The Chittorgarh Fort complex is located on a hill, which overlooks the plains quenched by the Berach River. The whole complex reflects the generations of Mewar rulers, their culture, and history. The Gulihot planned had ownership of the fort, after which the Sisodias, took over. The place was the capital of Mewar, and it still holds on to most of its former glory despite the ravages of time. It is the most massive fort in India, and there are as many as 65 structures within this complex, comprising of Temples, water bodies, memoirs, and palaces. The Chittorgarh fort was built in two phases. From the 5th to the 15th century, it saw many additions being made to itself, before it was abandoned. The Suraj Pol is the main gate to the complex, but within the complex itself, there are seven more gates called Padan Pol, Bhairon Pol, Hanuman Pol, Rama Pol, Lakshman Pol, Ganesh Pol, and Jorla Pol. There are two beautiful cenotaphs between the third gate and the second, which were made in honour of Jaimull and Kula, two heroes during Akbar’s siege. Inside the fort, you must visit the Vijay Stambha, or the tower of victory. It is also called the Jaya Stambha, and it was erected by Rana Kumbha as a symbol of Chittor, after he won the war against Mahmud Shah I Khalji, sultan of Malwa, in 1940. The tower was made between 1458 and 1468, and it took ten years for completion. 37.2 metres in height, the tower is nine stories high, and one can get to the top with the help of the narrow, spiral staircase inside. It offers a brilliant view of Chittor and the plains. The Kirti Stambha must also be visited. This tower is the tower of fame, and was built by Jijaji Rathod, who was a Jain merchant. It is dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankar, Adinath. The tower is 22 metres, or six stories high. It is a Digambara structure, with Jain sculptures outside, and figures of Jain Tirthakars adorning the ground floor. The Rana Kumbha Palace, too, is one of the most spectacular parts of this fort. It is near the Vijay Stambha, and is the oldest monument within the fort complex. The palace also contains a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The famous saint and poet Mirabai is said to have been born here, as was Maharana Udai Singh, the founder of Udaipur. The Fateh Prakash Palace, built by Rana Fateh Singh is also here, as is Rani Padmini’s palace. It is said that when Alauddin saw a glimpse of her reflection, he fell madly in love with her and decided to lay siege upon her husband’s palace to kill him and marry her. Although he defeated her husband, the Rani decided to commit Jauhar, that is, self-immolation. Mirabai’s temple is here, as is the Kalika Mata Temple, which was initially dedicated to the Sun God, but was then restructured for Goddess Kali. The Kumbha Shyam temple, the Neelkath Mahadev Temple, the Goddess Tuji Bhawani Temple, and the Bhimal Tank are also quite notable, and gorgeous to look.
