Chittorgarh: Difference between revisions

| name                            = Chittorgarh

'''Chittorgarh'''  {{audio|Chittorgarh.ogg|pronunciation}} (also '''Chittor''' or '''Chittaurgarh''') is a major city in [[Rajasthan]] state of western [[India]]. It lies on the [[Berach River]], a tributary of the [[Banas River|Banas]], and is the administrative headquarters of [[Chittorgarh District]]. It was capital of [[Rajput]] State of [[Mewar|Medapata]] (Modern [[Mewar]]) during 8th to 16th Century. The city of Chittorgarh is located on the banks of river [[Gambhir River (Rajasthan)|Gambhiri]] and Berach.

Chittorgarh is home to the [[Chittor Fort]], the largest fort in India and [[Asia]]. It was sacked thrice In [[Siege of Chittorgarh (1303)|1303]] by [[Alauddin Khalji]], again in [[Siege of Chittorgarh (1535)|1535]] by [[Bahadur Shah of Gujarat|Bahadur Shah]] of [[Gujarat]], and lastly by the [[Mughal Emperor]] [[Akbar the Great]] in [[Siege of Chittorgarh (1567–1568)|1568]]. Its Hindu [[Rajput]] rulers fought fiercely to maintain their independence. On all three occasions when faced with a certain defeat, the men fought to death while the women committed suicide by [[jauhar]] (mass self-immolation). Chittor also has been a land of worship for [[Meera]], It is also known for [[Panna Dai]].<ref>{{Cite book|title=International dictionary of historic places|date=1994–1996|publisher=Fitzroy Dearborn Publishers|others=Ring, Trudy., Salkin, Robert M., 1965–, La Boda, Sharon.|isbn=9781884964046|location=Chicago|oclc=31045650}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|title=The Rajput palaces : the development of an architectural style, 1450-1750|last=1960-|first=Tillotson, G. H. R. (Giles Henry Rupert)|date=1987|publisher=Yale University Press|isbn=0300037384|location=New Haven|oclc=14272201}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/lonelyplanetindi00sari|title=India|last=1968-|first=Singh, Sarina|isbn=9781741043082|edition=12th|location=Footscray, Vic.|oclc=141382100|url-access=registration|year=2007}}</ref>

Originally called Chitrakuta, the Chittor Fort is said to have been built by [[Chitrangada Mori|Chitranga]], a king of the RAJPUT {{sfn|Paul E. Schellinger|Robert M. Salkin|1994|p=191}}{{sfn|Shiv Kumar Tiwari|2002|p=271}}

In 1303, the [[Delhi Sultanate]] ruler [[Alauddin Khalji|Alauddin Khilji]] defeated the Guhila king [[Ratnasingh]], and [[Siege of Chittorgarh (1303)|captured the fort]].{{sfn|Banarsi Prasad Saksena|1992|p=366}} The fort was later captured by [[Maharana Hammir|Hammir Singh]], a king of the [[Sisodia]] branch of the Guhilas. Chittor gained prominence during the period of his successors, which included [[Rana Kumbha]] and [[Rana Sanga]]. In 1535, [[Bahadur Shah of Gujarat]] [[Siege of Chittorgarh (1535)|besieged and conquered]] the fort. After he was driven away by the [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] emperor [[Humayun]], the fort was given back to Sisodias by him.

In 1567–68, the Mughal emperor [[Akbar]] [[Siege of Chittorgarh (1567–1568)|besieged and captured]] the fort.<ref> [https://books.google.com.pk/books/about/The_Great_Mughals_and_Their_India.html?id=40ywDAAAQBAJ&PA=168 The Great Mughals and their India by Dirk Collier, p. 168-172]</ref> In 1615, as part of a peace treaty between Akbar's successor [[Jahangir]] and the Maharana of Mewar, [[Amar Singh I]], Mewar accepted Mughal suzerainty and the fort as well as the areas surrounding Chittorgarh were given to Mewar. However, due to the military danger presented by the fort, it was never to be fortified or even repaired.<ref> [https://books.google.com.pk/books/about/The_Great_Mughals_and_Their_India.html?id=40ywDAAAQBAJ&PA=250 The Great Mughals and their India by Dirk Collier, p. 250]</ref> Later, it was occupied by the [[British Indian Empire]]. {{cn|date=June 2021}}

|caption=Distribution of religions<br />

Chittorgarh is located at {{Coord|24.88|N|74.63|E|}}.<ref>[http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/24/Chittaurgarh.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc – Chittorgarh]</ref> It has an average elevation of 394&nbsp;metres (1292&nbsp;ft).Chittorgarh is located in the southern part of the state of Rajasthan, in the northwestern part of India. It is located beside a high hill near the Gambheri River. Chittorgarh is located between 23° 32' and 25° 13' north latitudes and between 74° 12' and 75° 49' east longitudes in the southeastern part of Rajasthan state. The district encompasses 350.8 square km (3.17 per cent of the Rajasthan State) area of land.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.census2011.co.in/census/district/451-chittaurgarh.html|title=Chittaurgarh (Chittorgarh) District Population Census 2011, Rajasthan literacy sex ratio and density|website=www.census2011.co.in|access-date=2018-03-24}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://chittorgarh.rajasthan.gov.in/content/raj/chittorgarh/en/about-chittorgarh/location-and-area.html#|title=Location and Area|last=Chittorgarh-Rajasthan|website=chittorgarh.rajasthan.gov.in|language=en|access-date=2018-03-24}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/rajasthan/districts/chittaurgarh.htm|title=Chittorgarh District Map|website=www.mapsofindia.com|access-date=2018-03-24}}</ref>

The completed [[Golden Quadrilateral]] highway system passes through Chittorgarh, connecting it to much of the rest of India. The East-West Corridor (Express Highway) also crosses it. Chittorgarh is situated on National Highway No. 76 & 79. National Highway 76 connects to [[Kota, Rajasthan|Kota]] with a driving time of 2 hours.

The nearest airport is Udaipur ([[Maharana Pratap Airport|Dabok Airport]]). The airport is located 70 kilometers from Chittorgarh and linked by daily air service from New Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Ahmedabad, Chennai, and Mumbai.

[[File:Rajasthan Monument 36.JPG|thumb|150px|right|Chittorgarh fort inside]]

A [[Chittor Fort]] seated on a 180-metre hill, covers an expanse of {{convert|700|acre|km2}}. It was constructed by the Mauryans in the 7th century AD. There is also a belief that it was constructed by Bhima of the Pancha Pandavas.  This fort was the citadel of many great rajput warriors such as Gora, Badal, Rana Kumbha, [[Maharana Pratap]], Jaimal, Patta, etc.<ref>http://chittorgarh.rajasthan.gov.in/content/raj/chittorgarh/en/about-chittorgarh/tourist-places.html</ref>

[[Vijay Stambha]], is a huge nine storey tower which was built by Maharana Kumbha to commemorate his victory over the rulers of [[Malwa]] and Gujarat in 1440. The tower is {{convert|122|ft|m|abbr=on}} high and stands on a {{convert|10|ft|m|abbr=on}} high base. There are sculptures and carvings on the exterior walls of the tower.  The tower is visible from any section of the town below. And for reaching tower top one have to climb 157 steps, one can take great view of the surroundings.  The inside walls of the tower are carved with images of Gods, weapons, etc.<ref>http://chittorgarh.rajasthan.gov.in/content/raj/chittorgarh/en/about-chittorgarh/tourist-places.html</ref>

[[Kirti Stambh]] (Tower of Fame) is a 22-metre-high (72&nbsp;ft) tower built in the 12th century AD. Kirti Stambh is built inside Chittorgarh fort. It is dedicated to [[Rishabha (Jain tirthankar)|Rishabha]], the first [[Tirthankara]] of [[Jainism]]. It was built by a merchant and is decorated with figures from the Jain pantheon. It is a seven storied pillar which was built by Biherwal Mahajan Sanaya of Digambar Jain sect. On its four corners are engraved idols of [[Rishabhanatha|Shri Adinathji]] in Digambar style which each are five feet (about 1.5 meters) high and elsewhere are engraved several small idols consecrated to Jain lineage of deities.<ref>http://chittorgarh.rajasthan.gov.in/content/raj/chittorgarh/en/about-chittorgarh/tourist-places.html</ref>

[[Meera|Meera Bai]] (1498–1547) was a devout follower of Lord Krishna. Meera Bai was one of the foremost exponents of the Prema Bhakti (Divine Love) and an inspired poet. Mira Bai was a Rajput princess who lived in the north Indian state of Rajasthan. Meera was Rajput princess born in about 1498 in Metra, Rajasthan. Her father, Ratan Singh, was the youngest son of Rao Duda, ruler of Merta, and son of Rao Duda ruler and founder of Jodhpur. Ratan Singh belonged to the Rathore clan. She was married to Bhoj Raj, ruler of Chittor.

Meera Smrithi Sansathan (Meera Memorial Trust) along with the Chittorgarh district officials organise Meera Mahotsav every year on Sharad Purnima day (On Mirabai's birth anniversary) for 3 days. Many famous musicians and singers get together to sing bhajans in this celebration. The 3 days celebration also features puja's, discussions, dances, fireworks.

The fort and the city of Chittorgarh host the biggest Rajput festival called the "Jauhar Mela". It takes place annually on the anniversary of one of the {{transl|sa|jauhars}}, but no specific name has been given to it. It is generally believed that it commemorates Padmini's {{transl|sa|jauhar}}, which is most famous. This festival is held primarily to commemorate the bravery of Rajput ancestors and all three {{transl|sa|jauhars}} which happened at Chittorgarh Fort. A huge number of Rajputs, which include the descendants of most of the princely families, hold a procession to celebrate the {{transl|sa|jauhar}}. It has also become a forum to air one's views on the current political situation in the country.

Chanderiya Lead-Zinc Smelter is one of the largest zinc-lead smelting complexes in the world. Its current metal production capacity is 610,000 tonnes per annum (525,000 tonnes per annum of zinc and 85,000 tonnes per annum of lead). In the year ended March 2013, Chanderiya produced 443,000 MT of zinc and 60,000 MT of lead. The main products are special high grade (SHG) zinc, continuous galvanizing grade (CGG) zinc, prime western (PW) zinc and pure lead. It also produces a number of valuable by-products including silver and cadmium.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://dcmsme.gov.in/dips/2016-17/Chittrogarh.pdf|title=Brief Industrial Profile of Chittorgarh}}</ref>