The magnificent Chittorgarh fort located 175 kms. east of
Udaipur is dedicated to Chitrangad Maurya Bappa Rawal who
was the founder of the Sisodia dynasty. The fort is spread
over 700 acres and houses regal palaces, temples and towers.
This fort is rated as the foremost in embattlement tactics
and is among the most impregnable forts ever built by the
Rajputs.
The Chittorgarh fort rises like a mirage from the adjoining
plains underneath and stands like a sentinel at a height of
180 meters. One has to cross several gates to reach Rampal
which is the entry point to this impregnable fort. Legend
has it that when Mughal emperor Akbar laid seize to the fort,
two great Rajput warriors - Jaimull and Kulla fought till
the last breath of their lives and in memory of the brave
sons of the soil, two exquisite cenotaphs have been built
within the ramparts.
The fort has several majestic palaces, each one more beautiful
than the other. For instance the Rana Kumbha Palace, the Fateh
Prakash Palace, Rani Padmini's Palace to name just a few of
the palaces that are housed inside the fort all exemplify
with the saga of gallantry, courage and heroism of the redoubtable
Rajputs.
The fort's piece de resistance from a purely touristy point
of view are the two magnificent towers - Kirti Stambh and
the Vijay Stambh. Apart from the towers, there are numerous
palaces, temples and tanks which were built during the period
from 9th to 17th century. The huge reservoir is believed to
have been used by princess Padmini for bathing prior to her
self-immolation in honor of her husband. There is also the
Gaumukh which is made of rocks and shaped very much like a
cow's mouth from where water gushes out.
The Vijay Stambh in particular is amazing and is built on
a pedestal which is all of 10ft high. From the base, Vijay
Stambh is 122 ft in height and 30 ft wide. This colossal tower
is nine storied and one has to climb 157 circular flight of
steps to reach the top from where one can enjoy the incredible
vistas of the city of Jodhpur.
History points out that Chittorgarh Fort was captured thrice.
The first annexation was by Ala-ud-din-Khilji. The second
was by Sultan Bahadur Shah and the last attack and subsequent
annexation of Chittorgarh Fort was by Mughal emperor Akbar
who completely demolished the fort and reduced it into wreckage.
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