Chittorgarh

Traveler’s Facts

About Chittorgarh: A city of historical importance.
Famous for: Chittorgarh Fort, the largest fort in Asia, Victory Tower and interesting history.
Should I Visit: Yes, if you are interested in historical monuments.
Location: Southern part of Rajasthan, 112 km from Udaipur and 318 km from Jaipur.
Built by: Maurya dynasty
Built in: 7th century AD.

About Chittorgarh

Chittorgarh is an ancient city in Rajasthan state of western India. The origin of Chittorgarh can be traced to the seventh century. It lies on the Berach River, a tributary of the Banas, and is the administrative headquarters of Chittorgharh District and a former capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Mewar. It remained the capital of the local Sisodia clan of Rajputs from the eighth to the 16th century.

View of Chittorgarh Fort

History

Alauddin Khilji was the first to sack Chittaur in 1303 A.D. overpowered by a passionate desire to possess the regal beauty, queen Padmini. Legend has it, that he saw her face in the reflection of a mirror and was struck by her mesmerising beauty. But the noble queen preferred death to dishonour and committed ‘Jauhar’.

In 1533 A.D., during the rule of Bikramjeet, came the second attack from Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat. Once again Jauhar was led by Rani Karanavati, a Bundi princess. Her infant son, Udai Singh was smuggled out of Chittaur to Bundi who survived to inherit the throne of the citadel. He learnt from his traumatic childhood that discretion is preferred to valour. So in, 1567 A.D. when the Mughal Emperor invaded Chittaur, Udai Singh fled to establish a new Capital, Udaipur-a beautiful lake city, leaving behind Chittaur to be defended by two 16 year old heroes, Jaimal of Bednore and Patta of Kelwa. These young men displayed true Rajput chivalry and died after ‘Jauhar’ was performed. Immediately thereafter Akbar razed the fort to a rubble. Chittaur was never inhabited again but it always asserted the heroic spirit of Rajput warriors.

Tourist Places

Chittorgarh Fort
Vijay Stambh
Rana Kumbha Palace

Shopping

The historic city of Chittorgarh in Rajasthan is known for its range of exquisite handicrafts -metal ware, fabrics and shoes which come from the various villages in Chittorgarh.

While shopping in Chittorgarh, you can buy beautiful thewa jewellery (gold designs embedded in glass), colorful leather jutis (shoes) made of camel leather with embroidery on them and Akola fabrics (painted with vegetable dyes). The wooden painted toys from Bassi village are also items that can be ideal souvenirs with a distinct touch of Chittorgarh.

The main shopping centers in Chittorgarh are Sadar Bazaar, Rana Sanga Market, New Cloth Market, Fort Road Market, Gandhi Chowk and Station Circle.

Getting Around

Both unmetered taxi and Tonga can be hired from either the railway station or the bus station. Bicycle can also be rented to visit the fort.

How to Reach

By Air:
Udaipur is the nearest airport. Daily flight form Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Lucknow are available to Udaipur

By Rail:
Chittorgarh has rail links with Ahmedabad, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaipur, Kota, Alwar and Delhi.

By Road:
Rajasthan Roadways run very comfortable deluxe & air-conditioned buses from Jaipur to Chittorgarh. It is also connected by road to Delhi, Mount Abu, Chittorgarh, Bundi and Udaipur.