This is the largest and the grandest of all the forts that can be found in India located in the state of Rajasthan. Formerly this fort was known as Chittor and this served as the capital of Mewar. Similar to other forts found in Rajasthan, this fort is also built over a hill, which overlooks the valley drained by the Berach River. This fort is of immense beauty has inspired many tourists and writers.

This fort is the displays the chivalry, courage and sacrifice of the Mewar rulers from Sisodia. The people along with the women and children of the kingdom considered death as a better option rather than surrendering to enemies. Such was their chivalry.

Chittogarh is located in between Delhi and Mumbai. The fort surroundings in earlier days had about 85 water bodies. Today only some 22 are left. This fort was ruled by various clans. It was abandoned completely in 7th century when it was seized by the Mughal Emperor Akbar.

Today this place is one among the many tourist attractions nearby Udaipur.

History of this Fort

This Chittorgarh fort was built in the 7th century AD by the Mauryans and the name was from the Maurayan Ruler Chitrangada Mori. This fort served as the capital of Mewar for some 834 years. This is got from the historical records.

There are some records to show that this fort was gifted to Bappa Rawal as dowry gift and this place came under the rule of Sisodia Dynasty as Bappa Rawal was the founder of Sisodia dynasty.

This was faced three important battles for control. The final attack by the Mughal Emperor Akbar left the fort looted in 1568.In the year 1616 this fort was returned to the Rajput by Jahangir. But it was refurbished only in 1905 under the British rule.

Structure of the Fort

This fort is strangely designed in a shape of a fish. The way to approach this fort is in a zig zag manner and one has to claim an ascent of more than 1km. This is after crossing the bridge made of up limestone.

The fort complex has various structures, whichinclude 4 palaces, 19 temples and 20 water bodies. The construction of this entire structure can be divided into two parts. The fort with its main entrance was built in the 5th century and rest of the defense structure of this fort was constructed in the 15th century.

Gates

The fort has been constructed with seven gates in total. The gates are named as Padan Pol, Bhairon Pol, Hanuman Pol, Ganesh Pol, Jodla Pol, Laxman Pol and Ram pol. All the gates are constructed with massive stone structures for defense purpose. The doors have pointed arches to fend off the elephants and cannon shots.  Each gate has a statue of the rulers who lost their life while battling the enemies. Few of the statues were erected on the orders of Akbar to commemorate the sacrifice of the rulers of the fort. Jorla Pol true to its strange name is a peculiar gate where two gates are joined together.

Tower of Victory

Vijay Stambha was known as the tower of victory and it was also called as the symbol of Chittor. This was erected by Rana Kumbha for celebrating his victory over Khalji. It took ten years to complete this structure and this structure has nine stories with a narrow circular staircase to reach the 8th floor. A great view of the plains and the Chitoor town can be viewed from the 8th floor.  A dome was later added to this structure. This structure is open to public and gives an awesome view of the Chittor town.

Kirti Stambha

This is smaller than the tower of victory and has Jainsculptures on the outside of this tower. This tower is known as tower of fame. This tower is dedicated to the Adinath the 1st Jain tirthankar. A narrow staircase leads to the top of the tower, whichare six storeys from the bottom.

Palaces

Apart from the towers this fort complex has many palaces.

Rana Kumbha Palace

This was constructed in 15th AD and was home to the poetess Rani Meera. The entrance for this palace is from Badi Pol. The palace was built of Hindu architecture. This palace is in ruins today.

The other famous palaces include Ratan Singh Palace and Padmini’s Palace. The architectural style cannot be deduced much as they are not in their best conditions. But both the palace is famous for the temple and for the beauty of Padmini respectively, which flocks a lot of tourist people to these palaces.

Reaching This Fort

Udaipur is one among the popular city is Rajasthan and it is widely connected by road, rail and airways.

Buses from other cities of Rajasthan such as Jaipur and Kota reach Udaipur. Udaipur can also be reached from other cities such as Delhi, Ahmedabad and Surat via roadways.

Rails from important cities such as Delhi, Mumbai Surat, Kolkata and Indore stop at Udaipur. Many popular trains stop at Udaipur.