Rani Padmini's Palace, Chittorgarh
Rani Padmini (also known as Padmavati), was a legendary Indian queen. The earliest source to mention her is Padmavat, an epic fictionalized poem written by Malik Muhammad Jayasi in 1540 CE. Several subsequent adaptions of the legend characterised her as a Hindu Rajput queen, who defended her honour against a Muslim invader. Over years, she came to be seen as a historical figure, though the legend of Padmini has little historical evidence and most modern historians have rejected its authenticity.
Rani Padmini's Palace is a white building and a three storied structure (a 19th-century reconstruction of the original). Chhatris (pavilions) crown the palace roofs and a water moat surrounds the palace. It is at this Palace where Alauddin Khilji was permitted to glimpse the mirror image of Rani Padmini, wife of Maharana Rattan Singh. It is widely believed that this glimpse of Padmini's beauty besotted him and convinced him to destroy Chittor in order to possess her. Maharana Rattan Singh was killed and Rani Padmini committed Jauhar.
Chittorgarh Fort, a World Heritage Site, is the largest fort in India. It is the epitome of Rajput pride, romance and spirit, for people of Chittor always chose death before surrendering against anyone. It reverberates with history of heroism and sacrifice that is evident from the tales still sung by the bards of Rajasthan.
The Chittorgarh Fort sprawls majestically over a hill 180 m in height covers an expanse of 700 acres (2.8 sq km) above the plains of the valley drained by the Berach River. It was constructed by the Mauryans in the 7th century AD and named after the Mauryan ruler, Chitrangada Mori. The fort is surrounded by a circular wall which has seven huge gates before one can enter the main fort area. The fort precinct with an evocative history is studded with a series of historical palaces, gates, temples and two prominent commemoration towers.
Fiercely independent, the fort of Chittor was under siege thrice - by Alauddin Khilji, Sultan of Delhi, in 1303 AD, Bahadur Shah, Sultan of Gujrat, in 1534 AD and by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1567 AD.
Though it can now be called a ruined citadel there is much more to this huge fort. It is a symbol of all that was brave, true and noble in the glorious Rajput tradition.
Images of India
Rani Padmini's Palace, Chittorgarh
Rani Padmini (also known as Padmavati), was a legendary Indian queen. The earliest source to mention her is Padmavat, an epic fictionalized poem written by Malik Muhammad Jayasi in 1540 CE. Several subsequent adaptions of the legend characterised her as a Hindu Rajput queen, who defended her honour against a Muslim invader. Over years, she came to be seen as a historical figure, though the legend of Padmini has little historical evidence and most modern historians have rejected its authenticity.
Rani Padmini's Palace is a white building and a three storied structure (a 19th-century reconstruction of the original). Chhatris (pavilions) crown the palace roofs and a water moat surrounds the palace. It is at this Palace where Alauddin Khilji was permitted to glimpse the mirror image of Rani Padmini, wife of Maharana Rattan Singh. It is widely believed that this glimpse of Padmini's beauty besotted him and convinced him to destroy Chittor in order to possess her. Maharana Rattan Singh was killed and Rani Padmini committed Jauhar.
Chittorgarh Fort, a World Heritage Site, is the largest fort in India. It is the epitome of Rajput pride, romance and spirit, for people of Chittor always chose death before surrendering against anyone. It reverberates with history of heroism and sacrifice that is evident from the tales still sung by the bards of Rajasthan.
The Chittorgarh Fort sprawls majestically over a hill 180 m in height covers an expanse of 700 acres (2.8 sq km) above the plains of the valley drained by the Berach River. It was constructed by the Mauryans in the 7th century AD and named after the Mauryan ruler, Chitrangada Mori. The fort is surrounded by a circular wall which has seven huge gates before one can enter the main fort area. The fort precinct with an evocative history is studded with a series of historical palaces, gates, temples and two prominent commemoration towers.
Fiercely independent, the fort of Chittor was under siege thrice - by Alauddin Khilji, Sultan of Delhi, in 1303 AD, Bahadur Shah, Sultan of Gujrat, in 1534 AD and by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1567 AD.
Though it can now be called a ruined citadel there is much more to this huge fort. It is a symbol of all that was brave, true and noble in the glorious Rajput tradition.
Images of India