Chittorgarh Fort is situated in Chitorgarh city of Rajasthan state. It is perched on top of 180 meter high hill. It is one of the most magnificent and largest forts of India. Chittorgarh Fort has been standing strong since Mauryan times it was built by a Mauryan ruler called Chitrangad Mori. Chittorgarh Fort is named after its founder ‘Chitrangad Mori’.
Chittor was the capital of Mewar during rule of Rajput over this region. Chittorgarh Fort is considered a living example of bravery of Rajput men and women. This fort is truly a historical gem. It has seen luxury, glory, bloodshed, sacrifices, making and breaking of Kings, their empires and what not.
This magnificent fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist attraction that welcome a number of domestic and international tourists throughout the year.
Chittorgarh Fort grabbed special attention especially after the movie Padmavat. This iconic fort has so many stories to tell, so many experiences to feel.
History of Chittorgarh Fort:
Chittorgarh Fort was built by Mori King Chitrangad Mori but as it is with throne and power it keeps changing its masters. The Moris could not hold the fort forever but how and at whose hands did they lose their grand fort?
Well there are a couple of versions of the story claiming to answer this question. As per one version of the story, one of the first attacks on fort is believed to have happened around 730 AD by Bappa Rawal of Guhila Dynasty who attacked and won the fort from Moris.
As per other story Moris gave the fort as part of dowry to the Bappa Rawal when daughter of Mori clan married Bappa Rawal.
As per third version Arabs had already captured the fort from Moris and Bappa Rawal overtook the fort from Arabs.
The Guhila Dynasty held the ownership of Chittorgarh Fort quite a long time. It was around 1303 when Muslim Invader Allauddin Khilji set his eyes on Chittorgarh. At time Chittorgarh was under the ownership of Rajput King Ratansimha this siege between two rulers went on for about 8 months.
There is a famous legend related to 14th century siege of Chittorgarh fort. Chittor’s King Raja Ratansinha married a very beautiful princess from Singhal (now Sri Lanka) called Padmini or Padmavati. Allah uddin Khilji heard about her and wanted to have her. After many requests Khilji was shown reflection of Maharani Padmini or Padmavati. Khilji decided to make this beautiful queen his own and fulfil his desire.
This led to furious battle between Ratansimha and Allah uddin Khilji. Ratansimha died in the battle, following the death of the king, royal women of the fort committed Jauhar (self immolation) in order to save themselves from this heinous Sultan who was lusting after the queen.
People say to this day screaming voices of the ladies who immolated themselves can be heard near the Jauhar Kund. This place is also considered haunted by some.
It is said that after taking the fort the cruel Sultan ordered his men to kill Hindus and ended up taking lives of over 30000 innocent Hindus. Allah Uddhin passed on the fort to his son and fort remained with Khiljis till 1311.
After repeated persuasions from Rajputs Khizr Khan Khilji gave up the fort and it came in ownership of Sonigra Chief Maldeva. It remained with him for about seven year then ruler of Mewar dynasty Hammir Singh conquered the fort. Mewar dynasty had strong military and hence it held great status in the region. Rana Kumbha ascended the throne in the year 1433 kingdom flourished under the ruler.
Unfortunate times started for dynasty when Rana Kumbha’s son Rana Udaysimha killed him so he could ascend the throne. In 1527 a descendent of Ran Udaysimha was defeated at the hands of Babur. By this Mewar was not as strong as it was earlier. Taking advantage of its weakness Muzaffraid Dynasty attacked and Bahadur Shah took over the fort in 1535. Sadly, this once again became the reason of death of many and leading women to commit, Jauhar.
During the time when Chittorgarh Fort was in control of Rana Uday Singh II Mughal emperor Akbar decided to take over the fort, this led to furious battle between Rana Uday Singh II and Akbar. It took a few months to battle to finally end Mughals took over the fort and it remained with them for a long period.
The stories of Blood shed:
The mighty fort of Chittorgarh has seen immense brutality, blood shed and Jauhar in its life time.
These gut-wrenching stories really shake your believe in humanity and makes one think how is it possible for someone to be this cruel.
There is a famous legend related to 14th century siege of this fort. Chittor’s King Raja Ratansinha married a very beautiful princess from Singhal (now Sri Lanka) called Padmini or Padmavati. Allah uddin Khilji heard about her and wanted to have her. After many requests Khilji was shown reflection of Maharani Padmini or Padmavati. Khilji decided to make this beautiful queen his own and fulfil his desire.
This led to furious battle between Ratansimha and Allah uddin Khilji. Ratansimha died in the battle, following the death of the king, royal women of the fort committed Jauhar (self immolation) in order to save themselves from this heinous Sultan who was lusting after the queen.
People say to this day screaming voices of the ladies who immolated themselves can be heard near the Jauhar Kund. This place is also considered haunted by some.
Another gut-wrenching story comes from the era of Mughal emperor Akbar. After Mughal’s took over the fort the Rajput women self-immolated themselves (in order save their honour) in a supreme sacrifice called Jauhar. After the siege was successful the Mughals made the defenceless peasants and normal residents the victim of their brutality. Mughal soldiers mercilessly killed approx 25,000 ordinary people who were the residents of the town and surrounding area.
This heinous incident of Mughal Emperor Akbar raises a big question mark on ‘Great’ title and the tag of being secular that he held and for which he is still remembered.
Architecture of Chittorgarh Fort:
Chittorgarh fort is humongous in size, this fort is spread in area of about 280 hectare its circumference is about 13 kilometres. Its shape is often compared to that of a large fish.
Chittorgarh fort has seven gates namely Ram Pol, Laxman Pol, Padan Pol, Hanuman Pol, Ganesh Pol, Bhairon Pol, Jorla Pol. All the seven gates of the complex are built keeping in mind security of the palace. On the top of the gates there are notched parapets, from here soldiers could shoot arrows on approaching enemy.
Main attractions of the fort complex include Vijaya Stambh, Kirti Stambh, Rana Kumbha Palace, the Fateh Prakash Palace, Rani Padminni palace or Zanana Mahal and Mardana Mahal. Apart from this Chittorgarh fort has a number Hindu and Jain temple. The fort also had numerous water reservoirs. There are total of 65 structures in the fort.
There were about 84 water bodies in the Chittorgarh fort complex out of which 22 still exist. It is said that almost half area of the fort was covered with water. The reservoirs had capacity to contain one billion gallon water. It is said that the fort’s water reservoirs could store water enough to meet need of army of 50000 for four years without fear of thirst.
Vijaya Stambha is among master pieces that you cannot afford to miss while on mission of exploring this fort. This beautifully built tower is dedicated to lord Krishna and is adorned with intricate designs and patterns. It was built in1448 by King Rana Kumbha to commemorate his triumph over Mahmud Shah I. The top most part of the tower has family tree of the Chittor rulers and details of their work on display.
This beautiful piece of architecture was designed by Sutradhar Jaita. The name of architect and his three sons who assisted their father in the big project is also carved on this building.
This tower is also an example of religious tolerance and open-mindedness of Rajputs, the structure houses temple of Jain Goddess on the storey moreover word Allah is also carved on the building.
Kirti Stambha is yet another stunning building of the complex. It is a 22 m high structure. It was built in the honour of first Tirthankar Adinath in the 12th century by Bagherwal Jain during the period of Rawal Kumar Singh.
Rana Kumbha palace is one of the oldest structures of this fort although the structure is in ruins today still it is worthy to be explored and looked at.
Rani Padmini Mahal or Zenana Mahal is situated on the southern part of the fort complex. It is three storied structured in front of this palace is Mardana Mahal. It is said that the mirror placed in the room of Mardana Mahal allowed Ratansimha to see clear reflection of whoever was in Zenana mahal.
There is also a museum in the complex that has many historic items on display.
Wanderer Says:
Chittorgarh Fort is a gem of monument. History, heritage, cultural value that it has brought along are priceless to India and the world. Chittorgarh Fort is a world heritage in true sense. Everybody at least once in their lifetime should to this magnificent place and be left mesmerized with it.
References:
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Must visit places of Rajasthan Also read about the other amazing places of Rajasthan Jal Mahal , Amer Fort, Mehrangarh Fort , Jaislmer Fort, Ranthambore Fort. Bhangarh fort,
