Chittorgarh Fort ( Overview )

Overview

The implementing shape of the fortress has many gateways constructed through the later rulers of the Maurya clan. Chittorgarh Fort was formerly the capital of Mewar and is now situated in the city of Chittorgarh. Chittorgarh Fort reverberates with testimonies of heroism and sacrifice and presentations the Rajput way of life and values inside the real feel. Owing to its incredible edifice, the Chittorgarh Fort became declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the 12 months of 2013.

There is a protracted street of 1 km that results in the Chittorgarh Fort and is quite steep. It is regularly taken into consideration to be the delight of the nation as there are many historical sacrifices related to it. Chittorgarh Fort is also referred to as the Water Fort as it had 84 water our bodies once, but now there are simplest 22 of them left. The main points of interest of the fort are the towers Vijay Stambh and Kirti Stambh. Vijay Stambh refers to the tower of victory and the Kirti Stambh approach tower of repute. The towers are illuminated inside the nighttime and it seems even more stunning. Apart from the towers, there are numerous palaces and temples on the premises of the fort, most first-rate being Meera Temple.

Fort History

It is thought that the name Chittorgarh is derived from its builder Chitranga, who changed into the ruler of a nearby clan that diagnosed themselves as Mauryas or Moris. Another folktale credit the development of the citadel to Bhima, who struck the ground and helped the Bhimlat Kund to the floor. Several small Buddhist stupas dated to the 9th century have also been discovered at the threshold of Jaimal Patta lake.

The Chittorgarh Fort is a treasure trove of records and a saga of bravery, courage, and sacrifice. It turned into captured three times between the fifteenth and 16th centuries. In 1303, Allauddin Khilji defeated Rana Ratan Singh, in 1535, Bahadur Shah defeated Bikramjeet Singh, and in 1567, Akbar defeated Maharana Udai Singh II. The Rajputs fought with bravery, but they lost whenever. Following those defeats within the wars, 'Jauhar' or mass self-immolation became devoted by way of extra than thirteen,000 girls and kids of the infantrymen who laid their lives in the conflict. It was led with the aid of Rani Padmini, spouse of Rana Rattan Singh, who was killed within the first conflict.

Story Behind The War

In the year 1303, Allauddin Khilji, who was the Sultan of Delhi, heard many praises of Rani Padmini of Chittor, who became hailed as the epitome of splendor, grace, and wit. Intrigued, he determined to confirm the same for himself and surrounded the Fort with the motive of sparing Rana Rattan Singh only if he ought to meet the well-known queen. Sensing something off, the queen insisted that he need to no longer meet her, as a substitute he ought to take a look at her mirrored image if he got here into the Chittorgarh Fort unarmed. Accordingly, the Sultan went up the hill and saw the photo of Padmini in the water of a lotus pool, and become escorted by the Maharaja to the outer gate wherein the insidious Sultan's guys waited in silence to pounce upon Rana Rattan Singh. As quickly because the Maharaja reached the gates, he became taken hostage by means of the Sultan.

An emissary became sent to the Sultan to inform him that the queen herself became coming to satisfy him. Soon enough, dozens of palanquins made their way into the camp wherein the Sultan had held Rana Rattan Singh hostage. But instead of the queen, four nicely-armed Rajput warriors leaped out of every palanquin and the palanquin bearers drew out swords as well. They managed to rescue their king, however, the lives of seven,000 soldiers had been misplaced. The Rajput army incurred heavy losses and could not hold out towards the Sultan. Seeing that loss was inevitable, the queen, her entourage of women, and the better halves of generals and infantrymen collectively achieved Jauhar, accepting the loss of life over give up to the enemy.

Important Structure in Chittorgarh

1. Vijay Stambha: The Vijay Stambha or Jaya Stambha is a tangible shape pronouncing the triumph of the Rana Kumbha over Mahmud Shah I Khalji, the Sultan of Malwa. Built over a duration of 10 years from 1458 - 1468, the Vijay Stambha is 37.2 meters in the top and is unfolds over a forty-seven square feet area. The 9 stories of the shape can be accessed via the manner of round steps and results in a dome, a later addition. The Stambha is now illuminated all through the evenings and offers a lovely view of Chittor from the top.

2. Kirti Stambha: Kirti Stambha or the Tower of Fame is a 22-meter-excessive tower built via a Bagherwal Jain service provider Jijaji Rathod, and is dedicated to Adinath, the primary Jain Tirthankara. The tower is embellished with Jain sculptures at the outside, and the interior of the tower is adorned with the figures of diverse Tirthankaras. A fifty-four steps stairway leads to the pinnacle of the tower and became added in the fifteenth century.

3. Rana Kumbha Palace: The ruins of the Rana Kumbha's Palace are located in the direction of the entrance of the Vijaya Stamba, and are the oldest monument inside the Chittorgarh Fort. The entry to the palace's courtyard is through the Suraj Pol which welcomes you into a chain of beautifully decorated canopied balconies. Meera Bai, the famous poet-saint, additionally lived on this palace. This is likewise the website online wherein Rani Padmini committed mass self-immolation in conjunction with many different girls.

4. Padmini's Palace: Padmini's Palace or Rani Padmini's Palace is a three-storied shape, and is a 19 - century reconstruction of the original palace. Located towards the southern part of the Chittorgarh Fort, it's miles a stunning white stone structure. It is right here wherein Allauddin Khilji changed into approved a glimpse of Queen Padmini, which convinced him to overthrow Chittorgarh. The bronze gates to this pavilion were removed and transported to Agra by way of Akbar.

5. Gaumukh Reservoir: In Hindi, Gaumukh approaches the mouth of a cow, and this reservoir close to the Samadheshwar temple derives its name from the cow-formed mouth which fills it with water. It was the primary water supply on every occasion Chittorgarh turned into under a siege.

6. Meera Temple: Meera Bai changed into a famous poetess from Hindu Mythology who devoted her life to Lord Krishna. According to legends, she turned into a princess from Chittorgarh who gave up her royal life to worship the Hindu God Krishna. Meera temple changed into built-in her reminiscence.

7. Kalika Mata Temple: This temple is devoted to Hindu Goddess Kali and dates back to the 14th century. According to the legends, it became destroyed by means of Allauddin Khilji at some stage in his attacks at Chittorgarh and become later reconstructed. It is situated properly across Rani Padmini Palace and is famous for its Indo-Aryan architecture.

8. Fatehprakash Palace: A memoir of Mewar’s art and craft, Fatehprakash Palace was constructed at some stage in the reign of Rana Fateh Singh and served as his house. His admiration for artifacts is pondered in each nook of the palace which now serves as a museum.

9. Kumbh Shyam Temple: Kumbh Shyam temple became firstly built around the eighth century AD however became later repaired via Maharana Kumbh of Mewar for his wife Meera Bai who changed into a devotee of Lord Krishna or Shyam Sundar. It turned into an architectural wonder in the course of that point and became Meera’s Bai private temple.

10. Shringar Chauri Temple: It changed into construction within the 15th century AD all through Maharana Kumbh’s rule. Dedicated to the tenth Jain Tirthankara, Shanti Nath, it reflects the Indo-Aryan architecture that Mewar changed into famous for.

Chittorgarh Fort and Hunting Incident

Needless to say, the website of Chittorgarh Fort is thought to be haunted due to the various lives that were lost right here, specifically to Jauhar. People have said unusual sightings, eerie silences, and sometimes even the blood-curdling screams here. The Fort turns into even more intimidating at some point of the night while ghouls make their way to their earth - certain companions. If you're looking for a quick rendezvous with the ghosts of the beyond, you must recollect Chittorgarh Fort for certain.

Sound and Light Show

In a bid to attract even more tourists to this already popular vacation spot, the Sound and Light Show is organized here. The legend of Chittor involves life in mystical forms conjured out of light and sound and is a tremendous way to analyze more approximately the fortress. The timings are from 7:00 PM onwards and entry fee for adults is INR 50 consistent with head whilst for and for youngsters it's far INR 25 in step with head.

How to Reach | Chittorgarh

Chittorgarh is positioned at a distance of 112 km from Udaipur, on an expanded slope near the Ganbheri River in Rajasthan. The maximum handy manner of achieving the castle is both by using taking a bus or hiring a taxi from Udaipur city.

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