Chittorgarh
Chittorgarh resonates with stories of Rajputana bravery, pride and passion. The bards of Rajasthan sing tales of courage and sacrifice recounting stories that are known to every child and adult in the city. Chittorgarh is named after its most imposing structure, the Chittorgarh Fort which stands atop a 180 metre high hill and is spread across 700 acres.
CHITTORGARH FORT
While it is difficult to arrive at the exact date the fort was established, legend has it that the construction of the Chittorgarh Fort was initiated by Bhim, a Pandava hero from the mythological epic Mahabharata. The fort houses several magnificent monuments, some unfortunately ravaged by time.
RANI PADMINI'S PALACE
This palace plays an important role in Rajput history. The structure is built on the banks of a lotus pool and has a pavilion that provides privacy for the women of the royal family. Ala-ud-din Khilji, then Sultan of Delhi, spotted Queen Padmini’s reflection in the pool and was so besotted by her beauty that he led his forces in battle to abduct her.
VIJAY STAMBH
Vijay Stambh (the Tower of Victory) was built by Maharana Kumbha between 1440 AD and 1448 AD to immortalise his triumph of defeating the Muslim rulers of Malwa and Gujarat. Built partly from red sandstone and partly white marble, this architectural wonder is nine-storey tower decorated with detailed sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses. Narrow steps lead to the terrace where one can catch a spectacular view of the entire town from the balconies.
KIRTI STAMBH
This Tower of Fame is dedicated to Adinathji, the 1st Jain Tirthankara (great teacher). Adorned by the figures of the Digambars (Jain monks), this seven-storied tower was built by a wealthy Jain merchant in 12th century AD.
FATEH PRAKASH PALACE
Constructed by Maharana Fateh Singh, this palace functioned as his residence. It was built in the Rajput style of architecture as a declaration of his taste for art and culture. The palace has a vast collection of wood crafts of Bassi village, post medieval statues of Jain Ambica and Indra from Rashmi village, weapons such as axes, knives and ancient shields, clay replicas of regional tribal people clad in their traditional costumes, paintings, and crystal ware. It has now been converted into a museum.
JAIN TEMPLES
The fort of Chittor has six Jain temples contained within its walls. The largest among them is the temple of Bhagawan Adinatha which has 52 ‘devkulikas’.
KALIKA MATA TEMPLE
Built in 8th century AD, this ancient structure was initially constructed to worship the sun god. In the 14th century, the temple was dedicated to Goddess Kali, the symbol of power and valour.
TULJA BHAVANI TEMPLE
Tulja Bhavani temple, an architectural wonder, is a Hindu temple of the goddess Durga, built in the 16th century by Banvir. Legend says that it is named after Banvir who donated various ornaments (Tula Dan) equaling his weight for relief funds.
RANA KUMBHA PALACE
A ruined edifice of great historical and architectural interest, this is one of the most massive monuments in the Fort of Chittor. The palace is believed to have underground cellars where Rani Padmini and other women committed ‘Jauhar’ (self-immolation).
KUMBHA SHYAM TEMPLE
The temple was constructed during the rule of Rana Kumbha and is built in the Indo-Aryan style popular in those times. It bears a strong connection to the mystic poetess Meerabai, a zealous devotee of Krishna’s. She was the wife of Prince Bhojraj.
GAUMUKH RESERVOIR
Gaumukh Reservoir is a deep tank that is fed by a spring. The spring emerges from a rock formation resembling a Gaumukh or ‘cow’s mouth’. The tank is considered sacred by the locals.
RATAN SINGH PALACE
The winter palace of the royal family, it overlooks a small lake. Although fairly rundown now, it is an interesting place to explore and attracts many tourists.
MEERABAI TEMPLE
Meerabai, an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna’s, worshipped him at this temple. The structure is designed in the classic North Indian style of temples. It rises from a raised plinth and its conical roof can be seen from far. The temple houses a beautiful shrine surrounded by an open porch with four small pavilions in four corners.
BHAMASHAH KI HAVELI
Chittorgarh is a city that resonates with Rajputana pride, passion, and bravery. Full of forts and palaces that let you travel back to the past, Chittorgarh has a number of places of interest that can satisfy a traveler’s soul. One of the lesser known places in the city, Bhamashah ki Haveli elicits a sense of former grandeur that well befits the person it was made for.
JAIMAL AND PATTA’S PALACE
Located inside the the Chittorgarh Fort, Jaimal and Patta’s Palace is a symbol of the bravery and gallantry of the Rajputs. According to historian Gaurishankar Hirachand Ojha, in 1567, as Akbar’s giant army surrounded the fort of Chittorgarh with an intention to attack the kingdom, the chieftains of Maharana Uday Singh (ruler of the Mewar dynasty, presently Chittorgarh) unanimously decided that it was wise at the moment to send Maharana's family to the hills in the company of some warlords.
LIGHT & SOUND SHOW
Light and sound show is operated by Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation every day after sunset at Kumbha Mahal of Chittorgarh fort. With the wonderful combination of light and sound, the glorious history of Chittorgarh is depicted so beautifully that tourists are mesmerized by seeing it.