About Chittorgarh

Chittorgarh, also called Chittaur, from the 7th century to the 16th, was the capital of Mewar under the Rajputs. Chittaur evokes memories of great heroism and sacrifice by Rajput men and women in the intermittent battles that they had to fight against invaders from Northwest or Delhi. Chittaur witnessed both the ravages of war and the triumphs of the spirit. Allaudin Khilji who coveted Queen Padmini of Chittaur, invaded the city in 1303 A.D. Queen Padmini and the women of the court sacrificed themselves in a pyre of fire rather than submit to anybody. This supreme sacrifice has been called 'Jauhar' and epitomises the fiery spirit of the Rajputs of the day. The city stands strewn with monuments and battlements as evidence of the blood and gore that it went through in medieval times.

The Chittaur Fort is the best known fort in Rajasthan. Its origins are traced to the Pandavas of Mahabharata. It is said that Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers, built the fort. Standing on 180 meters high hill, the fort covers an area of 700 Acres. Inside it is the Meera and Khumba Shyam Temple. It is associated with Meera, a mystic poetess devoted to Lord Krishna whose life and bhajans have become part of the folklore and literary traditions of the region and several parts of India.

Chittorgarh is in the southern part of Rajasthan, lies on the Berach River, a tributary of the Banas, and is the administrative headquarters of Chittorgharh District. It is 112 km from Udaipur and 182 km from Ajmer served as a capital city to the Sisodia clans of Rajputs of Mewar for a long time. The district is a famous tourist destination for its massive fortress claimed to be the largest amoung all the Rajput fort and has witnessed the legendary tale of Queen Padmini's act of jauhar that fascinates most historians and travellers.

Main Battles

Allaudin Khilji was the first sack Chittorgarh in 1303, legend and history corroborate that this was because of his passionate desire to abduct Rani Padmini. Yet she preferred death to dishonour, and committed Jauhar alongwith the other ladies of the court

Chittorgarh was plundered again in 1535 by Sultan Bahadur Shah of Gujrat

Finally by the Moghul Emperor Akbar, in 1567, in and attempt to subdue Maharana Udai Singh.

History

The history of Chittor is one of the most stirring chapters in Indian history for it was there that the flower of Rajput chivalry sprang to life and the immense stretch of its sacred walls and ruined palaces relate the saga of innumerable sieges and heroism which has almost become a myth now.

Chittorgarh was one of the most fiercely contested seats of power in India. With its formidable fortifications, Bappa Rawal, the legendary founder of the Sisodia dynasty, received Chittor in the middle of the eighth century, as part of the last Solanki princess's dowry. It crowns a seven-mile- long hill, covering 700 acres (280 hectares), with its fortifications, temples, towers and palaces. Read More >>

What To Do

The prime tourist attraction in Chittorgarh is the fort of Chittogarh, which is located on a steep hill beside the main township. The chhatris or memorials of Jaimal and Kalla which mark the spots where they fell while bravely defending the fort during a siege in 1586 speaks for the valor of Rajputs. Rana Kumbha Palace is an important spot and it is believed that Queen Padmini had performed jauhar in one of its cellars. The Archeological Museum, the Singa Chowri Temple, and the Fateh Prakash Palace and Museum adjacent to Rana Kumbha Palace are worth visiting. The Victory Tower or Vijay Stambh is one of the main tourist attractions of the fort. The Tower of Fame or Kirti Stambh is another important monument. built in 12th century and is dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain Tirthankara (spiritual leader).

What To Eat

There are many roadside local joints to eat. Some of the popular places to eat:

• Castle Bijaipur serves traditional Rajasthani food
• Bassi Fort Palace serves paranthas and Vegetable Food
• Pratap Palace serves dal-baati-choorma (a local rajasthani cuisine)
• Hotel Meera serves both Indian and Mughal Meals
• Hotel Padmini serves pure vegetarians meals

What To Drink

Most of the bars belong to the high end hotels in the town. Visitors can visit these bars to enjoy the night time.

People and culture of Chittaurgarh

People and culture of Chittaurgarh enliven the spirit of the city. The festivals, crafts and cuisines of the city reflect the culture of Chittaurgarh. Chittaurgarh demographics speak volumes about the resident people of the city.

Among the various festivals that are common to state of Rajasthan, the festival of Gangaur is popularly celebrated in the city of Chittaurgarh. The festival is celebrated by the maidens who offer their prayers to Lord Shiva and his consort, Goddess Parvati. The devotees seek blessing for their conjugal life. The celebrations continue for 18 days. The festival is held in the months of March and April.

Chittaurgarh Crafts reveal the inlaid talent of the artisans of the city. The tourists may gather souvenirs to take home from the various shopping centers of the city.

The cuisine of Chittaurgarh is influenced by the cuisines of the Rajputs and the Marwaris. The cuisine is dominated primarily by vegetarian food.

Fairs and Fstivals at Chittorgarh

Jauhar Mela [Annual Fair. February - March]: The fort and the city of Chittorgarh host the biggest Rajput festival called the "Jauhar Mela". It takes place annually on the anniversary of one of the jauhars, but no specific name is given to it. It is generally believed that it commemorates Padmini's jauhar, which is most famous. This festival is held primarily to commemorate the bravery of Rajput ancestors and all three jauhars which happened at Chittorgarh Fort. A huge number of Rajputs, which include the descendants of most of the princely families, hold a procession to celebrate the Jauhar. It has also become a forum to air once views on the current political situation in the country.

Chittaurgarh Festivals reflect the culture and lifestyle of the people who reside in the city. One of the most popular festivals celebrated in the city is the festival of Gangaur.

The festival of Gangaur is celebrated in the months of March and April. The festival begins on the day after Holi and continues for eighteen days. The festival is popular among the women of the city. The maidens offer prayers to the God, Lord Shiva who is referred to as Gan and his consort, Gauri or Goddess Parvati. Prayers are offered by the maidens for a happy and peaceful conjugal life

Shopping at Chittorgarh

Chittorgarh has many bazaars that sell various items including metalwork, fabrics, Thewa jewelry, leather shoes and handmade toys. Thewa jewelry is made up of golden designs that are later embedded in glass. Some of the best places to shop around are Sadar Bazaar, Rana Sanga Market, New Cloth Market, Fort Road Market, Gandhi Chowk, and Station Circle. The Akola printed fabrics that are made from vegetable dyes is one of the major draws and is available only in certain parts of India.

Near By Cities

Bhilwara - The administrative city of Mewar region located 58km from Chittorgarh. The city contains some of the exquisite neolithic temples that adorn the Nagar style of architecture.

Udaipur - The princely state of Mewar (pre-independence) located 113km from Chittorgarh is famous for its lakes and palaces. A current tourist favorite, especially for up-market Westerners.

Bundi - An ancient town loacted 140km from Chittorgarh inhabitated by local tribesmen famous for its historical fortresses and kunds (holy wells).

Ajmer - An ancient town located 191km from Udaipur is famous among the spiritual and religious sects for the shrine of Khwaja Ajmer Sheriff and the only Brahma temples by the banks of Lake Pushkar.

Jaipur - The capital city of Rajasthan located 318km from Chittorgarh also known as Pink City is the house of magnificient forts and fortresses and the splendid Hawa Mahal.

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