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About Rajasthan >> Rajasthan Destinations >> Chittorgarh

Chittorgarh Tourism

The pride and glory of Rajasthan, Chittorgarh (or Chittaurgarh) is a saga of valour, tenacity and sacrifice. It is a ruined citadel, where the royal past lives in its imposing forts, graceful palaces and spectacular chattris.

Chittorgarh was ravaged three times and its defenders had to make the supreme sacrifice. Chittorgarh Fort is a treasure trove of history and offers travelers an insight into the life of the Great Rajput rulers, who laid down their lives fighting a superior enemy instead of leading a life of submission under them.

Alauddin Khilji was the first to attack Chittorgarh 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 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 Chittorgarh 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 Chittorgarh, Udai Singh fled to establish a new capital, Udaipur - a beautiful lake city, leaving behind Chittorgarh 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 Emperor Akbar razed the fort to a rubble. Chittorgarh was never inhabited again but it always asserted the heroic spirit of Rajput warriors.

Attractions in Chittorgarh
The Chittorgarh Fort: The indomitable pride of Chittorgarh, the fort is a massive structure with many gateways built by the later Maurya rulers in 7th century A.D. Perched on a height of 180 m. high hill, it sprawls over 700 acres. The tablets and chattris within are impressive reminders of the Rajput heroism. The fort has many magnificent monuments, all fine examples of the Rajput architecture. The ancient ruins of the fort are is good enough reason to travel to Chittorgarh.

Vijay Stambh (Victory Tower): The imposing 37 metre high structure with nine storeys, covered with exquisite sculputres of Hindu deities and depicting episodes from the two great epics - Ramayana and Mahabharatha. It was built in 1440 A.D. 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 metres high tower by a wealthy Jain merchant in the 12th century A.D. 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 Chittorgarh. The palace is believed to have underground cellars where Rani Padmini and other women committed Jauhar.

Padmini's Palace: Built 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.

Kumbha Shyam Temple: Built during the region of Rana Kumbha in the Indo-Aryan style, the temple is associated with the 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 A.D., dedicated to the mother Goddess Kali- the symbol of power and valour.

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.