The history of Chittorgarh is filled with innumerable stories of heroism and fierce battles. In the middle of eighth century Bappa Rawal received Chittorgarh as a part of dowry. The descendants of Bappa Rawal ruled over kingdom of Mewar from eighth to 16^th century. Chittorgarh was attacked thrice by foreign invaders during these eight centuries.

The history of Chittorgarh:

Chittorgarh

In 1303 Allauddin Khilji, who was the Sultan of Delhi attacked Chittorgarh. He was intrigued by the tales of Rani Padmini’s beauty. He sent a message to Rana Ratan Singh that if was made to meet Rani Padmini, he would spare the city. It was compromised that the Sultan will be allowed to see the image of Padmini’s reflection on a set of mirror. After fulfilling Allauddin’s wish, Rana courteously escorted Allauddin to outer gate. But Allauddin betrayed Rana by taking him hostage with the help of his men.

Rana was somehow rescued by his men but while doing so, almost 7,000 brave Rajput warriors died. To protect their modesty and prevent humiliation at hands of enemies, rani along with the wives of Rajput soldiers performed jauhar. This was one of the most devastating incidents in the history of Chittorgarh.

Rana Kumbha (1433-68) was a brilliant musician, poet and versatile man. He built Mewar into a strong kingdom and made Chittorgarh famous all around Hindustan.

Rana Sanga (reigned 1509-27) was a great warrior and man of honor. He fought continuous battles and had lost one arm, was crippled in one leg and received 84 wounds on his body. His last battle was in 1527 against Babur, who was a Mughal invader.

The history of Chittorgarh is incomplete without the mention of the great Maharana Pratap (1572-97). He was a king without a capital. He came to rule Mewar and is known to continuously defy Akbar. In battle of Haldighati (1576), he and his followers had to withdraw to hills of Mewar. For next twenty years they used guerilla warfare tactics to harass the Mughals. Rana Pratap Singh got seriously injured in a hunting accident which was followed by his death on 29^th January, 1597, at an age of 56. He was a great warrior who died fighting for his nation, people and honor.