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Chittaurgarh Travel Guide
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Chittaurgarh, the land of romance and
valour, is an old city extending the tradition of Rajasthan. It is
not just another ruined
citadel, it is a symbol of bravery in Rajasthan. Chittaurgarh was
invaded three times and on each occasion, the ritual of 'Jauhar',
which involved throwing oneself into raging fire or a well, as the
case may be, to be spared humiliation at the hands of the enemy, was
performed. The first instance was in 1303, when Allauddin Khilji,
Sultan of Delhi, coveted the famous Rajput beauty, Rani Padmini.
Padmini led the Jauhar, rather than submit to dishonour. The second
instance, was in 1533, when the Sultan of Gujarat attacked
Bikramjeet of Chittaur. Rani Karnavati led the Jauhar, in which many
women and children were killed. Then Chittaur was attacked 33 years
later, in 1568, when the Mughal emperor Akbar, took the town. Once
again, the fort was defended heroically but once again, the odds
were overwhelming and the women performed jauhar, the fort gates
were flung open and 8000 orange clad warriors rode out to their
deaths. On this occasion, Maharana Udai Singh fled to Udaipur where
he re-established his capital. In 1616 Jehangir returned Chittaur to
the Rajputs but there was no attempt of resettlement. |
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What to see in Chittaurgarh -
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The
Fort It is believed
to be constructed by later Mauryan rulers in 7th century
A.D., this fort is located on a 180 m high hill and covers
an area of 700 acres. It has a distinct Rajput character and
owns many architectural attractions. Set on a high plateau,
the fort sprawls supremely over the countryside. It was here
that the Sisodias went to war against the Mughals at the
famous battle of Haldighati. All of the Chittaurh's
attractions are located within the fort. A zigzag ascent of
over1 km leads through seven gateways to the main gate on
the western side, the Rampol (pol means 'gate').
Vijay Sthamb (Victory Tower)
The Vijay
Sthamb was 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. It is richly
ornamented from top to bottom
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.
Kirti Sthamb (Tower of Fame)
The
Kirti Sthamb is 22 m high and was built by a wealthy Jain
merchant, in the 12th century A.D. It is dedicated to
Adinathji, the first of the Jain Tirthankaras. The tower is
embossed with figures from the Jain pantheon.
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.
Kalika Mata Temple
The temple is
dedicated to Goddess Kali, the symbol of power and valour.
Situated towards the southern side of the fort, it was built
by Rana Hamir. Originally it was built as a Sun Temple by
Bappa Rawal in the 8th century, but ws destroyed during the
first sack of Chittaur. Rana Hamir converted it into a Kali
temple on regaining the fort in the 14th century. The house
of Chunda is situated near the temple. There are several
other temples, within the ramparts of the fort like that of
the temple of Annapurana, Jain Temples etc.
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