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Synonymous with
the tradition of valour and chivalry, Chittorgarh
or Chittaur, the capital of Mewar, was under
the Rajput rule from the 7th to the mid 16th
century. Fiercely independent, it was
ravaged thrice, and each time like Phoenix -
it rose again.
Allauddin Khilji was the first to plunder
Chittaur in 1303 AD. Legend and history
corroborate that this was because of his
passionate desire to abduct queen Padmini.
Yet, she, preferring death to dishonor,
committed 'Jauhar' (self immolation) along
with the other ladies of her court.
The Victory Tower, 37 metres high, is an
imposing structure of nine storeys. With
sculptures of a secular nature on the
exterior, it was built by Maharaja Kumbha in
commemoration of his victory over the Muslim
rulers of Malwa and Gujarat in 1440 AD.
Today, remains speak of its former
importance, yet in the hearts and minds of
its people the tales of glory are as much
alive as they were then. |