Chittorgarh has etched its name in the annals of the history as the famous site of three mass suicides of the Rajput women in 1303, 1535 and 1568, earning it the title of the Masada of Rajasthan. 115km northeast of Udaipur, the place is home to the gigantic hilltop fort. Poke through the ruins of the fort and you will feel history.
The Chittorgarh Fort is the epitome of the courage and supreme sacrifice of the gallant defenders who preferred death to disgrace. The fort stands on a 240-hectares site on an 180m high hill that rises rapidly from the plains below.
The fort was first besieged thrice in the year of 1303 by Ala-ud-din Khilji of the Khilji dynasty of Delhi Sultanate. It is said that Ala-ud-din Khilji was so enamored of the beauty of Queen Padmini that he decided to invader the fort to take possession of the Queen. However, Queen Padmini committed suicide along with thousands of other females. The second invasion was led by Sultan Bahadur Shah of Gujarat in 1535 who laid siege to the fort causing huge massacre. This time Rani Karnawati led the female members in committing (johars). The Fort was razed to the rubble in 1568 by Akbar. The place once again witnessed the tragic event of johar. Though the fort was given back by Jehangir to the Rajputs, it was never inhabited. The modern township of Chittorgarh is spread below the hill.
Tower of Victory-Vijay Stambh, Kirti Stambh, Rana Kumbha Palace, Kumbha Shyam Temple, Kalika Mata Temple, Gaumukh Kund, Padmini's Palace are the places of interest in and around Chittorgarh.
Connected by both bus and rail to different destination in Rajasthan and India, Chittorgarh has rail links with Delhi, Jaipur, Ajmer, Ahmedabad, Udaipur and Kota. Buses connect Chittorgarh to various places in Rajasthan including Udaipur, Bundi, Ajmer and Kota. The railway station is located on the western banks of Gambheri River.
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