The  pride and glory of Rajasthan , chittor echoes with the  tales of romance and velour unique to the Rajput tradition . A ruined citadel , where the royal and velour 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 women 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 Chittor in 1303A.D , overpowered by a passionate desire to possess the regal beauty , queen Padmini ,Legend has it that he saw her face in the reelection of mirror and was struck by her mesmerizing beauty But the noble queen preferred death to dishonor and committed “ Jauhar “ .

In 1553 A.D during the rule of Bikramjeet , come the second attack from Bahadur Shah , the sultan of Gujarat . Once again Jauhar was led by Rani Karnavati , bundi princess . Her infant son , Udai Singh was smuggled out of Chittor to Bund survived to inherit the throne of the citadel . he learnt from his traumatic childhood that discretion is preferred to velour , so, in 1567 A.D When the mughal Emperor invaded Chittor , Udai Singh Fled to establish a new Capital Udaipur – a beautiful lake city , leaving behind Chittor 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 performed .Immediately thereafter Akbar razed the fort to a rubble .

Chittor was never inhabited again but it always asserted the heroic spirit of Rajput warriors .

PRIME SITES

The Fort: The indomitable pride of Chittor , the fort is massive structure with many gateways built by the later Maurya rulers in 7th century A.D  Perched on a height of 180m  hill it sprawls over 700 acres . The tablets and chhatris within are impressive reminders of the Rajput heroism.
The main gates are Padal 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 Stambha [Victory Tower]: The imposing 37 meter high structure with nine stores , covered with exquisite sculptures of hindu deities and depicting episodes from the two great epics Ramayana and Mahabharatha . It was built in 1440 A.D by Maharana Kumbha , a powerful ruler of Mewar , to commemorate his victory over the muslim rulers of Malwa and Gujarat.


Kirti Stambh [Tower of Fame]: The 22 meters high tower built by a wealthy Jain merchant in the 12 th century A.D  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 , being the most massive  monument in the fort of Chittor , The palace is beloved to have underground callers where Rani Padmini and other women committed Jauhar.

Padmini’s Palace: Built beside a pool , the palace is magnificent one , It was here that Rana Ratan Singh showed a glimpse of queen Padmini to Alaudin khilji.

Rani Padmini Stood in a “ Zanana Mahal ” a pavilion in the center and her reflection was visible to Alauddin Khilji in a mirror places in the main hall . After having a glimpse of the legendary beauty , Alauddin went to extent of ravaging Chittor in order of possess her.

Kumbha Shyam Temple: Built during the region of Rana Kumbha in the IndoAryan style , the temple is associated with the mystic poetess Meerabai – an ardent Krishna devotee , She was the wife of Prince Bhojraj .

Kalika Mata Temple: 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 Godess Kali –the symbol of power and velour.

Jaimal and Patta Palaces: The ruins of palaces of Rathore jaimal and Sisodia Patta are witness to the gallantry of these great warriors.

 Gardens and Parks: Pratap Park , Meera Park and Nehru Park are beautifully laid out parks in lush  surroundings . Beautiful Khawaja rose garden at Sewa is just 13 km from Chittor.

 Meerabai 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.
 

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