Chittorgarh Fort Rajasthan
The Chittorgarh Fort lies in, or rather stands guard over, the city of Chittorgarh. Chittorgarh was once the capital of the mighty Mewar kingdom. Chittorgarh Fort has passed into local legends, thanks to the standoff between Allaudin Khilji and Queen Padmini of Chittor. After Allaudin failed to carry off the beauteous Padmini, inspite of numerous attempts, he laid siege to the fort.
Once it was clear to the people inside the fort that they could not hope to win this battle, the queen, along with the other women in the fort, died by stepping into a massive pyre.
The Rajput warriors went out into battle with the army of Allaudin and perished en masse. This tale of knightly romance, chivalry, courage, and tragedy, has been immortalized in the folksongs of the people. Strangely enough, not much is known about the origins of this fort. It is much older than the days of Rajput warriors, perhaps as old as the Pandava kingdom of the famed epic Mahabharata.
Once it was clear to the people inside the fort that they could not hope to win this battle, the queen, along with the other women in the fort, died by stepping into a massive pyre.
The Rajput warriors went out into battle with the army of Allaudin and perished en masse. This tale of knightly romance, chivalry, courage, and tragedy, has been immortalized in the folksongs of the people. Strangely enough, not much is known about the origins of this fort. It is much older than the days of Rajput warriors, perhaps as old as the Pandava kingdom of the famed epic Mahabharata.
Many accounts credit the Mauryan rulers as having been the original builders, with the later Rajputs having modified the structure according to their specifications. The entire fort complex is spread over 600 hectares. The fort has seven entrances, with the heavy spiked iron doors on them still intact. Each entrance is overlooked by a watchtower.
The rulers knew that during a state of siege, people could make do with less food, but water was a crucial necessity. Therefore, the fort has no less than 90 ponds, step wells, and reservoirs. The Vijay Stambh, a tall, majestic tower, was built to mark the taking of the fort by Maharana Kumbha from Mohamed Khilji.
The entire tower is lit up for evening prayers, delighting spectators and worshippers alike. Rana Kumbha Palace, the most significant of all the structures within the fort, is a place marked by tragedy. It is in the underground chambers of this palace that the queen of Chittor committed suicide.
The temple of the Kali Mata, was built over 1600 years back, and was modified 700 years later. The stone façade, the typical temple architecture, and the peace pervading the area makes this temple worth a look.
The rulers knew that during a state of siege, people could make do with less food, but water was a crucial necessity. Therefore, the fort has no less than 90 ponds, step wells, and reservoirs. The Vijay Stambh, a tall, majestic tower, was built to mark the taking of the fort by Maharana Kumbha from Mohamed Khilji.
The entire tower is lit up for evening prayers, delighting spectators and worshippers alike. Rana Kumbha Palace, the most significant of all the structures within the fort, is a place marked by tragedy. It is in the underground chambers of this palace that the queen of Chittor committed suicide.
The temple of the Kali Mata, was built over 1600 years back, and was modified 700 years later. The stone façade, the typical temple architecture, and the peace pervading the area makes this temple worth a look.
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