The
town of the brave, known for its massive fort atop a hill, which can be singled
out for its glorious past.
The fort has checkered history, it has witnessed some of the bloodiest battles iln history, three great Sakas and some of the most heroic deeds of valor, which are still sung by the local musicians.
The antiquity of Chittaurgarh is difficult to trace, but it is believed that Bhim the legendary figure of the Mahabharta, visited this place to learn the secrets of immortality and became the disciple of a sage, but his impatience to perform all the rites deprived him of his goal, and out of sheer anger he stamped on ground creating water reservoir, this reservoir is called as Bhim Lat.
Later on, it came under the Mauryas or Muri Rajputs, there are different opinions as to when ilt came under the Mewar ruler, but it remained the capital of Mewar till 1568, when it was shifted to Udaipur.
It is believed that Bappa Rawal the legendary founder of the Sisodia clan, received Chittaur in the middle of 8th century, as a part of the dowry after marriage with the last Solanki princess, after that his descendants ruled Mewar which stretched from Gujarat to Ajmer, upto the 16th century.
Chittourgarh is the epitome of Rajput pride, romance and spirit. It reverberates with history of heroism and sacrifice, which is evident as it echoes with the tales sung by the Bards of Rajasthan.
The main reason for visiting Chittourgarh is its massive hilltop fort, which is a depiction of Rajput culture and values. The fort stands on a 240-hectares site on an 180m high hill that rises rapidly from the plains below.
In 1535 Bahadur Shah the Sultan of Gujarat besieged the fort causing immense carnage and it is said that 32000 men donned the saffron robes of martyrdom and rode out to face a certain death, and the women folkes committed Jauhar (an act of self immolations by plunging in a large fire) led by Rani Karnawati.
In 1568 Mughal Emperor Akbar razed the fort to the rubble and once again the history repeated itself. In 1616 Mughal emperor Jehangir restored the fort to the Rajput but it was not resettled. Today a new township sprawls below the hill on the west side. Chittourgarh is connected by both bus and rail. The bus stand and the railway are located in the new township.
Places to See in Chittourgarh
» Chittaurgarh
Fort
A standing sentinel to the courage and valor of Chittaurgarh, it stands tall over a 180 meter high hillock covering a massive area of 700 acres. The fort is belileved to have been built by the Maurya rulers in 7th century AD. The fort is a treasure house of history and historical monuments the approach to the fort is very difficult, the one mile steep serpentine thoroughfare is exhaustive and the fort is reached through huge seven pols of gates, which are in fact the strong points having a watch tower and massive iron spiked doors.
» Vijay Stambh or Victory Tower
Built by Rana Kumbha in 1440 , to commemorate the victory over the combined forces of the kings of neighboring Malwa and Gujarat, this tower is 120ft. (36.5mts) high and has a girth of 30 ft. at the base, the nine storied high limestone structure is richly ornamented from top to bottom.
» Kirti Stambh or Tower of Fame
Built iln the 12th century, dedicated to Lord Sri Adinath Rishab deo, the first Jain Tirthankar. The 22 metre high structure ils rdeplete with figures from Jain pantheon. There are several other Jain temples iln Chittaurgarh.
» Rana Kumbha's Palace
The largest monument of the fort, it is believed that Rani Padmini committed Jauhar, in once of these underground cellars. The palace is in ruins but 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.
»
Padmini Palace
The palace of Rani Padmini who preferred death before dishonor, and committed Johar, along with her entire entourage before falling into the hands of Allauddin Khilji. It was here that Rana Ratan Singh allowed a glimpse of the legendary beauty to Allauddin Khilji. The Zanana Mahal overlooks the pond, Padmini stood over here and the reflection of her was shown in the water to Allauddin Khilji.
» Meera TempleThe temple is dedicated to the mystic
poetess Meera, and a devotee of Lord Krishna. Meera was born in Kurki village
near Merta to Ratan Singh Rathors, and was married to Bhojraj son of Rana Sanga
of Mewar. Legends say that she consumed poison set by Vikramaditya but nothing
happended to her due to the blessings 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.
» Mohar Magri (Hill of Gold Coins)
A small structure which 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, as the work was very dangerous, brave soldiers guarding the the ramparts fromabvoe. The 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. Sat -bis-Deori, the old Jain temple etc.
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