Chittorgarh Fort
The magnificent Chittorgarh fort located 175 kms. east of Udaipur is dedicated to Chitrangad Maurya Bappa Rawal who was the founder of the Sisodia dynasty. The fort is spread over 700 acres and houses regal palaces, temples and towers. This fort is rated as the foremost in embattlement tactics and is among the most impregnable forts ever built by the Rajputs.
The Chittorgarh fort rises like a mirage from the adjoining plains underneath and stands like a sentinel at a height of 180 meters. One has to cross several gates to reach Rampal which is the entry point to this impregnable fort. Legend has it that when Mughal emperor Akbar laid seize to the fort, two great Rajput warriors - Jaimull and Kulla fought till the last breath of their lives and in memory of the brave sons of the soil, two exquisite cenotaphs have been built within the ramparts.
The fort has several majestic palaces, each one more beautiful than the other. For instance the Rana Kumbha Palace, the Fateh Prakash Palace, Rani Padmini's Palace to name just a few of the palaces that are housed inside the fort all exemplify with the saga of gallantry, courage and heroism of the redoubtable Rajputs.
The fort's piece de resistance from a purely touristy point of view are the two magnificent towers - Kirti Stambh and the Vijay Stambh. Apart from the towers, there are numerous palaces, temples and tanks which were built during the period from 9th to 17th century. The huge reservoir is believed to have been used by princess Padmini for bathing prior to her self-immolation in honor of her husband. There is also the Gaumukh which is made of rocks and shaped very much like a cow's mouth from where water gushes out.
The Vijay Stambh in particular is amazing and is built on a pedestal which is all of 10ft high. From the base, Vijay Stambh is 122 ft in height and 30 ft wide. This colossal tower is nine storied and one has to climb 157 circular flight of steps to reach the top from where one can enjoy the incredible vistas of the city of Jodhpur.
History points out that Chittorgarh Fort was captured thrice. The first annexation was by Ala-ud-din-Khilji. The second was by Sultan Bahadur Shah and the last attack and subsequent annexation of Chittorgarh Fort was by Mughal emperor Akbar who completely demolished the fort and reduced it into wreckage.
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