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Chittaurgarh
The fortified city of Chittaurgarh symbolizes the
valiance and chivalry of a band of great Rajput defenders, who prefer
death to submission. It stands for all that was brave, true and
noble in the Rajput tradition. The city witnessed three ferocious
seizes by a superior enemy, but each time its chastity and pride
remained intact by virtue its loyal inhabitants. When men donned
in saffron robes of martyrdom rode out of the fort towards a certain
death their women and children immolated themselves on a huge funeral
pyre.
It was in 1303, the Rajput beauty, Rani Padmini
led the ritual of ‘Jauhar’ (throwing oneself into raging
fire) rather than submit to dishonor, when Allauddin Khilji was
overpowered by his lust for her. Rani Karnavati led the ‘Jauhar’
during 1533, when the Sultan of Gujarat attacked the then ruler
of Chittaur. Eventually after the performance of the last ‘Jauhar’,
Emperor Akbar, taking no chances razed the fort to rubble and the
fort was never been inhabited again. The fort is believed to have
been constructed by later Maurya rulers during the 7 th Century.
Within the fort complex there are graceful palaces, chhatris and
impressive gates that form major attractions in tourist books.
Vijay Stambh (Victory Tower) built by Maharana Kumbh is another
landmark tourist attractions in Chittaugarh. This imposing structure
is nine storey tall and decorated with intricately designed sculptures.
Among the other attractions of the place the most important include
the Kirti Stambh (Tower of Fame), Rana Kumbha’s Palace, Rani
Padmini’s Palace, Meera & Kumbha Shyam Temple, Kalika
Mata Temple, Government Museum, Jaimal and Patta Palaces, Meerabai’s
Temple and many other gardens & parks.
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