From the ruins of Chittorgarh rose a magnificent city

Situated on the banks of river Berach and Gambhiririver, the city of Chittorgarh was once the majestic capital city of the province of Mewar. The ancient fort of Chittor is said to have been controlled by numerous dynasties before falling into the hands of Sisodia Rajputs who held the fort through numerous sieges before finally abandoning it in 1559.

Chittor fort is the largest fort in India and was the site of many sieges in the medieval period of Indian history the first of which was recorded in 1303. Stepping over medieval sieges, I will here detail the ancient history or probably legend of this gigantic fort which draws in thousands of visitors from all over the world every year.

Chittorgarh was once called Chitrakut. It is believed to have been built by the local ruler. According to this belief, the name of the fort is derived from its builder. The word garh itself means a fort. Another folk legend attributes the construction of fort to the mythical hero Bhima. According to this legend, Bhima struck the ground with his mace here, which resulted in water springing up eventually to from a large reservoir. This lake is therefore called Bhimlat kund. A water tank can be quite a valuable resource in such a dry region and hence it made sense for villagers in those times to attach divine significance to it. Several small Buddhist stupas from about 9th century AD were found near a lake thereby proving that the region has a rich Buddhist history.

The Guhila or as is now called Gahlot ruler Bappa Rawal is believed to have conquered the fort sometime in the 7th century. There are different prevalent versions that describe the capture of the fort by this ruler. One states that he received the fort as a dowry from a marriage to a local princess. Other version states that Bappa Rawal captured the fort by defeating the ones occupying it at the time. Many professional historians have come up with very different versions of how the fort changed hands. Many others doubt the historicity of these legends itself.

The fort has managed to keep much of its glory even after its ruin and visiting this place is a absolute pleasure. The fort was nonetheless abandoned after Akbar’s successful siege and the Sisodia rulers founded the new city of Udaipur at a little distance away from Chittor.

Udaipur is a pleasant city to visit. Its beauty has lent it the name, Venice of the East, not entirely undeserved.

Once you reach Udaipur and are looking for an accommodation, you need not worry.

Udaipur city is well known for its numerous luxury hotels and staying in one of these will add value to your stay in the city.