Rajasthan is the largest state of India (by area) and situated on the northwestern side of India. The state has a famous Thar desert and often it suffers from the water crisis. The geographical position of the state is disadvantageous but it has not deterred the local people from growth and creating its glorious History. Rajasthan was earlier known as ‘rajputana’ due the Rajput residing there, the mighty Hindu Kings and Queens are the heroic characters of Indian History. The stories of Maha Rana Pratap Singh and Rani Padmini were very inspiring for young kids as many young girls dreamt of becoming as beautiful as Rani Padmini and married to a man as mighty as Rana Pratap Singh.
The glorious past of Rajasthan can be well understood by looking at the structure of Chittorgarh Fort. Built by the local Maurya rulers in 7th century A.D, the Chittorgarh Fort in Rajasthan is one of the largest forts in India. It is spread over an area of 280 Hectares, on a hill 180 meters high. The fort has a long story of romance, courage, determination and sacrifice. A glimpse of the fort still makes one think the glory of the Rajputs who once lived here. The Chittorgarh Fort boasts of having 84 water reservoirs within its campus in the past, only 22 of which are left remaining today. These 84 water bodies were said to hold so much water that could meet the needs of 50,000 soldiers of the kingdom for 4 consecutive years. The imposing structure of the fort has numerous gateways built by the later rulers of the Maurya clan.
Chittorgarh Fort was previously the capital of Mewar and is now situated in the city of Chittorgarh. It is one of the most historically important forts in the entire north India and it reverberates with tales of heroism and sacrifice. It also displays the Rajput culture and values in the true sense. Owing to its magnificent edifice, the Chittorgarh Fort was declared a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site in the year 2013.
Rani Padmini : The Glorious Queen
Queen Padmini ( or, Padmavati) was extremely beautiful Princess of Singhal Kingdom presently Sri Lanka. The king of Chittor Ratan Sen heard about her beauty and married her through the adventurous marriage was a different story. The then Sultan of Delhi Alauddin Khilji too came to know about the most beautiful queen Padmini and decided to win her. Hence he attacked Chittor. It was a great war fought by the Rajputs but they were defeated by the Sultan. Rani Padmavati learnt about the defeat and consumed poison along with 13000 other women friends and servants. Such was her dignity that to save the honour of the entire Rajput dynasty she decided to kill herself and not to bow down in front of an invader. 50,000 Rajput warriors also died in that battle.
The two major attractions of the fort are the towers Vijay Stambh and Kirti Stambh. Vijay Stambh refers to the tower of victory and the Kirti Stambh means tower of fame. The towers are illuminated in the evening and it looks even more beautiful. Apart from the towers, there are many palaces and temples within the premises of the fort.
This is just a glimpse of glorious History of Rajasthan. I will try to share more with you all in future.
Sources:
https://www.holidify.com/places/chittorgarh/chittorgarh-fort-sightseeing-1577.html#lg=1&slide=8
http://www.google.co.in/search?q=Rani+Padmini+palace
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