CHITTAURGARH -THE EPITOME OF ROMANCE AND VALOUR.
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.
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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 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 thefort to a rubble.
PRIME SITES
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.
Saas-Bahu Temple
Vijay Stambh (Victory Tower): The imposing 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.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 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.
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 ot 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 deovtee. 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 valour.
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.
Gardens and Parks: Pratrap Park, Meera Park and Nehru Park are beautiful laid out parks in lush surroundings. Beautiful Khwaja rose garden at Saw is just 23 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 pavillions in each corner.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area : 6.5 sq. km.
Altitude : 408 metres
Climate : Mean Max. Mean Min.
Summer : 43.8 degree C 23.8 degree C
Winter : 28.37 degree C 11.6 degree C
Rainfall : 60-80 cms.
Best Season : September- March
Clothing : Summer light tropical
Winter light woollen
Languages : English, Hindi, Rajasthani.
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