View source for Chittor Fort

{{short description|Historic fort in Rajasthan, India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2018}}
{{Infobox military installation
| image         = Chittorgarh fort.JPG
| image_size    = 300px
| partof        = [[Chittorgarh]]
| location      = [[Rajasthan]], [[India]]
| caption       = A view of Chittorgarh Fort, Rajasthan, India
| map_type      = India#Rajasthan
| coordinates   = {{coord|24.8863|74.647|type:landmark|display=inline}}
| map_size      = 
| map_relief    = yes
| map_caption   = 
| garrison      = 
| current_commander = 
| commanders    = 
| occupants     = [[Mori Rajputs|Mauryans of Chittorgarh]], [[Guhilas of Medapata]], [[Sisodia Dynasty|Sisodias of Mewar]]
| site_other    = Floor area: 280 ha (691.9 acres)
| height        = 180 m (590.6 ft)
| controlledby  =
| battles       = [[Siege of Chittorgarh (1303)]]<br>Battle of Chittor (1321)<br>[[Siege of Chittorgarh (1535)]]<br>[[Siege of Chittorgarh (1567–1568)]]
| events        = 
| image2        = 
| caption2      = 
| footnotes     = {{designation list | embed=yes
  | designation1 = WHS
  | designation1_partof = [[Hill Forts of Rajasthan]]
  | designation1_date = [[List of World Heritage Sites by year of inscription#2014 (36th session)|2014]] <small>(36th [[World Heritage Committee|session]])</small>
  | designation1_type = Cultural
  | designation1_criteria = ii, iii
  | designation1_number = [https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/247 247]
  | designation1_free1name = Region
  | designation1_free1value = [[List of World Heritage Sites in Asia|South Asia]]
  }}
}}
'''Chittorgarh''' (literally '''Chittor Fort'''), also known as '''Chittod Fort''', is one of the largest forts in [[India]]. It is a [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]]. The fort was the capital of [[Mewar]] and is located in the present-day city of [[Chittorgarh]]. It sprawls over a hill {{convert|180|m|ft|abbr=on|1}} in height spread over an area of {{convert|280|ha|acre|abbr=on|1}} above the plains of the valley drained by the [[Berach River|Berach]] River. The fort covers 65 historic structures, which include four palaces, 19 large temples, 20 large water bodies, 4 memorials and a few victory towers.

In 2013, at the 37th session of the [[World Heritage Committee]] held in [[Phnom Penh]], [[Cambodia]], a group of six [[Hill Forts of Rajasthan]], including Chittor Fort, was declared a [[World Heritage Site|UNESCO World Heritage Site]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Centre |first=UNESCO World Heritage |title=Hill Forts of Rajasthan |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/247/ |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |language=en}}</ref>

== Geography ==
[[File:A Painting of the Fort 1857.jpg|thumb|left|A painting of the fort by [[Marianne North]], 1878]]
[[Chittorgarh]], located in the southern part of the state of Rajasthan, {{convert|233|km|mi|abbr=on|1}} from [[Ajmer]], midway between [[Delhi]] and [[Mumbai]] on [[National Highway 48 (India)|National Highway 48]] in the road network of [[Golden Quadrilateral]]. Chittorgarh is situated where National Highways No. 76 and 79 intersect.

The fort rises abruptly above the surrounding plains and is spread over an area of {{convert|2.8|km2|mi2|abbr=on|1}}. The fort stands on a hill {{convert|180|m|ft|abbr=on|1}} high.<ref name=DNA>{{cite news|title=The Fantastic 5 Forts: Rajasthan Is Home to Some Beautiful Forts, Here Are Some Must-See Heritage Structures|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-3191827171.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924204252/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-3191827171.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 September 2015|access-date=5 July 2015|date=28 January 2014|publisher=DNA : Daily News & Analysis}}</ref> It is situated on the left bank of the Berach river (a tributary of the [[Banas River]]) and is linked to the new town of Chittorgarh (known as the 'Lower Town') developed in the plains after 1568 AD when the fort was deserted in light of introduction of artillery in the 16th century, and therefore the capital was shifted to the more secure [[Udaipur]], located on the eastern flank of the [[Aravalli hill]] range. Mughal Emperor [[Akbar]] attacked and sacked this fort which was but one of the 84 forts of Mewar, but the capital was shifted to Aravalli hills where heavy artillery & cavalry were not effective. A winding hill road of more than {{convert|1|km|mi|abbr=on|1}} length from the new town leads to the west end main gate, called Ram Pol, of the fort. Within the fort, a circular road provides access to all the gates and monuments located within the fort walls.<ref name="joe">{{Cite book |author=Joe Bindloss |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=T7ZHUhSEleYC&q=Chittorgarh+Fort&pg=PA214 |title=India |author2=James Bainbridge |author3=Lindsay Brown |author4=Mark Elliott |author5=Stuart Butler |work= |publisher=Lonely Planet |year=2007 |isbn=978-1-74104-308-2 |pages=124–126 |access-date=2009-06-24}}</ref><ref name="saigan">{{cite web|title=Indian States and Union Territories|url=http://www.saigan.com/heritage/states/rajasthan/chittor.html|access-date=2009-06-24|work=Places of Interest in Rajasthan: Chtiiorgarh}}</ref><ref name=tour>{{cite web|url=http://www.tourismtravelindia.com/rajasthanportal/touristattractions/CHITTORGARH.html|title=Chittorgarh Fort of Rajasthan in India|access-date=2009-06-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090604013619/http://www.tourismtravelindia.com/rajasthanportal/touristattractions/CHITTORGARH.html|archive-date=4 June 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=places>{{cite web |url=https://www.culturopedia.com/Places/places.html |title=Places and Monuments |access-date=2009-06-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090717093945/http://www.culturopedia.com/Places/places.html |archive-date=2009-07-17 }}</ref>

The fort that once boasted of 84 water bodies has only 22 of them now. These water bodies are fed by natural catchment and rainfall, and have a combined storage of 4 billion litres that could meet the water needs of an army of 50,000. The supply could last for four years. These water bodies are in the form of ponds, wells and step wells.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rainwaterharvesting.org/Solution/History_tour3.htm|title=Rajasthan's Water fort|access-date= 2009-06-24|publisher=Rainwaterharvesting.Org}}</ref>

== History ==
[[File:Chittorgarh fragmentary inscriptions of the Naigamas, first half of the 6th century CE.jpg|thumb|Chittorgarh fragmentary inscriptions of the Naigamas, first half of the 6th century CE.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Balogh |first1=Dániel |title=Chittorgarh fragmentary inscriptions of the Naigamas, inked rubbing |url=https://zenodo.org/record/2105017 |date=9 December 2018|doi=10.5281/zenodo.2105017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Epigraphia Indica Vol 34 |pages=53–58 |url=https://archive.org/details/epigraphiaindicavol34_388_M/page/n93/mode/2up}}</ref>]]
Chittorgarh (''garh'' means fort) was originally called Chitrakut.{{sfn|Paul E. Schellinger|Robert M. Salkin|1994|p=191}} It was constructed by the [[Mori Kingdom|Mori]]{{efn|Sometimes referred to as the Later Mauryas, to distinguish them from the unrelated earlier [[Maurya Empire]].}} ruler [[Chitrangada Mori]].{{sfn|Shiv Kumar Tiwari|2002|p=271}} According to one legend, the name of the fort is derived from its builder.{{sfn|Paul E. Schellinger|Robert M. Salkin|1994|p=191}} Several small Buddhist stupas dated to 9th century based on the script were found at the edge of Jaimal Patta lake.<ref>Chittorgarh, Shobhalal Shastri, 1928, pp. 64-65</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/247|title = Hill Forts of Rajasthan}}</ref>

[[File:Government ASI board installed at Chittorgarh fort.jpg|thumb]]

The [[Guhilas of Medapata|Guhila]] ruler [[Bappa Rawal]] is said to have captured the fort in either 728 CE or 734 CE. One account states that he received the fort in [[dowry]].{{sfn|Paul E. Schellinger|Robert M. Salkin|1994|p=191}} According to other versions of the legend, Bappa Rawal captured the fort either from the [[Mori]]s.{{sfn|R. C. Majumdar|1977|p=298-299}} Historian [[R. C. Majumdar]] theorizes that the Moris  were ruling at Chittor when the Arabs invaded north-western India around 725 CE.{{sfn|R. C. Majumdar|1977|p=298-299}} The Arabs defeated the Moris, and in turn, were defeated by a confederacy that included Bappa Rawal. R. V. Somani theorized that Bappa Rawal was a part of the army of [[Nagabhata I]].{{sfn|Ram Vallabh Somani|1976|p=45}} Some historians doubt the historicity of this legend, arguing that the Guhilas did not control Chittor before the reign of the later ruler Allata.{{sfn|Ram Vallabh Somani|1976|p=44}} The earliest Guhila inscription discovered at Chittor is from the reign of [[Tejasimha]] (mid-13th century); it mentions "Chitrakuta-''maha-durga''" (the great fort of Chittor).{{sfn|D. C. Ganguly|1957|p=90}}

Under the orders of [[Alauddin Khilji]], between 1251 and 1258, [[Balban]] repeatedly led armies to attack and lay siege to Chittor fort, as well as [[Ranthambore Fort|Ranthambore]] and [[Bundi]] forts.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=75FlxDhZWpwC&dq=chitror&pg=PA230 Al-Hind the Making of the Indo-Islamic World, p. 230]</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=uQ7k2vQlYxEC&dq=chitror&pg=PA230 Al-Hind The Making of the Indo-Islamic World · Volume 1, p. 230]</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=icgNAAAAQAAJ&dq=chitror&pg=PA370 The History of India, as Told by Its Own Historians, p. 370]</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=J7vXAAAAMAAJ Tabakat-i-Nasiri, p. 124]</ref>

=== Siege of 1303 ===
{{main|Siege of Chittorgarh (1303)}}
{{multiple image
 | align = right
 | direction = vertical
 | total_width = 400
 | header = Padmini's Palace
 | image1 = Oil painting of Padmini's palace in the fort in the midst of the tank.jpg
 | caption1 = An 1878 painting by [[Marianne North]]
 | image2 = ChittorgarhFortWaterReflection.JPG
 | caption2 = A 2010 photograph
}}

In 1303, the [[Delhi Sultanate]] or Delhi Sultans ruler [[Alauddin Khalji]] led an army to conquer Chittorgarh, which was ruled by the [[Guhila dynasty|Guhila]] king [[Ratnasimha]].{{sfn|Banarsi Prasad Saksena|1992|p=366}} Alauddin captured Chittor after an eight-month-long siege.{{sfn|Banarsi Prasad Saksena|1992|p=367}} According to his courtier [[Amir Khusrow]], he ordered a massacre of 30,000 local Hindus after this conquest.{{sfn|Kishori Saran Lal|1950|pp=119-120}} Some later legends state that Alauddin invaded Chittor to capture Ratnasimha's beautiful queen [[Rani Padmini|Padmini]], but most modern historians have rejected the authenticity of these legends.{{sfn|Satish Chandra|2004|p=89}} The legends also state that Padmini and other women committed suicide by ''[[jauhar]]'' (mass self-immolation). Historian [[Kishori Saran Lal]] believes that a ''jauhar'' did happen at Chittorgarh following Alauddin's conquest, although he dismisses the legend of Padmini as unhistorical.{{sfn|Kishori Saran Lal|1950|p=130}} On the other hand, historian [[Banarsi Prasad Saksena]] considers this ''jauhar'' narrative as a fabrication by the later writers, because Khusrow does not mention any ''jauhar'' at Chittorgarh, although he has referred to the ''jauhar'' during the [[Siege of Ranthambore (1301)|earlier conquest of Ranthambore]].{{sfn|Banarsi Prasad Saksena|1992|p=368}}

Alauddin assigned Chittorgarh to his young son Khizr Khan (or Khidr Khan), and the Chittor fort was renamed "Khizrabad" after the prince. As Khizr Khan was only a child, the actual administration was handed over to a slave named Malik Shahin.{{sfn|Banarsi Prasad Saksena|1992|p=368}}

=== Rana Hammir and successors ===
Khizr Khan's rule at the fort lasted till 1311 AD and due to the pressure of [[Rajputs]] he was forced to entrust power to the Sonigra chief Maldeva who held the fort for 7 years. [[Maharana Hammir|Hammir Singh]], usurped control of the fort from Maldeva and Chittor once again regained its past glory. Hammir, before his death in 1378 AD, had converted [[Mewar]] into a fairly large and prosperous kingdom. The dynasty (and clan) fathered by him came to be known by the name [[Sisodia Dynasty|Sisodia]] after the village where he was born. His son [[Rana Kshetra Singh]] or Rana Kheta  succeeded him and ruled with honour & power. Rana Kheta's son [[Rana Lakha]] (Lakshya), who ascended the throne in 1382 AD, also won several wars. His famous grandson [[Rana Kumbha]] came to the throne in 1433 AD and by that time the [[Muslim]] rulers of Malwa and Gujarat had acquired considerable clout and were keen to usurp the powerful Mewar state.<ref name=muslims>{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/stream/shorthistoryofmu035015mbp/shorthistoryofmu035015mbp_djvu.txt|title=A Short History of Muslim Rule in India|access-date=2009-06-22|author= Ishwari Prasad|work=India in the sixteenth century|pages =paras 281 to 287|publisher= The Indian Press, Ltd}}</ref>

=== Rana Kumbha and clan ===
[[File:Ganesh staue at Chittorgarh Fort, Rajasthan.jpg|thumb|right|[[Ganesh]] statue at Chittorgarh Fort]]
There was resurgence during the reign of Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. Rana Kumbha, also known as Maharana Kumbhakarna, son of [[Rana Mokal]], ruled Mewar between 1433 AD and 1468 AD. He is credited with building up the Mewar kingdom assiduously as a force to reckon with. He built 32 forts (84 fortresses formed the defense of Mewar) including one in his own name, called [[Kumbalgarh]]. His younger son, [[Rana Raimal]], assumed the [[rein]]s of power in 1473.{{Citation needed|date=April 2010}} After Raimal's death in May 1509, Sangram Singh (also known as Rana Sanga), his younger son, became the ruler of Mewar, which brought in a new phase in the history of Mewar.

=== Chittorgarh Under Rana Sanga ===
[[Rana Sanga]] ascended the throne in 1509 after a long struggle with his brothers Prithviraj and Jaimal. He was an ambitious king under whom Mewar reached its zenith in power and prosperity. [[Rajput]] strength under Rana Sanga reached its zenith and threatens to revive their powers again in [[Northern India]].<ref name=HR>[https://www.britannica.com/place/Rajasthan/History History of Rajasthan by Deryck O.Lodrick]</ref> He established a strong kingdom from [[Satluj]] in [[Punjab]] in North till [[Narmada River]] in South in [[Malwa]]. After conquering [[Malwa]] and the [[Thar desert]] to the west and until [[Bayana]] in the east. In his military career he defeated [[Ibrahim Lodhi]] at the Battle of Khatoli and manage to free most of [[Rajasthan]] along with that he mark his control over parts of [[Uttar Pradesh]] including Chandwar, he gave the part of U.P to his allies Rao Manik Chand Chauhan who later supported him in [[Battle of khanwa]].{{sfn|Sharma|1954|p=17}} After that Rana Sanga fought another battle with Ibrahim Lodhi known as [[Battle of Dholpur]] where again Rajput confederacy were victorious. This time following his victory Sanga conquered much of the [[Malwa]] along with [[Chanderi]] and bestowed it to one of his vassal [[Medini Rai]]. Rai ruled over [[Malwa]] with [[Chanderi]] as his capital.{{sfn|Chaurasia|2002|pp=156-157}} Sanga also invaded [[Gujarat]] with 50,000 [[Rajput|Rajput confederacy]] joined by his three allies. He plundered [[Gujarat]] sultanate and chased the Muslim Army as far as capital [[Ahmedabad]]. He successfully annexed Northern Gujarat and appoint one of his vassals to rule there. Following the series of victories over Sultans he successfully establish his sovereignty over [[Rajasthan]], [[Malwa]] and large parts of [[Gujarat]].{{sfn|Sharma|1954|p=18}} After these victories he united several [[Rajput]] states from [[Northern India]] to expel [[Babur]] from [[India]] and re-establish [[Hindu]] power in Delhi.
{{sfn|Sharma|1954|p=19}} He advanced with a grand army of 100,000 [[Rajputs]] supported by a few Afghans to expel [[Babur]] and to expand his territory by annexing [[Delhi]] and [[Agra]].{{sfn|Sharma|1954|p=34}}{{sfn|Rao|1991|p=452}} The battle was fought for supremacy of [[Northern India]] between [[Rajputs]] and [[Mughals]].{{sfn|Sharma|1954|p=8}}
However [[Rajput|Rajput Confederation]] suffered a disastrous defeat at [[Khanwa]] due to Babur's superior generalship and modern tactics. The battle was more historic than [[First Battle of Panipat]] as it firmly establish [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] rule in India while crushing re-emerging [[Rajput]] powers. The battle was also earliest to use [[cannons]], [[matchlocks]], swivel guns and [[Mortar (weapon)|mortars]] to great use.{{sfn|Rao|1991|p=453-454}}

Rana Sanga was taken away from the battlefield in an unconscious state by his vassals [[Prithviraj Singh I]] of [[Jaipur]] and [[Maldeo Rathore]] of [[Marwar]]. After regaining consciousness he took an oath to never return to Chittorgarh until he defeated Babur and conquer Delhi. He also stop wearing turban and used to wrap a cloth over his head.{{sfn|Sharma|1954|pp=43}} While he was preparing to wage another war against [[Babur]] he was poisoned by his own nobles who did not want another battle with [[Babur]]. He died in [[Kalpi]] in January 1528.{{sfn|Sharma|1954|pp=44}}

After his defeat his vassal [[Medini Rai]] was defeated by Babur at [[Battle of Chanderi]] and Babur captured the capital of Rai kingdom [[Chanderi]]. Medini was offered Shamsabad instead of Chanderi as it was historically important in conquering Malwa but Rai refused the offer and chose to die fighting. The [[Rajput]] women and children committed [[self-immolation]] to save their honour from Muslim army. After the victory, Babur captured Chanderi along with Malwa which was ruled by Rai.{{sfn|Chaurasia|2002|p=157}}

=== Post Rana Sanga ===
=== Siege of 1535 ===
[[Bahadur Shah of Gujarat|Bahadur Shah]] who came to the throne in 1526 AD as the Sultan of Gujarat besieged the Chittorgarh fort in 1535. The fort was sacked and, once again the medieval dictates of chivalry determined the outcome. Following the escape of the Rana Vikramaditya, his brother [[Udai Singh II]] and the faithful maid [[Panna Dai]] to their maternal relatives land of [[Bundi]], it is said that their mother [[Rani Karnavati]] led 13,000 Rajput women in committing ''jauhar'' (self-immolation on the funeral pyre) as 3,200 Rajput warriors rushed out of the fort to fight till death (Saka) and died in the ensuing battle.<ref name=joe/><ref name=muslims/>

=== Siege of 1567 ===
{{Main|Siege of Chittorgarh (1567–1568)}}
[[File:Jaimal phatta delhi.jpg|thumb|[[Rao Jaimal]] and Patta (Rajasthan), mounted on a pair of black marble elephants which stood outside the Delhi Gate at the [[Red Fort]]. Originally stood outside the fort at [[Agra]]]]
The final [[Siege of Chittorgarh (1567–1568)|Siege of Chittorgarh]] came 33 years later, in 1567, when the Mughal Emperor [[Akbar]] attacked the fort. Akbar wanted to conquer Mewar, which was being ruled by [[Udai Singh II|Rana Uday Singh II]] to gain easy access to the Gujarati ports and establish a trade route.

Shakti Singh, son of the Rana who had quarreled with his father, had run away and approached Akbar when the later had camped at [[Dholpur]] preparing to attack Malwa. During one of these meetings, in August 1567, Shakti Singh deduced from a remark made in jest by emperor Akbar that he intended to wage war against Chittorgarh. Akbar had told Shakti Singh in jest that since his father had not submitted himself before him like other princes and chieftains of the region he would attack him. Startled by this revelation, Shakti Singh quietly rushed back to Chittorgarh and informed his father of the impending invasion by Akbar. Akbar was furious with the departure of Shakti Singh and decided to attack Mewar to humble the arrogance of the Ranas.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://persian.packhum.org/main?url=pf%3Ffile%3D00701022%26ct%3D118 |title=Akbarnama by Abu'l Fazl: H.M.'s Siege of the Fortress of Citur |access-date=2022-08-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814022907/http://persian.packhum.org/persian/main?url=pf%3Ffile%3D00701022%26ct%3D118 |archive-date=14 August 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In September 1567, the emperor left for Chittorgarh, and on 20 October 1567, camped in the vast plains outside the fort. In the meantime, Rana Udai Singh, on the advice of his council of advisors, decided to go away from Chittor to the hills of [[Gogunda]] with his family. [[Jaimal]] and [[Patta Sisodia|Patta]] were left behind to defend the fort along with 8,000 Rajput soldiers under their command. Akbar laid siege to the fortress, which lasted for 4 months.

On 22 February 1568, Jaimal was killed by a musket shot fired by Akbar himself.{{citation needed|date=May 2018}}<!-- invalid ref{{sfn|Richards|1995|p=26}} --> Jauhar was committed in the houses of Patta, Aissar Das, and Sahib Khan. The next day the gates of the fort were opened and Rajput soldiers rushed out to fight the enemies. In the ensuing battle, the army of Chittorgarh were killed alongside 20,000–25,000 civilians and Chittorgarh was conquered.

=== Mughal–Rajput peace treaty of 1615 ===
In 1615, after a treaty between [[Jahangir]] and [[Amar Singh I|Amar Singh]], Chittorgarh was given back to Amar Singh by Jahangir.{{sfn|Chandra|2006|p=}}{{Page needed|date=December 2017}}

The fort was refurbished in 1905 during [[British Raj]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-12-18|title=Chittorgarh – The Largest Fort In India|url=https://www.themysteriousindia.net/chittorgarh-largest-fort-india/|work=The Mysterious India|access-date=2021-11-18}}</ref>

== Precincts ==
[[File:Chittorgarh_Fort_Map.jpg|thumb|Map of Chittorgarh Fort]]
The fort, which is roughly in the shape of a fish, has a circumference of {{convert|13|km|mi|abbr=on|1}} with a maximum length of {{convert|5|km|mi|abbr=on|1}} and it covers an area of 700 acres.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Chittorgharh Tourism: Places to Visit, Tourist Places & Chittor Fort - Rajasthan Tourism|url=https://www.tourism.rajasthan.gov.in/chittorgarh.html|access-date=2021-09-13|website=www.tourism.rajasthan.gov.in|language=en-IN}}</ref> The fort is approached through a difficult zig-zag ascent of more than {{convert|1|km|mi|abbr=on|1}} from the plains, after crossing over a [[limestone]] bridge. The bridge spans the Gambhiri River and is supported by ten arches (one has a curved shape while the balance have pointed arches). Apart from the two tall towers, which dominate the majestic fortifications, the sprawling fort has a plethora of palaces and temples (many of them in ruins) within its precincts.<ref name="udai">{{cite web|title=Chittorgarh Fort|url=http://www.udaipur.org.uk/excursions/chittorgarh-fort.html|access-date=2009-06-24}}</ref><ref name=tour/>

The 305 hectare component site, with a buffer zone of 427 hectares, encompasses the fortified stronghold of Chittorgarh, a spacious fort located on an isolated rocky plateau of approximately 2&nbsp;km length and 155&nbsp;m width.

It is surrounded by a perimeter wall {{convert|13|km|mi|abbr=on|1}} long, beyond which a 45° hill slope makes it almost inaccessible to enemies. The ascent to the fort passes through seven gateways built by the Mewar ruler Rana Kumbha (1433–1468) of the [[Sisodia Dynasty|Sisodia]] clan. These gates are called, from the base to the hilltop, the Paidal Pol, Bhairon Pol, Hanuman Pol, Ganesh Pol, Jorla Pol, Laxman Pol, and Ram Pol, the final and main gate.

The fort complex comprises 65 historic built structures, among them 4 palace complexes, 19 main temples, 4 memorials, and 20 functional water bodies. These can be divided into two major construction phases. The first hill fort with one main entrance was established in the 5th century and successively fortified until the 12th century. Its remains are mostly visible on the western edges of the plateau. The second, more significant defence structure was constructed in the 15th century during the reign of the Sisodia Rajputs, when the royal entrance was relocated and fortified with seven gates, and the medieval fortification wall was built on an earlier wall construction from the 13th century.

[[File:Jain mandir , Chittorgarh.JPG|thumb|Satbees Deori Jain temple]]
Besides the palace complex, located on the highest and most secure terrain in the west of the fort, many of the other significant structures, such as the [[Kumbha Shyam Temple, Chittorgarh|Kumbha Shyam Temple]], the [[Mirabai|Mira Bai]] Temple, the Adi Varah Temple, the Shringar Chauri Temple, [[Ravidas]] [[chhatri]] (pavilion) in front of Meera's temple which bears Guru Ravidas' engraved foot print and the Vijay Stambh memorial were constructed in this second phase. Compared to the later additions of Sisodian rulers during the 19th and 20th centuries, the predominant construction phase illustrates a comparatively pure [[Rajput]] style combined with minimal eclecticism, such as the vaulted substructures which were borrowed from Sultanate architecture. The 4.5&nbsp;km walls with integrated circular enforcements are constructed from dressed stone masonry in lime mortar and rise 500&nbsp;m above the plain. With the help of the seven massive stone gates, partly flanked by hexagonal or octagonal towers, the access to the fort is restricted to a narrow pathway which climbs up the steep hill through successive, ever narrower defence passages. The seventh and final gate leads directly into the palace area, which integrates a variety of residential and official structures. Rana Kumbha Mahal, the palace of Rana Kumbha, is a large Rajput domestic structure and now incorporates the Kanwar Pade Ka Mahal (the palace of the heir) and the later palace of the poet [[Mira Bai]] (1498–1546). The palace area was further expanded in later centuries, when additional structures, such as the Ratan Singh Palace (1528–1531) or the Fateh Prakash, also named Badal Mahal (1885–1930), were added.

[[File:Jain temple inside Chittorgarh Fort.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Jain temple near Kirti stambha]]
Although the majority of temple structures represent the Hindu faith, most prominently the Kalikamata Temple (8th century), the Kshemankari Temple (825–850) the Kumbha Shyam Temple (1448) or the Adbuthnath Temple (15th–16th century), the hill fort also contains [[Jain]] temples, such as Sattaees Devari, Shringar Chauri (1448) and Sat Bis Devri (mid-15th century).Finally, the fort compound is home to a contemporary municipal ward of approximately 3,000 inhabitants, which is located near Ratan Singh Tank at the northern end of the property.

=== Gates ===
[[File:Vijay Stamb View from Chittor.jpg|thumb|800px|center|A view of the fort from Chittorgarh town.]]
The fort has total seven gates made by Maharana KUMBHA. (in local language, gate is called ''Pol'') in the west, namely the Padan Pol, Bhairon Pol, Hanuman Pol, Ganesh Pol, Jodla Pol, Laxman Pol, and the main gate named the Ram Pol (Lord Rama's Gate). All the gateways to the fort have been built as massive stone structures with secure fortifications for military defense. The doors of the gates with pointed arches are reinforced to fend off elephants and cannon shots. The top of the gates has notched parapets for archers to shoot at the enemy army. A circular road within the fort links all the gates and provides access to the numerous monuments (ruined palaces and 130 temples) in the fort.

On the right of Suraj Pol is the Darikhana or Sabha (council chamber) behind which lie a [[Ganesha]] temple and the [[zenana]] (living quarters for women). A massive water reservoir is located towards the left of Suraj Pol. There is also a peculiar gate, called the Jorla Pol (Joined Gate), which consists of two gates joined. The upper arch of Jorla Pol is connected to the base of Lakshman Pol, a feature has not been noticed anywhere else in India.<ref name =saigan/> The Lokota Bari is the gate at the fort's northern tip, while a small opening that was used to hurl criminals into the abyss is seen at the southern end.<ref name=joe/><ref name =saigan/><ref name=tour/><ref name=frommer>{{Cite book|author=Pippa De Bruyn |author2=Keith Bain |author3=Niloufer Venkatraman |author4=Shonar Joshi|title= Frommer's India|access-date=2009-06-26|pages=454=455|work=Chittauragarh (Chittor)|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qMqBvtL_nI0C&q=Padmini%E2%80%99s+Palace&pg=PA455|publisher= Wiley Publishing, Inc |year=2006|isbn=0-7645-6777-2}}</ref>

=== Vijaya Stambha ===
{{Main|Vijaya Stambha}}
[[File:Stamaba views with other relics steroscopic view.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Vijaya Stambha with other relics stereoscopic view]]
The Vijaya Stambha (Tower of Victory) or Jaya Stambha, called the symbol of Chittorgarh and a particularly bold expression of triumph, was erected by Rana Kumbha between 1458 and 1468 to commemorate his victory over Mahmud Shah I Khalji, the Sultan of Malwa, in 1440 AD.{{Citation needed|date=April 2010}} Built over a period of ten years, it rises {{convert|37.2|m|ft}} over a {{convert|47|ft2|m2}} base in nine stories accessed through a narrow circular staircase of 157 steps (the interior is also carved) up to the 8th floor, from where there is good view of the plains and the new town of Chittorgarh.{{Citation needed|date=April 2010}} The dome, which was a later addition, was damaged by lightning and repaired during the 19th century. The Stambha is now illuminated during the evenings and gives a beautiful view of Chittorgarh from the top.<ref name=joe/><ref name =udai/><ref name=tour/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/apac/photocoll/t/019pho000430s21u00029000.html|title=Tower of Victory, Chittore Fort|access-date=2009-06-21|archive-date=16 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016192723/http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/apac/photocoll/t/019pho000430s21u00029000.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[File:Victory+Tower+Chittorgarh.jpg|thumb|Vijaya Stambha|alt=]]

=== Kirti Stambha ===
{{Main|Kirti Stambh}}
[[File:Temple_de_Shanthinath.jpg|thumb|right|Architectural details from the ''[[Kirti Stambh]]'']]
Kirti Stambha (Tower of Fame) is a {{convert|22|m|ft|adj=mid|-high}} tower built on a {{convert|30|ft|m|adj=on}} base with {{convert|15|ft|m}} at the top; it is adorned with [[Jain]] sculptures on the outside and is older (probably 12th century) and smaller than the Victory Tower.{{citation needed|date=June 2020}} Built by the [[Bagherwal]] Jain merchant Jijaji Rathod, it is dedicated to [[Rishabhanatha|Adinath]], the first Jain [[tirthankar]] (revered Jain teacher). In the lowest floor of the tower, figures of the various tirthankars of the [[Jain]] pantheon are seen in special niches formed to house them. These are digambara monuments. A narrow stairway with 54 steps leads through the six storeys to the top. The top pavilion that was added in the 15th century has 12 columns.<ref name=joe/><ref name =saigan/><ref name =udai/><ref name=tour/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/apac/other/019xzz000000472u00009000.html|title=The Khowasin Stambha, a Jaina tower at Cheetore|access-date=2009-06-23|archive-date=16 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016192732/http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/apac/other/019xzz000000472u00009000.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rajasthantours.co.in/rajasthan-forts-palaces/chittaurgarh-fort-chittaurgarh.html|title=Chittaurgarh Fort, Chittaurgarh|access-date=2009-06-24|archive-date=7 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207161735/http://www.rajasthantours.co.in/rajasthan-forts-palaces/chittaurgarh-fort-chittaurgarh.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Rana Kumbha Palace ===
Rana Kumbha's palace (in ruins) is at the entrance gate near the Vijaya Stamba. The palace included elephant and horse stables and a temple to Lord [[Shiva]]. [[Maharana Udai Singh]], the founder of Udaipur, was born here; the popular folk lore linked to his birth is that his maid [[Panna Dai]] saved him by substituting her son in his place as a decoy, which resulted in her son getting killed by Banbir. {{Citation needed|date=April 2010}} The prince was spirited away in a fruit basket. The palace is built with plastered stone. The remarkable feature of the palace is its splendid series of canopied balconies. Entry to the palace is through Suraj Pol which leads into a courtyard. The famous poet-saint, Rani [[Mirabai|Meera]], also lived in this palace. This is also the palace where Rani Padmini is said to have consigned herself to the funeral pyre in one of the underground cellars, as an act of ''Jauhar'' along with many other women. The Nau Lakha Bandar (literal meaning: nine lakh treasury) building, the royal treasury of Chittorgarh was also located close by. Now, across from the palace is a museum and archaeological office. The Singa Chowri temple is also nearby.<ref name=joe/><ref name =saigan/><ref name=tour/>

=== Fateh Prakash Palace ===
Located near Rana Khumba palace, built by [[Fateh Singh of Udaipur and Mewar|Rana Fateh Singh]], the precincts have modern houses and a small museum. A school for local children (about 5,000 villagers live within the fort) is also nearby.<ref name=joe/><ref name=tour/>

=== Gaumukh Reservoir ===
[[File:India 04 0019 chittorgarh.jpg|right|thumb|The Gaumukh Reservoir]]
A spring feeds the tank from a carved cow's mouth in the cliff. This pool was the main source of water at the fort during the numerous sieges.<ref name=tour/>

=== Padmini's Palace ===
Padmini's Palace or Rani Padmini's Palace is a white building and a three storied structure (a 19th-century reconstruction of the original). It is located in the southern part of the fort. [[Chhatris]] (pavilions) crown the palace roofs and a water moat surround the palace. This style of the palace became the forerunner of other palaces built in the state with the concept of Jal Mahal (palace surrounded by water). Maharana Ratan Singh was killed and Rani Padmini committed Jauhar. Rani Padmini's beauty has been compared to that of [[Cleopatra]] and her life story is an eternal legend in the history of Chittorgarh. This Palace find its reference in some of the historical texts of Mewar. Amar Kavyam mentions the confinement of Mahmud Khilji- II, Sultan of Malwa here by [[Rana Sanga]].{{sfn|Ranchor Bhatt|1985|p=186}} Maharana [[Udai Singh II|Udai Singh]] married his daughter JasmaDe to Rai Singh of Bikaner. A song was composed about the charity done by Rai Singh, in which it is mentions that he donated an elephant for each step of the stairs of Padmini's Palace. It was repaired by Maharana [[Sajjan Singh of Udaipur|Sajjan Singh]].

=== Other sights ===
[[File:Rajasthan-Chittore Garh 09.jpg|upright|thumb|Meera Temple, where saint [[Mirabai]] prayed to [[Krishna]], starting her [[Bhakti]] movement. Chittorgarh Fort, [[Rajasthan]]]]
Close to Vijay Sthamba is the Meera Temple, or the Meerabai Temple. Rana Khumba built it in an ornate Indo-Aryan architectural style. It is associated with the mystic saint-poet [[Mirabai]] who was an ardent devotee of [[Krishna|Lord Krishna]] and dedicated her entire life to His worship. She composed and sang lyrical ''[[bhajan]]s'' called Meera Bhajans. The popular legend associated with her is that with blessings of Krishna, she survived after consuming poison sent to her by her evil brother-in-law. The larger temple in the same compound is the Kumbha Shyam Temple (Varaha Temple).<ref name=joe/><ref name =saigan/><ref name=tour/> The pinnacle of the temple is in pyramid shape. A picture of Meerabai praying before Krishna has now been installed in the temple.<ref>{{Cite book|author= Laxman Prasad Mathur|title=Forts and strongholds of Rajasthan|access-date=2009-06-26|work=Mira Bai temple|page=24|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3iduAAAAMAAJ&q=Chittorgarh+Fort|year=1990|isbn=81-210-0229-X|publisher= Inter-India Publications|location= New Delhi, India}}</ref>

Across from Padmini's Palace is the [[Kalika Mata Temple, Chittorgarh Fort|Kalika Mata Temple]]. Originally, a Sun Temple dated to the 8th century dedicated to [[Surya]] (the Sun God) was destroyed in the 14th century. It was rebuilt as a [[Kali]] temple.<ref name=joe/><ref name =saigan/><ref name=tour/>

{{anchor|Tulja}}
Another temple on the west side of the fort is the old [[Bhavani|Goddess Tulja Bhavani]] Temple built by [[Vanvir Singh|Banvir]] and dedicated to Goddess Tulja Bhavani. The ''Tope Khana'' (cannon foundry) is located next to this temple in a courtyard, where a few old cannons are still seen.<ref name=tour/><ref>{{Cite web|title=Chittorgharh Tourism: Places to Visit, Tourist Places & Chittor Fort - Rajasthan Tourism|url=http://www.tourism.rajasthan.gov.in/chittorgarh.html|access-date=2021-09-13|website=www.tourism.rajasthan.gov.in|language=en-IN}}</ref>

== Culture ==
The fort and the city of [[Chittorgarh]] host the biggest Rajput festival called the "''Jauhar Mela''".<ref name=DNA/> It takes place annually on the anniversary of one of the ''[[jauhar]]s'', but no specific name has been given to it. It is generally believed that it commemorates Padmavati's ''jauhar'', which is most famous. This festival is held primarily to commemorate the bravery of Rajput ancestors and all three ''jauhars'' which happened at Chittorgarh Fort. A huge number of Rajputs, which include the descendants of most of the princely families, hold a procession to celebrate the Jauhar. It has also become a forum to air one's views on the current political situation in the country.<ref>{{Cite book|author= B.S. Nijjar|title= Origins and History of Jats and Other Allied Nomadic Tribes of India|access-date=2009-06-26|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xQM9voN21ekC&q=Jauhar+mela&pg=PA306|work=Jauhar Mela at Chittor|page =306|publisher=Atlantic Publishers & Distributors (P) Ltd.|year=2007|isbn =978-81-269-0908-7}}</ref>

Six forts of Rajasthan, namely, [[Amber Fort]], Chittorgarh Fort, [[Gagron Fort]], [[Jaisalmer Fort]], [[Kumbhalgarh]] and [[Ranthambore Fort]] were included in the [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]] list during the 37th meeting of the World Heritage Committee in Phnom Penh in June 2013. They were recognized as a serial cultural property and examples of Rajput military hill architecture.<ref>{{cite news|title=Heritage Status for Forts|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-3028072831.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924204129/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-3028072831.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 September 2015|access-date=5 July 2015|date=28 June 2013|publisher=Eastern Eye }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Iconic Hill Forts on UN Heritage List|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-334781049.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924154401/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-334781049.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 September 2015|access-date=5 July 2015|date=22 June 2013|publisher=Mail Today|location=New Delhi, India}}</ref>

The ruined city of the Cold Lairs from ''[[The Jungle Book]]'' by [[Rudyard Kipling]], where the protagonist [[Mowgli]] is taken to after being kidnapped by the [[Bandar-log]], is noted by the Kipling Society to have possibly been based on Chittorgarh Fort, which Kipling personally visited in 1887, and would have been relatively close to the [[Aravalli Range]] also located in [[Rajasthan]], the original setting of the Jungle Books before Kipling changed it to the hills of [[Seoni]] in [[Madhya Pradesh]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Kaa's Hunting – Notes on the text |url=https://www.kiplingsociety.co.uk/readers-guide/rg_kaahunting_notes.htm |website=The Kipling Society |date=4 May 2021 |access-date=14 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Seeonee: The Site of Mowgli's Jungle? |url=https://www.kiplingsociety.co.uk/readers-guide/rg_junglebook_location.htm |website=The Kipling Society |date=17 June 2021 |access-date=14 February 2022}}</ref>

== Gallery ==
<gallery>
File:Columns in the fortress of the fort.jpg| Columns in the fortress.
File:A part of fortress of Chittoor.jpg| A part of the fortress.
File:Rana Kumbha Palace, Chittorgarh 37.jpg|Fort remains 1
File:Rajasthan Monument 30.JPG|Fort remains 2
File:PadminiPalace.png | Padmini Palace

File:Interiors of Padmini Palace.jpg|Interiors of the Padmini Palace.
File:Rajasthan Monument 31.JPG|Structures in the fort 1
File:Rajasthan Monument 28.JPG| Structures in the fort 2
File:Rajasthan-Chittore_Garh_09.jpg| [[Meera]] Temple
File:Jain_Kirti_Stambha.jpg| [[Kirti Stambha]]
Chittorgarh_fort_37.JPG|[[Jain temple]] at Kirtistambha
</gallery>

== See also ==
* [[Kumbha Shyam Temple, Chittorgarh]]
* [[Ravidas]]
* [[Mirabai]]

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

=== Bibliography ===
{{refbegin}}
* {{Cite book|last=Rao|first=K. V. Krishna|author-link=KV Krishna Rao|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=G7xPaJomYsEC|title=Prepare Or Perish: A Study of National Security|date=1991|publisher=Lancer Publishers|isbn=978-81-7212-001-6|language=en}}
* {{Cite book|last=Chaurasia|first=Radhey Shyam|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8XnaL7zPXPUC|title=History of Medieval India: From 1000 A.D. to 1707 A.D.|date=2002|publisher=Atlantic Publishers & Dist|isbn=978-81-269-0123-4|language=en}}
* {{Cite book|last=Sharma|first=Gopi Nath|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jIs9AAAAMAAJ|title=Mewar & the Mughal Emperors (1526-1707 A.D.)|date=1954|publisher=S.L. Agarwala|language=en}}
* {{cite book |author=Banarsi Prasad Saksena |author-link=Banarsi Prasad Saksena |chapter=The Khaljis: Alauddin Khalji |editor-first1=Mohammad | editor-last1=Habib | editor-first2= Khaliq Ahmad | editor-last2=Nizami |title=A Comprehensive History of India: The Delhi Sultanat (A.D. 1206-1526) |volume=5 |edition=Second |year=1992 |publisher=The Indian History Congress / People's Publishing House |url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.147431/ |oclc=31870180 }}
* {{cite book |author=D. C. Ganguly |chapter=Northern India During The Eleventh and Twelfth Centuries |editor=R. C. Majumdar |editor-link=R. C. Majumdar |title=The Struggle for Empire |series=The History and Culture of the Indian People |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UQtuAAAAMAAJ |year=1957 |publisher=Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan |oclc=26241249 }}
* {{cite book |author = G.H.R Tillotson | title = The Rajput Palaces - The Development of an Architectural Style| type = Hardback| edition = First| publisher = Yale University Press| location = New Haven and London| isbn = 0-300-03738-4| page = 224 pages| year = 1987| orig-year = 1987}}
* {{cite book |author1=George Michell |author2=Antonio Martinelli | title=The Palaces of Rajasthan| publisher=Frances Lincoln| location=London| isbn = 978-0-7112-2505-3| page = 271 pages|year=2005| orig-year = 2005}}
* {{cite book |author=Kishori Saran Lal |author-link=K. S. Lal |title=History of the Khaljis (1290-1320) |year=1950 |publisher=The Indian Press |location=Allahabad |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2XXqAQAACAAJ |oclc=685167335 }}
* {{cite book |editor1=Paul E. Schellinger |editor2=Robert M. Salkin |title=International Dictionary of Historic Places: Asia and Oceania |volume=5 |publisher=Routledge/Taylor & Francis |year=1994 |isbn=9781884964046 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JqHPpNaZfNwC&pg=PA191 }}
* {{cite book |author=R. C. Majumdar |title=Ancient India |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |year=1977 |isbn=9788120804364 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XNxiN5tzKOgC&pg=PA327 }}
* {{cite book |author=Ram Vallabh Somani |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NcIBAAAAMAAJ |title=History of Mewar, from Earliest Times to 1751 A.D. |publisher=Mateshwari |year=1976 |oclc=2929852 }}
* {{cite book |author=Satish Chandra |title=Medieval India: From Sultanat to the Mughals-Delhi Sultanat (1206-1526) |volume=1 |year=2004|publisher= Har-Anand Publications |isbn=9788124110645|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=L5eFzeyjBTQC }}
* {{cite book |first=Satish |last=Chandra |title=Medieval India: From Sultanat to the Mughals (1206–1526) |volume=2 |publisher=Har-Anand Publications |date=2006}}
* {{cite book |author=Shiv Kumar Tiwari |title=Tribal Roots of Hinduism |publisher=Sarup & Sons |year=2002 |isbn=9788176252997 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=n0gwfmPFTLgC }}
* {{cite book |author1=Viven Crump |author2=Irene Toh |title= Rajasthan|location=New York|publisher=Everyman Guides|type = hardback| isbn = 1-85715-887-3| page = 400 |year=1996}}
* {{cite book |author=Ranchor Bhatt|title= Amar Kavyam|location=Udaipur|publisher=Sahitya Sansthan, Rajasthan Vidyapeeth|type = hardback|year=1985}}
{{refend}}

== External links ==
{{Wikiquote}}
* {{Commons category-inline|Chittor Fort}}
* {{Wikivoyage inline|Chittorgarh}}

{{Forts in Rajasthan}}
{{Forts in India}}
{{World Heritage Sites in India}}

[[Category:Chittorgarh Fort| ]]
[[Category:Forts in Rajasthan]]
[[Category:1567 in India]]
[[Category:1535 in India]]
[[Category:7th-century establishments in India]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Chittorgarh district]]
[[Category:World Heritage Sites in India]]