subject: Chittaurgarh Fort [print this page] Chittaurgarh Fort Chittaurgarh Fort
There is probably no other fort in Rajasthan with as interesting history as the Chittaurgarh or Chittorgarh fort. The fort which was initially constructed by the Mori Rajput ruler, Chitrangad and later improved upon by Raja Ajay Pal of Sisodia clan has seen three major bloody battles.
The Past
The first of these was fought when the beauty of Rani Padmini, the queen of Raja Ratan Singh completely overpowered the right senses of the Sultan of Delhi, Ala-ud-din Khilji. In a desperate attempt to possess her, he waged a war on Chittaurgarh. But all in vain since the self respecting queen committed Jauhar along with hundreds of other females of the fort.
The second battle was fought between Sultan Bahdaur Shah of Gujarat and Sikramjeet who ruled Chittaurgarh at that time. The fort was looted by the invaders and hundreds of lives was lost once again. Rana Udai Singh who later went ahead to establish his kingdom in Udaipur and who was a minor child had to be smuggled away to a safe place.
Rana Udai Singh managed to get his kingdom back for a brief period of time but then the great Mughal ruler Akbar was waiting. In the third major war, Akbar defeated Udai Singh and conquered Chittaurgarh.
The Present
The fort today mesmerises visitors with its engaging stories of bravery and sacrifice together with the architectural attractions. Within the fort, a number of other stories unfold themselves when you begin to exploring structures such as the Vijay Stambh, the Rani Padmini palace, Jaimal and Patta palaces, the Kumbha's palace, the Meerabai Temple and the Kalika Mata Temple. The Fateh Prakash Palace Museum is where a number of other facts will reveal themselves through various items on displays.
