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The former capital of the Sisodia rulers of Udaipur. Chittor perches atop the scraggy spine of the Aravallis. Sacked by Allaudin Khilji in the 14th century, by the sultans of Gujarat in the 16th century and finally by the Mughal emperor Akbar's forces, it was abandoned by its rulers who vowed never to return unless they could avenge their defeat. The few remaining palaces and towers are part of its stirring history.

Administrative Setup:For the purpose of administration, the district is divided into 5 administrative sub-divisions and 12 tehsils.  

Languages : Rajasthani, Hindi, English      

Tower of Victory:Vijay Stambh (Tower of Victory): the imposing 37 meter high construction holds 9 floors, covered by exquisite divine Hindusculptures, which present episodes from 2 big epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharatha. The tower was built in 1440 A.D. by Maharaja Kumbha, a mighty ruler of Mewar, to commemorate his victory on the Moslim rulers of Malwa and Gujarat.

Kumbha Shyam Temple: built during the reign of Rana Kurnblia in a Indo-Aryan stile, this temple is strongly connected with the mystic poetess Meerabai, a fiery devotee of Krishna. She was the wife of Prince Bhojraj.

Fateh Prakash Palace Museum Chittaurgh:Inside the historical Chittaurgarh Fort, one big portion of Fateh Prakash Palace was converted into a museum in the year 1968. It has a great collection of sculptures. Among the important ones are Ganpati (8th-9th century) from Pangarh : lndra and lain Ambica statues from Rashmi village of post medieval period.The section devoted to weapons, daggers, armoury consists of old shields, helmets, axes, farsa, knives and soldiers' uniforms. The clay models of local tribes with their traditional outfits have also been displayed in a room. The Painting, Juna Mahal, Dungarpur entire palatial museum has been divided in various sections like Archaeology, Coins, Art Gallery, Wood Crafts of Bassi village, Weapons and Tribal Life. 

The Fort: The awe inspiring hill fort built on the massive rock three miles long and was said to be the key to Rajputana and is considered the finest medieval Hindu Fort in existence. Dotting the fort are palaces and structures that have their own story to tell. Like Rana Kumbha's palace, the oldest in Chittaur, is said to have a secret passage to the chamber where the womenfolk of Chittaur performed Jauhar at times of the various sieges. Or the Padmini Mahal, where an attacker of Chittaur, Allauddin Khilji, was allowed to only see the waterreflection of Rani Padmini, the queen of Chittaur, famous for her exquisite beauty. The fort of Chittor is believed to have been the capital of the Gahlot and Sisodia kings who ruled Mewar from the eighth to the sixteenth century AD. The fort is named after Chittrangad Mauraya. The Sisodia ruler Ajay Pal (AD 1174-1177) improved the fort wall built by the Gahlot king in the ninth century AD. The fort has witnessed three ferocious sieges and each time her defenders, demonstrating true Rajputana pride, fought valiantly against the enemies. The magnificent fort rises 150 m above the surrounding region and runs to an approximate length of 3 km covering an area of 60 acres and peripheral length of 13 km.

RANA KUMBHA'S PALACE:This place is of great historical and architectural interest. It is said that in one of the underground cellars the legendary Rajput beauty, Rani Padmini and other women committed Jauhar. This palace is the biggest monument in the Fort of Chittaur.The largest monument of the fort, it is believed that Rani Padmini committed Jauhar, in once of these underground cellars. The palace is in ruins but generates historical as well as architectural interest. The original palace was believed to have been built by Rana Hamir after regaining the fort in the first siege. The Mewar power reached its acme during Rana Kumbha's time, he was a great patron of art and architecture, which is amply reflected in the palace.

PADMINI PALACE:Built beside a pool, the palace is quite a magnificent one. It was here that Rana Ratan Singh showed a glimpse of queen Padmini to Alauddin Khilji. Rani Padmini stood in ‘Zanana Mahal’. a pavilion in the center and her reflection was visible to Alauddin Khilji in a mirror placed in the main hall. After having a glimpse of the legendary beauty, Alauddin went to the extent of ravaging Chittaur in order to possess her.The palace of Rani Padmini who preferred death before dishonor, and committed Johar, along with her entire entourage before falling into the hands of Allauddin Khilji. It was here that Rana Ratan Singh allowed a glimpse of the legendary beauty to Allauddin Khilji. The Zanana Mahal overlooks the pond, Padmini stood over here and the reflection of her was shown in the water to Allauddin Khilji.

MEERA TEMPLE:The temple where Meerabai worshipped Lord Krishna is built in north Indian style on a raised plinth with a conical roof and beautiful inner sanctum. An open colonnade around the sanctum has four small pavilions in each corner.The temple is dedicated to the mystic poetess Meera, and a devotee of Lord Krishna. Meera was born in Kurki village near Merta to Ratan Singh Rathors, and was married to Bhojraj son of Rana Sanga of Mewar. Legends say that she consumed poison set by Vikramaditya but nothing happended to her due to the blessings of Lord Krishna. In front of the temple is the cenotaph (chhatri) of Meera Bai's Guru Shri Rai Das of Banaras, inside the cenotaph is carved a figure of five human bodies with one head, depicting that all castes are equal and even outcasts can attain God.

KUMBHA SHYAM TEMPLE:Built during the reign of Rana Kumbha in the Indo-Aryan style, the temple is associated with the mystic poetess Meerabai – an ardent Krishna devotee. She was the wife of Prince Bhojraj. The temple dedicated to Varah (Boar), the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It was built in 1448 AD. By Rana Kumbha Mahasati cenotaphs The cremation site of the Ranas and their wives, the sites are marked with Chhatris.

KALIKA MATA TEMPLE:Built in the 8th century, as a sun temple it was converted into Kalika Mata Temple in the 14th century A.D. This temple of Goddess Kali symbolises, power and valour. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, the symbol of power and valour. Situated towards the southern side of the fort, it was built by Rana Hamir. Originally it was built as a Sun Temple by Bappa Rawal in the 8th century, but ws destroyed during the first sack of Chittaur. Rana Hamir converted it into a Kali temple on regaining the fort in the 14th century. The house of Chunda is situated near the temple. There are several other temples, within the ramparts of the fort like that of the temple of Annapurana, Jain Temples etc.

JAIMAL AND PATTA'S PALACE:The ruins of this palace remind once of the story of the gallant Rathores Jaimal and Sisodia Patta the two great warriors, who layed down their lives for the honour of Chittaurgarh.

GAUMUKH (COW'S MOUTH RESERVOIR):Situated near the Mahasati Chowk, the water from a spring flows through a stone structure carved in the form of a cow's mouth into the reservoir.

MOHAR MAGRI (HILL OF GOLD COINS):A small structure which was raised during the invasion of Chittaurgarh by Akbar in 1567, it gets the name Mohar Magri because it is believed that Emperor Akbar paid one mohar (gold coin) for each basketful of earth placed on the mound, as the work was very dangerous, brave soldiers guarding the the ramparts fromabvoe. The mound was raised to such a height that the Mughal cannons could be placed over it and fired inside the fort. The important places inside are, the temple of Tulja Bhawani (the tutelary goddess of the scribes), the Naulakha Bhandar or nine lakh treasury, Singar Chauri, depicting inscriptions dating back to 1448 AD. Sat -bis-Deori, the old Jain temple etc.:One of the oldest towns of Rajasthan of great importance during the Mauryan period, it s situated on the banks of River Bairach. The Hindu and Buddhist remains from the Mauryan and Gupta period are found here.

Bassi Village (25 km):Enroute to Bundi is marvelous village with historical forts, temples and kunds. Especially famous are its sculptures and woodcrafts. A place of great tourist interest.

Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary: This 50 sq. km. sanctuary near Bassi, supports a population of partners, wild boars, antelopes, mongoose and migratory birds. Prior permission has to be obtained from the District Forest Officer, Chittaurgarh before visiting the sanctuary.

Sanwariyaji Temple (40 km): On the Chittaur - Udaipur road is a contemporary temple of Lord Krishna, an important pilgrimage spot.

Matri Kunda Temple (50 km): A popular sacred place dedicated to Lord Shiva. Popularly called ‘Hardwar of Mewar’.

Bijaipur (40 km): A marvelous castle built by Rao Shakti Singh, the younger brother of Maharana Pratap, stands in the village. Presently, it has been converted into a heritage hotel.

Deogarh (125 km): A 16th century magnificent fort near Pratapgarh with some beautiful palaces ornate with murals and splendid Jain temples.

Menal (90 km):On the Bundi - Chittaur road amid the natural beauty is Menal, famous for its ancient Shiva temples, picturesque water falls and dense forests.

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Major Crops and Their Production:The main agricultural crops grown in the district re maize, jowar, paddy, wheat, barley, gram, pulses, groundnut, til, cotton and sugarcane- Production: 1999-00, (Tonnes), Paddy 1,349, Jowar 9,518, Maize 1,98,299, Pulses 53,743, Sesamum 989, Groundnut 47,211, Sugarcane 83,940, Wheat 2,44,684, Barley 5,523, Gram 42,610, Rapeseed and Mustard 29,471

Minerals:Production: 1999-00 (Tonnes), Lime Stone (Cement Grade) 71,53,000, Kaolin 40,929, Laterite 88,811, Ochre 3,17,905, Silica Sand 27,445, Lime Stone 7,153, Silver 35 .

Infrastructure:

Electricity: There are thirty-two 33/11 KV Sub-stations in the district with a total capacity of 80.28 MVA. As of 31 March 2000, 2,078 villages of the 2,172 villages were electrified.

Water: Chittorgarh is one of the most fertile districts of Rajasthan. The ground water in the district occurs predominantly in the bedrock where the water level is normally about 10 metres below the ground level. The main rivers of the district are Chambal, Banas, Orai, Zakam, Gambhiri. Several major irrigation projects have been constructed by impounding the course of Gambhiri, Berach, Wagon.

Educational Facilities/Institutions:(No.) Primary Schools 1,863, Middle Schools 524, Higher Secondary and Secondary Schools 184, Colleges 5, Professional and Special Education Schools 5, Polytechnic 1, ITI 4 .

Industrial Scenario:No. of Large and Medium Scale Units: 10, No. of Small Scale Units: 3,882, No of Industrial Areas: 7,Ajolian-ka-Khera, Chittorgarh, Kapasa, Manpura, Nimbahera, Pratapgarh, Transfer Area (Chittorgarh) .

Main Existing Industries: Bidi, cement, chemical based units, cotton (in bales) textiles, electrical machinery and parts, general engineering workshop, ghee, oil and dal mills, lead, leather footwear, machine tools, marble slabs and tiles, paper and paper products, polished marble tiles, rubber and plastic units, solvent extraction plants, sugar, wood and wood products, zinc.

Water: There has been a gradual increase in the canal irrigated area over the years. The two tehsils – Bundi and Keshoraipatan are in the Chambal compound area. The major sources of irrigation in Bundi and Keshoraipatan are canals, while in tehsils of Hindoli and Nainwa the major source of irrigation is wells.

Educational Facilities/Institutions:(No.) Primary Schools 933, Middle Schools 341, Higher Secondary and Secondary Schools 89, Degree Colleges 2, Special Commercial Schools 3, ITI 3 .

Industrial Scenario: No. of Large and Medium Scale Units: 5, No. of Small Scale Units: 2,211, No of Industrial Areas: 5, Bswari-Govindpur, Bundi By-pass, Bundi-Nainwa Road, Bundi Chittorgarh, Indergarh.

Main Existing Industries:General engineering, Oil mill, Oil refinery, Paper, Poha making, Portland cement, Rice milling, Stone cutting, Polishing, Sugar

Export Items:Cement, Rice .

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Road Transport: The district is well connected with metallic roads with all nearby districts namely, Udaipur, Bhilwara, Banswara and Bundi. The total length of different categories of roads in the districts is about 2,831 kms as on 31 March 2000.

Rail Transport: The Chittorgarh district is connected with Kota and Neemuch in Madhya Pradesh by broad gauge and with Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, Ajmer, Himatnagar, Ahmedabad and Ratlam via Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh by meter gauge railway line. The total railway line is 127 kms.

Air Transport: The nearest airport is Udaipur (116 kms.)

Communication Facilities: (No.), Post offices 401, Telegraph offices 61, Telephone exchanges 58, Public call offices 780 .

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CLIMATE

Climate and Rainfall:Mean maximum temperature of the district is 45 degrees celsius, Mean minimum temperature is 7 degrees celsius, Normal rainfall is 85.21 cms.

Climate :Mean Max. Mean Min.

Summer :43.8° C 23.8° C

Winter :28.3° C 11.6° C

Rainfall :60 - 85 cms.

Summer :Light Cotton

Winter :Woolen

Best Season : September-March

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Area:10,856 sq.kms. (3.17 per cent of the State)

Location:Chittaurgarh district lies in the south-eastern part of the State. It is surrounded by Kot in the east and Mandsaur district of Madhya Pradesh and Banswara in the south-west, Udaipur and Rajsamand in the west and Bhilwara and Bundin in the north.

Distance from major Cities:Jaipur-309 kms., Delhi-570 kms., Ahmedabad-422 kms., Mumbai-973 kms.

Area :7 sq Km.

Altitude : 408 Mts.

Latitude : 25.54 N

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The pride and glory of Rajasthan,Chittaur echoes with the tales of romance and vlour unique to the Rajput tradition. A ruined citadel, where the royal past lives in its imposing forts, graceful palaces and spectacular chattris. This fortified settlement has been ravaged thrice and each time the outcome was ‘Jauhar’- when women and children immolated themselves on a huge funeral pyre while men donned in saffron robes of martyrdom rode out of the fort towards a certain death. Alauddin Khilji was the first to sack Chittaur in 1303 A.D. overpowered by a passionate desire to possess the regal beauty, queen Padmini. Legend has it, that he saw her face in the reflection of a mirror and was struck by her mesmerizing beauty. But the noble queen preferred death to dishonor and committed ‘Jauhar’.

In 1533 AD, during the rule of Bikramjeet,came the second attack from Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat. Once again Jauhar was led by Rani Karanavati, a Bundi princess. Her infant son, Udai Singh was smuggled out of Chittaur to Bundi who survived to inherit the throne of the citadel. He learnt from his traumatic childhood that discretion is preferred to valour. So in, 1567 AD when the Mughal Emperor invaded Chittaur, Udai Singh fled to establish a new Capital,Udaipur-a beautiful lake city, leaving behind Chittaur to be defended by two 16 year old heroes, Jaimal of Bednore and Patta of Kelwa. These young men displayed true Rajput chivalry and died after ‘Jauhar’ was performed. Immediately thereafter Akbar razed the fort to a rubble.

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