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The pride and glory of Rajasthan,Chittaur
echoes with the tales of romance and vlour unique to the Rajput tradition.
A ruined citadel, where the royal past lives in its imposing forts,
graceful palaces and spectacular chattris.
Alauddin Khilji was the first to sack Chittaur
in 1303 A.D. overpowered by a passionate desire to possess the regal
beauty, queen Padmini. Legend has it, 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 A.D., during the rule of
Bikramjeet,came the second attack from Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of
Gujarat. Once again Jauhar was led by Rani Karanavati, 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, 1567
A.D. 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 performed. Immediately thereafter Akbar razed thefort
to a rubble.
Chittaur was never inhabited again but it
always asserted the heroic spirit of Rajput warriors.
Chittaurgarh is India's largest fort and the ultimate symbol of Rajput chivalry
and pride. Hundred and thousands of soldiers have laid down their lives for this fort and
as many women have commited Jauhar (mass self-sacrifice in a sacred fire to
escape dishonour from the enemies).
PRIME SITES :
The Fort: The indomitable pride of Chittaur,
the fort is a massive structure with many gateways built by the later
Maurya rulers in 7th century A.D. Perched on a height of 180 m.
high hill, it sprawls over 700 acres. The tablets and chattris 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-alll 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
metre high structure with nine storeys, covered with exquisite sculputres
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 metres
high tower by a wealthy jain merchant in the 12th 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 Chittaur. The palace is believed to have
underground cellars where Ranio Padmini and other women committed
Jauhar.
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 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 ot ravaging Chittaur in
order to possess her.
Kumbha Shyam 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 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 Goddess Kali- the symbol of power and valour.
Government Museum: The magnificent Fateh
Prakash Mahal, presently a fine Museum with an exquisite example of
sculputres from temples and buildings in the fort is worth a visit. Entry
fee Rs. 2.00. Closed on Fridays.
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: Pratrap Park, Meera Park and
Nehru Park are beautiful laid out parks in lush surroundings. Beautiful
Khwaja rose garden at Saw is just 23 km from Chittaur.
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 pavillions in each
corner.
OTHER SIGHT SEEING PLACES :
Nagari (20 km): One of the oldest towns of
Rajasthan of great importance during the Mauryan period, is situated on
the banks of River Bairach. The Hindu and Buddhist remains from the
Mauryan and Gupta period are found here.
Bassi Village (25 km): Enroute Bundi is a
marvellous village with historical forts temples and kunds. Especially
famous are its sculptures and wooodcraft. A place of great tourist
interest.
Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary (50 sq. km.):
Sanctuary near Bassi, supports a population of panthers, wild boars,
antelopes mongoose and migratory birds. Prior permission has to be
obtained from the District Forest Officer, Chittaurgarh before visiting
the sanctuary.
Sanwariyaji Temple: 940 km): on the
Chittaur-Udaipur road is a contemporary temple of Lord Krishna, an
important pilgrimage spot.
Matri Kundia Temple (50 km.): A popular sacred
place dedicated to Lord Shiva. Popularly called Haridwar of
Mewar.
Bijaipur (40 km): A marvellous castle buit by
Rao Shakti Singh, the younger brother of Maharana Pratap, stands in the
village. Presently, it has been converted into a heritage
hotel.
Sita Mata Sanctuary,Dhariyavad: This thickly
wooded jungle sprawls over the Aravalli ranges and the Malwa plateau with
three rivers flowing through the forest. According to the legend, Sita,
Wife of Lord Rama style in this jungle in Rishi Valmiki’s Ashram after she
was exiled by Lord Rama.
The common fauna that can be sighted here
includes leopard , hyena, jungle fox,porcupine,sambhar,wild boar, four
horned antelope, nilgai and flying squirrel.
Deogarh (125 km): A 16th century
magnificent fort near Pratapgarh with some beautiful palaces ornate with
murals and splendid jain temples.
Menal (90 km.): On the Bundi-Chittaur road amid
the natural beauty is Menal, famous for its ancient Shiva temples,
picturesque water falls and dense forests.
GENERAL
INFORMATION
Area : 6.5 sq. km.
Altitude : 408
metres
Climate : Mean Max. Mean Min.
Summer : 43.8 degree C 23.8
degree C
Winter : 28.37 degree C 11.6 degree C
Rainfall : 60-80
cms.
Best Season : September- March
Clothing : Summer light
tropical
Winter light woollen
Languages : English, Hindi,
Rajasthani.
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