort is also a must visit.
Of all the temples here, some must visits, include the Kalika Mata Temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. Built as a SunTemple in the 8th century, it was later converted into the Kalika Mata temple in the 14th century, and is considered a symbol of power and valour.
The Meera temple is another interesting temple, dedicated to the devotee of Lord Krishna, poetess Meera. Intriguing one and all is the carving of the five bodied one headed figure inside the cenotaph of Meera Bai’s Guru Shri Rai Das ofBanaras, a figure that depicts that all are equal.
Built in 1448 AD by Rana Kumbha Mahasati, the Kumbha shyam temple, dedicated to Varah (Boar), the incarnation of Lord Vishnu is amongst some of the several temples devotees visit here, others being the temple of Annapurana, Jain Temples etc within the fort.
Try the Government Museum for its rich collection of carvings from the fort and temples, previously the cultural Fateh Prakash Mahal, today it has been converted into a museum.
Last but not the least is the Mohar Magri (Hill of gold coins) with an interesting legend to it. Named the Mohar Magri, it is said that Emperor Akbar paid one mohar (gold coin) for each basketful of earth placed on the mound. The structure built here was later used to place the Mughal cannons that were used to fire into and take over the fort. Attractions here include the temple of Tulja Bhawani, the Naulakha Bhandar, Sat -bis-Deori, the old Jain temple, Singar Chauri, for its inscriptions that date back to 1448 AD.
Not just historic monuments, Chittaurgarh is also home to some wonderful wildlife, which can be found in Bhainsroragrh Wildlife Park and the Sanctuary of Sitamata.
A shopaholic’s delight, handicrafts here carved out wood from the Bassi village as must buys. Apart from wood carving look out for beautiful thewa jewellery (gold designs embedded in glass), colorful leather jutis (shoes made of camel leather with embroidery on them) and Akola fabrics (fabrics painted with vegetable dyes) found here. The Fort Road Market, Station Circleand Sadar Bazaar are popular shopping areas that no shopaholic can afford to miss!
Known as the land of courageous men and women, Chittorgarh a history laden tourist destination is one that comes alive with tales of sacrifice and romance!
