Chittorgarh Fort is famous for it’s breath taking history of bravery and sacrifices of Rajput dynasty which marked as timeless pride of India. The fort has witnessed many ups and downs and brave battles that were fought since ages.
The fort located in Chittorgarh district of Rajasthan and famous for it’s history and heritage which is also popular tourist destination. The mighty splendid existence of the fort which is mind blowing example of Rajput gharana architecture.
Chittorgarh Fort A Symbol Of Architectural Grandeur
The land mark of Rajputana Legacy Chittorgarh Fort is consider to be the largest fort in Asia. The fort was built by Maurya dynasty in 7th century and after that many rulers had ruled, three battles also witnessed around this fort.
The fort spread around 700acres land, extending through 3km in length and 13kn in peripheral length. the fort standing on a height of 180m elevated hill top. The majestic fort shows the glimpses of royal Rajput traditions and splendor. The fort is accessible through 7 doors with Iron spikes on those. The seven doors are called pol and name of those pols are different.
The name of seven doors are Ram pol, Padal pol, Bhairon pol, Ganesh pol, Jorla pol, Laxman pol and hanuman pol. The fort is an evidence of ancient Rajputana architecture and marvelous arts. The for also boast plenty of historical palaces, temples those are used by the members of the fort.
Many other important structures are Sammidheshwara Temple, Jain temple, Kalika Mata Temple Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Meera Bai Temple and Kumbha Shyam Temple. These are ancient heritage of Mourya and Rajput history which are assets of ancient culture.
Chittorgarh was once famous for 84 water body in the fort but now only some of those around 22 are found there. It is said this wonderful historical structure was built before the time of Mahabharata. The famous Bhimtal lake was built by Bhim of Pandava is a witness of the old history of the fort.
The Best Places To Visit In Chittorgarh Fort
The panoramic view from the fort and watch tower is breath taking wonders that shows how complicated was the battle of that time to successfully defeat enemies. But these forts were hard to conquer and some how played major role to protect people and the places.
A Zigzag path from the new part of Chittorgarh to Ram pol, the main door, spread 1km is worth to must visit spot in the fort. The Important and famous palaces are Rana Kumbha palace, Padmini Palace both are worth visiting for its grandeur.
Two towers are the symbol of triumph of Rajput are called Vijay Stambha and Kirti Stambha. Gaumukh Reservoir and Bhimtal Tank are also the part of the fort and popular tourist spots.
The Story behind Jawhar Mela In Chittorgarh
Another must see places are the old bazar and famous of them are Nagina Bazar and Moti Bazar, both are now ruined but worth visiting for the tourist for the remining parts of ancient business hub.
The most attraction in the fort during Jauhar Mela which is dedicated to tribute of Rani Padmini and other brave women who sacrificed their lives for protect the dignity of Rajput dynasty of Mewar.
It was a painful true story of Chittor when Allauddin Khilji attacked Chittor and defeated. According to history it was 1303 when Allauddin Khilji was Sultan of Delhi. He decided to verify himself about the famous story of intelligence and beauty of Rani of Chittor Padmini.
Allauddin decided to attack chittor. He ordered to surrounded chitton and sent a message to Rana Ratan Sing, then Maharana of Chittor and Husband of Rani Padmini. He alone meet with Rana Ratan Sing and wish to meet Rani Padmini to spare chittor from attack.
After a long conversation Rana Ratan Sing agreed to meet her once through a mirror reflection. According to conversation Sultan escorted up to the hill unarmed and he saw through a mirror Rani Padmini Standing near a lotus pool. He then escorted down to the gate and there his army waiting to ambush a plan to take the Rana Ratan Sing in hostage.
After Rana Ratan Sing abduction an intelligent agressive plan advised and taken granted by Rani Padmini to escape Rana from imprisonment. According to plan Rani sent a message to Sultan for meeting with him herself. She arranged plenty of Palanquins with curtained for her procession and hiding armed worriers.
After reaching Sultan’s camp they attacked and with a sudden attack Rani defeated Sultan’s army with vigorous fight. Rani rescued Rana Ratan Sing but lost 7000 worriers in the battle. After rescue Rana Ratan Sing, Sultan Allauddin Khilji attacked Chittor with full force and after loosing 7000 frontline worrier Rana could not stand and lost the battle.
Rani Padmini and other wives of worriers who lost their husband in battle field, hand over their children and other members to safe custody, wore their marriage dress and one by one surrender to fire called ‘Jauhar’ to protect their dignity.
The story of pride and dignity of Rani Padmini shows how brave they were. Every year Jauhar mela held to pay homage for rani Padmini and Rajput women for bravery and ultimate sacrifices for their dignity.
Chittorgarh tour is in complete without knowing the story of Rani Padmini and her sacrifices. Chittor means bravery and chittorgarh is the place of brave Rajput. The UNESCO declared as world heritage site to be remain preserved on 2013 convention.
