Chittaurgarh Fort Rajasthan
Chittor is the most
important fort in Rajasthan. Built on a tong rugged hill and covering over
280 hectares with its fortfic, palaces, towers & temple, it is a
testament to the glory of the land, historic, battles and valiant people who
preferred death to dishonour.
With a history of grimness juxtaposed with glory, chittor was the capital of
Mewar for eight hindered years. Seven gates defend the approach to the fort
on the west while there is one gate to the east and another to the north.
Enormous ramparts distinguish it. The 13 kms of battlements enclose
fortresses and palaces (kumbha Mahal an ancient structure is impressive even
in its ruins), but also temples, bazaars and granaries with reservoirs and
lakes providing the much-needed water to sustain them.
The most
dramatic structure on the fort is Rana Kumbha vijay stambh or victory Tower
built in celebration of his the victory over the forces of the sultans of
Malwa and Gujrat. Kirti Stambh is another tower in the fort. It is smaller
and less ornate. It was built by a Jain merchant and is dedicated to
Adhinath, the first of the Jain Tirthankaras. The structure is 23 meters in
height and has seven storeys. Equally interesting is the palace of patta,
the teenage commander of the fort after the death of Jaimal. Among the
important temples in the fort is a cluster of jain temples, temple of
Vishnu, Mirabal temple, Nilkantha Mahadev temple, the kalika Mata temple. Mount Abu has some of the most famous Jain temples in India. These
artistically carved temples built between the 11th and 13th century are
dedicated to the Jain tirthankaras. This complex of four temples has
marvelously carved pillars, cellings, architraves, door casings and
exquisite sculptures on porticos.
Both the fineness and enormity
of the carvings leaves the visitor spellbound. Just one temple, the Vimal
Vasahi is said to have taken 14 years to make with the combined efforts of
1200 laborers and 1500 stonemasons.
| Rajasthan Fort and Palace |
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