 | Alauddin
Khilji was the first to sack Chittaur in 1303 A.D. In 1533 A.D., during the rule
of Bikramjeet, came the second attack from Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat.
Once again Jauhar was led by Rani Karanavati, a Bundi princess. Her infant son,
Udai Singh was smuggled out of Chittaur to Bundi who survived to inherit the throne
of the citadel. He learnt from his traumatic childhood that discretion is preferred
to valour. |
So
in, 1567 A.D. when the Mughal Emperor invaded Chittaur, Udai Singh fled to establish
a new Capital, Udaipur-a beautiful lake city, leaving behind Chittaur to be defended
by two 16 year old heroes, Jaimal of Bednore and Patta of Kelwa. These young men
displayed true Rajput chivalry and died after ‘Jauhar’ was performed. Immediately
thereafter Akbar razed the fort to a rubble. Chittaur was never inhabited again
but it always asserted the heroic spirit of Rajput warriors.
Sight Seeing of Chittaurgarh
Chittaurgarh
Fort:
A standing
sentinel to the courage and valour of Chittaurgarh, it stands tall over a 180
meter high hillock, covering a massive area of 700 acres. The fort is believed
to have been built by the Maurya rulers in 7th century AD.
The
indomitable pride of Chittaur, the fort is a massive structure with many gateways
built by the later Maurya rulers in 7th century A.D. Perched on a height of 180
m. high hill, it sprawls over 700 acres. The tablets and chattris within are impressive
reminders of the Rajput heroism.The main gates are Padal Pol, Bhairon Pol Hanuman
pol and Ram Pol. The fort has many magnificent monuments-alll fine examples of
the Rajput architecture. The ancient ruins of the fort are worth spending few
moments in solitude.
Vijay
Stambh (Victory Tower):
The imposing 37 metre high structure with nine storeys,
covered with exquisite sculputres of Hindu deities and depicting episodes from
the two great epics-Ramayana and Mahabharatha.
Kirti
Stambh (Tower of Fame):
The 22 metres high tower by a wealthy jain merchant in the 12th century
A.D. The tower is dedicated to Adinathji,the first of the Jain Tirthankaras and
is decorated with figures of the Jain pantheon.
Rana
Kumbha’s Palace:
The ruined edifice of great historical and architectural
interest, being the most massive monument in the fort of Chittaur. The palace
is believed to have underground cellars where Ranio Padmini and other women committed
Jauhar.
Meerabai Temple
The temple where Meerabai worshipped Lord Krishna is built in north
Indian style on a raised plinth with a conical roof and beautiful inner sanctum.
An open colonnade around the sanctum has four small pavillions in each corner.
Padmini’s
Palace
Built beside a pool, the palace is a magnificent one. It
was here that Rana Ratan Singh showed a glimpse of queen Padmini to Alauddin Khilji.
Rani Padmini stood in a ‘Zanana Mahal’- a pavilion in the centre and her reflection
was visible to Alauddin Khilji in a mirror placed in the main hall. After having
a glimpse of the legendary beauty, Alauddin went to the extend on ravaging Chittaur
in order to possess her.
Kumbha
Shyam Temple
Built during the region of Rana Kumbha in the Indo-Aryan
style, the temple is associated with the mystic poetess Meerabai- an ardent Krishna
devotee. She was the wife of Prince Bhojraj.
Kalika
Mata Temple
Originally built as a Sun Temple in the 8th century,
the temple was later converted into Kalika Mata Temple in the 14th century A.D.,
dedicated to the mother Goddess Kali- the symbol of power and valour. The ruins
of palaces of Rathore Jaimal and Sisodia Patta are witness to the gallantry of
these great warriors.
Nagari
(20 km)
One
of the oldest towns of Rajasthan of great importance during the Mauryan period,
is situated on the banks of River Bairach. The Hindu and Buddhist remains from
the Mauryan and Gupta period are found here.
Bassi
Village (25 km)
Enroute
Bundi is a marvellous village with historical forts temples and kunds. Especially
famous are its sculptures and woodcraft. A place of great tourist interest.
Bassi
Wildlife Sanctuary (50 sq. km.)
Sanctuary near Bassi, supports a population of panthers, wild boars,
antelopes mongoose and migratory birds. Prior permission has to be obtained from
the District Forest Officer, Chittaurgarh before visiting the sanctuary.
Sanwariyaji
Temple (40 km)
on
the Chittaur-Udaipur road is a contemporary temple of Lord Krishna, an important
pilgrimage spot.
Matri Kundia
Temple
A popular sacred place dedicated to Lord Shiva. Popularly
called Haridwar of Mewar.
Bijaipur
(40 km)
A marvellous
castle buit by Rao Shakti Singh, the younger brother of Maharana Pratap, stands
in the village. Presently, it has been converted into a heritage hotel.
Sita
Mata Sanctuary, Dhariyavad
This thickly wooded jungle sprawls over
the Aravalli ranges and the Malwa plateau with three rivers flowing through the
forest. According to the legend, Sita, Wife of Lord Rama stayed in this jungle
in Rishi Valmiki’s Ashram after she was exiled by Lord Rama. The common fauna
that can be sighted here includes leopard , hyena, jungle fox,porcupine,sambhar,wild
boar, four horned antelope, nilgai and flying squirrel.
Deogarh
(125 km)
 |
A 16th century magnificent fort near Pratapgarh
with some beautiful palaces ornate with murals and splendid jain temples |
Menal
(90 km.)
On
the Bundi-Chittaur road amid the natural beauty is Menal, famous for its ancient
Shiva temples, picturesque water falls and dense forests.
