Chittorgarh Fort situated at Chittorgarh in the state of Rajasthan is known as the largest fort of India. This fort used to be the capital of Mewar and was ruled by Guhilot, Sisodias, Suryavanshi clans until it was abandoned after the siege by Emperor Akbar.

Chittorgarh Fort, Mewar History :

Rani Padmini's Water Palace

It is spread over a hill (area of 280 ha and height 180 m) above the plains of valley. Chittorgarh Fort is quite famous all over the world and is constantly visited by many tourists throughout the year. The Chittorgarh Fort has been sacked thrice between 15^th and 16^th centuries. The great Rajput Warriors and their women sacrificed their lives giving a fine example of courage, nationalism and medieval chivalry.

Allaudin Khilji obsessed with desire to capture Rani Padmini, rallied his forces against Mewar in 1303 AD. The Chittorgarh Fort was impregnable and all efforts of Allaudin Khilji were futile. Khilji sent a request through his messenger to Rana Ratan Singh that if he allowed Khilji to view image of Rani Padmini, he will stop the siege and return back to Delhi.

Rana agreed to his request and allowed him to view Padmini through a set of mirrors.  After fulfilling Khilji’s request Rana accompanied him to outer gate, but Rana was double-crossed and captured by Khilji’s men. Somehow the brave soldiers of Rana managed to rescue him and took him to the fort. This followed with a fierce battle and finally Rana was killed and the Rajputs lost the battle to Khilji’s men. This followed with the royal Rajput ladies led by Rani Padmini to perform Jauhar (self immolation on a pyre).

The Tower of Victory (Vijay Stambh) is a popular tourist attraction in Chittorgarh Fort. It was built by Maharana Kumbha in 1440 AD in order to commemorate his victory over Mohammed Khilji. It is a 9-storyed tower with steps leading to terrace with balconies. Other monuments and sites of concern for tourists are Gaumukh reservoir, Read the rest of this entry »