Chittorgarh is the perfect backdrop for historical blockbuster! This fortified citadel was
ravaged three times when women and children committed 'Jauhar' immolating themselves
on a huge funeral pyre while the men folk donned in saffron robes of martyrdom rode out
to face certain death.
Alauddin Khilji was the first to sack Chittaur in 1303 A.D. Legend has it that Alauddin. Khilji was so besotted by the regal beauty of Padmini, he was overpowered by a desire to Possess her. But the noble queen preferred death to dishonor and committed 'Jauhar'. The victim was Chittaur, which came under the sword of the marauder.
In 1533 A.D., during the rule of Bikramjeet, came the second attack from Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat. Once again the jauhar was led by Rani Karmawati, a Bundi Princess. Her infant son was smuggled out of Chittaur and survived to inherit the throne of the citadel. From the traumatic experience of his childhood he learnt that discretion was the better part of valour. So when the Mughal Emperor invaded Chittaur, Udai Singh fled to establish a new capital, Udaipur; a truly beautiful lake city. He left behind Chittaur to be defended by two 16 year old heroes, Jaimal of Bednore and Patta of Kelwa. These two young men in their prime displayed the Rajput chivalry before being consumed by the jauhar flames. Immediately afterwards Akbar razed the fort to the ground.
Chittaur was never inhabited again, but the pride, glory and the royal past is still alive in Its imposing fort, spectacular chhatris' and awe inspiring palaces.
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 mt high hill, it sprawls over 700 acres. The tablets and chhatris within are impressive reminders of 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 Stambh (Victory Tower): The imposing 37 metre 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 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 built 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 Rani 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 'Janana 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 extent of ravaging Chittaur in order to possess her.
Kumbha Shyam Temple: Built during the reign of Rana Kumbha in the Indo-Aryan 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 Goddess Kali the symbol of power and valor.
GovernmentMuseum: The magnificent Fateh Prakash Mahal, presently a fine Museum with an exquisite example of sculptures from temples and buildings in the fort is worth a visit.
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 Khwaja rose garden at Sawa is just 13 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 pavilions in each corner.
Bassi Village (25 kms): En route Bundi is a marvellous village with historical fort, temples and kunds. Especially famous are its sculptures and woodcraft. 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 (40 kms): On the Chittaur-Udaipur road is a contemporary temple of Lord Krishna, an important pilgrimage spot.
Matri Kundia Temple (50 kms): A popular sacred place dedicated to Lord Shiva, popularly called 'Haridwar of Mewar'.
Bijaipur (40 kms): A marvellous castle built 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, Dhariyawad: This thickly wooded jungle sprawls over the Aravali ranges and the Malwa plateau with three rivers flowing through the forest. According to the legend, Sita, wife of Lord Rama stayed 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 kms): A 16th century magnificent fort near Pratapgarh with some beautiful palace omates with murals and splendid Jain temples.
Menal (90 kms): On the Bundi-Chittaur Road amid the natural beauty is Menal,famous for its ancient Shiva temples, picturesque water falls and dense forests.
Shopping: The beautiful wooden toys made in Bassi village near Chittaurgarh are the best buys. Besides these, there are Thewa articles of Pratapgarh, printed fabric of Akola and leather mojri of
Gangrar. Favorite shopping spots include Sadar Bazaar, Rana Sanga Market, New Cloth Market, Fort Road Market, Gandhi Chowk and Station Circle.
Rail: Chittaurgarh is well connected by rail, some important train connections are Mewar Express (Delhi -Chitaurgarh-Udaipur); Pass. (Kota-Chittaurgarh-Nimach); 9769 Express (Khandwa -Chitta urgarh-Ajmer).
Road: Bus services operate to several important destinations. Delhi (583 km), Mount Abu (297 km), Jaipur(325 km.),Indore (325 km.) and Ajmer (185 km.)
Local Transport: un-metered auto rickshaws. Also cycle-rickshaws and tongas.
Alauddin Khilji was the first to sack Chittaur in 1303 A.D. Legend has it that Alauddin. Khilji was so besotted by the regal beauty of Padmini, he was overpowered by a desire to Possess her. But the noble queen preferred death to dishonor and committed 'Jauhar'. The victim was Chittaur, which came under the sword of the marauder.
In 1533 A.D., during the rule of Bikramjeet, came the second attack from Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat. Once again the jauhar was led by Rani Karmawati, a Bundi Princess. Her infant son was smuggled out of Chittaur and survived to inherit the throne of the citadel. From the traumatic experience of his childhood he learnt that discretion was the better part of valour. So when the Mughal Emperor invaded Chittaur, Udai Singh fled to establish a new capital, Udaipur; a truly beautiful lake city. He left behind Chittaur to be defended by two 16 year old heroes, Jaimal of Bednore and Patta of Kelwa. These two young men in their prime displayed the Rajput chivalry before being consumed by the jauhar flames. Immediately afterwards Akbar razed the fort to the ground.
Chittaur was never inhabited again, but the pride, glory and the royal past is still alive in Its imposing fort, spectacular chhatris' and awe inspiring palaces.
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 mt high hill, it sprawls over 700 acres. The tablets and chhatris within are impressive reminders of 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 Stambh (Victory Tower): The imposing 37 metre 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 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 built 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 Rani 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 'Janana 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 extent of ravaging Chittaur in order to possess her.
Kumbha Shyam Temple: Built during the reign of Rana Kumbha in the Indo-Aryan 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 Goddess Kali the symbol of power and valor.
GovernmentMuseum: The magnificent Fateh Prakash Mahal, presently a fine Museum with an exquisite example of sculptures from temples and buildings in the fort is worth a visit.
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 Khwaja rose garden at Sawa is just 13 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 pavilions in each corner.
EXCURSIONS
Nagri (20 kms): 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 kms): En route Bundi is a marvellous village with historical fort, temples and kunds. Especially famous are its sculptures and woodcraft. 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 (40 kms): On the Chittaur-Udaipur road is a contemporary temple of Lord Krishna, an important pilgrimage spot.
Matri Kundia Temple (50 kms): A popular sacred place dedicated to Lord Shiva, popularly called 'Haridwar of Mewar'.
Bijaipur (40 kms): A marvellous castle built 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, Dhariyawad: This thickly wooded jungle sprawls over the Aravali ranges and the Malwa plateau with three rivers flowing through the forest. According to the legend, Sita, wife of Lord Rama stayed 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 kms): A 16th century magnificent fort near Pratapgarh with some beautiful palace omates with murals and splendid Jain temples.
Menal (90 kms): On the Bundi-Chittaur Road amid the natural beauty is Menal,famous for its ancient Shiva temples, picturesque water falls and dense forests.
Shopping: The beautiful wooden toys made in Bassi village near Chittaurgarh are the best buys. Besides these, there are Thewa articles of Pratapgarh, printed fabric of Akola and leather mojri of
Gangrar. Favorite shopping spots include Sadar Bazaar, Rana Sanga Market, New Cloth Market, Fort Road Market, Gandhi Chowk and Station Circle.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
HOW TO REACH CHITTORGARH
Air: 90 kms. is the nearest airport, Dabok Airport, Udaipur.Rail: Chittaurgarh is well connected by rail, some important train connections are Mewar Express (Delhi -Chitaurgarh-Udaipur); Pass. (Kota-Chittaurgarh-Nimach); 9769 Express (Khandwa -Chitta urgarh-Ajmer).
Road: Bus services operate to several important destinations. Delhi (583 km), Mount Abu (297 km), Jaipur(325 km.),Indore (325 km.) and Ajmer (185 km.)
Local Transport: un-metered auto rickshaws. Also cycle-rickshaws and tongas.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area: 6.5 sq. km.
Altitude: 408 metres
Climate: Mean Max. Mean Min.
Summer: 43.8 °C 23.8 °C
Winter: 28.37 °C 11.6 °C
Rainfall: 60-85 cms.
Best Season: September - March
Clothing: Summer: Light Tropical
Winter: Light Woollen
Languages: Hindi, English & Rajasthani