About Chittaurgarh
Chittorgarh is a story of saga of valor, tenacity and sacrifice, chittorgarh was sacked three times and its defenders had to make the supreme sacrifice. The fort of chittorgarh is a treasure trove of history and offers to the traveler an insight into the life of the great rajput rulers, who laid down their lives fighting a superior enemy.
History of Chittaurgarh
Alauddin Khilji was the first to sack Chittaur in 1303 A.D. overpowered by a passionate desire to possess the regal beauty, queen Padmini. Legend has it, that he saw her face in the reflection of a mirror and was struck by her mesmerizing beauty. But the noble queen preferred death to dishonor and committed ‘Jauhar’.
In 1533 A.D., during the rule of Bikramjeet, came the second attack from Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat. Once again Jauhar was led by Rani Karanavati, a Bundi princess. Her infant son, Udai Singh was smuggled out of Chittaur to Bundi who survived to inherit the throne of the citadel. He learnt from his traumatic childhood that discretion is preferred to valor. So in, 1567 A.D. when the Mughal Emperor invaded Chittaur, Udai Singh fled to establish a new Capital, Udaipur-a beautiful lake city, leaving behind Chittaur to be defended by two 16 year old heroes, Jaimal of Bednore and Patta of Kelwa. These young men displayed true Rajput chivalry and died after ‘Jauhar’ was performed. Immediately thereafter Akbar razed the fort to a rubble. Chittaur was never inhabited again but it always asserted the heroic spirit of Rajput warriors.
Places To See
1. The Fort
According to legend, Bhim, one of the Pandava heroes of the ' Mahabharata ', is credited with the fort's original construction. All of Chittor's attractions are within the fort. The main gate on the eastern side of the fort is known as the Surajpol. From the western end of the fort, there are fine views over the town and across the surrounding country-side, as well as a less-than charming view of an enormous cement factory.
2. Vijay Stambh(Victory Tower)
It was built in 1440 AD. by Maharaja Kumbha, a powerful ruler of Mewar, to commemorate his victory over the Muslim rulers of Malwa and Gujarat. It is 37 meter high structure with nine storeys, covered with exquisite sculptures of Hindu deities.
3. Padmini Palace
Built beside a large pool with a pavilion in its centre. Legend relates that, as Padmini sat in this pavilion, Alaud-din was permitted to see her reflection in a mirror in the palace. The bronze gates in this pavilion were carried off by Akbar and can now be seen in the fort at Agra.
4. Kirti Stambh(Tower of Fame)
Chittor's other famous tower, the 22 meters high ' Kirti Stambha ', or ' Tower of Fame ', is older and smaller that the
' Tower of Victory '. Built by wealthy Jain merchant, it is dedicated to Adinathji, the first Jain tirthankar. A narrow stairway leads through the seven storeys to the top.
5. Kalika Mata Mandir
A temple of mother Goddess Kali Who is the symbol of power. Originally it was built as a Sun temple in the 8th century and later was converted into Kalika Temple in 14th century AD.
6. Meera & Kumbha Shyam Temple
Close to the Fateh Prakash Palace is the ' Meera temple ', built during the reign of Rana Kumbha in the ornate Indo-Aryan style and associated with the mystic-poetess Meerabai. The larger temple which is in this same compound is the Kumbha Shyam temple, or temple of Varah.
Other Attractions
1. Nagari (20 km): Nagari is an ancient town of archaeological importance. It is 20 kms from Chittaurgarh enroute to Bundi and is situated on the banks of river Bedach. Formerly, the town known as Madhyamika which flourished from the Mauryan to the Gupta era. Remains of Hindu temples and structures of Buddhist monuments have been found here.
2. Bassi Village (25 Km) Enroute to Bundi is a marvelous village with historical fort (which now converted into a hotel), temples and kunds. Especially famous are tits sculptures and woodcrafts. A place of great tourist interest.
3. Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary (50 sq km) Sanctuary near Bassi supports a population of painters, wild boars, antelopes, mongoose and migratory birds. Prior permission has to be obtained from the District Forest Officer, Chittaurgarh before visiting the sanctuary.
4. Sanwariyaji Temple (40 km) On the Chittaur-Udaipur road is a contemporary temple of Lord Krishna, an important pilgrimage spot.
