CHITTAURGARH INFORMATION
India
Heritage has devoted itself to The pride and glory of Rajasthan. Chittaur
echoes with the tales of romance and valour unique to the Rajput tradition.
A ruined citadel, where the royal past lives in its imposing forts, graceful
palaces and spectacular 'chhatris'.
This fortified settlement has been ravaged thrice and each time the outcome
was 'Jauhar' - when wo
men
and children immolated themselves on a huge funeral pyre while men donned
in saffron robes of martyrdom rode out of the fort towards a certain death.
Alauddin Khilji was the first to sack Chittaur in 1303 AD, overpowered by
a passionate desire to possess the regal beauty, queen Padmini. Legend has
that he saw her face in the reflection of a mirror and was struck by her
mesmerising beauty. But the noble queen preferred death to dishonour and
committed 'Jauhar'.
In 1533 AD during the rule of Sikramjeet, came the second attack from Bahadur
Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat. Once again, Jauhar was led by Rani Karnvati,
a Bundi princess. Her infant son, Udai Singh was smuggled out of Chittaur
to Bundi who survived to inherit the throne of the citadel. He learnt from
his traumatic childhood that discretion is preferred to valour so, in 1567AD
when the Mughal Emperor invaded Chittaur; Udai Singh fled to establish a
new capital, Udaipur - a beautiful lake city, leaving behind Chittaur to
be defended by two 16 year old heroes. Jaimal of Bednore and Patta of Kelwa.
These young men displayed true Rajput chivalry and died after 'Jauhar' was
peformed. Immediately thereafter, Akbar razed the Fort to a rubble.
Chittaur was never inhabited again but it always asserted the heroic spirit
of Rajput warriors
The Fort: 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) :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): 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: 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: The ruins of palaces of Rathore Jaimal
and Sisodia Patta are witness to the gallantry of these great warriors.
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.
