HISTORY OF CHITTORGARH
Chittorgarh has a long and glorious history of victories
and defeats. It was originally the capital of the Rajput
Mewar dynasty, which later moved to Udaipur. The history
of Chittorgarh, which is one of the oldest cities of Rajasthan
dates back to the 8th century. It was given as a dowry gift
to Bappa Rawal, the founder of the Sisodia Dynasty when
he married the last Solanki princess somewhere in the 8th
century. Spread over a 7-mile long hill, the city of Chittorgarh
was ruled by the descendants of Bappa Rawal till somewhere
around the 16th century. Chittorgarh was always a fiercely
contested seat of power due to its strategic location. In
fact Chittorgarh's history is fraught with some of the bloodiest
battles of all times. It was sacked a number of times. Chittorgarh
is the epitome of Rajput pride, romance and spirit. The
main reason for visiting Chittorgarh is its massive hilltop
fort, which is a depiction of Rajput culture and values.
The fort stands on a 240-hectares site on a 180m high hill
that rises rapidly from the plains below.
MONUMENTS & PLACES TO VISIT
CHITTORGARH FORT- Chittorgarh Fort
is a massive structure with a 1 kilometre zigzag accent
to it. The road leads through seven gates to the main gate
Rampol (meaning Gate of Ram). On the climb between the second
and third gate you see two Chattris cenotaphs built to honour
Jaimull and Kulla heroes of 1568 siege by Emperor Akbar.
The main gate of the fort itself is Surajpol (meaning Sun
Gate). Within the fort a circular runs around the ruins
of the fort. The fort has many magnificent monuments. The
fort has witnessed three ferocious sieges and each time
her defenders, demonstrating true Rajputana pride, fought
valiantly against the enemies. The magnificent fort rises
150 m above the surrounding region and runs to an approximate
length of 3 km covering an area of 60 acres and peripheral
length of 13 km.
RANAKUMBHA PALACE- The ruined edifice of
great historical and architectural interest, being 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.
RATAN SINGH PALACE- The winter palace for
the kings, it over looks a small lake and although run down,
is an interesting places to explore.
PADMINI 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 a '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 a glimpse
of the legendary beauty, Alauddin went to the extend at
ravaging Chittaur in order to possess her.
MEERA BAI 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.
VIJAY STAMBH- Built in 1440.AD by Maharana
Kumbha to commemorate his victory over Mohamed Khilji this
9-storyed tower is adorned by sculptures of Hindu deities
around. There are around 157 narrow steps leading to the
terrace where the balconies give a beautiful top angle view
of the whole town.When illuminated in the evening, the tower
reflects a mesmerizing effect and the view is worth capturing
in the camera. This tower is the piece-de-resistance of
chittaurgarh.
KUMBHA SYAM 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 deovtee.
She was the wife of Prince Bhojraj.
KALIKA TERMPLE- 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.
LANGUAGE Hindi, English, Marwari.
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