Chittorgarh Fort Historical Facts and Pictures

Chittorgarh Fort, often simply referred to as Chittor, is the grandest fort in Rajasthan and the largest one in India. Located on a 180 meter high hill overlooking the plains of the Berach River valley, the fort expands over a wide area of around 280 ha. Chittorgarh, comprising multiple palaces, temples, gates and a pair of prominent commemoration towers, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historic and architectural value.

According to coin inscriptions, the fort was built during the seventh century AD by the rulers of the Maurya dynasty and was originally named after the Mauryan king Chitrangada Mori. Chittorgarh Fort served as the capital of the Mewar kingdom for over 800 years. The fort witnessed many battles over the long period it remained the capital of Mewar with three of them having considerable importance in Indian history – Ala-ud-din Khilji of the Khilji Dynasty and Gujarat ruler Bahadur Shah besieged the fort in the years of 1303 and 1535 while it was attacked and ransacked by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1568 AD. Following these defeats, over 13,000 women and children committed Jauhar (the ritual in which Rajput women sacrifice their lives to avoid dishonor and enslavement after a defeat), led by Rani Padmini in 1303 and by Rani Karnavati in 1537. Even today, the city of Chittor holds the “Jauhar Mela”, an annual festival to commemorate all the three Jauhars.

Chittorgarh remained under Mughal control until 1616, when Mughal emperor Jahangir returned the fort to the Rajput chief of Mewar Maharana Amar Singh. However Chittorgarh never regained its formal glory and was merely renovated during British Raj in 1905.

Chittorgarh Fort

Chittorgarh Fort Images

Chittorgarh Fort Photos

Chittorgarh Fort Pictures

Chittorgarh Fort

Chittorgarh Fort Inside

Chittorgarh Fort Inside Pictures

Chittorgarh Fort Inside

Inside Chittorgarh Fort

Inside of Chittorgarh Fort

Chittorgarh Fort Precincts

Chittorgarh Fort Kirti Stambh

Kirti Stambh of Chittorgarh Fort

Chittorgarh Fort Gaumukh Reservoir Pictures

Chittorgarh Fort Gaumukh Reservoir

Chittorgarh Fort Vijay Stambh Pictures

Chittorgarh Fort Vijay Stambh

It is one of the notable examples of Hindu Rajput architecture with most famous constructions located inside the fort include the 22 meters high Kirti Stambha, the ruins of Rana Kumbha’s palace, Fateh Prakash Palace, Rani Padmini’s Palace and the Mira Bai Temple where Meera used to worship Hindu Lord Krishna.