Chittaurgarh district General information
History
The town of the brave, known for its massive fort atop a hill, which can be singled out for its glorious past. The fort has achequered history, it has witnessed some of the bloodiest battles in history, three great sakas and some of the most heroic deeds of valour, which are still sung by the local musicians.
The antiquity of chittorgarh is difficult to trace, but it's believed that Bhim the legendary figure of the Mahabharata, visited this place to learn the secrets of immortality and became the disciple of a sage, but his impatience to perform all the rites deprived him of his goal, and out of sheer anger he stamped on the ground creating a water reservoir, this reservoir is called as BhimLat. Later on, it came under Mauryas or Muri Rajputs, there are different opinions as to when it came under the Mewar ruler, but it remained the capital of Mewar till 1568, when it was shifted to Udaipur. It's believed that Bappa Rawal the legendary founder of Sisodia clan, received Chittorgarh in the middle of 8th century, as a part of the dowry after marriage with lst Solanki princess, after that his descendants ruled Mewar which stretched from Gujrat to Ajmer, upto the 16th century.
The fort A standing senitel to the courage and valour of Chittorgarh, it stands tall over a 180 meter high hillock covering a massive area of 700 acres. The fort is believed to have been built by the Maurya rulers in 7th century A.D. The fort is a treasure house of history and historical monuments, the approach to the fort is very difficult. the one mile steep serpentine thoughfare is exhaustive and the fort is reached through huge seven pols or gates, which are infact the strong points having a watch tower and massive iron spiked doors. it was ravaged thrice, and each time phonix like it rose again. Allaudin Khilji was the first who invaded Chittorgarh in 1303, legend and history corroborate that this was because of his passionate desire to abduct Rani Padmini.
Rani Padmini.
But she perferred death to dishonour, and committed Jauhar alongwith the other ladies of the court.
Chittorgarh was plundered again in 1535 by Sultan Bahadur Shah of Gujrat and finally by the Moghul Emperor Akbar, in 1567, in and attempt to subdue Maharana Udai Singh.
The fort is approached through massive pols or gates.
Near Bhairon Pol, is a cenotaph or "Chattri" in honour of the chivalrous jaimal and his cousin Kala, who laid down their lives whilst defending Chittorgarh against the Mughals. Jaimal who was carried seriously wounded, but was not ready to die in his bed, thus he was carried into battle on the shoulders of his cousin Kala, both of them died while showing exemplary courage.
At Rampol is a memorial to Phatta, who was only 16 years old and had just been married, his father has already died defending Chittorgarh , and was sent into the battle by his mother, to free her son from any affection towards home she herself picked up a sword along with his bride and jumped into the battle field both of them died in front of Phatta. Next day the women folk of the palace ended their lives by committing Johar. Phatta leading the safron robed men from the front thundered down like lightening from the mighty fortress to die fighting. The other major gates are Pada Pol and Hanuman Pol, with a distinct Rajput style of architecture.
Places of interest
NAGRI (20Km-Tehsil-Chittorgarh)
One of the most important townships of the Mauryan era in Rajasthan, situated on the banks of river Bairach. It was formerly known as Madhyamika, which flourished from the Maurya to Gupta era. The excavations overhere have unearthed many interesting facts and have showed signs of strong Hindu and Buddhist influence.
BAROLO (140 Km-Tehsil-Rawatbhata)
The ruins of the famous temples of babaroli, near Rawatbhata. This town is worth visiting, because of the group of ancient temples situated here.
BASSI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY(25Km-Tehsil-Chittorgarh)
The wildlife sanctuary covers an area of 50 Sq.Km. near Bassi village. The key fauna of the sanctuary are panther, wild boar, antelopes and mongoose. Migratory birds also visit the sanctuary. For entry into the sanctuary, prior permision is to be obtained from the District Forst Officer, Chittaurgarh.
SANWARIYA JI TEMPLE (40 Km-Tehsil-Bhadesar)
The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishn, situated on the Chittaurgarh - Udaipur highway. This is not a very old structure and is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre.
MATRI KUNDIYA TEMPLE (45 Km-Tehsil-Rashmi)
Also famous as the "Haridwar of Mewar", the shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
BHAINSORGARH WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
The sanctuary lies in the lush green environs of Bhainsrogarh, invaluable archaeological remains can also be seen here.
BIJAIPUR
The 350 year old castle built by Rao Shakti Singh, the youngest brother of Maharaja Pratap, is the major attraction. it has now been covered into a hotel.
SITAMATA SANCTUARY
The sanctuary is dpread over the Aravali and Vindhyachal ranges and is the only forest where teak trees of building value are found. The thickly vegetated sanctuary has about 50% teak trees besided salar, tendu, amla, bamboo and bel etc. three rivers flow through the forest Jakham and Karmoi are the major ones. A huge dam has been constructed over the Jakham river for irrigation, and wild animals in the sanctuary.
The key fauna of the sanctuary are leopard, hyena, jackal, fox, jungle cat, porcupine, spotted dear, wild bear, four horned antelope and nilgai etc.
The most important and conspicuous animal of the sanctuary is the flying squirrel, which can be observed gliding between the trees during night, this nocturnal creatures hides in the daylight, the best time to watch the squirrel is in the months of February and March at Arampura Guest House, when most trees shed their leaves making it easier to spot the squirrel.
The sanctuary is also associated with mythological events it is believed that sita wife of Lord Ram stayed here during the period of her exile in the ashram of Saint Valmiki.
DEOGARH (125 Km) : The 16th century fort near Pratapgarh, is famous for the palaces, their murals and Jain temple.
MENAL (90 Km) : This is also known as the "mini khajauraho", blessed with natures beauty, this picnic spot is situated on the Chittaur - Bundi raod, and is famous for the ancient temples, waterfalls and beautiful forests.
GOTMESHWAR (130 Km) : The place is famous for the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
JOGNIYA MATA JI : This temple of Goddess Yogini is said to be 300 years old
NATHDAWARA (SHRI NATH JI TEMPLE)