North
India Travel Guide
Chittorgarh Tourism
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.
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. Chittaur was never inhabited again but it always
asserted the heroic spirit of Rajput warriors.
Chittorgarh is the epitome
of Rajput pride, romance and spirit. It reverberates with history of heroism and
sacrifice, which is evident as it echoes with the tales sung by the Bards of Rajasthan.
The main reason for visiting Chittorgarh is its massive hilltop fort, which is
a depiction of Rajput culture and values. The fort stands on a 240-hectares site
on an 180m high hill that rises rapidly from the plains below.
Thrice
a stronger enemy sacked Chittorgarh. The first sack occurred in 1303 when a Pathan
King Ala-ud-din Khilji overwhelmed by the beauty of Queen Padmini besieged the
fort in order to capture the regal beauty. In 1535 Bahadur Shah the Sultan of
Gujarat besieged the fort causing immense carnage and it is said that 32000 men
donned the saffron robes of martyrdom and rode out to face a certain death, and
the women folkes committed Jauhar (an act of self immolations by plunging in a
large fire) led by Rani Karnawati.
In 1568 Mughal Emperor Akbar razed the
fort to the rubble and once again the history repeated itself. In 1616 Mughal
emperor Jehangir restored the fort to the Rajput but it was not resettled. Today
a new township sprawls below the hill on the west side. Chittorgarh is connected
by both bus and rail. The bus stand and the railway are located in the new township.
Chittorgarh Fort is a massive structure with a 1 kilometre zigzag accent
to it. The road leads through seven gates to the main gate Rampol (meaning Gate
of Ram). On the climb between the second and third gate you see two Chattris cenotaphs
built to honour Jaimull and Kulla heroes of 1568 siege by Emperor Akbar. The main
gate of the fort itself is Surajpol (meaning Sun Gate). Within the fort a circular
runs around the ruins of the fort.
According to often told legend the
construction of the fort was started by Bhim a Pandav hero of mythological epic
Mahabharata. The fort has many magnificent monuments. Akbar carried away all the
distinctive pieces of architecture and sculpture and placed them in his capital.
These are still manifested in the fort of Agra. Even though the fort is ruin but
it is an overwhelming reminder of past history and its walls resonate with unbelievable
legend of extra ordinary men and women and their equally astounding deeds.
Chittaurgarh
Fort A standing sentinel to the courage and valor of Chittaurgarh,
it stands tall over a 180 meter high hillock covering a massive area of 700 acres.
The fort is belileved to have been built by the Maurya rulers in 7th century AD.
The fort is a treasure house of history and historical monuments the approach
to the fort is very difficult, the one mile steep serpentine thoroughfare is exhaustive
and the fort is reached through huge seven pols of gates, which are in fact the
strong points having a watch tower and massive iron spiked doors.
It was
ravaged thrice, and each time phoenix-like it rose again Allaudin Khilji was the
first to sack Chittaur in 1303, legend and history corroborate that this was because
of his passionate desire to abduct Rani Padmini. Yet she preferred death to dishonor,
and committed Jauhar (self immolation) along with the other ladies of the court.
Chitturgarh was plundered again in 1535 by Sultan Bahadur Shah of Gujarat and
finally by the Moghul Emperor Akbar, in 1567, in an attempt to subdue Maharana
Udai Singh.
The fort is approached through massive pols of gates. Near
Bhairon Pol, is a cenotaph or 'chhatra' in honor of the chivalrous Jaimal and
his cousin Kala, who laid down their lives whilst defending Chittaur against the
Mughals. Jaimal who was seriously wounded, but was not ready to die in his bed
, thus he was carried into battle on the shoulders of his cousin Kala , both of
them died while showing exemplary courage.
At Ram Pol is a memorial to
Phatta, who was only 16 years old and had just been married, his father had already
died defending Chittaurgarh, and was sent into the battle by his mother, to free
her son from any affection towards home she herself pickled up sword along with
his bride and jumped into the battle field both of them died in front of Phatta.
Next day the women folk of the palace ended their lives by committing Johar. Phatta
leading the saffron robed men from the front thundered down like lightening from
the mighty fortress to die fighting.
The other major gates are Padal pola
and Hanuman Pol, with a distinct Rajput style of architecture.
Places
to See in Chittaurgarh THE FORT:A standing sentinel
to the courage and valor of Chittaurgarh, it stands tall over a 180 meter high
hillock covering a massive area of 700 acres. The fort is belileved to have been
built by the Maurya rulers in 7th century AD.
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VIJAY
STAMBH OR 'VICTORY TOWER:
Built by Rana Kumbha in 1440 , to commemorate
the victory over the combined forces of the kings of neighboring Malwa and Gujarat,
this tower is 120ft. (36.5mts) high and has a girth of 30 ft. at the base, the
nine storied high limestone structure is richly ornamented from top to bottom.
KIRTI STAMBH OR 'TOWER OF FAME:
Built iln the 12th century,
dedicated to Lord Sri Adinath Rishab deo, the first Jain Tirthankar. The 22 metre
high structure ils rdeplete with figures from Jain pantheon. There are several
other Jain temples iln Chittaurgarh.
RANA KUMBHA'S PALACE:
The
largest monument of the fort, it is believed that Rani Padmini committed Jauhar,
in once of these underground cellars. The palace is in ruins but generates historical
as well as architectural interest. The original palace was believed to have been
built by Rana Hamir after regaining the fort in the first siege. The Mewar power
reached its acme during Rana Kumbha's time, he was a great patron of art and architecture,
which is amply reflected in the palace.
PADMINI PALACE:
The
palace of Rani Padmini who preferred death before dishonor, and committed Johar,
along with her entire entourage before falling into the hands of Allauddin Khilji.
It was here that Rana Ratan Singh allowed a glimpse of the legendary beauty to
Allauddin Khilji. The Zanana Mahal overlooks the pond, Padmini stood over here
and the reflection of her was shown in the water to Allauddin Khilji.
MEERA
TEMPLE:
The temple is dedicated to the mystic poetess Meera, and a devotee
of Lord Krishna. Meera was born in Kurki village near Merta to Ratan Singh Rathors,
and was married to Bhojraj son of Rana Sanga of Mewar. Legends say that she consumed
poison set by Vikramaditya but nothing happended to her due to the blessings of
Lord Krishna. In front of the temple is the cenotaph (chhatri) of Meera Bai's
Guru Shri Rai Das of Banaras, inside the cenotaph is carved a figure of five human
bodies with one head, depicting that all castes are equal and even outcasts can
attain God.
KUMBHA SHYAM TEMPLE:
Thetemple dedicated to Varah
(Boar), the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It was built in 1448 AD. By Rana Kumbha
Mahasati cenotaphs The cremation site of the Ranas and their wives, the sites
are marked with Chhatris.
KALIKA MATA TEMPLE:
The temple is
dedicated to Goddess Kali, the symbol of power and valour. Situated towards the
southern side of the fort, it was built by Rana Hamir. Originally it was built
as a Sun Temple by Bappa Rawal in the 8th century, but ws destroyed during the
first sack of Chittaur. Rana Hamir converted it into a Kali temple on regaining
the fort in the 14th century. The house of Chunda is situated near the temple.
There are several other temples, within the ramparts of the fort like that of
the temple of Annapurana, Jain Temples etc.
JAIMAL AND PATTA'S PALACE:
Theruins of this palace remind once of the story of the gallant Rathores
Jaimal and Sisodia Patta the two great warriors, who layed down their lives for
the honour of Chittaurgarh.
GOVERNMENT MUSEUM:
The magnificent
Fateh Prakash Mahal has been converted into a museum, which houses a rare and
rich collectino of sculptures from the fort and the temples. (Friday Closed)
GAUMUKH(COW'S
MOUTH RESERVOIR):
Situated near the Mahasati Chowk, the water from a spring
flows through a stone structure carved in the form of a cow's mouth into the reservoir.
MOHAR MAGRI (HILL OF GOLD COINS):
A small structure which was
raised during the invasion of Chittaurgarh by Akbar in 1567, it gets the name
Mohar Magri because it is believed that Emperor Akbar paid one mohar (gold coin)
for each basketful of earth placed on the mound, as the work was very dangerous,
brave soldiers guarding the the ramparts fromabvoe. The mound was raised to such
a height that the Mughal cannons could be placed over it and fired inside the
fort. The important places inside are, the temple of Tulja Bhawani (the tutelary
goddess of the scribes), the Naulakha Bhandar or nine lakh treasury, Singar Chauri,
depicting inscriptions dating back to 1448 AD. Sat -bis-Deori, the old Jain temple
etc.
Excursions of ChittaurgarhNAGRI
(20km)
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 Mauraya to gupta era. The excavation over here have unearthed
many interesting facts and have showed signs of strong Hindu and Buddhist influence.
BAROLI (130 KM)
The ruins of the famous temples of Baroli,
near Rawatbhata. This town is worth visiting, because of the group of ancient
temples situated here.
BASSI VILLAGE (25KM)
The historical
fort en route to Bundi, is the main attraction. It ahs beautiful temples and Kund
(reservoir). The exquisite sculptures and woodcraft of Bassi are also very famous.
BASSI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
The wildlife sanctuary covers an area
of 50 Sq. Km. Near the 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 permission is to be obtained from the District
Forest Officer, Chittaurgarh.
SANWARIAJI TEMPLE (40 KM)
The
temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, situated on the Chittaurgarh - Udaipur highway.
This is not a very old structure and is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre.
MATRI KUNDIYA TEMPLE (50km)
Also famous as the Haridwar of Mewar'
the shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva
BHAINSRORGARH WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
(90 KM)
The sanctuary lies in the lush green environs of Bhainsrorgarh,
invaluable archaeological remains can also be seen here.
BIJAIPUR (40km)
The 350-year-old castle built by Rao Shakti Singh, the youngest brother
of Maharana Pratap, is the major attraction. It has now been converted into a
hotel.
SITAMATA SANCTUARY
The sanctuary is spread 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 besides
salar, tendu, amla, bamboo and bel etc. Three rivers flow through the forest,
Jakham and Karmoj 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 deer,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 no curanla creature hides in the day
light , 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
sport the squirrel. The sanctuary is also associated with mythological events,
it is believed that Sita wife of Lord Rama stayed here during the period of her
exile in the ashram of Saint Valmiki.
DEOGARH (125 KM).
The16th
century fort near Pratapgarh, is famous for the palaces, with their murals and
Jain temples.
MENAL (90 KM)
This is also known as the 'mini
Khajuraho' blessed with natures bounty. This scenic spot is situated on the Chittaur
- Bundi road 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
JOGANIYA MATA (100 km)
This temple
of Goddess Yogini is said to be 300 years old.
How
To Reach Chittaurgarh Air:
Nearest airport Dabok, Udaipur
(90KM)
Indian Airlines - City Office, Delhi gate, Udaipur
Reservation
timings: 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM
Rail:
Well connected
by rail with direct trains from Delhi, Jaipur, Ajmer ,Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, Khandwa,
Indore, Ratlam, Mandsore, Kota, Bundi Kachiguda etc.
Some important trains
reaching Chittaurgarh are:
Chetak express (Delhi - Udaipur)
Meenakshi Express
(Jaipur - Secunderabad)
Chittaur - Ahmedabad ( Fast Passenger)
For enquiry
; Railway Stataion , Tel : 40131
For Reservation : Railway Reservatino Office,
Platform No. 1 tel : 40131
Timings :10AM to 5PM
Road:
The
town is well connected by road also and the bus services for Udaipur, Adhmedabad,
Mt. Abu, Sirohi,Jalor Jodhpur, Dungarpur, Banswara, Bundi, Kota, Rawatbhata, Ajmer,
Jaipur, Pratapgarh, Ratlam, Indore, Tonk and Nathdwara etc. are available.
For
enquiry - tel : 411 77
For reservation: Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporatino
Bus Stand, Near Bridge Tel : 4177 Timings 10 AM to 5PM
Chittaurgarh is connected
with many towns and cities of the country by road. Chittaurgarh is 297 km. From
Mount Abu and 585 km. From Delhi.
