Chittorgarh Fort

Chittorgarh Fort stands on a hill about 180 metres high above the plains of the Berach River, next to the town of Chittorgarh in southern Rajasthan. It covers about 280 hectares, making it one of the largest forts in India. For around eight centuries it was the capital of the Mewar kingdom, ruled by the Guhila and later Sisodia Rajput dynasties.

The fort is tied to three famous sieges. In 1303 Alauddin Khalji of Delhi took it, an event later woven into the legend of Rani Padmini. In 1535 Bahadur Shah of Gujarat captured it, and in 1567 to 1568 the Mughal emperor Akbar besieged and took the fort. After the last siege the Mewar rulers moved their capital to Udaipur. Each siege is remembered for jauhar, the mass self-immolation of women, which made Chittorgarh a symbol of Rajput resistance.

Inside the walls are about 65 historic structures, including four palaces, 19 main temples, 20 water bodies and two towers. The 37 metre Vijay Stambha, or Tower of Victory, was built by Rana Kumbha in the 15th century and is covered with carved Hindu figures. The older Kirti Stambha, a Jain tower of fame, dates to the 12th century. Other sights include the ruins of Rana Kumbha's Palace, Rani Padmini's Palace beside a pool, the Meera Temple and the Kalika Mata Temple.

The road to the top climbs through seven gates, among them Padan Pol, Bhairon Pol and Ram Pol. In 2013 the fort was listed by UNESCO as part of the Hill Forts of Rajasthan.

The fort is open daily, and a ticket is needed for the main monuments. The site is large, so most people hire an auto rickshaw or drive between the main points. Allow at least half a day. October to March is the most comfortable season.

Vijay Stambha, Kirti Stambha and the sieges

The Vijay Stambha stands 37.2 metres high in nine storeys and was put up by Rana Kumbha between 1458 and 1468. A narrow circular staircase of 157 steps climbs to the eighth floor, and the dome on top is a later addition. The Jain Kirti Stambha is smaller, 22 metres high on a 9.1 metre base, with six storeys and 54 steps. Its top pavilion with 12 columns dates from the 15th century.

Rana Kumbha, who ruled from 1433 to 1468, also built the seven gates on the approach road and 32 forts across Mewar, including Kumbhalgarh. During Akbar's siege the defence was led by Jaimal and Patta with about 8,000 Rajput soldiers, while the Rana withdrew to Gogunda. The siege lasted four months.

Water kept the fort alive in war. It once had 84 tanks and wells, and 22 survive today. The best known is the Gaumukh reservoir, fed by a spring that flows from a carved cow's mouth in the cliff. The Fateh Prakash Palace, built by Rana Fateh Singh, houses a small museum, and about 5,000 people still live inside the walls.