Rajasthan Tour & Travel Destinations

The pride of Rajasthan, Chittorgarh still reverberates with the tales of its glorious but turbulent past. It is a land where the ideals of chivalry, sacrifice and honor were always worshipped. Today, all that remains of those glorious times are the ruins of forts, palaces and temples that have nevertheless managed to retain their old grandeur.

Chittorgarh has been a witness to some of the bloodiest battles fought on Indian soil. The city itself was ravaged thrice staring with Alauddin Khilji's attack in 1303 AD followed Bahadur Shah in 1533 AD. Mughal Emperor Akbar attacked the city for a third time and razed the Chittorgarh fort to the ground. The fort was never inhabited after that attack.

Every time Chittorgarh was attacked, its brave populace left no stone unturned to defend their honor to the last breath. As the men rode out to meet their adversaries on the battlefield, the women and children would light a huge pyre and immolate themselves in order to escape the marauding enemy.

Today, Chittorgarh is synonymous with the tragic tale of Queen Padmini who chose death over dishonor by committing 'Jauhar' or self-immolation with other women. It happened that Alauddin Khilji was so overwhelmed by her beauty that he attacked Chittorgarh with the sole motive of possessing her. However, queen Padmini foiled his plans by taking the brave decision of facing death before giving him any chance to fulfill his aim.

The spirit of sacrifice still lives on amidst the ruins of Chittorgarh. In fact, a visit to this city truly adds up as an experience to remember for a lifetime.