Chittorgarh Fort: An epic tale of love, courage and sacrifice

Chittorgarh Fort, a magnificent and historic fort in India, is one of the most important attractions in Rajasthan. For those on a trip to Udaipur, this full-of-tragic-love-tales fort is a must visit. Spread over a huge 700 acres with a perimeter wall of 13 km, this fort once served as the abode of kings and queens. In 2013, UNESCO declared it a world heritage site under the Hill Forts of Rajasthan.

Chittorgarh Fort: An epic tale of love, courage and sacrifice

History

Situated some 100 km from Udaipur in the pretty town of Chittorgarh, the fort is reminiscent of Rajputana pride, loyalty and sacrifice. It is also one of the largest forts in India. Besides its grandness and architectural beauty, the fort is known to have witnessed the torment of Alauddin Khilji, the king of the Khalji dynasty that ruled the Delhi Sultanate. Khilji defeated the then ruler of Rajput dynasty Rana Ratan Singh.

Chittaurgarh | Fort, Rajputs & Maharana Pratap | Britannica

As per legends and the poem, Padmavat by Malik Muhammad Jayasi, Alauddin only attacked Chittor to capture Ratan Singh’s beautiful queen Padmini. It is said that Khilji was smitten by her beauty and wanted to marry her. After the king was killed, as per the poem, Queen Padmini, along with other women, committed mᴀss jauhar (suicide) to safeguard their honour.
Jauhar Mela
Every year, a Jauhar Mela is held in Chittorgarh. This Rajput festival celebrates the anniversary of one of the jauhars. Though there’s no specific name given, it is believed that the faif commemorates Rani Padmini’s jauhar and celebrates Rajputana valour.

Chittorgarh - Tourist Places & Top Things to Do in 2025

The story of Meera Bai

The fort is also ᴀssociated with Rani Meera Bai, the poetess who devoted her life to Lord Kirshna. The famous poet-saint lived here and the fort also has a temple dedicated to Meera. Legend has it that once her brother-in-law tried to kill her but with the blessings of Lord Krishna, she lived even after consuming dangerous poison.

With so many historic tales of love and devotion, Chittorgarh keeps attracting visitors from across the world!

 

Related Posts

Unraveling the mystery: remnants of the ancient Moche civilization with the mummified Lady Cao discovered at El Brujo

Lady Cao transcended the status of being merely one of many mummies unearthed by archaeologists worldwide. Her extraordinary remains have reshaped our understanding of ancient history and…

This incredibly preserved 4,000 year old wagon made of just oakwood, unearthed in Armenia.

Made of oak, they are the oldest known wagons in the world. Now on display at the History Museum of Armenia Incredibly Preserved 4,000-Year-Old Oakwood Wagons Unearthed…

A 700-Year-Old Murder Mystery: Who Bludgeoned the Bocksten Man to Death and Why?

Around 700 years ago, a young man, who has come to be known as ‘Bocksten Man’, was struck three times on the head, then tossed into a…

Gorini Anatomical Museum, Graphic images

Paolo Gorini (January 18, 1813 – February 2, 1881) was an Italian scientist, geologist, teacher, and researcher. The museum was inaugurated in 1981 by the pathologist Antonio Allegri and…

Ghost ship mystery deepens as sailor’s mummified body was ‘ignored by coast guard for a MONTH’

The mummified body of a German sailor was discovered a month earlier – but allowed to drift for 300 miles before being re-discovered. An autopsy initially concluded…

The Enigmatic Powerhouse: Thuya’s Pivotal Roles in Kemet’s Religion and Government

Thuya, the mother of Queen Tiye, left a lasting legacy as the grandmother of Akhenaten and Tutankhamun. Descended from Queen Ahmose-Nefertari, Thuya held significant roles within Kemet’s…