The story of
Chittorgarh is
a saga of valor, tenacity and sacrifice. Chittorgarh (also
Chittaurgarh) was sacked three times and its defenders had to make the
supreme sacrifice. The Fort of Chittorgarh is a treasure trove of history
and offers to the traveler 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.
The origin of Chittorgarh can be traced to the seventh century. Earlier it
was known as Chitrakut, after a local Rajput chieftain named Chitrang. It
remained the capital of the local Sisodia clan of Rajputs from the eighth to
the 16th century.
History of Chittorgarh
The history of this town is written in blood and sacrifice.
Muslim rulers sacked it three times in the medieval period. The
first was by Ala-ud-din Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi in 1303. Khilji laid
siege of this hill fort to capture the beautiful Padmini, the queen of
Chittorgarh. When the situation worsened, Bhim Singh, the ruler of
Chittorgarh, led his men donned with saffron robes of sacrifice, and rode
out of the fort to certain death.
Inside the fort, women,
including Padmini and the children, committed mass suicide or jauhar by
immolating themselves on a huge pyre, rather than losing their honor at the
hands of the enemy. In the middle of the 15th century, Chittorgarh gained
eminence when the legendary Rajput ruler, Rana Kumbha, ruled it. He built
the Vijay Stambh (Victory Tower) to commemorate his victory over Mahmud
Khilji, the ruler of Malwa, in 1440. Chittorgarh was sacked again in 1535 by
Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat.
The jauhar that followed the
siege saw the death of 13,000 women and 32,000 Rajput soldiers. The third
and final siege took place in 1568 at the hands of the great Mughal emperor
Akbar. Jaimal and Kalla, two Rajput generals, valiantly defended the fort
but with their death and deteriorating situation, jauhar was performed.
However, Maharana Udai Singh II, the ruler of Chittorgarh, fled to Udaipur
and re-established his rule. The Mughal emperor Jahangir returned
Chittorgarh to its rulers in 1616.
| » Major Attractions of Chittorgarh |
|
Chittorgarh Fort : The main tourist
attraction of the town of Chittorgarh is its fort, which is located on a
steep hill beside the modern township. A zigzag ascent of about 1 km through
seven gates leads the tourist to its main western gate or Rampol. On the
way, one can see two chhatris or memorials of Jaimal and Kalla marking the
spots where they fell while defending the fort during the siege of 1568. The
main gate on the eastern side of the fort is known as the Surajpol. Though
most of the monuments in the fort are in ruins, yet they reflect the glory
of its great rulers.
Vijay
Stambh : The Victory Tower or Vijay Stambh is one of the main tourist
attractions of the fort. It was built by Rana Kumbha to commemorate his
victory over Mahmud Khilji, the ruler of Malwa in 1440. This 37-m, 9-storied
tower has a number of balconies at each story, from where the tourist can
look at the monuments within the fort. The Sammidheshwara Temple is near
this tower. Gaumukh reservoir and the Palace of Queen Padmini are important
spots to the south of the Rana Kumbha Palace.
According to
legend, Ala-ud-din Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi, was allowed to see the
reflection of Queen Padmini in a mirror while she stood behind a pavilion in
this palace. Ala-ud-din was so smitten by her beauty that he invaded and
sacked Chittorgarh to possess her. The Tower of Fame or Kirti Stambh is
another important monument. This 22-m-high tower, with carvings of Jain
deities, was built in 12th century and is dedicated to Adinath, the first
Jain Tirthankara (spiritual leader).
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. Rani Padmini stood in 'Zanana Mahal' - a pavilion in the centre and
her reflection was visible to Alauddin Khilji in a mirror placed in the main
hall. After having glimpse of the legendary beauty, Alauddin went to the
extent of ravaging Chittaur in order to possess her.
Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary : 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.
| » Shopping in Chittorgarh |
|
The beautiful wooden toys made in Bassi village near
Chittaurgarh are the best buys. Besides these, there are 'Thewa' articles of
Pratapgarh, printed fabric of Akola and leather 'Mojri' of Gangaur.
Favourite shopping spots include Sadar Bazaar, Rana Sanga Market, New Cloth
Market, Fort Road Market, Gandhi Chowk and Station Circle.
| » How to Get there |
|
Air : 90 km is the nearest airport, Dabok
airport, Udaipur.
Rail : Chittorgarh railway
station is located on the western banks of Gambheri River. It has rail links
with Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Udaipur, Jaipur, Kota and Delhi.
Road : The main bus stand is also on the western banks of
Gambheri River. There is good bus service for Ajmer, Bundi, Kota and Udaipur
from Chittorgarh.
Local Transport : Unmetered
Auto Rickshaw, Cycle Rickshaws and tongas are avilable for commuting within
the city.
| » General Information |
|
»
Population
: 71,566
»
Area :
6.5 sq. km.
»
Altitude
: 408 metres
»
Climate
: Summer :Max. - 43.8°C Min. - 23.8°C
Winter
: Max. - 28.7°C Min. - 11.6°C
Rainfall
: 60 to 85 cms.
»
Clothing
: Summer - Light Tropical
Winter:
Woolen
»
Languages :
Rajasthani, Hindi, English
Chittorgarh
Tour Packages | Hotels
in Chittorgarh
