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  About Chittorgarh
   
   
 
 
   

History of Chittorgarh

Chittaur is more than a ruined citadel; it is a symbol. It stands for all that was brave, true and noble in the Rajput tradition. Chittaur was sacked three times, and on each occasion the rite of Jauhar was performed. The first was in 1303 when Allauddin Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi coveted the famous Rajput beauty Rani Padmini whose face he had seen reflecting on a mirror. Padmini led the Jauhar rather than submit to dishonour. The second was in 1533 when the Sultan of Gujarat attacked Bikramjeet of Chittaur. Rani Karnavati, a Bundi Princess, take the jauhar in which many women and children perished. Her own infant son, Udai Singh, was smuggled out of Bundi to preserve the line. Udai Singh returned as a child to Chittaur and he lived to inherit the throne of Chittaur.

   
 
  Chittorgarh Fort

But his traumatic childhood had taught him that discretion was certainly to be preferred to valour, so when in 1567, Mughal Emperor Akbar beseiged Chittaur, Udai Singh escaped leaving its defence to two sixteen year old heroes, Jaimal of Bednore and Patta of Kelwa. They died in true Rajput tradition after the jauhar had been proclaimed and Akbar, taking no chances, razed the Fort to rubble. Chittaur was never inhabited again but it always asserted the heroic spirit of Rajput warriors. Udai Singh built his new capital in Udaipur.

PRIME ATTRACTIONS
FORTS AND PALACES IN CHITTORGARH

The Fort, Chittorgarh
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.

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

Kirti Stambh (Tower of Fame), Chittorgarh
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.

Rana Kumbha's Palace, Chittorgarh
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'

Jaimal and Patta Palaces, Chittorgarh
The ruins of palaces of Rathore Jaimal and Sisodia Patta are witness to the gallantry of these great warriors.


TEMPLES IN CHITTORGARH
Kumbha Shyam Temple, Chittorgarh
Built during the reign of Rana Kumbha in the Indo-Aryan style, the temple is associated with the mystic poetess Meera bai - an ardent Krishna devotee. She was the wife of Prince Bhojraj.

Kalika Mata Temple, Chittorgarh
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.

Meera Bai Temple, Chittorgarh
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.

MUSEUMS IN CHITTORGARH
Government Museum:
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.

Fateh Prakash Museum:
Inside the historical Chittaurgarh Fort, one big portion of Fateh Prakash Palace was converted into a museum in the year 1968.

GARDENS
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.

EXCURSIONS
Nagari (20-km):
One of the oldest towns of Rajasthan, of great importance during the Mauryan period, is situated on the banks of River Banish. The Hindu and Buddhist remains from the Mauryan and Gupta period are found here.

Bassi Village (25-km):
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.

TEMPLES
Sanwariyaji Temple (40-km):
On the Chittaur-Udaipur road is a contemporary temple of Lord Krishna, an important pilgrimage spot.

Matri Kundia Temple (50-km):
A popular sacred place dedicated to Lord Shiva. Popularly called 'Haridwar of Mewar'.

FORTS
Deogarh (125-km):
A 16th century magnificent fort, near Pratapgarh with some beautiful palaces ornate with murals and splendid Jain temples.

Bijalpur (40-km):
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.

Menal (90-km):
On the Bundi-Chittaur Road, amid the natural beauty is Menal, famous for its ancient Shiv temples, picturesque water falls and dense forests.

How to reach Chittorgarh

By Air:
Udaipur which is about 112 km is the nearest airport.

By Rail:
By train, Chittorgarh is connected to Ajmer, Jaipur, Alwar, Delhi, Bundi, Kota, Udaipur, Ahmedabad and various other cities.

By Road:
Bus services operate between Chittorgarh and several other destinations in India and Rajasthan.