Situated on the banks of the Berach River, Chittorgarh instantly takes you to a time of unbreakable honour, clashing swords and legends that blur the lines between fact and fiction. This magnificent fort, a UNESCO heritage site, preserves the heritage of RajasthanIt contains a vibrant culture and history that feels almost tangible.

Chittorgarh Fort

The heartbeat of Chittorgarh is its fort spread over 700 acres. Built by the Mauryas between the 5th and 8th centuries, it fell to the Rajput founder Bappa Rawal in 734. For the next eight centuries, it saw the rise and fall of the Rajputs and Gujaratis due to frequent Muslim attacks. Once home to 70,000 inhabitants, the fort today shows Hindu, Jain and Muslim architectural influences. From the early 13th century until the conquest by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1567, Chittorgarh served as the Sisodia capital of Mewar. With the turn of the war, Rana Udai Singh retreated to the hills, leaving behind this royal legacy.

Rana Kumbha Mahal

While many people visit Chittorgarh on their travels UdaipurIt definitely deserves to stay longer. The fort is easy to reach; Either drive yourself or hire an auto from the main market. Your journey begins with a difficult path with several entrance gates that takes you to the palace of Rana Kumbha. Although not the original architect, Rana Kumbha (reign: 1433–1468) extensively renovated and expanded the complex. The Zenana Palace within the Kumbha Palace offers a glimpse of the past. The upper floors were razed by invaders and the area around the main chamber is surrounded by rows of ruined maids’ quarters.

story of queen padmavati

And there are many stories related to this fort which are equally captivating. But none is more enduring than the story of Rani Padmavati. According to Rajasthani legends, whose queen was Padmavati? chittorWhich is famous for its unique beauty. His story, popularized by Malik Muhammad Jayasi’s poem “Padmavat” in 1540, revolves around his “jauhar” or self-immolation to escape capture by the powerful Delhi Sultan, Alauddin Khilji. While some consider Padmavati to be a historical figure, others argue that she is a creation of artistic imagination. Those who support her existence identify her as Queen Padmini, the Sri Lankan princess who married the Rajput ruler Rawal Ratan Singh and settled in Chittor.

While Queen Padmavati’s palace was rebuilt in the 19th century, this three-storey white structure is believed to be the place where Alauddin Khilji caught a glimpse of Queen Padmini’s reflection in the lotus pond. Apart from the palaces of Padmini and Rawal Ratan Singh, Chittor Fort has intricately carved Jain temples, ornate pillars, the sacred Gaumukh reservoir, two victory pillars and the temple of Mirabai dedicated to Lord Krishna.

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