Chittaurgarh

Greatest Medieval Fort

Probably India's greatest medieval fort, and its most chivalrous, it was from here that the Sisodias went to war against the Mughals at the famous battle of Haldighati. Set on a high. plateau, Chittaurgarh sprawls supremely above the surrounding countryside. First established in the 7th century, Chittaur became the gaddi for the Sisodia rulers who proved themselves indomitable fighters. Its fortifications meander along the ridges of the hills, and from these concealed vantage points, they extended their sway over their kingdom.

Sacked in 1303 through an act of treachery perpetrated by Allauddin Khilji -in his attempt to win over Rani Pad mini, Chittaur fell twice more in the 16th century, first to the forces of the Sultan of Gujarat, and later the Mughal Akbar. Abandoned then by its rulers who continued to wage guerilla warfare against the Mughals (making valorous legends out of the names of Rana Sangha and Rana Pratap), the Sisodias later established a new capital at Udaipur. Chittaurgarh's abandonment led to the ruin of its palaces and apartments, and its durbar halls. Little has survived the ravages of the pillaging armies and of time, but  there is enough to provide a glimpse of what must have been one of Rajputana's greatest citadels. These include the ruins of Rana Kumbha's palace as well as what is believed to be Rani Padmini's palace. Both are in a state of ruin, and there is little that hints at architectural splendour, because many of the subsidiary buildings and much of the ornamentation no longer exists. Chittaurgarh also houses the palaces, again in ruins, of the brave Sisodia warriors, Jaimal and Patta. Among the buildings that are in a reasonable state of preservation are two towers, the 22-metre high, 12th century Kirti Stambh which was built by a Jain merchant and is carved with figures of Jain tirthankaras, and Vijay Stambh, the 37-metre high victory tower carved with episodes from the Hindu epics, raised in the 15th century to commemorate a battle victory against the rulers of Malwa and Gujarat.

A religious people, the Rajputs also paid homage to their gods in elaborate rituals. No wonder there are so many temples that can still be visited within the fortifications of Chittaurgarh. These include the Kumbha Shyam and Kalika Mata temples, as well as the Meera temple where a princess of the royal family composed many of the religious hymns to Krishna for which she is still remembered.

Chittaurgarh is 90 km from Udaipur airport, which is its entry point from several other parts of the state. Basic accommodation is available, and restaurants are rudimentary. Best visited as an excursion from Udaipur.


PRIME SITES

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 chhatris within are impressive reminders of the Rajput heroism.

The main gates are Padal Pol, Bhairon Pol, Hanuman Pol and Ram Pol. The fort has many magnificent monuments - all fine examples of the Rajput architecture. The ancient ruins of the fort are worth spending few moments in solitude.

Vljay Stambh (Victory Tower): The imposing 37 metre high structure with nine storeys, covered with exquisite sculptures 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.

Kirti Stambh (Tower of Fame): The 22 metres high tower built 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.

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 extent of ravaging Chittaur in order to possess her.

Kumbha Shyam Temple: Built during the reign of Rana Kumbha in the Indo­Aryan 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 sculptures from temples and buildings in the fort is worth a visit. Entry fee
Rs. 2.00. Closed on Fridays.

Jalmal 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: Pratap Park, Meera Park and Nehru Park are beautifully laid out parks in lush surroundings. Beautiful Khwaja rose garden at Saw a is just 13 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 pavilions 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 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 (40 km): On the Chittaur-Udaipur road is a contemporary temple of Lord Krishna, an important pilgrimage spot.

Matri Kundla Temple (50 km): A popular sacred place d"edicated to Lord Shiva. Popularly called 'Haridwar of Mewar'.

Bijaipur (40 km): A marvellous castle built 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.

Shopping: The beautiful wooden toys made in Bassi village near Chittaurgarh are the best buys. Besides these, there are thewa articles of Pratapgarh, printed fabric of Akola and leather mojri of Gangrar.

Favourite shop'ping spots include Sadar Bazaar, Rana Sanga Market, New Cloth Market, Fort Road Market, Gandhi Chowk and Station Circle.


TRAVEL INFORMATION HOW TO GET THERE

Air: 90 km is the nearest airport, Dabok airport, Udaipur.

Rail: Chittaurgarh is well connected by rail. Some important train connections are: Chetak Express (Delhi Sarai Rohilla­Chittaurgarh-Udaipur); Pass. (Kota­Chittaurgarh-Nimach); 9769 Express (Khandawa-Chittaurgarh-Ajmer)

Road: Bus services operate to several important destinations. Delhi (583 km), Mount Abu (297 km), Jaipur (325 km), Indore (325 km) and Ajmer (185 km) away from Chittaurgarh.

Local Transport: Unmetered auto-rickshaws. Also cycle-rickshaw and tongas.

Where to stay: Standard Hotels: RTDC Hotel Panna, Tel. : 41238; Hotel Padmini, Tel. : 41718; Chetak Hotel, Tel.; 41588; Hotel Meera, Tel. ; 40266; Hotel Gaurav Palace, Tel. : 3107; Hotel Pratap Palace, Tel. : 40099; Hotel Bhagwati,Tel. : 42275; Natraj Tourist Hotel, Tel. : 41009.

Budget Hotels: Hotel Shalimar, Tel. : 40942; Hotel Alok, Tel. : 40653; Hotel Anand, Tel. : 40964; Hotel Keshav, Tel. : 40812; Hotel Sanwaria,
Tel. : 40~97; Hotel Swagat, Tel. : 3496.

Supplementary Accommodation: Circuit House, Tel. ; 40977; Railway Retiring Rooms, Tel. : 40131; PWD Oak Bunglow, Irrigation Oak Bungalow.

Restaurants: Chetak, Tel. ; 41589; Melody, Tel. : 41415; Meera, Tel. : 40266; Morena, Tel. : 40099; Rly Refreshment, Tel. : 40131; Sanwariya; Padmini, Tel. : 41718; RTDC Panna, Tel. : 41238; Rituraj, Tel. : 41450; Besides there are a number of restaurants near railway station & bus stand.


OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

Banks / Money Changer: State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur, Near Collectorate, Tel. : 40933; Bank of Baroda, City Branch, Tel. : 3198; Punjab National Bank, near Panna Tourist Bungalow, Tel. : 41174; State Bank of India, Meera Market, City Road, Tel. : 40902; Bank of Rajasthan, Fort Road, Tel. : 2904; Climate Summer Winter Rainfall Chittaur Kendriya Bank, Station Road, Tel: 40909.

Post and Telegraph Office: General Post Office, Shree Gurukul Road, Tel. : 41159. There are several smaller post offices in other areas of the town.

Conducted Tours: Sight seeing of Chittaurgarh Fort can be made by auto rickshaws. These cover the View Point, Tope Khana, Sringar Chauri, Rana Kumbha Palace, Govt. Museum, Sat Bees Deori, Meera Temple, Victory Tower, Kalika Temple, Padmini's Palace, the Deer Park, Suraj Pol, Tower of Fame, Banmata Temple and the Palace of Rana Ratan Singh.

Guides: Approved guides of the Central Archaeological Department (Tel. : 2934) and Rajasthan Tourism (Tel. : 41089) are available.

Sports Activities: Fishing-Bassi Lake. Gambhiri Dam, Gosunda Dam, Matrikundiya Dam.

Hospitals: General Hospital, Collectorate Circle; Aditya Hospital, New Indra Market; Kothari Clinic, near General Hospital; Ladha Clinic, Meera Nagari; Dashora Clinic, Udaipur. Road; Jainam Hospital, City Road.

Important Telephone Numbers: Police, Tel. : 41060; Ambulance, Tel. : 41102; Fire Brigade. Tel. : 4110 I ;Tourist Information, Tel. : 41089,


GENERAL INFORMATION

Area: 6.5 sq. km.

Altitude: 408 metres

Climate: Mean Max. Summer: 43.8°C Winter: 28.37° C
                Mean Min. Summer: 23.8°C Winter: 11.6° C

Rainfall: 60-85 cms..

Clothing: Summer: Light Tropical
                  Winter: Light Woollen

Best Season: September to March

Languages: Rajasthani, Hindi, English.

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