CHITTORGARH :
About 150 miles southwest of jaipur the great fort of chittorgarh
stands atop a 500 foot high hill rising sharply from the
surronding plains. A ruined citadel, where the royal past
lives in its imposing forts graceful places and spectular
chhatris. Famous for its sieges by invaders, Chittorgarh
traces it origin way back to the Mahabharata, although no
substantial evidence exists for that statements. Although
Chittor is attributed to Bappa Rawal, it is the earlist
fort in Rajasthan. Chittorgarh was the home of Princess
Padmini, one of the most romantic figures in indian history.
The history of Chittorgarh dates back to the seventh century.
Chittorgarh earlier known as Chtrakut was named after a
local Rajput chieftain whose name was Chitrang.The history
of Chittogarh speaks of the bravery and self sacrifice of
Rajput men and women who bravely fought to the last the
invaders who attacked the city of Chittorgarh three times
in the medieval period.
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According to
legend, Ala-ud-din Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi, was just allowed
to see the reflection of Queen Padmini in a mirror while she
stood behind a pavilion in this palace. Ala-ud-din was so
smitten by her beauty that he invaded and sacked Chittorgarh
to possess her Rajput women who preferred death to dishonour
at the hands of the enemy performed jauhar or mass immolation
on a huge pyre. Chittogarh has witnessed about three jauhars.
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Places to see in Chittorgarh:
The Major attraction is the fort & its towers &
temples like Kalikamata Temple,
Vijay Stambh - the victory tower, Kirtistambh - the tower
of pride, and the Padmini Mahal.
Vijay Stambh :: The nine
storied tower is known as Vijay Stambh or Victory Tower.
The tower has a wonderful view of the city. It was built
in 1440 by Maharana Kumbha when hed defeated Mohamed Khilji.
This 9-storyed tower is adorned by sculptures of Hindu deities
around. There are around 157 narrow steps leading to the
terrace where the balconies give a beautiful top angle view
of the whole town.When illuminated in the evening, the tower
reflects a mesmerizing effect and the view is worth capturing
in the camera.
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Kirti Stambh :: The tower
of fame is 22 m high & has 7 stories, it was built in
12th century by a very rich Jain businessman.
Kalika Mata Temple: The was built in 8th
century for Sun, and now since 14th century it is dedicated
to Kalika Mata. |
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Meerabai Temple : Here the
famous Meera Bai worshiped Lord Krishana. 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 pavilions in each corner.
The other interesting places are Padmini
Palaace, where Ala-ud-din saw the reflection of the beautiful
queen Padmini.
There are so many temples, palaces, gardens
& Kunds (water tanks) in the fort. |
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