The history of Chittorgarh has been etched in our minds. It was once a powerful seat of the Mewar dynasty until Maharaja Udai Singh II shifted the capital to Udaipur, 120 kilometres away. We all grew up reading about the fierce battles of the Rajputs of Chittorgarh in our school books. So here’s me revisiting some of these stories on a Chittorgarh day trip from Udaipur.
History of Chittorgarh
Chittorgarh was built by the Mauryan dynasty around the 7th century. Bappa Rawal, attributed as the founder of the Mewar dynasty, would later capture the fort around 8th century to expand his kingdom stretching up to Gujarat.
At its prime, Chittorgarh was not only one of the largest but also the strongest and wealthiest forts in India. Situated on the banks of the Berach River, the fortified township boasted of an enviable location in the heart of the Mewar kingdom. Invaders eyed Chittorgarh for its strategic location between the Delhi Sultanate and Gujarat that had an easy access to the sea. To conquer Chittorgarh would invariably mean to command rule over the northern and west regions; which explains why Chittorgarh had such a tumultuous past.
In 1303, the Sultan of Delhi, Ala-ud-din Khilji defeated the Rajputs when he was supposedly besotted by Rajput Rani Padmini’s beauty. The Mewars managed to reclaim Chittorgarh and re-establish their rule in 1326. Two centuries later, in 1533, Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat captured the fort once again. But perhaps the most brutal of all sieges was in 1568, when Mughal Emperor Akbar attacked Maharana Udai Singh II and seized the fort. Through all the three defeats, Rajput women are said to have committed Jauhar, an act of self immolation preferring death over harem.
What to see at the Chittorgarh fort
Spread over 700 acres of land, exploring the Chittorgarh fort complex is likely to consume your entire day, but time will snap by soaking in myriad stories of the myths and legends associated with this place. The Rajputs were great patrons of the art, so expect to find poetry in stone and splendid architecture influenced by the Hindus, Jains and Mughals.
As you enter Chittor town, a road leads from the Aravalli foothills to the summit of Chittorgarh Fort passing through seven gates or pols. There was a time, when up to 70000 people lived inside the fort complex. Today, however, only a fraction of that number resides, and new constructions have been prohibited.
Meera Bai temple
The 15th century Kumbhashyam temple commissioned by Rana Kumbha in 1449 is your first stop as you make your way inside the fort. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna with panels depicting stories from his life. Right besides the temple, there’s a smaller shrine dedicated to Meera Bai. It is known that Meera bai was a Rajput princess who married in the powerful Mewar royal family. She lived in Chittorgarh for a brief time before moving to Dwarka where she dedicated her entire life to the service of Krishna.
Rani Padmini’s Palace
Rani Padmini’s Palace is a major crowd puller due to the legend that surrounds the queen. Tour guides narrate her tales with an animated enthusiasm. Built in the middle of a lotus pond, the Rani Padmini palace is an 18th century reconstruction of the original. Nonetheless, one is quick to imagine the beauty of this place back in its day, surrounded by clear waters and beautiful lawns. Rani Padmini’s Palace is inaccessible as of date. Visitors can take a glimpse of this beautiful monument from the Men’s palace, just like Khilji did back then.
Vijaystambha
In 1440, Rana Kumbha built the majestic Vijaystambha or Victory tower to commemorate their victory over Mahmud Khilji. Standing tall at 122 feet, it boasts of some exquisite carvings, both on the exteriors and interiors of the tower. Visitors can reach the top of the tower through a narrow spiralled stairway for a bird’s eye view of the beautiful complex. The Kirti Stambh, or the Tower of Fame is worth mentioning too. A Jain merchant built this 12th century monument to pay tribute to the first Jain tirthankara – Adinath. Far smaller in scale at 72 feet, but an equally captivating sight with intricately carved sculptures of the Dighambaras adorning all sides of the tower.
Water reservoirs of Chittorgarh
Chittorgarh’s plethora of water bodies sustained large army troops during war. Among them, the picturesque Gaumukh reservoir near Vijaystambha warrants a visit. The reservoir is shaped like a cow’s mouth and has an underground spring feeds water to the tank. Next to the Gaumukh reservoir, an 11th century temple houses a giant three-headed idol of Shiva.
Fateh Singh Palace Museum and Rana Kumbha Palace
Fateh Singh Palace museum is one of the newer constructions inside the heritage complex. It was converted into a government museum for visitors to view restored artefacts, Rajputana clothing, armour and paintings (Timing: 10am to 5pm).
Don’t forget to drop by the Rana Kumbha Palace, easily one of the biggest structural sites inside Chittorgarh. The crumbling ruins give away the grandeur of this once beautiful palace where the kings and queens resided. Stay back to watch the sunset from here, overlooking Chittorgarh town – a fitting end to your visit!
Pro tip: The Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation organises a Sound and Light show at the Chittorgarh Fort during evenings. Timing: 7pm to 8pm every day.
Where to stay in Udaipur?
Zostel is a travel backpacker’s hostel in Udaipur with an excellent location overlooking the Swaroop Sagar Lake. They offer dorm style rooms between Rs. 500 and Rs. 800 per night. Ladies only dorms and private rooms are also available.
Solo travel tip for Chittorgarh day trip from Udaipur
The Rajasthan State Transport bus service is plies frequently to Chittorgarh and back. They also offer 30% discount for women travelers. In Chittorgarh, it is best to strike a deal with a rickshaw to tour you at the fort for the entire day (apprx. Rs. 400). At the fort, you can choose to hire a separate guide (advisable) to show you around (apprx. Rs. 300).
A version of this story first appeared for the IndiGo in-flight magazine – February 2020 issue
For your armchair travel, read…
Fodor’s Essential India: with Delhi, Rajasthan, Mumbai & Kerala | Buy here
More stories from Udaipur
- How I planned a trip to Udaipur in 8k?
- Jauhar Sthal – When Rajput women chose death before dishonour
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