Monday 5 December 2011

cittorgarh fort

Chittorgarh, the administrative head quarters of Chittorgarh District in Rajasthan, is an old city as an embodiment of Rajput tradition mixed with romance and courage. Mythological background of the city tells that it was built by the Pandava warrior Bhima. Chittorgarh is renowned world wide for its audacious history. 


The legendary gallantry story of the beautiful princess Padmini was associated with the history of Chittorgarh. Popular folk stories claims that the Sultan Alavuddin Kilji was attracted towards Chittorgarh only due to the fame of Rani Padmini, the beauty beyond any doubt and made the sultan to finally conquer over Rajputs in Chittorgarh. It is believed that hearing the news of falling of the Kingdom, Padmini led all the women to a huge pyre, performing Sathi. Chittorgarh has in its history this brilliant story beauty, love, grace and bravery. 


The Eventful great past of Chittorgarh is well clear in the ruined castles, impressive forts and magnificent royal buildings. The tourists attracted towards this graceful city due to its formidable past as well, apart from the present niceties. 
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The entrance of the Chittorgarh is highly attractive with seven huge entries, namely Bhairon Pol, Lakshman Pol, Padan Pol, Hanuman Pol, Jorla Pol, Ganesh Pol and the main royal gate known as Ram Pol. Major attractions in Chittorgarh include the amazing Chittorgarh fort, Kithi Stamb, Victory tower or Vijay Stambh, Rani Padmini’s Palace, Rana Kumbha’s Palace and many beautiful imposing temples of great past. Chittorgarh bears many nice wild life sanctuaries in its breast attracting wild life lovers and nature lovers

 History-        
              
The chronological city of Chittorgarh has a beautiful history associated with it. The city had been one of the most powerful cities in the Rajput kingdom and was the seat of the Sisodia kings in the 8th century, who received the town as a gift after the king’s marriage to the last Solanki princess. 


From the 8th century to the 16th the town was ruled by the Bappa Rawal's descendants. The history of Chittorgarh revolves mainly around the tales of Rani Padmini. History has it that Alauddin Khilji, the ruler of the Delhi Sultanate in 1303, was impressed by her beauty and wanted to meet her. He signed a pact with Rani Padmini’s husband Ratan Singh that if he let him meet his wife then he won’t attack his kingdom. However, after seeing her he changed his plan and prepared to attack the kingdom in order to gain control over both the fort and the queen. 


However, the queen understood his intentions and committed Jauhar (burning oneself) along with all the womenfolk. 


The history of Chittorgarh is incomplete without the mention of Maharan Pratap Singh, who gave a very tough time to the Mughals. He confronted the Akbar’s Mughal army in 1576 at Haldighat. Though the battle ended in a deadlock, Maharan Pratap fought guerilla wars for the next 20 years, giving a tough time to the Mughals. He is a very popular king as he vowed not to sleep on bed, eat from metal utensils and nor live in palaces, in order to regain his pride. Even today, the Maharajas of Mewar keep a leaf below their utensils in order to continue this vow.

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