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CHITTAURGARH, Rajasthan
The ancient ruined
hill fort of
Chittaurgarh is still the symbol
of the Rajput ideals of chivalry and honor. It was the
ancient capital of a powerful kingdom and the heroic
battles fought here, are part of the legends of the land.
Places of Interest:
The Fort:
The famous fort with its palaces,
temples and memorial towers bring alive the tales of
heroism and sacrifice.
Jaistamba:
The famous
Tower of
Victory,
elaborately decorated, was built by Rana Kumbha to
commemorate his victory in 1440 over the Muslim kings of
Malwa, in Gujarat.
Kirti Stamba:
Dedicated to the Jain Tirthankara
Adinath, the 22 meter tower was built in the 13th century.
Meera Temple:
Associated with the famous poetess and
queen Meerabai, the temple is built in the ornate Nagara
style.
Padmini Palace:
The
palace, with its pool and pavilion, recalls the life of
the tragic Queen Padmini. The story goes that Allaudin
Khilji, the ruler of
Delhi, attacked Chittor to capture the beautiful queen.
When defeat seemed imminent, the Rajput nobility opened
the gates of the fort and went out to battle, while
Padmini and other palace women immolated themselves to
escape capture.
Rana Kumbha Palace:
Another ruined palace within the fort.
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