Chittorgarh Fort

Chittorgarh Fort has received the credit of being the largest fort of India. The massive fort is located on a high hill near the Gambheri River in Chittorgarh. Chittorgarh Fort lies at a distance of 112 kms from the city of Udaipur in Rajasthan. This fort was built by various Maurya rulers in the 7th century. This huge fort covers an area of 700 acres, extending to 3 kms in length and 13 kms in peripheral length. Standing on an elevated hill of 180m, the impregnable fort has witnessed three battles.

Chittaurgarh Fort is truly an embodiment of chivalry and pride of the Rajputs. The fort has a long story of romance, courage, determination and sacrifice. A glimpse of the fort still makes one to think the glory of the Rajputs who once lived here. The imposing Fort boasts of well-designed palaces, magnificent cenotaphs and huge towers. The Fort of Chittorgarh has a colossal structure that is secured by its several strong gateways.

Chittorgarh Fort is an acknowledgement to the courage of the gallant Rajput rulers who sacrificed their life combating dominant rivals instead of surrendering before them. The history of this majestic fort can be traced during the time of Khilji's. Chittorgarh Fort is said to have been the capital of the Gahlot and Sisodia kings who ruled Mewar between the eighth and the sixteenth century. The Fort was named after Chittrangad Maurya.

The fort was attacked three times and every time it got saved by the daring heroism of the Rajput warriors. In 1303, for the first time, this fort was attacked by Allaudin Khilji to fulfill his desire to make off with Rani Padmini. For the second time, the Fort was sacked by Sultan Bahadur Shah of Gujarat in 1535. In 1567, it was attacked for the last time by Mughal Emperor Akbar to conquer Maharana Udai Singh. Every time, a jauhar (mass suicide) was observed and the womenfolk of the Royalty never submitted themselves.

This colossal fort is accessible through seven huge gates (Pols) that are comprised of strong iron spikes and served as a watch tower in earlier times. The way to Chittorgarh Fort will take you through crisscross paths that would be interrupted at intervals by seven giant pols (gateways). The foremost gate you will come across is the 'Ram Pol' (the gate of Lord Rama) that has a temple in its vicinity. While climbing further, you would find two cenotaphs near Padal Pol. These cenotaphs are dedicated to Jaimal and Kala, who were killed by Akbar in the battle of 1567.

On your way, you will find Padal Pol, Bhairon Pol, Ganesh Pol, Jorla Pol, Lakshman Pol and Hanuman Pol. Next to Padan Pol, there is the memorial which was erected in the memory of Rawat Bagh Singh. He was the one, who got united with King Vikramaditya to battle against Sultan Bahadur Shah. The Bhairon Pol was named to memorize Bhairondas Solanki, who also fought in opposition to Sultan Bahadur Shah in 1534. However, the main gate to enter the fort is Suraj Pol (the Sun Gate).

Apart from these massive gates, the Fort has many palaces to boast of including Rana Kumbha Palace and Padmini's Palace, which are wonders of Rajput architecture. Padimini's Palace is the same palace that used to serve the beautiful queen of Rattan Singh. Rana Kumbha Palace is the place that has underground cellars where queen Padmini committed 'Jauhar' along with the children and the other ladies of household.

The Fort also comprises several temples including Sammidheshwara Temple, Jain Temple, Kalika Mata temple, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Meerabai Temple and Kumbha Shyam Temple. These are the ancient temples that have noteworthy carvings and intricate work. Gaumukh reservoir and Bhimtal Tank are other places worth visiting. Gaumukh reservoir is a huge water tank that gets water from Cow's mouth shaped rock. In the waters of this same reservoir, Allaudin was allowed to see the reflection of Queen Padmini that led to the whole battle.

Above all, the fort has towers that depict the glorious history of the Rajput rulers. Vijay Stambh and Kirti Stambh are the most famous towers celebrating the victory of Rajputs. Kirti Stambh is the tower that literally means 'the Tower of Fame. Built in the 12th century, this tower is dedicated to Adinath ji, the first Jain thinker. Kirti Stambh is a seven-storied structure with the height of 22 m. one can reach the different floors by climbing through a cramped staircase of 54 steps. The tower is embellished with sculptures of Jain Pantheon.

Praten over Vijay Stambh, letterlijk betekent het 'de toren van de overwinning'. Vijay Stambh is de meest indrukwekkende structuur van het fort Chittorgarh. Het werd gebouwd door Maharana Kumbha om zijn overwinning over Mohammed Khilji in de 15e eeuw te herdenken. Deze reusachtige toren is negen verdiepingen en biedt een foto-perfect uitzicht op de stad van de balkons. Deze enorme toren strekt zich uit tot de hoogte van 122 voet en breedte van 47 vierkante meter aan de basis. De cirkelvormige trap van deze toren heeft 157 trappen. Deze imposante toren duurde tien hele jaren om te bouwen. U kunt sculpturen van de hindoe-goden op de alcoves van deze toren traceren.

'S Avonds is Vijay Stambh verlicht en ziet er nog meer fascinerende uit. Chittaurgarh Fort verwelkomt jaarlijks veel toeristen over de hele wereld naar het complex. Bovendien maakt de geschiedenis van dit majestueuze fort het bezoek aan deze plaats interessanter. De prachtige monumenten van dit fort zijn zeker de moeite waard om wat tijd in afsondering te besteden aan de heroïsme van Mewar-heersers. Dit erfgoed fort van Rajasthan is zeker een 'must-visit' plek die niet kan missen.