chittorgarh Tour Advisor

The Pride and glory of Rajasthan, Chittaur echoes with the tales of romance and valour unique to the Rajput tradition. A ruined citadel, where the royal past lives in its imposing forts, graceful palaces and spectacular chhatries. This fortified settlement has been ravaged thrice and each time the outcome was 'Jauhar'-when women and children immolated themselves on a huge funeral pyre while men donned in saffron robes of martyrdom rode out of the fort towards a certain depth. 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 Gujrat. Once again Jauhar was led by Rani Karmavati, 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 valour. 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.

The Fort: Probably India's greatest medieval fort & its most chivalrous, it was from here that the Sisodias went to war against the Mughals at the famous battle of Haldighati. Set on high plateau, Chittaurgarh sprawls supremely above the surrounding countryside. First established in the 7th century, Chittaur became the Gaddi for the Sisodia rulers who proved themselves indomitable fighters. Its fortifications meander along the ridges of the hills & from these concealed vantage points, they extended their sway over their kingdom. Chittaurgarh's abandonment led to the ruin to its palaces and apartments, and its durbar halls.

Little has survived the ravages of the pillaging armies and of time, but there is enough to provide a glimpse of what must have been one of Rajputana's greatest citadels. These include the ruins of Rana Kumbha's palace as well as what is believed to be Rani Padmini's Palace. Both are in a state of ruin, and there is little that hints at architectural splendour, because many of the subsidiary buildings and much of the ornamentation no longer exists. Chittaurgarh also houses the palaces, again in ruins, of the brave Sisodia warriors, Jaimal & Patta.

Vijay Stambh (Victory Tower): The imposing 37 meter high structure with nine storeys, covered with exquisite sculptures of Hindu deities and depicting episodes from the tow great epics - Ramayana and Mahabharatha. It was built in 1440 AD by Maharana Kumbha, a powerful ruler of Mewar, to commemorate his victory over the Muslim rulers of Malwa and Gujarat.

Kirti Stambh (Tower of Fame): The 22 meter high tower built by wealthy Jain merchant in the 12th century AD. The Tower is dedicated to Adinathji, the first of the Jain Tirthankaras and is decorated with figures of the Jain pantheon.

Rana Kumbha's Palace: The ruined edifice of great historical and architectural interest, being the most massive monument in the fort of Chittaur. The palace is believed to have underground cellars where Rani Padmini and other women committed Jauhar.

Padmini's Palace: Build beside a pool, the palace is a magnificent one. It was here that Rana Ratan Singh showed a glimpse of queen Padmini to Alauddin Khilji.
Rani Padmini stood in a 'Zanana Mahal' - a pavilion in the centre and her reflection was visible to Alauddin Khilji in a mirror placed in the main hall. After having a glimpse of the legendary beauty, Alauddin went to the extent of ravaging Chittaur in order to possess her.

Kumbha Shyam Temple: Built during the reign of Rana Kumbha in the Indo-Aryan style, the temple is associated with mystic poetess Meerabai - an ardent Krishna devotee. She was the wife of Prince Bhojraj.

Kalika Mata Temple: Originally built as a Sun Temple in the 8th century, the temple was later converted into Kalika Mata Temple in the 14th Century AD, dedicated to the mother Goddess Kali - the symbol of power and valour.

Gardens and Parks: Pratap Park, Meera Park and Nehru Park are beautiful laid out parks in lush surroundings. Beautiful Khwaja rose garden at Saw is just 13 km from Chittaur.

Meerabai Temple: The Temple where Meerabai worshipped Lord Krishna is built in North Indian style on a raised plinth with a conical roof and beautiful inner sanctum. An open colonnade around the sanctum has four small pavilions in each corner.