Chittorgarh

Chittorgarh is that township of Rajputs that has embossed its name in Indian history as a state that keeps its pride, honor and respect before death. It had set an example before the world that one should sacrifice ones life before accepting disrepute and slavery. It was not just the kings but also the queens, who portrayed immense courage, chivalry and gallant before a superior empire.

Chittor was attacked thrice by superior armies and each time the rulers fought till their last breadth to save their turf from being taken over. When Ala-ud-din Khilji came to claim Rajput princess Padmini as his own wife, all the women along with the princess immolated themselves in a mass suicide preferring death over dishonor. The Chittorgarh Fort in the heart of the city is the main attraction here, which will take you in the time machine to the days of battles, romance and sacrifice of the Rajputs.

History:
Chittorgarh has its name mentioned in the great Hindu epic Mahabharata as a place where the mightiest Pandava, Bhim, struck the surface so hard that water came gushing from the ground, to take the form of a reservoir. Between 8th and 16th century the town remained under the Sisodia empire of the Rajputs. The main architectural edifice of the town, the Chittorgarh Fort, was built during this time perios by Sisodia king Bappa Rawal.

It was in 1303, when the town saw its greatest of battles and sacrifices, when Ala-ud-din Khilji sieged the fort to captivate the beautiful queen Padmini. But Padmini chose to die with dignity rather than to live with dishonor and committed mass suicide with other women and children in an act called Jauhar.

Again in 1535, a superior army attacked the town. This time it was Bahadur Shah, the emperor of Gujarat. The Rajput men and women came forward in large numbers to fight with chivalry before declaring Jauhar. The final attack took place in 1568, when Mughal emperor Akbar sacked the fort. Like always, the Rajputs didn't deter to put their whole strength to drive off their enemies. But finally, jauhar was performed again. Though this time Maharaja Udai Singh II fled to form his empire in Udaipur. In 1616, the town was returned to its original rulers by Akbar's son Jahangir.

Orientation:
Situated 150 miles to the southwest of Jaipur, Chittorgarh is a pride of southern Rajasthan. Its main fort lies on a 180 m high hill near Gambheri River, that separates the town lying to the west of the hill called lower town, to this part of the town that lies within the fort.

Information:
Get your currency exchanged at SBBJ, which lies close to the post office, to its north. You can also get your cash from SBI ATM situated within the town. The main Tourist Reception Centre is close to the train station. The main Post Office is situated at a distance of 1 km from the Bus Stand.

Sights:
Chittorgarh Fort:
A major part of the town lies within the gigantic fort of Chittor. Even today around 4000 villagers stay within the fort. Perched upon a hill, like most of the other Rajput Forts, it spells beauty and might at its best. The main gateway is the Suraj Pol while the other gateways include the Padam Pol, Hanuman Pol, Ram Pol and Bhairon Pol will welcome you to the marvelous interiors narrating the saga of beauty and bravery of the Rajputs.

Rana Kumbha Palace:
Turn right from the main entrance to reach the 15th century palace of Rana Kumbha, which is now in ruins. The sight where Rani Padmini committed Johar along with other women, is now closed for public viewing. But you can have a look of the Shiva Temple and the 15th century Singa Chowri Temple. There is also a museum and an archaeological office beyond this palace.

Fateh Prakash Palace:
The main attraction of this fort is the palace museum which was opened in 1968. The museum preserves weapons, costumes, clay items and sculptures of Hindu deities, some belonging to 8th century.

Tower of Victory:
Vijay Stambh or the Victory Tower lies in the southern part of the fort. This tower was built by Rana Kumbha between 1458 and 1468 to mark the Rajput victory over the Muslim rulers of Gujarat and Malawi. The tower is 37 m high and has nine stories. A fleet of 157 narrow steps lead to the topmost floor of the tower. Sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu epics Mahabharata and Ramayana beautify the exteriors of the tower.

Gaumukh Reservoir:
To the west of the fort you will see a reservoir, which served as a source of water for the town. The name originates from the from the shape of the source of water which resembles a cow's mouth. It was a belief that River Goddess Ganga appeared here to quench the thirst of the heroic residents of the fort, who didn't hesitate to sacrifice their lives for their respect.

Padmini's Palace:
A rare combination of extraordinary beauty and valor, Rani Padmini was a symbol of women strength of Chitorh. To the south of Gaumukh Reservoir, you will find a lotus pool surrounding a central pavilion. It was here that the queen sat when Ala-ud-din Khilji saw her reflexion in the pool. From that moment, he decided that he will do anything to possess her, which led to the first attack on the town.

Tower of Fame:
Kirti Stambh or the Tower of Fame is a Jain Tower built by a Jain Merchant in 12th century. This 22 m high tower is devoted to the first Jain Tirthankar, Shri Adinath Ji and has sculptures of Digambar Jain Tirthankars. Don't miss out on Bhimlat Tank, Adhbudhnath Shiva Temple, Suraj Pol and the Neelkanth Mahadev Jain Temple situated on the way to the Tower of Fame.

Other Buildings:
Other important buildings within the fort are Meera Temple which is near Fateh Prakash Palace, Kumbha Shyam Temple and the 8th century temple called the Kalika Mata Temple.

Sleeping & Eating:
Though it is better to stay at Bassi and come for a day trip to Chittorgarh, but if you have to stay here you should inquire the Tourist Reception Centre before reserving an accommodation. The budget hotels have below average facilities. Some of the options available here are Hotel Pratap Palace, RTDC Hotel Panna, Hotel Padmini, Shalimar Hotel. Hotel Chetak and Natraj Hotel.

Getting There & Away:
Train:
From Bundi, you can get an early morning train to Chittorgarh. To travel from Chittaurgarh to Jaipur you can catch Jaipur Express and for Udaipur you can get Chetak Express.

Bus:
From Chittorgarh, frequent buses are available for Udaipur. Express buses to Delhi, Jaipur and Ajmer also have a good service.

Getting Around:
The fort is around 6 km from the train station and 7 km of the fort boundary circumscribing it. You can easily travel by an auto rickshaw from the bus stand or the train station to the fort, which will cost you around Rs 150. Between the train station and the bus stand, an auto will charge you around Rs 20. Bicycles can also be hired for sightseeing but you may need to climb up the hill on foot.