Chittorgarh

Chittorgarh is located in the southern part of Rajasthan, lies on the Berach River, a tributary of the Banas, and is the administrative headquarters of Chittorgharh District and a former capital of the Sisodia clans of Rajputs of Mewar. It is 112kms from Udaipur and 182kms from Ajmer is a famous tourist destination for its massive fortress claimed to be the largest amoung all the Rajput fort and has witnessed the legendary tale of Queen Padmini's act of 'jauhar' that fascinates most historians and travellers.

Understand

Historically, the Chittorgarh fort was built by the Maurayans in 7th century A.D. The fort is surrounded by a circular wall which has seven huge gates before one can enter inside the main fort area. Some accounts say that the Mori dynasty was in possession of the fort when Bappa Rawal the founder of the kingdom of Mewar seized Chittorgarh (Chittor fort) and made it his capital in 734 AD. While some other accounts say Bappa Rawal received it as a part of the dowry after marriage with the last Solanki princess.

The first attack was by Alauddin Khilji in 1303 A.D., who was enamoured by the beauty of Padmini of which he had only heard. Rani Padmini preferred death to abduction and dishonour and committed jauhar (an act of self immolation by leaping into a large fire) along with all the other ladies of the fort. All the men left the fort in saffron robes to fight the enemy unto death. Chittorgarh was captured in 1303 A.D. by Alauddin Khilji, Sultan of Delhi who led a huge army. Elderly people then had the responsibility to raise the children. It was recaptured in 1326 A.D. by the young Hammir Singh, a scion of the same Gehlot clan. The dynasty (and clan) fathered by him came to be known by the name Sisodia after the village where he was born.

By the 16th century, Mewar had become the leading Rajput state. Rana Sanga of Mewar led the combined Rajput forces against the Mughal emperor Babur in 1527 A.D., but was defeated at the Battle of Khanua. Later in 1535 A.D., Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat besieged the fort causing immense carnage. It is said that again just like in the case of Jauhar led by Padmini in 1303 A.D., all 32,000 men then living in the fort donned the saffron robes of martyrdom and rode out to face certain death in the war, and their women folk committed Jauhar led by Rani Karnawati. The ultimate sacrifice for freedom, Jauhar was again performed for the third time after the Mughal Emperor Akbar captured Chittorgarh in 1568 A.D.

Chittorgarh is also famous for its association with two very widely known historical figures of India. The first is, Meera Bai the most famous female Hindu spiritual poetess whose compositions are still popular throughout North India. Her poems follow the Bhakti tradition and she is considered to be most passionate worshipper of lord Krishna.

Chittorgarh remains replete with historic associations and holds a very special place in the hearts of Rajputs, as it was a bastion of the clan at a time when every other stronghold had succumbed to invasion. The fort and the city of Chittorgarh also hosts the biggest Rajput festival "Jauhar Mela". It takes place annually on the anniversary of one of the jauhars, not the one by Padmini which is most famous. This festival is to commemorate the bravery of Rajput ancestors and all three Jauhars which happened at Chittorgarh. A huge number of Rajputs which include the descendants of most of the princely families do a procession to celebrate the Jauhar.

Get in

The completed Golden Quadrilateral highway system will pass through Chittorgarh, connecting it to much of the rest of India. Also crossing the East West Corridor (Express Highway). The Chittorgarh is situated at National Highway No. 76 & 79, both the Highways are crossing at Chittorgarh It is well connected with Jaipur, Jodhpur, Indore, Ujjain, Ratlam, Ajmer and Fatehabad by many metre gauge trains. The town still lacks connectivity to Ahemdabad, Bhopal, Gwalior, Ajmer, Jabalpur and Nagpur, so in order to catch trains for further cities one has to reach either Kota, Nagda, or Ratlam.

• By Air: The nearest airport is the Maharana Pratap Airport at Udaipur, about 90 km from Chittorgarh.
• By Train: Chittorgarh is well connected by rail to other cities and towns of Rajasthan and India. The Chittorgarh railway station connects Chittorgarh to cities such as Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Ajmer, Kota, Udaipur, and Delhi. In addition to this, you also have the option to travel by the Palace on Wheels luxury train.
• By Road: Rajasthan roadways (RSRTC) provide a very good service for visiting areas around Chittorgarh. Numbers of private bus services are available in Chittorgarh, connecting all major cities in India. There are regular bus services from Chittorgarh to other cities in Rajasthan and India. Bus services operate for Delhi, Mount Abu, Jaipur, Indore, and Ajmer.

Get around

The prime tourist attraction in Chittorgarh is the fort of Chittogarh, which is located on a steep hill beside the main township. The chhatris or memorials of Jaimal and Kalla which mark the spots where they fell while bravely defending the fort during a siege in 1586 speaks for the valor of Rajputs. Rana Kumbha Palace is an important spot and it is believed that Queen Padmini had performed jauhar in one of its cellars. The Archeological Museum, the Singa Chowri Temple, and the Fateh Prakash Palace and Museum adjacent to Rana Kumbha Palace are worth visiting. The Victory Tower or Vijay Stambh is one of the main tourist attractions of the fort. The Tower of Fame or Kirti Stambh is another important monument. built in 12th century and is dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain Tirthankara (spiritual leader).

See

Chittorgarh Fort

The fort, plainly known as Chittor, was the capital of Mewar and is today situated several kilometres by road south of Bhilwara. It sprawls majestically over a hill 180 m (590.6 ft) in height spread over an area of 280 ha (691.9 acres) above the plains of the valley drained by the Berach River. A winding hill road of more than 1 km (0.6 mi) length from the new town leads to the west end main gate, called Ram Pol, of the fort. Within the fort, a circular road provides access to all the gates and monuments located within the fort walls. The fort that once boasted of 84 water bodies has only 22 of them now. These water bodies are fed by natural catchment and rainfall, and have a combined storage of 4 billion litres that could meet the water needs of an army of 50,000. The supply could last for four years. These water bodies are in the form of ponds, wells and step wells. The fort has seven gates (in local language, gate is called "Pol"), namely the Padan Pol, Bhairon Pol, Hanuman Pol, Ganesh Pol, Jodla Pol, Laxman Pol and the main entry gate of Ram Pol (Lord Rama's Gate). All the gateways to the fort have been built as massive stone structures with secure fortifications for military defense. The doors of the gates with pointed arches are reinforced to fend off elephants and cannon shots. The top of the gates have notched parapets for archers to shoot at the enemy army. A circular road within the fort links all the gates and provides access to the numerous monuments (ruined palaces and 130 temples) in the fort.

• Victory Tower. The Vijay Stambha (Victory Tower) or Jay Stamba, called the symbol of Chittor and a particularly bold expression of triumph, was erected by Rana Khumba between 1458 and 1468 to commemorate his victory over Mahmud Shah I Khalji, the Sultan of Malwa, in 1440 AD.[citation needed] Built over a period of tne years, it raises 37.2 metres (122 ft) over a 47 square feet (4.4 m2) base in nine stories accessed through a narrow circular staircase of 157 steps (the interior is also carved) up to the 8th floor, from where there is good view of the plains and the new town of Chittor. The dome, which was a later addition, was damaged by lightning and repaired during the 19th century. The Stamba is now illuminated during the evenings and gives a beautiful view. Free Entry for Indians. For foriegn tourist charged INR 50.00.
• Kirti Stambha (Tower of Fame). Kirti Stambha ("Fame Tower") is a 22 metres (72 ft) high tower built on a 30 feet (9.1 m) base with15 feet (4.6 m) at the top, is adorned with Jain sculptures on the outside and is older (probably 12th century) and smaller than the Victory Tower.[citation needed] Built by a Bagherwal Jain merchant Jijaji Rathod, it is dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain tirthankar (revered Jain teacher). In the lowest floor of the tower, naked figures of the various tirthankars of the Jain pantheon are seen in special niches formed to house them. These are digambara monuments. Jain religion has two orders, namely the Svetambara and Digambara; Digambara monks reject all forms of clothing and live naked or ‘sky clad’ while the Svetamabara monks wear thin white robes. A narrow stairway with 54 steps leads through the six storeys to the top. The top pavilion that was added in the 15th century has 12 columns.
• Rana Kumbha's Palace. At the entrance gate near the Vijaya Stamba, Rana Kumbha's palace (in ruins), the oldest monument, is located. The palace included elephant and horse stables and a temple to Lord Shiva. Maharana Udai Singh, the founder of Udaipur, was born here; the popular folk lore linked to his birth is that his maid Panna Dhay saved him by substituting her son in his place as a decoy, which resulted in her son getting killed by Banbir.[citation needed] The prince was spirited away in a fruit basket. The palace is built with plastered stone. The remarkable feature of the palace is its splendid series of canopied balconies. Entry to the palace is through Suraj Pol that leads into a courtyard. Rani Meera, the famous poetess saint, also lived in this palace. This is also the palace where Rani Padmini, consigned herself to the funeral pyre in one of the underground cellars, as an act of jauhar along with many the other women. The Nau Lakha Bandar (literal meaning: nine lakh treasury) building, the royal treasury of Chittor was also located close by. Now, across from the palace is a museum and archeological office. The Singa Chowri temple is also nearby. Entry Tickets: INR 2.00 for Indians; Foriegn tourists: INR 50.00. Camera: INR 50.00 extra.
• Padmini's Palace (Queen's Palace). This palace, a white building, a three storied structure (a 19th century reconstruction of the original), is located in the southern part of the fort. Chhatris (pavilions) crown the palace roofs and a water moat surrounds the palace. This style of palace became the forerunner of other palaces built in the state with the concept of Jal Mahal (palace surrounded by water). It is at this Palace where Alauddin was permitted to glimpse at the mirror image of Rani Padmini, wife of Maharana Rattan Singh. It is widely believed that this glimpse of Padmini's beauty besotted him and convinced him to destroy Chittor in order to possess her. Maharana Rattan Singh was killed and Rani Padmini committed Jauhar. Rani Padmini's beauty is compared to that of Cleopatra and her life story is an eternal legend in the history of Chittor, in particular and of the Mewar state in general. Entry Free.
• Meera Temple. Build by Maharana Kumbha in 1449, this lord Vishnu Temple has beautiful idols in its sanctum, mendap and pillars. In the same premises, there is a small temple of Lord Krishhna. Entry Free.

Other Attractions

• Kalika Mata Temple. Across from Padmini’s palace is the Kalika Mata Temple, Chittorgarh Fort. Originally, a Sun temple dated to the 8th century dedicated to Surya -the sun-god, was destroyed in the 14th century. It was rebuilt as a Kali temple.
• Tulja Bhavani Temple. on the west side of the fort is the ancient Tulja Bhavani temple built to worship goddess Tulja, considered sacred. The tope khana (cannon foundry) is located next to this temple in a courtyard, where a few old cannons are still seen.
• Fateh Prakash Palace. Build by Maharana Fateh Singh this huge palace is of morden style. This place has been named Fateh Prakesh after Maharana Fateh Singh. There is a big Ganesh idol, a fountain, and different frescoes which are to be seen to be believed. This palace, now a museum, has a rich collection of sculptures from temples and buildings in the Fort.
• Jain Temples. At present six jain temples on the fort of Chittor. The largest and chief among them is the temple of Bhagawan Adinatha with fifty-two devkulikas. The place of this temple is known as ‘Sattavish devri’. It means that at some time in the past, there were twenty-seven temples here. The Digamabar Jain Kirtistambh and seven-storied Kirtistambh are two among them. The seven-storied Kirtistambh was built in the fourteenth century in memories of Bhagawan Adinatha
• Gaumukh Reservoir. A deep tank filled by a spring coming from a 'cow mouth', situated at the edge of the cliff. It is considered to be sacred where you can feed the fishes.

Sleep

• Hotel Padmini, Near Sainik School, Bhilwara Road. Chittorgarh, ☎ +91-1472-241712/718, [1]. A good and scenic location on the outskirts of CHittorgarh, alongside the river and with a panoramic view of the fort. INR: 1000 - 2000 per night.
• RTDC Hotel Panna‎, Udaipur Road, Pratap Nagar, Chittorgarh (700 mi from the Railway Station), ☎ 01472 241238. The hotel is just like standard hotel, but it has all the facilities you need. A/c, room heater, room service, restaurant and a helpful staff. INR 600 - 1000 per night.
• Castle Bijaipur, Near Head Post Office, Chittorgarh. Calm and tranquil. Excellent place to relax and unwind amidst nature. INR 4000 - 5000 per night.
• Hotel Gaurav Palace‎, Near Apsara Talkies, Chittorgarh (500 mi from the bus depot). INR 300 - 400 per night.
• Bassi Fort Palace, PO Bassi Village, Chittaurgarh (24 Kms from Bassi on Kota-Bundi-Chittorgarh-Udaipur road), ☎ 01472 225321, [2]. A heritage hotel owned by the Welcome group, it has 16 well appointed rooms and suites. The hotel is also a treasure house of many historical deeds and artifacts. INR 3000 - 6000 per night (taxes applicable).
• Hotel Shree Ji, Near Railway Station, Chittorgarh (Raj.) (300 mi from the Railways Station), ☎ +91 1472 - 249131, 240431, [3]. The hotel comprises 31 rooms with attached bathrooms , fully a.c., Open Balcony and High quality of accessories. A vegeterian hotel equipped with dining hall.

Get out

NAGRI (20Km-Tehsil-Chittorgarh)

One of the most important townships of the Mauryan era in Rajasthan, situated on the banks of river Bairach. It was formerly known as Madhyamika, which flourished from the Maurya to Gupta era. The excavations overhere have unearthed many interesting facts and have showed signs of strong Hindu and Buddhist influence. BAROLO (140 Km-Tehsil-Rawatbhata)

The ruins of the famous temples of babaroli, near Rawatbhata. This town is worth visiting, because of the group of ancient temples situated here.

BASSI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY(25Km-Tehsil-Chittorgarh)

The wildlife sanctuary covers an area of 50 Sq.Km. near Bassi village. The key fauna of the sanctuary are panther, wild boar, antelopes and mongoose. Migratory birds also visit the sanctuary. For entry into the sanctuary, prior permision is to be obtained from the District Forst Officer, Chittaurgarh. SANWARIYA JI TEMPLE (40 Km-Tehsil-Bhadesar)

The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishn, situated on the Chittaurgarh - Udaipur highway. This is not a very old structure and is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre. MATRI KUNDIYA TEMPLE (45 Km-Tehsil-Rashmi)

Also famous as the "Haridwar of Mewar", the shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva. BHAINSORGARH WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

The sanctuary lies in the lush green environs of Bhainsrogarh, invaluable archaeological remains can also be seen here. BIJAIPUR

The 350 year old castle built by Rao Shakti Singh, the youngest brother of Maharaja Pratap, is the major attraction. it has now been covered into a hotel. SITAMATA SANCTUARY

The sanctuary is dpread over the Aravali and Vindhyachal ranges and is the only forest where teak trees of building value are found. The thickly vegetated sanctuary has about 50% teak trees besided salar, tendu, amla, bamboo and bel etc. three rivers flow through the forest Jakham and Karmoi are the major ones. A huge dam has been constructed over the Jakham river for irrigation, and wild animals in the sanctuary.

The key fauna of the sanctuary are leopard, hyena, jackal, fox, jungle cat, porcupine, spotted dear, wild bear, four horned antelope and nilgai etc.

The most important and conspicuous animal of the sanctuary is the flying squirrel, which can be observed gliding between the trees during night, this nocturnal creatures hides in the daylight, the best time to watch the squirrel is in the months of February and March at Arampura Guest House, when most trees shed their leaves making it easier to spot the squirrel.

The sanctuary is also associated with mythological events it is believed that sita wife of Lord Ram stayed here during the period of her exile in the ashram of Saint Valmiki.

DEOGARH (125 Km) The 16th century fort near Pratapgarh, is famous for the palaces, their murals and Jain temple.

MENAL (90 Km) This is also known as the "mini khajauraho", blessed with natures beauty, this picnic spot is situated on the Chittaur - Bundi raod, and is famous for the ancient temples, waterfalls and beautiful forests.

GOTMESHWAR (130 Km) The place is famous for the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

JOGNIYA MATA JI This temple of Goddess Yogini is said to be 300 years old

NATHDAWARA (SHRI NATH JI TEMPLE)

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