Chittorgarh

Chittorgarh - Introduction

Almost all the fortified cities in Rajasthan are witness to the Rajput's obsession with honour and its tales of valour. If any one fort of Rajasthan were to be singled out for its legends of chivalry and glorious death then it would be the fort of Chittorgarh.

Chittorgarh was built in the 8th century by King Bappa Rawal, the first of the great Sisodia rulers, who made it the capital of Mewar till 1568 AD. War after war, siege after siege, these proud people preferred death to defeat and flames to dishonour.

Chittorgarh - Tourist Attractions

The Fort

The fort lies on a 180-metre high hill and is spread over 700 acres. The indomitable pride of Mewar, the fort is a massive structure with many gateways built by the successive rulers in the 7th century AD. The winding on km ascent to the fort leads through seven gateways to the main gate on the western side, the Ram Pol. Within the fort, a circular road runs around the ruins and the south end there is a deer park. From the western end there are fine views of the town and the surrounding countryside.

Rana Kumbha Palace

On the right immediately inside the fort are ruins of the oldest palace of Chittorgarh, Rana Kumbha Palace. The north frontage is an attractive combination of canopied balconies. Across the palace is the archeological office and the Nau Laka Bhandar.

Vijaya Stambha

To the south is tower of victory erected by Rana Kumbha to celebrate his victory over Mahmood Khilji of Malwa in 1440. It stands on a base 14 m square and 3 m high and rises 37 m in nine storeys. The sandstone tower has now been repaired and was covered with Hindu sculptures and depicts episodes from Ramayan and Mahabharat.

Other Important Attractions

Other important attractions in Chittorgarh are Gomukh Kund, Padmini's Palace, Kirti Stambha, Fateh Prakash Palace, and Kalika Mata Temple.