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Tourist Destinations of Rajasthan
Chittaurgarh
About
Chittaurgarh
The main
attraction of Chittaurgarh, Despite The Fort's impressive location and
colorful history.
History
 Alauddin Khilji was the first to sack Chittaur in 1303 A.D. overpowered by
a passionate desire to possess the regal beauty, queen Padmini. Legend has
it, that he saw her face in the reflection of a mirror and was struck by
her mesmerising beauty. But the noble queen preferred death to dishonour
and committed ‘Jauhar’.
In 1533 A.D., during the rule of Bikramjeet, came the second attack from
Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat. Once again Jauhar was led by Rani
Karanavati, a Bundi princess. Her infant son, Udai Singh was smuggled out
of Chittaur to Bundi who survived to inherit the throne of the citadel. He
learnt from his traumatic childhood that discretion is preferred to valour.
So in, 1567 A.D. when the Mughal Emperor invaded Chittaur, Udai Singh fled
to establish a new Capital, Udaipur-a beautiful lake city, leaving behind
Chittaur to be defended by two 16 year old heroes, Jaimal of Bednore and
Patta of Kelwa. These young men displayed true Rajput chivalry and died
after ‘Jauhar’ was performed. Immediately thereafter Akbar razed the
fort to a rubble. Chittaur was never inhabited again but it always
asserted the heroic spirit of Rajput warriors.
Culture
The pride and glory of Rajasthan, Chittaur echoes with the tales of
romance and vlour unique to the Rajput tradition. A ruined citadel, where
the royal past lives in its imposing forts, graceful palaces and
spectacular chattris. This fortified settlement has been ravaged thrice
and each time the outcome was ‘Jauhar’-when women and children
immolated themselves on a huge funeral pyre while men donned in saffron
robes of martyrdom rode out of the fort towards a certain death.
Travel Information
By Air
Udaipur is the nearest airport. Daily flight form Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur
and Lucknow are available to Udaipur.
By Bus
Rajasthan Roadways run very comfortable deluxe & air conditioned buses
from Jaipur to Chittaurgarh. It is also connected by road to Delhi, Mount
Abu, Chittaurgarh, Bundi and Udaipuri.
By Train
Chittaurgarh has rail links with Ahmedabad, Chittaurgarh, Udaipur, Jaipur,
Kota, Alwar and Delhi.
Chittaurgarh in Rajasthan Map
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