About Chittaurgarh Fort
The Chittorgarh Fort, located in the historical city of Chittorgarh, stands strong as a citadel in the state of forts and palaces. Although Rajasthan has many sites to visit and adore, Chittorgarh Fort is a sprawling epic that waxes poetic about Rajput chivalry and honour. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the capital of the Mewar monarchs and was built in the 7th century AD. Seven gates, two towers, and 65 structures make up the fort complex.
Chittorgarh Fort, India's and Asia's largest fort, has survived three major Muslim invasions: Alauddin Khilji, Bahadur Shah, and Akbar. But it was never perceived as a Muslim stronghold and was always associated with Rajput amour propre. It wasn't a war for religion or faith; it was a fight to maintain the country's pride clean and safe from foreign raiders. And it was this sense of belonging that drove the Rajput monarchs to take up battle against their adversaries, forever defining their never say die courage. While the men fought bravely on the battlefield, the women backed their men's sacrifice by committing jauhar to preserve the community's honour and the unyielding, indomitable spirit.
Information on the Chittorgarh Fort
History of Chittorgarh Fort
It is also known as Chitrakuta since it was built by King Chitrangad, a descendant of the state's royal Maurya house. In 728 CE, the Mewar kings took control of the fort. It was in 1303 that Alauddin Khilji captured the fort from Ratan Singh in a fabled battle that would go down in history as a monument to Rajput chivalry. However, the Rajputs quickly regained control of the fort, this time under the leadership of Hammir Singh of the Sisodia clan. The fort was taken over by Bahadur Shah, a Gujarati prince, in 1535, but after the Mughal invasion, Humayun returned the fort to the Sisodias. However, in 1567, Akbar conquered the fort and held it until the British arrived.
Chittorgarh Fort Architecture
The fort, which spans 700 acres and has a 13-kilometer diameter, features a kilometer-long road that leads to the rampart after passing through seven gates: Ganesh gate, Hanuman gate, Padan gate, Jodla gate, Bhairon gate, Lakshman gate, and the final and most important entrance, Ram gate. These gates were constructed to defend the fort against enemy attacks, and the arches even prevent elephants from entering. The walls are composed of lime mortar and rise to a height of 500 metres above ground. Four palaces, 19 temples (including Jain and Hindu temples), 20 water features, and four memorials make up the complex. The fort's most prominent structures are listed below.
Rana Kumbha Palace
The Rana Kumbha Palace, possibly the oldest and most important edifice inside the fort complex, is dedicated to Rana Kumbha, the first Mewar monarch and fort's owner. Suraj gate is the entrance of the palace. The palace also housed Maharana Udai Singh, the creator of Udaipur, and Mira, the poetess princess. Rani Padmini is also claimed to have conducted jauhar in the palace's basement dungeons.
Padmini’s Palace
The white building, which is located to the south of the fort, has three levels and canopy-covered roofs with a moat. This is where Rani Padmini, Ratan Singh's wife and a pivotal figure in the fort's history and Rajputana sensibilities, lived. Alauddin Khilji is supposed to have caught a glimpse of Padmini in the palace, after which he became obsessed with the idea of possessing her and proceeded to ravage Chittorgarh, resulting in the famous fight.
Vijay Stambh
The higher of the two towers, also known as Jaya Stambh, stands as a proud symbol of Mewar royalty's triumph and power. Maharana Kumbha built it to commemorate his 1458-1468 victory over Mahmud Shah Khaji. This imposing edifice, which stands 122 feet tall, took a decade to complete. There are nine stories in all, with a 157-step circular stairway. It is now illuminated in the nights, providing a magnificent narrative of the site's history.
Kirti Stambh
The 72-foot-tall tower, which is largely covered in Jain writings and sculptures, was built sometime in the 12th century. The tower was built by Jijaji Rathod, a Jain businessman, to honour Adinath, the first Jain tirthankar. There are six stories and 54 steps in the tower.
Time limits for Chittorgarh Fort
The Chittorgarh Fort is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Chittorgarh Fort light and sound show is open to the public from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Chittorgarh Fort entry cost for adults is Rs 50, while the fee for children is Rs 25. The Fateh Prakash Palace museum is open daily from 9.45 a.m. to 5.45 p.m. Exploring the entire fort complex will take about 2-3 hours. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time and wear comfortable shoes because you'll be walking a lot.