Chittaurgarh
Chittaurgarh is an ancient town in Rajasthan state of western India. 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 mesmerising beauty. But the noble queen preferred death to dishonour 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 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.
Chittaurgarh is also famous for its association with two very widely known historical figures of India. The first is Meera bhai and the second equally famous person is Maharana Pratap. Baroli, Bassi village, Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary Bari Sardi etc are the places for excursion. The fort at Chittorgarh also has the old and stunning temple to Goddess Kali called the Kalika Mata Temple. Chittaurgarh remains replete with historic associations and holds a very special place in the hearts of Rajputs. Fort, Jay Stambha, Kirti Stambha, Rana-Kumbha Palace, Padmini Palace, Meera Temple and Kumbha Shyam Temple and Archaeological Museum are the most beautiful places to see.
Best Time to Visit : August to March.
Chittaurgarh attraction: The fort, Vijai Sthamb, Kalika Mata Temple
The Fort
The fort was constructed by later Mauryan rulers in 7th century A.D., it is located on a 180 m high hill. With a distinct Rajput character, the fort has many architectural attractions.
Vijay Sthamb or the Victory Tower
Built by Maharana Kumbha, in commemoration of victory over the Muslim rulers of Malwa and Gujarat, in 1440 A.D., this 37 m high tower is a structure of nine towers
Kalika Mata Temple
Toward the south end of the fort lies the Kalika Mata Temple. This temple is originally dedicated to Surya, the sun god. It dates back to the 8th century ,which makes it the oldest structure in the fort.
The Tower of Fame
The seven-story Kirti stambha dating back to the 12th century and dedicated to the great Jain saint, Adinatha.Still further north, on the great rock of Chittaurgarh, lie the ruins of Rana Ratan Singh's beautiful palace, set by a small lake it is similar in style to Rana Kumbha's palace, except that it is perfectly rectangular in shape, a fact that is somewhat now by the ruins and subsequent alterations.
How To Reach
Airways : 90 km is the nearest airport, Dabok airport, Udaipur.
Railways ; Chittaurgarh is well connected by rail.
Roadways : Bus services operate to several important destinations. Delhi (583 km), Mount Abu (297 km), Jaipur (325 km), Indore (325 km) and Ajmer (185 km) away from Chittaurgarh.
