Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India


Chittorgarh lies at the foot of a hill on which stands Chittor fort. From the 8th century to the 16th it remained the capital of the state of Mewār and was the stronghold of the Sisodia Rājputs. It was thrice besieged by Muslim attackers: Alā-ud-Dīn Khaljī (1303), Bahādur Shāh of Gujarāt (1534-35), and the Mughal emperor Akbar (1567-68). In each case the defenders chose death for themselves and jauhar (collective immolation) for their families rather than surrender. After Chittorgarh's capture by Akbar (1568), the capital of Mewār was transferred from there to Udaipur. Within the Chittor fortress are several palaces, Jain and Hindu temples, and two exquisitely carved Jain pillars (the towers of Fame and Victory), erected in the 12th and 15th centuries, respectively. The surrounding area comprises a series of hills running north to south and forming narrow, confined valleys. Agriculture is the principal occupation. Wheat, corn (maize), sorghum, oilseeds, cotton, and sugarcane are the chief crops. [Adapted from Encyclopedia Britannica]

 Sammidheshwar Temple and Victory Tower Area

Sammidheshwar temple

Built in 6th cent. CE

Dedicated to Shiva

Wall detail


Side view


Inner sanctum


Temple art (more)


Carving


Temple exterior (more)


Temple exterior


Victory tower (1, 2)


Fort walls and a tank


Langur monkey


Gateway


Other ruins (more)


View of Chittor town

Rana Kumbha palace


Facade


Former palace


Sprawling ruins


Site of Padmini's jauhar


Sacked thrice in history...


...in 1303, 1535 and 1568


Outside the palace


Courtyard (1, 2, 3)

Meera and Kumbh Shyam temples


Meerabai's hometown


Meera temple (more)


Kumbh Shyam temple (1,2,3)


Entrance (more)

Padmini's palace

Cool abode

Palace courtyard (more)

Summer residence

View from palace

Kirti Stambha Etc.

Tower of Fame

Dates from 12th cent. CE

Built by a Jain merchant

Dedicated to Adinath


Wall detail (more)


Wall detail


Path down to the battlefield


Battlefield

This is where the final sacking of Chittor happened by Raja Mansingh (representing Akbar) was fought

 



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