Chittaurgarh embodies romance and chivalry. The stories told
of the ruined Fort Chittor evokes awe and respect to this day. The fort fell
more than once and each time the inhabitants fought literally to the last
man and the women committed Jowhar, or mass immolation, to escape the
ignominy of capture.
The most famous instance, which is now a part of folklore, occurred in 1303
when the legendary Rajput beauty, Rani Padmini committed Jowhar with
thousands of womenfolk to escape dishonor at the hands of the soldiers of
Allaudin Khilji, Sultan of Delhi.
The fort of Chittaurgarh can be singled out for it's glorious history and
it's stories of heroism. Countless tales of this rugged fort and the battles
fought here by it's legendary heroes fill the pages of history books.
All of the Chittaur's attractions are within the fort. There are 7 gateways
to the main gate, the Rampol. On the climb, there are two chhatris,
memorials marking spots where Jaimal and Kalla, heroes of the 1568 seige,
fell during the struggle against Akbar. There's a deer park at the southern
end. One can have the fine view over the town from the fort.
Legend has it that it was because of the beautiful Padmini that
Chittaurgarh was sacked the first time. When Sultan Ala-ud-din Khilji, the
ruler of Delhi, heard of Padmini's beauty, he requested Rana Rattan Singh
(her husband) for a glimpse of the queen. However, the Sultan was permitted
to see only the reflection of the queen from a water tank that overlooked
the palace. Ala-ud-din is said to have been so carried away by Padmini's
beauty that he attacked Chittor in order to possess her. This led to the
first bitter and bloody siege of the Chittaurgarh fort and the subsequent
mass suicide.
The Chittaurgarh Fort is a living testimony to the bravery of the great
Rajput rulers who laid down their life fighting a superior enemy instead of
leading a life of submission. The fort is located on a hill that dominates
the modern township of Chittor. It is a fine example of the Rajput style of
architecture.
Cities
of Rajasthan
Jodhpur
Attractions 
