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The story of Chittorgarh Fort is one mystical journey which is full of invasions, battles and sacrifices. Chittorgarh Fort was included as a World Heritage Site under the group 'Hill Forts of Rajasthan'. It is a 7th century architecture which was built by the Mauryan rulers. The place is named after Chitrangada Mori (Mauryan ruler of that time). Bappa Rawal was the founder of Sisodia Rajputs who made Chittorgarh, the capital of the Kingdom of Mewar in 8th C.
Chittorgarh Fort is a majestic fort which houses many temples, palaces and lakes. It was abandoned after the invasion of Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1568 and it was never inhabited again. Today, the remains of this fort is one of the best places to visit in Rajasthan. This place has seen bloody battles and has also seen royal women commit Jauhar (self-immolation in the pyre) 3 times in the course of the history.
Ala-ud-din-Khilji attacks the fort to gain Maharani Padmini in 1303. That is first major battle in the fort where are all the royal women commit Jouhar (self-immolation in the pyre) and their men go to the battle, get defeated. Two other times such battles took place and during the reign of Rana Uday Singh II, the capital was shifted to Udaipur in 1569.
Chittorgarh Fort remains an architectural wonder that has stood the test of times. So, let us take a pictorial tour around the fort of forts in Rajasthan, the Chittorgarh Fort!
Rana Kumbha's Palace
Rana Kumbha was popular ruler during the 15th century. He is believed to have built around 82 fortress, among them Kumbalgarh Fort was named after him. The great Krishna devotee Meera Bai lived in this palace, as she was the wife of the Prince, Bhoja Raja of Mewar.
Photo Courtesy: Daniel Villafruela
Vijay Stamb (The Victory Tower)
Vijay Stamb is a victory tower built by Rana Kumbha in 1440 AD. It is a 9-storied tower which has artistic carvings situated near Rana Kumbha's Palace.
Photo Courtesy: Daniel Villafruela
Samiddhesvara Temple
Samiddhesvara Temple is one of the temples inside the fort. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and a 3 headed Shiva idol is located inside the shrine.
Photo Courtesy: Daniel Villafruela
Kirti Stamb (The Tower of Fame)
Kirti Stamb is a 12th C tower built by a Jain merchant Jijaji Rathod. It is smaller than Vijay Stamb and has many carvings relating to Jain scriptures.
Photo Courtesy: Daniel Grant
Rani Padmini's Palace
Rani Padmini was the wife of Rana Ratan Singh. Ala-ud-din-Khilji becomes infatuated with her beauty and desires to take her to his harem. In the battle Ratan Singh gets killed by Khilji and Rani Padmini commits Jouhar (self-immolation in the pyre).
Photo Courtesy: Ssjoshi111
Kalika Mata Temple
Kalika Mata Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kalika (Durga), earlier it is was dedicated to Sun God.
Photo Courtesy: Daniel Villafruela
Gaumukh Kund
Gaumukh Kund is one of the famous reservoir in Chittorgarh Fort. Many such water tanks were constructed as water catchment areas inside the fort.
Photo Courtesy: Daniel Villafruela
Mira Bhai's Temple
Mira Bhai who stayed in the fort, worshiped Lord Krishna in this temple. The idols of Krishna and Meera are situated inside the temple.
Photo Courtesy: Sujay25
A Small Gateway
Rana Kumbha built 7 gateways to the fort namely Ganesh Pol, Hanuman Pol, Bhairon Pol, Laxman Pol, Paidal Pol, Jorla Pol and Ram Pol.
Photo Courtesy: Jonathan Freundlich
Chittor Gate
Chittor Gate is one of the prominent entrances to this hill fort.
Photo Courtesy: Ujjal
