FERGUSSON COLLEGE

SKILLS DEVELOPMENT ASSIGNMENT

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NAME – UTKARSHA PRASHANT KHARBADE

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QUE. A FIELD VISIT REPORT ON VISIT TO ANY HISTORICAL SITE OR MUSEUM.

ANS - Chittorgarh, its history it is popular tourist attractions. Chittorgarh is a
city located in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is known for its rich cultural
heritage and historical significance. The city was founded by the Mauryan
dynasty in the 7th century AD and was later ruled by various dynasties,
including the Rajputs, Mughals, and British.
The most famous attraction in Chittorgarh is the Chittorgarh Fort, which is one
of the largest forts in India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort was
built in the 7th century AD and covers an area of 700 acres. It is home to
several temples, palaces, and other historical structures, including the Vijay
Stambh (Victory Tower) and the Kirti Stambh (Tower of Fame).
Another popular attraction in Chittorgarh is the Meera Temple, dedicated to
the 16th-century poetess Meera Bai. The temple is known for its intricate
carvings and beautiful architecture.
Other notable attractions in Chittorgarh include the Rana Kumbha Palace, the
Padmini Palace, and the Kalika Mata Temple. The city also hosts the annual
Chittorgarh Fort Festival, which showcases the city's rich cultural heritage
through music, dance, and other cultural activities. Chittorgarh is a city with a
rich history and culture, and its many historical and cultural attractions make it
a popular destination for tourists.
Chittorgarh resonates with stories of Rajputana bravery, pride and passion.
The bards of Rajasthan sing tales of courage and sacrifice recounting stories
that are known to every child and adult in the city. Chittorgarh is named after
its most imposing structure, the Chittorgarh Fort which stands atop a 180
metre high hill and is spread across 700 acres.
Chittorgarh Fort has had a tumultuous past. This bastion of the Rajputs has
faced violent attacks thrice in its entire history. The first was in 1303 when the
Sultan of Delhi, Ala-ud-din Khilji, who was enamoured by Queen Padmini,
launched an attack to abduct her. More than two centuries later, in 1533, it
was Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat, who caused immense destruction.
Four decades later, in 1568, Mughal Emperor Akbar attacked and seized the
fort. It was finally in 1616, under the rule of Mughal Emperor Jahangir that the
fort was returned to the Rajputs.
The Chittorgarh is also known as Chittod Fort, is one of the largest forts in
India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort was the capital of Mewar
and is located in the present-day city of Chittorgarh. It sprawls over a hill 180 m
(590.6 ft) in height spread over an area of 280 ha (691.9 acres) above the
plains of the valley drained by the Berach River. The fort covers 65 historic
structures, which include four palaces, 19 large temples, 20 large water bodies,
4 memorials and a few victory towers.
In 2013, at the 37th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Phnom
Penh, Cambodia, Chittorgarh Fort, along with five other forts of Rajasthan, was
declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as a group called the Hill Forts of
Rajasthan. Chittorgarh, located in the southern part of the state of Rajasthan,
233 km (144.8 mi) from Ajmer, midway between Delhi and Mumbai on the
National Highway 8 (India) in the road network of Golden Quadrilateral.
Chittorgarh is situated where National Highways No. 76 & 79 intersect.
The fort rises abruptly above the surrounding plains and is spread over an area
of 2.8 km2 (1.1 sq mi). The fort stands on a hill 180 m (590.6 ft) high. It is
situated on the left bank of the Berach river (a tributary of the Banas River) and
is linked to the new town of Chittorgarh developed in the plains after 1568 AD
when the fort was deserted in light of introduction of artillery in the 16th
century, and therefore the capital was shifted to the more secure Udaipur,
located on the eastern flank of the Aravalli hill range. Mughal Emperor Akbar
attacked and sacked this fort which was but one of the 84 forts of Mewar, but
the capital was shifted to Aravalli hills where heavy artillery & cavalry were not
effective. A winding hill road of more than 1 km (0.6 mi) length from the new
town leads to the west end main gate, called Ram Pol, of the fort. Within the
fort, a circular road provides access to all the gates and monuments located
within the fort walls.
The fort that once boasted of 84 water bodies has only 22 of them now. These
water bodies are fed by natural catchment and rainfall, and have a combined
storage of 4 billion litres that could meet the water needs of an army of
50,000. The supply could last for four years. These water bodies are in the form
of ponds, wells and step wells.
Chittor Garh, also known as Chittorgarh, is a city in the Indian state of
Rajasthan. It is located in the south-eastern part of Rajasthan and is known for
its rich history, ancient forts, and temples. The city is situated on a hill and is
surrounded by a fort wall that extends for around 13 kilometers. The fort is
one of the largest in India and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Purpose of Visit:
The purpose of my visit to Chittor Garh was to explore the rich history and
culture of the city. I wanted to learn more about the fort, temples, and other
historical monuments that are located in and around the city. I also wanted to
experience the local food and interact with the locals to understand their way
of life.
Fort and its Monuments:
The Chittor Garh Fort is an imposing structure that dates back to the 7th
century AD. The fort has seven gates and is surrounded by a moat that is 40
feet wide and 25 feet deep. The fort has several palaces, temples, and other
structures that are of historical significance.
One of the most impressive structures in the fort is the Vijay Stambh or the
Tower of Victory. The tower was built in the 15th century to commemorate the
victory of the Rajput king Rana Kumbha over the Muslim rulers of Malwa and
Gujarat. The tower is nine stories high and is adorned with intricate carvings
and sculptures.
The tower is constructed of red sandstone and white marble, and is adorned
with intricately carved sculptures and motifs depicting Hindu deities and
mythological scenes. It stands at a height of 37 meters (122 feet) and has a
base diameter of 47 feet.
Visitors can climb up the narrow staircase inside the tower to reach the top,
from where they can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. The
tower is also illuminated at night, making it a popular spot for tourists to visit.
The Vijay Stambh is considered to be one of the finest examples of Rajput
architecture and is a symbol of the valour and bravery of the Rajputs who
defended their kingdom against invaders.
The Vijaya Stambha is an imposing victory monument located within Chittor
Fort in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India. The tower was constructed by the Hindu
Rajput king Rana Kumbha of Mewar in 1448 to commemorate his victory over
the army of Malwa led by Mahmud Khalji in the Battle of Sarangpur. The tower
is dedicated to Hindu God Vishnu. The inscribed slabs in the uppermost storey
containing a detailed genealogy of the rulers of Chittaur and their deeds is
ascribed to Rana Kumbha court scholar, Atri and his son Mahesh. The names of
the architect, Sutradhar Jaita and his three sons who assisted him, Napa, Puja,
and Poma, are carved on the fifth floor of the tower.
The Vijaya Stambha is a remarkable example of religious pluralism practised by
the Rajputs. The topmost story features an image of the Jain Goddess,
Padmavati.

Image 1 – Vijay stambh at chittorgarh fort.

Another important structure in the fort is the Kirti Stambh or the Tower of
Fame. Kirti Stambh is a tower located in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India. It is a 22-
meter high tower and is one of the prominent tourist attractions of
Chittorgarh. The tower was built in the 12th century by a Jain merchant named
Jijaji Rathod.
The Kirti Stambh is adorned with intricate carvings of the Jain Tirthankaras
(spiritual leaders) and is considered a prime example of the Solanki style of
architecture. The tower has seven stories and is adorned with sculptures of
various Jain deities, including Adinatha, Rishabhanatha, and Mahavira.
Kirti Stambh is considered a symbol of Jainism and is a pilgrimage site for Jains
from all over India. The tower is illuminated at night, and the sight of the
illuminated tower is a spectacular sight to behold. The tower was built in the
12th century and is dedicated to Adinath, the first Tirthankara of Jainism. The
tower is seven stories high and is also adorned with intricate carvings and
sculptures.
Chittor has a history going back several centuries. It was an ancient centre of
Jain tradition. Chittor is adjacent to the ancient city of Madhyamika. The Jain
inscriptions at Mathura from the Kushana period (1st to 3rd centuries)
mention a "Majjhimilla" branch of the "Kottiya" gana, indicating that it was a
major Jain centre. The famous Acharya Haribhadra Suri (6th century) was born
in Chittor and wrote "Dhurtopakhyana" there.
There was a scholar Elacharya at Chittor from whom Vira-senacharya (9th
century) learned the ancient Shat-khandagama and Kashayapahuda. Virasena
later wrote the famous "Dhavala" and "Jayadhavala" on the basis of these
books.
The 22 metres (72 ft) tower was built by a Jain merchant Jeeja Bhagerwala
during the reign of Rawal Kumar Singh in c. 1179–1191 CE. It was the
residence of Jinavallabha who propagated the Vidhimarga in the 12th century.
From the 15th to 17th centuries, it was the seat of a Bhattaraka.
Three inscriptions have been found that mention Jija of Bagherwal community
as the builder of the stambha. One of the inscriptions mention Dharmakirti, the
disciple of Shubhakirti, who was disciple of Vasantkirti. According to the
Balatkara Gana Pattavali, Dharmakirti headed the patta during 1224-1257 AD.
Thus the structure dates from the 13th century, although an unrelated Jain
inscription of 896 AD was found in the vicinity. Kirti Stambha is older than vijay
stambh.

Image 2 – Kirti Stambh.

The fort also has several palaces that are worth visiting. The most famous of
these is the Rana Kumbha Palace. The palace was built in the 15th century and
is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings. The palace has
several rooms, courtyards, and balconies that provide a glimpse into the life of
the Rajput kings. Rana Kumbha Palace is a historic palace located in the city of
Chittorgarh in Rajasthan, India. It was built in the 15th century by Rana
Kumbha, a ruler of the Mewar kingdom. The palace is known for its impressive
architecture and is considered to be one of the largest and most important
forts in India.
The palace complex includes several buildings and structures, including the
main palace, the Shiva Temple, the Jaina Temple, and the Kumbha Shyam
Temple. The palace is also home to several gardens and courtyards, which are
decorated with fountains, sculptures, and other ornamental features.
One of the most notable features of the palace is the Vijay Stambha, a
towering victory tower that was built by Rana Kumbha in the 15th century to
commemorate his victory over Mahmud Khilji, the ruler of Malwa. The tower
stands at a height of 37 meters and is adorned with intricate carvings and
sculptures.
Today, the Rana Kumbha Palace is a popular tourist attraction and is
recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a testament to the rich
history and cultural heritage of Rajasthan and is an important part of India's
architectural and historical legacy. The palace was the residence of the royal
family and a symbol of their power and wealth.
The palace has a rich history and has witnessed many significant events. It was
the birthplace of Maharana Udai Singh, the founder of Udaipur, who was born
here in 1522. The palace was also the site of a famous battle between Rana
Sanga and Sultan of Delhi, Ibrahim Lodi, in 1518. During the reign of Maharana
Pratap, the palace was attacked by Mughal forces in 1567. The palace was
badly damaged in the attack, and it was never fully restored.
Today, the palace is a popular tourist attraction and is known for its beautiful
architecture and historical significance. The palace has many impressive
features, including a large courtyard, intricate carvings, and stunning frescoes.
The palace also has several underground cellars, which were used for storing
food and water during times of siege.
The Rana Kumbha Palace is considered to be one of the finest examples of
Rajput architecture in India, and it continues to inspire visitors with its beauty
and rich history.

Image 3 – Rana kumbh palace

The Rani Padmini Palace is a historic palace located in the city of Chittorgarh, in
the state of Rajasthan, India. The palace is named after Rani Padmini, a
legendary queen of the Rajput kingdom of Mewar, who is known for her
beauty and bravery. The Palace where Rani Padmini lived after she married the
ruler of Mewar Maharaja Rawal Rattan Singh. The Palace was surrounded by a
Lotus pool which was used by the palace ladies. The legend of Rani Padmini
endures in Indian history and she was said to be as beautiful as Cleopatra and
supposed to be the main reason Sultan Alauddin Khalji attacked Chittor in 1303
and killed Maharaj Rawal.Rattan Singh after which Rani Padmini and the Rajput
ladies committed Jauhar.
The palace is situated in the center of the Chittorgarh Fort, which is a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. The palace is known for its unique architecture, which
combines Rajput and Mughal styles. The palace is built around a central
courtyard, with a series of rooms and chambers surrounding it.
One of the most famous features of the palace is the "Jauhar Kund", which is a
water body that was used by the queen and other women of the court to
perform the act of "Jauhar" (self-immolation), a ritual of mass suicide
committed by women to avoid being captured by invading armies.
The palace has been the subject of many legends and stories, and it continues
to be a popular tourist attraction in Rajasthan. Today, visitors can explore the
palace and learn about its rich history and cultural significance.
The most thrilling place to relive the historical myth. Rani Padmini and
Alauddin Khilji. one can feel and relive the history here.
This three storied white building was built in the 19th century, and is located in
the southern part of the fort. Located amidst water bodies, this is the place
where Aladdin was permitted to see the mirror image of Rani Padmini, wife of
Maharana Rattan Singh. It is widely believeds that Aladdin was besotted by the
beauty of Padmini and the desire to win her led convinced him to destroy
Chittor. In the battle that ensued, Maharana Rattan Singh was killed and Rani
Padmini committed Jauhar. Rani Padmini's beauty is compared to that of
Cleopatra and her life story is an eternal legend in the history of Chittor.

Image 4 – Rani Padmini Palace

Temples:
Chittor Garh is known for its temples, and there are several that are worth
visiting. The most famous of these is the Meera Temple, which is dedicated to
the 16th-century saint and poetess, Meera Bai. The temple is located in the
fort and is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings.
Chittorgarh is the place where Meera Bai was born who was a Rajput princess
and is also being well known as a poetess and saint. The princess had given up
her lavish lifestyle and dedicated her life in the worship of Lord Krishna. The
Meera temple is constructed to be dedicated to her and is a very famous Hindu
temple which is a must visit on your tour to Rajasthan. The splendid work of
art on the temple attracts a large number of tourists. The temple reflects the
Indo-Aryan style of architecture which was very famous in those times and is
still a part of our cultural heritage. The Meera Bai temple and the Kumbha
Shyam temple are both built on the same ground. On the outer side of the
Meera Bai temple you will notice a carved statue of five human bodies with
one head which symbolizes the fact that people of all castes and creed are the
same and no differences exists among them. It is also of sign of tolerance. The
temple has a beautiful statue of Lord Krishna and the Kumbha Shyam Temple
has a black colored statue of God Garud. The temple organizes special
functions on Meera Mahotsav when many devotees visit the shrine to offer
their prayers. On the outer side of the temple there is a chhatri where the
footprints of Raidas had been made who was the teacher of Meera Bai. The
shrine has a spiritual ambiance and imparts peace in the minds of the visitors.
It has both religious as well as historical relevance which makes it an important
place of Chittorgarh.
HISTORY OF THE ATTRACTION
During the rule of Rana Kumbha, the Meera Bai temple was built. He had
constructed many other Hindu temples of which this one is the most eminent
of all. Meera was a Rajput princess who was madly in love with Lord Krishna
and had committed her whole life to Lord Krishna. This shrine had been mainly
built so that Meera could worship Lord Krishna in Chittorgarh.
The temple is a beautiful white marble structure with intricate carvings and
designs. It is said that Meera Bai used to meditate in the temple and offer
prayers to Lord Krishna. The temple has a sanctum sanctorum where a statue
of Lord Krishna is worshipped. The temple is also famous for its beautiful
paintings and frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Meera Bai.
The Meera Bai Temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for
devotees of Lord Krishna and attracts a large number of visitors every year. The
temple is open to visitors from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm every day.

Image 5 – Mirabai Temple

Another important temple in the city is the Kalika Mata Temple. The temple is
dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali and is located on a hill near the fort. The
temple is known for its beautiful architecture and the stunning views it offers
of the surrounding landscape.
Kalika Mata Temple is a popular Hindu temple located in the city of
Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India. It is situated on the top of a hill, which is known
as the Kirti Stambh or the Tower of Fame. The temple is dedicated to the
Hindu goddess Kali, who is considered to be a symbol of power and strength.
The Kalika Mata Temple is believed to have been built in the 8th century and is
considered to be one of the oldest temples in India. The temple is known for its
beautiful architecture and intricate carvings. The temple has a main shrine
dedicated to the goddess Kali and there are also several other small shrines
dedicated to other Hindu deities.
It was originally a Sun temple which was partly destroyed in sack of Chittor, it
was rebuilt during the time of Rana Kumbha. In the 14th-century Maharana
Lakshman Singh lighted a lamp called " Akhanda Jyoti ". The goddess
worshipped at this temple is an aspect of goddess Bhadrakali, also Known with
a regional name "Chittodeshwari & Suryabharnini". clan goddess of Panwar
(Mori Panwar) clan, The Mori Panwar Clan are the descendants of Chitrangna
Mori, who built Chittorgarh. Bhadrakali Is also Worshipped as Isthdevi Of
Sisodiya's and Purohit's. The upper part of the structure is relatively more
recent. It is visited by thousands of visitors every day. worship of goddess Is
mainly done under the supervision of the Saints Of Akhada Shri Niranjani
(Responsibility given by Maharana). Currently temple is managed by Devasthan
Vibhag. In year 2020 a new religious organisation "Chittor Bhakti Seva Trust"
has been founded by Naveen Purohit with Co-founder Suryajeet Singh, for
devotees of Bhadrakali. Chittor Bhakti Seva Trust started a informative page of
temple on Instagram/@kalikamatachittor & Yashpal Singh Shaktawat is
Currently Serving as President at Chittor Bhakti Seva Trust.
The temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus, especially during the
Navratri festival, which is celebrated in honor of the goddess Kali. During this
time, the temple attracts thousands of devotees from all over the country.
Visitors to the temple can also enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area
from the top of the hill. The temple is open to visitors every day from sunrise
to sunset and there is no entry fee. However, visitors are expected to follow
certain rules and regulations, such as removing their shoes before entering the
temple premises and dressing modestly.

Image – Kalika Mata temple

Food and Culture:

Chittor Garh is known for its rich culture and delicious food. The city has a
vibrant food scene, and there are several restaurants and street food vendors
that serve a variety of dishes. Some of the must-try dishes in the city include
Dal Baati Churma, Gatte ki Sabzi, and Kachori.
The city is also known for its colorful festivals and fairs. One of the most
famous festivals in the city is the Jauhar Mela, which is held every year to
commemorate the Rajput women who committed Jauhar (self-immolation)
during the siege of Chittor Garh by the Muslim rulers in the 16th century.

History of chittorgarh fort –

Chittorgarh was originally called Chitrakut. It is said to have been built by a
local Mori Rajput related to Mauryavansha of Shakya clain ruler Chitrangada
Mori. According to one legend, the name of the fort is derived from its builder.
Another folk legend attributes the construction of fort to the legendary hero
Bhima: it states that Bhima struck the ground here, which resulted in water
springing up to form a large reservoir. The water body allegedly formed by
Bhima is an artificial tank called Bhimlat Kund. Several small Buddhist stupas
dated to 9th century based on the script were found at the edge of Jaimal
Patta lake.
The Guhila ruler Bappa Rawal is said to have captured the fort in either 728 CE
or 734 CE. One account states that he received the fort in dowry. According to
other versions of the legend, Bappa Rawal captured the fort either from the
Moris. Historian R. C. Majumdar theorizes that the Moris (Mauryas) were
ruling at Chittor when the Arabs (mlechchhas) invaded north-western India
around 725 CE. The Arabs defeated the Moris, and in turn, were defeated by a
confederacy that included Bappa Rawal. R. V. Somani theorized that Bappa
Rawal was a part of the army of Nagabhata I. Some historians doubt the
historicity of this legend, arguing that the Guhilas did not control Chittor before
the reign of the later ruler Allata. The earliest Guhila inscription discovered at
Chittor is from the reign of Tejasimha (mid-13th century); it mentions
"Chitrakuta-maha-durga" (the great fort of Chittor).
In 1303, the Delhi Sultanate ruler Alauddin Khalji led an army to conquer
Chittorgarh, which was ruled by the Guhila king Ratnasimha. Alauddin captured
Chittor after an eight-month-long siege. According to his courtier Amir
Khusrow, he ordered a massacre of 30,000 local Hindus after this conquest.
Some later legends state that Alauddin invaded Chittor to capture
Ratnasimha's beautiful queen Padmini, but most modern historians have
rejected the authenticity of these legends. The legends also state that Padmini
and other women committed suicide by jauhar (mass self-immolation).
Historian Kishori Saran Lal believes that a jauhar did happen at Chittorgarh
following Alauddin's conquest, although he dismisses the legend of Padmini as
unhistorical. On the other hand, historian Banarsi Prasad Saksena considers
this jauhar narrative as a fabrication by the later writers, because Khusrow
does not mention any jauhar at Chittorgarh, although he has referred to the
jauhar during the earlier conquest of Ranthambore.
Alauddin assigned Chittorgarh to his young son Khizr Khan (or Khidr Khan), and
the Chittorgarh fort was renamed "Khizrabad" after the prince. As Khizr Khan
was only a child, the actual administration was handed over to a slave named
Malik Shahin.

Conclusion:
My visit to Chittor Garh was an enriching experience. The city is steeped in
history and culture, and there is something for everyone to see and do. The
fort and its monuments are a testament to the rich heritage of the city, and the
significant role it played in shaping the history of the region. The fort, along
with its monuments, represents the architectural and cultural diversity of the
city and its past. The fort may have been constructed for strategic reasons,
such as for protection against invasions or as a seat of power for local rulers.
Over time, it may have undergone several renovations and additions to
accommodate changing needs and tastes.
The monuments within the fort complex could include temples, palaces,
tombs, and other structures that were built by the rulers of the time. Each
monument could have its unique architectural style, reflecting the influence of
the ruling dynasty, as well as the cultural and artistic traditions of the region.
These monuments also serve as a source of historical and cultural knowledge,
providing insights into the lifestyles, beliefs, and values of the people who lived
in the region during different periods. The fort and its monuments, therefore,
represent a physical manifestation of the city's heritage and identity, and are
an important part of its cultural legacy.