Chittorgarh Fort: Everything You Need to Know About the Unbreakable Fort in India
The majestic Chittorgarh Fort is one of the most famous forts in India, not just because of its enormous structures but also because it has witnessed history for centuries. Chittorgarh Fort is considered an unbreakable and immiscible castle in Rajasthan tourism.
Chittorgarh Fort has had a tumultuous past with Rajputs and other rulers. The bastion of the Raputs has faced three violent attacks in its history. The first was in 1303 when the Sultan of Delhi, Ala-ud-din Khilji, whom Queen Padmini enamoured, launched an attack to abduct her. 2 centuries later, in 1533; it was Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat, caused immense destruction. Four decades later, in 1616, under the reign of Mughal emperor Jahangir, the fort was returned to the Rajputs.
The fort area is open to the public 24*7, but to visit some specific places within the fort complex, you’ll need tickets.
Things that you should know about Chittorgarh Fort:
Chittorgarh Fort is a prominent UNESCO World Heritage Site. Earlier serving as the stronghold for the kingdom of Mewar, Chittorgarh Fort remains an emblem of pride for Rajasthan, preserving its historical and cultural significance. Keep the following details in mind when organizing your visit to the majestic fort during Jaipur Chittorgarh Day Tour:
Location: Embark on a visit to the town of Chittor, Rajasthan, and explore the opulent fortress
Operational hours: Opens every day of the week from 4:00 am to 10:00 pm
Entry Fees: Rs 50 for adults and Rs 25 for children
Let’s take a sneak peek into the history and beauty of the fort ruins:
Chittorgarh is named after the imposing structure; the fort stands atop a 180-meter-high hill and sprawls over 700 acres.
Rani Padmini’s Palace
The palace plays an important role in Rajput history. The structure was built on the banks of a lotus pool and has a pavilion that provides privacy for the royal family’s women.
Ratan Singh Palace –
The royal Rajput family’s winter palace overlooks a small lake. Though rundown now, it is an interesting place to explore and draws many tourists.
Vijay Stambh –
The tower of victory, Vijay Stambh, was built by Maharana Kumbha between 1440 AD and 1448 AD to immortalize his triumph in defeating the Muslim rulers of Malwa and Gujarat. It is partly built from red sandstone and white marble; this architectural wonder is a nine-storied tower decorated with sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses.
Kirti Stambh –
The tower of fame is dedicated to Adinathji, the first Jain Tirthankara, Kirti Stambh. It is adorned by the figures of the Digambars and was built by a Jain merchant Jeeja Bhagerwala during the reign of Rawal Kumar Singh.
Rana Kumbha Palace –
Rana Kumbha Palace is no less than a ruin of great historical and architectural wonder. It is one of the most massive monuments of the fort in Chittoor. The palace is believed to have underground cellars where Rani Padmini and other women committed Jauhar.
Fateh Prakash Palace –
Built by Maharana Fateh Singh, the palace functioned as his residence. It was built in the Rajput style of architecture as a declaration of his taste for art and culture. The palace has a rich collection of wooden crafts from Bassi village, post-medieval statues of Jain Ambica and Indra from Rashmi Village, weapons, and more.
Kalika Mata Temple –
The ancient Kalika Mata Temple was built in the 8th century AD to worship the sun god. In the 4th century, the temple was dedicated to the goddess Kali, the symbol of power and courage.
Tulja Bhawani Temple –
An ancient architectural wonder, Tulja Bhavani Temple is a Hindu religious shrine of the goddess Durga, built in the 16th century by Banvir. Legend says it is named after Banvir, who donated various ornaments (Tula Dan), equaling his weight for relief funds.
Meerabai Temple –
Meerabai is well-known for her deep devotion to Lord Krishna and revered him at this sacred temple. The architectural design adheres to the traditional Northern Indian style, elevated on a plinth, with its pointed roof visible from a certain distance. The temple boasts a charming sanctuary, enclosed by an open veranda and four petite pavilions.
Gaumukh Reserve –
The place offers a spectacular view of skill, hill, city, fort, and the Gaumukh reservoir. It is the most famous attraction of this fort. The vivid fact of this place is how a massive amount of water enters the reservoir after passing through a long, thin strip made on the mountains encircles the fort vicinity. The reservoir is a source of underground spring water. A small Shivling & goddess Lakshmi is lying just below the stream of water falling from the Gaumukh.
Jauhar Kund –
In the early days, Rajputs had a strong tradition of self-immolation by women to void culture, enslavement, and rape by invaders on facing defeat in wars. The first Jauhar was performed in 1303 AD, when Ala-ud-din Khilji, the Mughal sultan of Delhi, besieged Chittorgarh Fort, ruled by Rana Rawal Ratan Singh. After defeating the Rajput king, Ala-ud-din Khilji wants to take Rani Padmini. But she refused to go and therefore performed Jauhar along with 16000 women.
The second Jauhar was performed on 8th March 1535, when Bahadur Shah of Gujarat attacked the fort; then, there was no ruling king as Rana Sanga died in 1528 CE after the Battle of Khanwa. The third Jauhar happened in September 1567, when Akbar attacked the fortress. Rana Udai Singh changed strategy, and he, along with his sons and royal ladies, left the fort through a secret route.
Wrapping up –
The Chittorgarh Fort is one of the largest forts in India and is also considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Kumbhalgarh Fort of Rajasthan. The fort was the capital of Mewar and is in the town of Chittor.
So, did this article intrigue you? Then immerse in its rich history and heritage on a Rajasthan Tour Package with family or friends and reveal the glorious past it beholds.