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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
 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.
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 to 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
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 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 Kundiya 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, Dhariyawad : 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.
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