About Chittorgarh
Chittorgarh a municipality in Rajasthan state of western India. It lies on the Berach River, a tributary of the Banas, and is the administrative headquarters of Chittorgarh District and a former capital of the Sisodia Rajput Dynasty of Mewar. The city of Chittaurgarh is located on the banks of river Gambhiri and Berach.
Origin
The origin of Chittaurgarh can be traced to the seventh century. Earlier it was known as Chitrakut, after a local Rajput chieftain named Chitrang. It remained the capital of the local Sisodia clan of Rajputs from the eighth to the 16th century.
The history of this town is written in blood and sacrifice. Muslim rulers sacked it three times in the medieval period. The first was by Ala-ud-din Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi in 1303. Khilji laid siege of this hill fort to capture the beautiful Padmini, the queen of Chittaurgarh.
In the middle of the 15th century, Chittaurgarh gained eminence when the legendary Rajput ruler, Rana Kumbha, ruled it.
Architucture
Chittorgarh fort is spread in an area of 700 acres. It has been made in the shape of a large fish and its circumference is 13km. The fort is built on the banks of Gambhri River and a limestone bridge has to be crossed in order to enter the fort. The fort was built on the basis of Hindu architecture though ideas like vaulted substructures belong to Muslim architecture.
There are seven entrances which are −
- Padan Pol
- Bhairon Pol
- Hanuman Pol
- Ganesh Pol
- Jodala Pol
- Laxman Pol
- Ram Pol
Temples
When the fort was built in 5th century, it had only one gate. Sisodia Rajputs renovated the fort and built six more gates. The temples related to Hindus and Jains built inside the fort are
- Kumbha Shyam Temple
- Mira Bai Temple
- Adi Varah Temple
- Shringar Chauri Temple
- Sattaes Devri
- SatBis Devri
There are two towers which are the other Jain monuments and these are Kirti Stambh and Vijay Stambh.
Palaces
Rana Kumbha Palace can be accessed from seventh gate. Rana Ratan Singh Palace was constructed in 19th and 20th century. Fateh Prakash Palace is also there which has been converted into a museum.