Chittorgarh is synonymous with the chivalry of Rajputs, which is etched, in golden letters in Indian History.Chittorgarh proudly displays the remnants of its glorious past in the ruined forts and palaces, which have now become the tourist attractions in Chittorgarh.

History of Chittorgarh

The history of Chittorgarh dates back to the seventh century. Chittorgarh earlier known as Chtrakut was named after a local Rajput chieftain whose name was Chitrang.The history of Chittogarh speaks of the bravery and self sacrifice of Rajput men and women who bravely fought to the last the invaders who attacked the city of Chittorgarh three times in the medieval period. According to legend, Ala-ud-din Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi, was just allowed to see the reflection of Queen Padmini in a mirror while she stood behind a pavilion in this palace. Ala-ud-din was so smitten by her beauty that he invaded and sacked Chittorgarh to possess her Rajput women who preferred death to dishonour at the hands of the enemy performed jauhar or mass immolation on a huge pyre. Chittogarh has witnessed about three jauhars.

Attractions in Chittorgarh

The prime tourist attraction in Chittogarh is the fort of Chittogarh, which is located on a steep hill beside the main township. An uphill ascent of about 1km through seven gates takes one to the main gate. Although most of the monuments are in ruins, the fort still reflects its past glory .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. Built by Rana Kumbha to commemorate his victory over Mahmud Khilji, the ruler of Malwa in 1440 this 37-m, 9-storied tower has a number of balconies at each story, from where the tourist can look at the monuments within the fort. The Sammidheshwara Temple is near this tower. Gaumukh reservoir and the Palace of Queen Padmini are important spots to the south of the Rana Kumbha Palace. The Tower of Fame or Kirti Stambh is another important monument. This 22-m-high tower, with carvings of Jain deities, was built in 12th century and is dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain Tirthankara (spiritual leader). Other spots worth visiting are the Bhimtal Tank, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Meera Temple, Kumbha Shyam Temple, and the 8th-century Kalika Mata Temple.

Excursions from Chittorgarh

Excursions can be made from Chittorgarh to Bijapur, 40 km from Chittorgarh, with its fort converted into a hotel. There are ancient temples at Menhal, on Bundi, 48 km from Chittorgarh, which are interesting for the tourist and spiritually inclined, alike. Ancient Hindu and Buddhist monuments at Nagri, which is 17 km north of Chittorgarh, are also worth visiting.

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