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The Pride and glory
of Rajasthan, Chittaur echoes with the tales of
romance and valour
unique to the Rajput tradition. A ruined citadel, where the
royal past lives in its imposing forts, graceful palaces and
spectacular chattris. This fortified settlement has been ravaged
thrice and each time the outcome was 'Jauhar'-when women and
children immolated themselves on a huge funeral pyre while men
donned in saffron robes of martyrdom rode out of the fort towards
a certain death. Alauddin Khilji was the first to sack Chittaur
in 1303 A.D. overpowered by a passionate desire to possess the
regal beauty, queen Padmini. Legend has it, that he saw her
face in the reflection of a mirror and was struck by her mesmerising
beauty. But the noble queen preferred death to dishonour and
committed 'Jauhar'.
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.
Places
to Visit
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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. It was
built in 1440 A.D. by Maharana Kumbha, a powerful ruler
of Mewar, to commemorate his victory over the Muslim rulers
of Malwa and Gujarat.
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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 Rani Padmini and other women committed Jauhar
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 ot 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.
Government Museum: The magnificent Fateh Prakash
Mahal, presently a fine Museum with an exquisite example of
sculputres from temples and buildings in the fort is worth a
visit. Entry fee Rs. 2.00. Closed on Fridays.
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.
The
Fort: 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.
Jaimal
and Patta Palaces: The ruins
of palaces of Rathore Jaimal and Sisodia Patta are witness to
the gallantry of these great warriors.
Gardens and Parks:Pratrap Park, Meera Park
and Nehru Park are beautiful laid out parks in lush surroundings.
Beautiful Khwaja rose garden at Saw is just 23 km from Chittaur.
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.
Excursions
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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: 940 km): on the Chittaur-Udaipur
road is a contemporary temple of Lord Krishna, an important
pilgrimage spot.
Matri Kundia Temple (50 km.): 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 |
Climate
Conditions
| Area |
6.5
sq. km. |
| Altitude |
408
metres |
| Climate |
Mean
Max. Mean Min |
| Summer |
43.8
degree C 23.8 degree C |
| Winter |
28.37
degree C 11.6 degree C |
| Best
Season |
Spetember-
March |
| Clothing |
Summer
light tropical |
| Winter |
light
woollen |
| Languages |
English,
Hindi, Rajasthani |
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