The Citadel of Power - Chittorgarh

 

The massive Fort of Chittorgarh

 

Indian history has many stories of Heroics, Bravery, Patriotism, Faith and Love. The Rajputs of Rajasthan is well known for their strengths, valor and extreme dedication to their motherland, and to prove that there are many historical incidents recorded in time. Indian history has witnessed infinite moments where the result of war is so traumatic that their are no winners and losers. The only thing survived was massacre and bloodshed. Along with such heroics, forts are center of culture and architecture. Indian Architecture shows remarkable proofs that India is blessed with amazing artisans and craftsman. 

 

In our journey, Let me take you to such an auspicious fortress, that is a living example of heroics and architecture of ancient India.  

 

Chittorgarh Fort, is notably the largest fort in India, which is spread across an area of 692 acres and it is built on a hill top of 180m. The fort has huge walls and gates. The fort itself is a self sustained town with Palaces, water tanks, temples and many architectural constructions.The fort was said to be first constructed by Chitrangada Maurya. Later, many rulers of different dynasties ruled the fort including Merwar rulers, Sisodias, Khiljis, and even Mughals. The view of the grandness of the fort will easily make you understand, why different kings kept fighting to capture the fort.  Many constructions are still as gorgeous as they were in their youthful times.

 

Places to Visit

 

 

1. Pols (gates) of Chittor Fort: The entry to the fort takes you through seven marvelous gates or pol, as called locally. The Padan Pol is the first entry to the fort. The second one is Bhairon Pol, is named after a brave soldier Bhairon Das who died in battle at the spot. The third gate is Hanuman Pol and fourth gate is Ganesh Pol. Next is Jodala Pol, marked by a sharp turn towards the next gate, Laxman Pol. The seventh and the gateway entry to fort area is Ram Pol. 

Jodala Pol (left) taking to Laxman Pol

 

2. Kumbhshyam Temple of Meera Bai

Meera Bai is known for her devotion towards Shri Krishna. It is said that this temple is built on the request of Meera Bai. In the later times, a temple dedicated to Meera Bai and another for Swami Ravidas is also erected in the complex. 

3. Kumbha Palace

As per various historical records, the palace was properly built by Bappa Rawal in 734AD. The same palace was used and developed by Rana Kumbha. 

 

Temple dedicated to Meera Bai beside Kumbhshyam Temple

 

4. Jain Swethamber Temple and other Jain temples

All temples dedicated to Jain tirthakaras in the fort are examples of beautiful stone work. In total, 6 structurally stable Jain temples are present. 

 

5. Samadhisvara Temple and Gaumukh Kund

A temple dedicated to Shiva and is a beautiful structure. The most attractive part of the temple is the view of the Gau Mukh Kund and surrounding which is sensational. 

6. Jouhar Kund 

It is supposedly the place where an act of mass self immolation took place during the reign of Ratnasimha. According to the epic poem, Padmavat, his defeat against the invading Khiljis trigger the suicides of Queen Padmini and the women of the town to avoid enslavement. Presently, the well is filled with soil and is basically a grassy garden.  

 

Jowhar Kund turned Grassy Garden

7. Vijay Stambh

A symbol of victory that was constructed by Rana Kumbha, when he successfully recaptured chittorgarh in 1448. It is probably the most beautifully carved structure on the fort.

 

8. Padmini Mahal and Jal Mahal

A beautiful building preferably used by Rawal Ratan Singh and Rani Padmini. A beautiful garden areas. A Jal Mahal was also constructed in the lake beside the palace.

Jal Mahal beside the Padmini Palace

9. Kirti Stambh near Shri Digamber Jain Adinath Temple

The construction of this 22m tower is funded by a Jain merchant. The structure is very beautiful. The stambh is placed beside a beautiful jain temple dedicated to Rishabhanatha Tirthankar.  

10. Rana Ratan Palace 

Maharana Ratan Singh II, son of Rana Sanga ruled from 1527 to 1531. He constructed this beautiful palace as a winter stay. The Ratneswar Mahadeva Temple exists inside the palace. It has a rectangular layout with high walls. It houses many courtyards, towers. It also comprise of amazing gardens. A must visit.

 

Rana Ratan Singh Palace

 11. Bhimlat Kund

A water tank that was supposed to come into existence when Bhima, from Mahabharat hit the ground. It is a deep water body.   

 

Bhimlat Kund

12. Suraj Pol 

A beautiful gate on the east side of fort. The name is derived from the fact that it faces the rising Sun. You can see a hill from here known as Kumbhakaran Hill as it resembles a sleeping body.

View of Kumbhakaran Hill from Suraj Pole

 

This is just the major list of iconic building and travel spots to cover in Chittorgarh Fort. If you have a nack towards history, then every wall, every fallen stone of ruined building has a stroy to tell you and it is completely on you to understand it. 

 

 

How to Reach this Place:

The nearest big cities are Udaipur (west) which is 70 km and Bundi / Kota (east) is 173km from the town. The roads are good and scenic. Chittorgarh has a busy railway station, which is connected to important cities like Udaipur, Jaipur, Bundi, Jodhpur, Indore, Delhi, Bhopal and many others. Udaipur is also the nearest Airport.  

Taking about Prices: Train journey from Delhi may cost you Rs 1200 - 1500/-. A bus journey from Udaipur will cost you Rs 500 - 1000/- depends on the bus type and travels used.

 

 

Visit Schedule:

The Chittorgarh fort remains closed on Fridays. It Open from 9:45am in the morning till 5:45pm in the evening. I would recommend that you should hire a tour guide to help you with the stories. If you ask, where to find the tour guide, so you don't worry they will find you. Mostly all tour guides are seated near the ticket counter of Chittorgarh fort. 

Details of Entry Ticket

 

Where to Stay

Being a tourist spot, there are lots of stay options but very few eating options. Most stay option are middle to low rated areas. A few worth mentioning are Hotel Pratap Palace, Padmavati Fort View, Kumbha Retreat and many others. But, those who prefer posh living, opt to stay at Udaipur instead. 

Who Should Visit

It is very simple, a traveler who can imagine the grandeur of a ruined fort and acknowledge architectural achievements, should only visit Chittorgarh. You should appreciate the talent of artisans who have created these marvels. 

Who Should Not Visit

People who lacks appreciation of Indian history, heritage monuments and those who only prefer ultra modern constructions of foreign countries, should stay away because these monuments don't deserve any vocal miss-treatment. 

 

No of Days required: 1 Night -2 Days 

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Our history is about stories of bravery and sacrifice. So to end this visit, I will recite two well known happening related to Chittorgarh.

 

Panna Dai and her Sacrifice:

The story of Panna Dai's sacrifice dates to the time of Maharana Uday Singh II ( father of Maharana Pratap). Panna Dai was in-charge of well being of infant Uday Singh II. Due to uncertain political issues, and disorder caused the then ruler, Vikramaditya II, he was arrested and Bhanbir, distant cousin of Uday singh was appointed as ruler of Mewar. But he acted against all, to declare him as the original king of Mewar. To achieve this he killed every possible competitor. When he was going to murder infant Uday Singh II, Panna Dai exchanged him with her own son and with the help of trusted maids, she safely shifted Uday Singh II to Kumhalgarh area. The saddest thing, while her son was brutally murdered by Bhanbir, she stood their watching the incident.   

 

Mass Self-Immolation by Rajput Women

Indian history has seen many cases of Jauhar, where royal queen with group of other women commit suicide by walking into flames. As said by historians, Chittorgarh witnessed two of the biggest Jauhar incidents. The first one by Rani Padmini, when the reigning Rana Ratan Singh faced defeat in battle. The second one by Rani Karnavati, when the reigning Rana Sanga faced defeat.  

 

The walls of every architectural marvels in India shouts out loud, numerous stories witnessed by the walls, and if "Walls have Ears" then walls will tell stories of nationalism, bravery and dedication that may consume the whole life of a human. So, to understand yourself, you should go into your history and experience it. Chittorgarh  is a very beautiful fort and as an Indian, I will recommend every reader to visit this site once in your lifetime.

Happy Traveling !