Rani Padmini of Chittorgarh was the wife of King Rawal Ratan Singh. This queen of Chittor was famous for her beauty. During 13^th century, the kingdom of Delhi was growing in power.

Rani Padmini’s Water Palace :

Rani Padmini's Water Palace

Allauddin Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi had heard about Rani Padmini’s beauty and had decided to secure her for himself. He with his men attacked the fort of Chittorgarh but found it to be heavily defended and impregnable. He became really very desperate to have a glimpse of Rani Padmini of Chittorgarh.  Allauddin sent a message to Rana Ratan Singh that he will spare Chittor if he is made to meet Rani Padmini. Rana Ratan Singh agreed to allow Allauddin to see Rani Padmini of Chittorgarh in mirror. Allauddin took his best men with him and went to fort to see Rani Padmini. On their way to the palace, Allauddin’s men secretly examined fort’s defenses. Allauddin finally saw the image of Padmini in mirror. While returning back, Allauddin was courteously accompanied by Rana Ratan Singh. But unaware of Allauddin’s treacherousness, Rana was taken captive by Allauddin’s men.

He sent a message to Padmini that if she wants Rana alive, she should surrender herself to him. The Rajput generals had a plan of their own to beat Allauddin. They sent a message to the Sultan that next morning the queen will be given to him. Next day about hundred and fifty palanquins were sent to the Sultan’s camp. These palanquins carried Rajput warriors instead of Queen and her women servants. These fully armed Rajput warriors managed to rescue Rana, who was taken back to the fort. Read the rest of this entry »

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 Read the rest of this entry »