Perched upon the banks of Rivers Gambheri and Berach, the city of Chittorgarh boasts of a glorious Rajput history. Chittorgarh used to be the capital of the Sisodia Dynasty of Mewar. The most alluring factor of this city is the Chittorgarh Fort. Famous for the Jauhar that Rani Padmini and Rani Karnavati underwent during siege, the Chittorgarh Fort has seen a lot of valiant battles. The fort is the largest one in India, and attracts tourist in a large number throughout the year. Owing to the battles and wars the city has seen, some of the warriors even have their statues installed in the fort by Emperor Akbar. Let’s travel through the various tourist spots of Chittorgarh.
1. Chittorgarh Fort
Heroism, valour, sacrifice, devotion… Chittorgarh Fort stands as a literal representation of the virtues of the Rajput kings and queens. This beautiful, extensive structure is the most popular fort of Rajasthan. The fort has seven gateways that one has to pass through to get in, along with the numerous water pools in the vicinity of the fort, which is vastly spread over 700 hectares. The water reservoirs, supplying water to 22 of the prior 84 pools around the fort is known to be able to contain at least 4 billion litres of water. The vast fort is an attraction that none can avoid, and Chittorgarh as a city takes immense pride in this edifice.
2. Rana Kumbha Palace
Kumbha of Mewar, or Rana Kumbha, was the ruler of the region of Mewar during 1433 to 1468 AD. Rana Kumbha is known to have valiantly defeated Mahmud Khilji among other enemies who lay siege to Mewar. He reconstructed the destructed state of Mewar, and restored its pride by erecting fortresses. The Rana Kumbha Palace, which was once resided in by Rana Kumbha is a projection of his might. Maharana Udaisingh is said to have been born in the palace of Rana Kumbha. It is located in the region of the Chittorgarh Fort, and it is the place where Rani Padmini committed Jauhar along with the wives and children of other warriors.
3. Fateh Prakash Palace
Aptly named after Maharana Fateh Singh, the Fateh Prakash Palace is an epitome of modern architecture. Housing an idol of Lord Ganesh, along with a fountain, and found here and there are an array of wall paintings and murals. It is now popular as a museum of Rajput history, and the architecture is breathtaking just like all the other historical forts and palaces in Rajasthan. Sculptures, paintings, historical artefacts etc. are found in abundance in the museum, and it is quite an attraction for tourists.
4. Meera Temple
In the vicinity of the Chittorgarh Fort, the Meera Temple stands as proof of the immense love and devotion that Meera felt for Lord Krishna. The temple was erected by Rana Kumbha, and it is adorned beautifully with idols of Vishnu and other significant gods and goddesses. There is a quaint temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, which was especially designed for Meera, who spent hours and days expressing her devotion through bhajans. Devotees still gather to sing hymns created by Meera in the Krishna temple.
5. Padmini Palace
Another structure located in the midst of the Chittorgarh Fort is the Rani Padmini Palace, named after Queen Padmini of Chittorgarh. She was married to the Rajput king Rana Rawal Ratan Singh, and was known throughout India for her impeccable beauty and intelligence. It is said that she herself inspected the defences of the palace when the fort was under siege by the Sultan of Delhi, Alauddin Khilji. Art and music flourished during the reign of Ratan Singh, and the palace walls are adorned with beautiful Rajput paintings, those which catch the eye of a tourist immediately. After the battle at Chittorgarh Fort, Rani Padmini chose to commit Jauhar instead of getting captured by the enemy and bringing disgrace to the family honour. The palace stands as the symbol her valour and bravery.
Chittorgarh is one of those regions of Rajasthan that are most famous for their Rajput history, and most of the tourist spots are historical edifices. Apart from the attractions mentioned above, Vijay Stambh and Kriti Stambh are also few other places that can be visited by tourists. The beauty of this town is contained in the history of Rajasthan, and to view aforementioned places is to view the entirety of Rajput history.
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