Chittaurgarh
110 km from Udaipur and 300 km from Jaipur was founded by Bappa
Rawal in 8th century. Known for the massive fort 3 mile long and
495 feet high. Mirabai, 16th century poet and saint was from here.
Also known fro Vijaystambha, Kirtistambha (Tower of Victory), and
Rani Padmini.
Alauddin Khilji was the first to sack Chittaur in 1303 A.D. overpowered
by a passionate desire to possess the regal beauty, queen Padmini.
Legend has it, 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 A.D., during the rule of Bikramjeet, came the second attack
from Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat. Once again Jauhar was
led by Rani Karanavati, 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, 1567 A.D. 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 performed. Immediately thereafter Akbar razed the fort to a
rubble. Chittaur was never inhabited again but it always asserted
the heroic spirit of Rajput warriors.
Culture
The pride and glory of Rajasthan, Chittaur echoes with the tales
of romance and vlour unique to the Rajput tradition. A ruined citadel,
where the royal past lives in its imposing forts, graceful palaces
and spectacular chattris. 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.
Excursion
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 m. high hill, it sprawls over 700
acres. The tablets and chattris within are impressive reminders
of the Rajput heroism.The main gates are Padal Pol, Bhairon Pol
Hanuman pol and Ram Pol. The fort has many magnificent monuments-alll
fine examples of the Rajput architecture.
The ancient ruins of the fort are worth spending few moments in
solitude.
Vijay Stambh (Victory Tower)
Theimposing 37 metre high structure with nine storeys, covered with
exquisite sculputres of Hindu deities and depicting episodes from
the two great epics-Ramayana and Mahabharatha.
Kirti Stambh (Tower of Fame)
The 22 metres high tower 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 Ranio Padmini and
other women committed Jauhar. Top
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
pavillions in each corner.
This temple was built during the reign of Maharana Kumbha and later
given to Mira Bai when she needed a place to worship Lord Krishna,
the main subject of her poems. It is a good example of Rajput architecture,
designed in North Indian style on a raised plinth, with a conical
roof over the inner sanctum. The dome is carved in a circle of five
human bodies with one head that symbolises belief that the people
of the four castes (Varnas), as well as the fifth caste Harijans,
can all realise God. Within the sanctum are paintings of Lord Krishna
and of Mira Bai in devotion (bhakti) to the god. The open colonnade
around the sanctum has four small pavilions. A small chhatri stands
in the temple's forecourt, said to have been built in memory of
Mira's saintly guru, Rai Das (SwamiRavidas)
of Varanasi, a Harijan. The saint's footprints are marked on the
floor of this small shrine.
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 ‘Zanana 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 extend on ravaging Chittaur
in order to possess her.
Kumbha Shyam Temple
Built during the region 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.
Situated on the on the eastern side of Chittorgarh, the Kumbha
Shyam Temple is dedicated to Varah, the Boar incarnation of Vishnu.
This temple was erected by Maharana Kumbha on a base laid in the
9th century AD. A large image of Garuda, the mythical bird, is in
front of the temple, under a canopy supported by pillars. A fine
example of Indo-Aryan style of temple architecture, this temple
has a soaring Shikra, a mandap (porch or pillared hall) covered
with a stepped, pyramid-shaped roof, and a pardakshina (colonnaded
walkway) around the sanctum. There is a small pavilion at each of
the four corners. The sanctum has beautiful idols depicting Lord
Vishnu in different moods, and carvings of life in the 15th century.
It is believed that, originally, this temple was a Vishnu Varah
temple but was destroyed during Mughal attacks.
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 valour.
Across form Padmini place is the Kalika Mata Temple, an 8th-century
temple originally dedicated to Surya or the Sun God but later converted
to a temple to the goddess Kali. The temple architecture is of the
early Paramara (Pratihara) period.It was built upon a large raised
plinth, and features beautiful carvings and sculptures on the exterior
and the mandap (pillared hall), also on the pillars, ceiling and
gates of the shrine. Unfortunately, today it has lost its spire
and also reveals vestiges of considerable repairs, but its beauty
remains an inspiration, but not for Sultan Ala-ud-din khilji. After
the first sack of Chittor in 1303, he and his Muslims destroyed
the temple.
Once a year a fair takes place here in which thousands of visitors
from distant places participate. Of similar style are the ruins
of a small temple and a colonnade near the Mahasati, the fort's
royal cremation ground.
Government Museum
The magnificent Fateh Prakash Mahal, presently a fine Museum with
an exquisite example of sculputres from temples and buildings in
the fort is worth a visit. Entry fee Rs. 2.00. 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. Top
Nagari (20 km)
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.
Seven Kilometers from Bassi, on the Chittaurgarh road, is Nagri,
one of the oldest towns in Rajasthan. Hindu and Budhdhist remains
from the Mauryan to Gupta periods have been found here. Many old
copper coins and sculptures discovered here are now is museums in
Chitaurgarh and Udaipur.
Bassi Village (25 km)
Enroute Bundi is a marvellous village with historical forts 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 km)
on the Chittaur-Udaipur road is a contemporary temple of Lord Krishna,
an important pilgrimage spot.
Matri Kundia Temple
A popular sacred place dedicated to Lord Shiva. Popularly called
Haridwar of Mewar.
Bijaipur (40 km)
A marvellous castle buit 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,Dhariyavad
This thickly wooded jungle sprawls over the Aravalli 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 km)
A 16th century magnificent fort near Pratapgarh with some beautiful
palaces ornate with murals and splendid jain temples
Menal (90 km)
On the Bundi-Chittaur road amid the natural beauty is Menal, famous
for its ancient Shiva temples, picturesque water falls and dense
forests. Top
Shopping
Know for its wooden painted toys made in the surrounding villages,
and thewa gold jewellery in its own distictive style. Also Akola printed
fabrics and leather juttees made in Gangrar.
Getting There
By Air
Udaipur is the nearest airport. Daily flight form Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur
and Lucknow are available to Udaipur.
By Bus
Rajasthan Roadways run very comfortable deluxe & air conditioned
buses from Jaipur to Chittaurgarh. It is also connected by road
to Delhi, Mount Abu, Chittaurgarh, Bundi and Udaipuri.
By Train
Chittaurgarh has rail links with Ahmedabad, Chittaurgarh, Udaipur,
Jaipur, Kota, Alwar and Delhi.
Getting around
Both unmetered taxi and tonga can be hired from either the railway
station or the bus station. Bicycle can also be rented to visit
the fort.
Top
General Information & Accomdation info on Chittaurgarh city of Rajasthan - India
|