Chittorgarh Tour

When the city was built in the 8th century by Bappa Rawal (ruled 734-53A.D.), it was named Chittorgarh. That was a long time ago and just the beginning of one of the bloodiest histories that a town has ever seen. Famous for being besieged by invaders, Chittorgarh traces its origin way back to the Mahabharata, according to one legend. Although the foundation of Chittor is attributed to Bappa Rawal, the fort is considered to be one of the earliest in Rajasthan.

Successive conquering of Chittorgarh

Rani Padmini-The Incognizant Cause
Standing on a rocky plateau on a 500-feet high hill, the 700 acre fort was besieged three times, and each time Chittor ended as the loser. But that did not mean that the fort was less sturdy than any other citadel in Rajasthan. It was just that the Rajputs had a habit of riding out to meet the enemy outside the safety of their walls, instead of allowing the enemy to launch the first assault. The first time the fort was stormed in 1303, it was a woman who was the unwitting cause. Alauddin Khilji fell in love with Rani Padmini the moment he heard of her beauty, and decided to take her and Chittor to boot. He did conquer Chittor but Padmini reduced herself to ashes in a jauhar (mass suicide in fire), in which 30,000 women burnt themselves alive.

Conquered by Muhammad Shah of Gujarat
The second siege came 232 years later in 1535, when Muhammad Shah of Gujarat declared war on Chittor. Chittor fell again, and 13,000 women and children committed jauhar - but of a different kind. The fortress was on the verge of being seized by Bahadur Shah and there was no time to arrange for a bonfire. Gunpowder was brought out from the magazines and laid out. The tremendous blast that followed took the lives of women and children.

Finally Conquered by Emperor Akbar
The final assault was by Akbar in 1567, and it was fatal for Chittor. The seven gates of Chittor were opened and 8,000 Rajputs rode out in their saffron war robes, once again to die at the hands of the Mughals. Tradition repeated itself within the walls of Chittor, as, in true Rajput style, the women and children chose 'death by fire' instead of disgrace. When Akbar entered the fort, it is said that there was not a living soul left inside. After this final sack, the back of Chittor was broken, and its ruler Rana Udai Singh fled to lay the foundations of Udaipur.

Chittor Could Be Definitely On The Tourist Itinerary List
Chittor today is more of an industrial town, but the only reason to come here would certainly have to be the fort. The town is off the main tourist circuit, but is definitely worth a visit. The best way to get to Chittor would be to make Udaipur the base for a one-day excursion to the fort.