Rajasthan
is most divergent Indian State. The State climate varies from hot-cold of
desert to the cold of hills to moderate in other parts. The state is a heritage
to old Forts, lakes, Palaces, Temples etc. The beauty of Rajasthan is
unparallel and community is mixed. The state was remained under ruling of
Mughal’s for long time and indelible marks are left here.
Chittorgarh,
110 km from Udaipur and 300 km from Jaipur was founded by Bappa Rawal in 8th
century. Chittorgarh is a city and a municipality in Rajasthan state of western
India and is also known by other names Chittor, Chittaur, or Chittaurgarh.
Chittorgah is the administrative headquarters of Chittorgarh District and a
former capital of the Sisodia clans of Rajputs of Mewar. The city of
Chittaurgarh is located on the banks of river Gambhiri and Berach. The district
was bifurcated and a new district namely Pratap Garh was created with certain
portion taken from Udaipur district in the newly created district of Pratap
Garh.
The
empire of Rajputs created Chittaur as the capital city of Mewar in ancient
period. Fiercely independent, the fort of Chittor was under siege thrice and
each time they fought bravely and thrice Jauhar ( also known as Saka refer to
the ancient Indian Rajput Hindu tradition of honorary self immolation of women
and subsequent march of men to the battlefield) was committed by the ladies and
children, first led by Rani Padmini, and later by Rani Karnavati. Some more
great fighters got huge popularity in history is Jaimal and Phata. They did the
war with the Mugal’s in 1568 AD.The famous warriors Gora and Badal, in the war
against Allaudin Khalji (1303 AD), have become legendary. The sacrifice of
Jaimal and Phata in the war against the Mughals (1568 AD) was so great that the
Mughal Emperor Akbar installed their statues in the fort of Agra. Meera the
devotee of Lord Krishna was also from this city. Chittorgarh is home to the
Chittorgarh Fort, the largest fort in Asia.
Chittorgarh
is the epitome of Chattari Rajput (an warrior caste) pride, romance and spirit,
for people of Chittor who always chose death before surrendering against enemy.
It reverberates with history of heroism and sacrifice that is evident from the
tales that are still sung by the bards of Rajasthan. Though it can now be
called a ruined citadel there is much more to this huge fort. It is a symbol of
all that was brave, true and noble in the glorious Rajput tradition.
Tourist
Attractions:
Chittorgarh
Fort
The
Chittorgarh Fort is the biggest fort of Asia, seated on a 180 metre high hill
from the ground, covers an expanse of 700 acres (2.8 km2). The fort is epitome
of Rajput bravery and ultimate sacrifices. The high hard rocky hills of
Rajasthan are very difficult to break, but Rajput rulers broke these hills and
created historical fort with solid stones. To approach the Chittorgarh Fort
travelers have to cross 1 km zigzag road on the hill. There are 7 gates to
enter the main entrance Rampol. It was
constructed by the Mauryans in the 7th century AD. There is also a belief that
it was constructed by Bhima of the Pancha Pandavas. This fort was the citadel
of many great Rajput warriors such as Gora, Badal,Rana Kumbha, Maharana Pratap,
Jaimal, Patta, etc.
Kalika
Mata Temple
Kalika
Mata Temple is believed was originally built in the 8th century for Sun God and
was later converted to a temple for mother Goddess, Kali in the 14th century. During
the festival days of Navaratri, fairs are organised and pilgrims from different
places come here to pay obeisance at the temple.
Vijay
Stambh
Vijay
Stambha (Tower of Success), is a huge nine storey tower which was built by
Maharana Kumbha to commemorate his victory over the Muslim rulers, Mahmud
Khilji, of Malwa and Gujarat in 1440. The tower is 122 ft (37 m) high and
stands on a 10 ft (3.0 m) high base. There are sculptures and carvings on the
exterior walls of the tower. The tower is visible from any section of the town
below. The travellers have to climb 157 steps for reaching the top, from where one
can take paranomic view of the surroundings. The inside walls of the tower are
carved with images of Gods, weapons, etc.
Kirti
Stambh
Kirti
Stambh (Tower of Fame) is tower dedicated to Rishabha, the first Jain Tirthankara
Adinath. It was built by a merchant and is decorated with figures form the Jain
pantheon. It is a seven storied pillar which was build by Biherwal Mahajan
Sanaya of Digambar Jain sect during 12th century AD. On its four corners are
engraved idols of Shri Adinathji in Digambar style. Each Idol are five feet
(about 1.5meters) high. In the other places there are several small idols
engraved, consecrated to Jain lineage of deities. This is must visit spot of
Chittorgarh is having narrow stairway.
Rana
Kumbha's Palace
Rana
Kumbha's Palace, a huge monument constructed inside the Fort of Chittorgarh, is
near the Vijay Stambh. Rana Kumbha was the very good architect and he loves the
creation of various designed buildings. This palace was the best example of
Rana’s creation. This is also the birthplace of Maharana Udai Singh, the founder
of Udaipur. His life was saved by the heroic act of the maid Panna Dhay, who
replaced her son in place of the prince, with the result that her son was
killed by Banbir. She carried the prince away to safety in a fruit basket. Rani
Meera Bai also lived in this palace. This is the place where Rani Padmini
committed jauhar with the other ladies in one of the underground cellars.
Rani
Padmini's Palace
Rani
Padmini's Palace is constructed next to amazing lotus pool in the Fort. This is
the palace from which Alauddin Khilji was allowed to watch a reflection of the
Rani by placing the mirror at such an angle that even if he turned back he
could not see the room. Khilji had been warned by the Rani's husband Rawal
Ratan Singh that if he turned back they would cut his neck. Khilji was so mesmerized
by the appearance of Rani that he decided to possess the Rani at any cost.
The
other tourist places in Chittorgarh are Kumbha Shyam Temple, Meerabai Temple,
Gaumukh Reservoir, and Archeological Museum.
Reaching
to Chittorgarh:
The
city is well connected through rail and road.
By
Air: reaching Chittorgarh is possible through air but travelers have to reach
Jaipur first. From Jaipur its just 304 kms away and travelers can hire the taxi
or state buses from Jaipur.
By
road and Rail: Neemuch is the closest big railway station to reach Chittorgarh.
Reaching time from Neemuch to Chittorgarh is only 1 hour 30 mins.
