|
CHITTORGARH
 The
pride and glory of Rajasthan. Chittaur echoes with the tales
of romance and valour unique to the Rajput tradition. A
ruined citadel, where the royal past lives in its imposing
forts, graceful palaces and spectacular 'chhatris'.
This fortified settlement has been ravaged thrice and each
time the outcome was 'Jauhar' - when women and children
immolated themselves on a huge funeral pyre while men donned
in saffron robes of martyrdom rode out of the fort towards a
certain death.
Alauddin Khilji was the first to sack Chittaur in 1303 AD,
overpowered by a passionate desire to possess the regal
beauty, queen Padmini. Legend has that he saw her face in
the reflection of a mirror and was struck by her mesmerising
beauty. But the noble queen preferred death to dishonour and
committed 'Jauhar'.
In 1533 AD during the rule of Sikramjeet, came the second
attack from Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat. Once again,
Jauhar was led by Rani Karnvati, a Bundi princess. Her
infant son, Udai Singh was smuggled out of Chittaur to Bundi
who survived to inherit the throne of the citadel. He learnt
from his traumatic childhood that discretion is preferred to
valour so, in 1567AD when the Mughal Emperor invaded
Chittaur; Udai Singh fled to establish a new capital,
Udaipur - a beautiful lake city, leaving behind Chittaur to
be defended by two 16 year old heroes. Jaimal of Bednore and
Patta of Kelwa. These young men displayed true Rajput
chivalry and died after 'Jauhar' was peformed. Immediately
thereafter, Akbar razed the Fort to a rubble.
Chittaur was never inhabited again but it always asserted
the heroic spirit of Rajput warriors
Prime Attractions of Chittorgarh
Vijay Stambh
The Victory Tower, 37 metres high, is an imposing structure
of nine storeys. With sculptures of a secular nature on the
exterior, it was built by Maharaja Kumbha in commemoration
of his victory over the Muslim rulers of Malwa and Gujarat
in 1440 AD.
Chittorgarh Fort
The indomitable pride of Chittaur, the fort is a massive
structure with many gateways built by the literary rulers in
7th century AD. Perched on a height of 180 m high hill, it
sprawls over 700 acres. The tablets and 'chhatris' within
are impressive reminders of the Rajput heroism. The main
gates are Padam 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.
Fateh Prakash Palace Museum
Inside the historical Chittaurgarh Fort, one big portion of
Fateh Prakash Palace in Chittorgarh was converted into a
museum in the year 1968. It has a great collection of
sculptures. Among the important ones are Ganpati (8th - 9th
century) from Pangarh and lndra and Ambica statues from
Rashmi village of post medieval period.
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.
Government Museum - Chittor
The magnificent Prakash Mahal, presently a fine museum with
an exquisite example of sculptures from temples and
buildings in the fort is worth a visit. Closed on Fridays.
Jaimal and Patta Palaces
The ruins of palaces of Rathore Jaimal and Sisodia Patta are
witness to the gallantry of these great warriors.
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 AD, dedicated to the Mother Goddess Kali
|
