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
'chhatris'.
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 death.
Alauddin Khilji was the first to sack Chittaur in 1303
AD, overpowered by a passionate desire to possess the
regal beauty, queen Padmini. Legend has that he saw her
face in the reflection of a mirror and was struck by her
mesmerising beauty. But the noble queen preferred death
to dishonour and committed 'Jauhar'.
In 1533 AD during the rule of Sikramjeet, came the
second attack from Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat.
Once again, Jauhar was led by Rani Karnvati, 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 1567AD 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 peformed. Immediately thereafter,
Akbar razed the Fort to a rubble.
Prime Attractions of Chittorgarh
Vijay Stambh
The Victory Tower, 37 metres high, is an imposing
structure of nine storeys. With sculptures of a secular
nature on the exterior, it was built by Maharaja Kumbha
in commemoration of his victory over the Muslim rulers
of Malwa and Gujarat in 1440 AD.
Chittorgarh Fort
The indomitable pride of Chittaur, the fort is a massive
structure with many gateways built by the literary
rulers in 7th century AD. Perched on a height of 180 m
high hill, it sprawls over 700 acres. The tablets and 'chhatris'
within are impressive reminders of the Rajput heroism.
The main gates are Padam Pol, Bhairon Pol, Hanuman Pol
and Ram Pol. The fort has many magnificent monuments -
all fine examples of the Rajput architecture. The
ancient ruins of the fort are worth spending few moments
in solitude.
Fateh Prakash Palace Museum
Inside the historical Chittaurgarh Fort, one big portion
of Fateh Prakash Palace in Chittorgarh was converted
into a museum in the year 1968. It has a great
collection of sculptures. Among the important ones are
Ganpati (8th - 9th century) from Pangarh and lndra and
Ambica statues from Rashmi village of post medieval
period.
Gardens and Parks
Pratap Park, Meera Park and Nehru Park are beautifully
laid out parks in lush surroundings. Beautiful Khwaja
Rose Garden at Sawa is just 13-km from Chittaur.
Government Museum - Chittor
The magnificent Prakash Mahal, presently a fine museum
with an exquisite example of sculptures from temples and
buildings in the fort is worth a visit. Closed on
Fridays.
Jaimal and Patta Palaces
The ruins of palaces of Rathore Jaimal and Sisodia Patta
are witness to the gallantry of these great warriors.
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.
Kirti Stambh
The22 metres high tower built by a 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.
Meera Bai Temple
The temple where Meera Bai 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.
Padmini's Palace
The Chittorgarh fort perched on a 180 mts. high hill,
covering 700 acres, was constructed by Mauryan rulers in
the 7th century. In the fort, this palace was built for
Queen Padmini whose beauty was responsible for the
battle between Allauddin Khilji and Rana Ratan Singh.
Rana Kumbha's Palace
The ruined edifice of great historical and architectural
interest, bring 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'
Excursions from Chittorgarh
Bassi Village (25Km.)
Enroute Bundi is a marvellous village with historical
forts, temples and 'kunds'. Especially famous are its
sculptures and woodcraft. A place of great tourist
interest.
Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary (25Km.)
50-sq-kms sanctuary near Bassi, supports a population of
panthers, wild boars, antelopes, mongoose and migratory
birds. Prior permission has to be obtained from the
District Forest Office, Chittaurgarh before visiting the
sanctuary.
Bijalpur (40Km.)
A marvellous castle built by Rao Shakti Singh, the
younger brother of Maharana Pratap, stands in the
village. Presently, it has been converted into a
heritage hotel.
Deogarh (125Km.)
A 16th century magnificent fort, near Pratapgarh with
some beautiful palaces ornate with murals and splendid
Jain temples.
|