Chittorgarh (Chittor) is a large city and municipality in the state of Rajasthan, in western India, famous for its ancient massive fort, towering on the crest of a high hill, on the banks of the Gambhiri and Berah rivers. Chittorgarh rises above the surrounding plains to a height of 180 meters and occupies 280 hectares of land. The ancient structure bears the status of the largest fort in India in terms of area and is considered the grandest fortress in the state of Rajasthan. Despite the past centuries and significant destruction of the fortress, the former grandeur and splendor of the majestic fort of India has survived to this day. Today the ancient fort is considered one of the main attractions in India.
Fort Chittorgarh has a long and tragic past. The fort has been sieged numerous times over the centuries, and three of them - in 1303, 1535 and 1568 - were particularly dramatic.
The history of the siege in 1303 tells about the Delhi sultan Ala-ad-din, who, in addition to conquering the fortress, wanted to take into his harem the wife of Raval Ratan Singh, who ruled at that time, Queen Rani Padmini. In a fierce battle at the outer gates of the fort, the ruler fell, and after him, his soldiers. When the enemy approached Chittorgarh, in the face of imminent defeat, Rani Padmini and other women living in the fortress performed the jauhar self-immolation rite, jumping into a huge bonfire. The enraged Ala ad-din gave the order to kill 30 thousand Indians.
Such a tragic fate of the Chittorgarh fortress and the fearlessness of the inhabitants made it the embodiment of heroism, valor and courage, which gave this place a special charm in the eyes of tourists. A powerful landmark with 13 km long fortified walls keeps 65 historical buildings on its territory, including 4 palace complexes, 19 main temples, 4 monuments and others.
