The Chittorgarh Fort is one of the largest forts in India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan. It has witnessed many events that shaped the region's history, including three sieges where Rajput women committed suicide to avoid capture. The fort spans over 180 meters in height and 280 hectares, housing 65 historic structures including palaces, temples, and water bodies. Today, it attracts many visitors who come to learn about its architectural marvels and rich history through attractions like its light and sound show.

1. Name: Tiwari Jayprakash
Roll No.:
Subject: Tourism Managemnet

2. Introduction
The Chittorgarh Fort, also known as Chittod Fort, is one of the
largest forts in India and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site¹. It
was the capital of Mewar and is located in the present-day
city of Chittorgarh, Rajasthan¹. The fort sprawls over a hill 180
m in height and covers an area of 280 ha above the plains¹. It
includes 65 historic structures, which comprise four palaces,
19 large temples, 20 large water bodies, 4 memorials, and a
few victory towers¹.
The fort is an iconic reminder of Rajput pride and valor². It has
been linked to significant events that shaped the history of
the region². The fort was perhaps built by a local Mori Rajput
ruler, Chitrangada Mori, in the 7th century². It has witnessed
many dramatic and tragic events during its time, some of
which served as inspirationfor movies and literature³.
Chittorgarh Fort is located in the southern part of Rajasthan,
midway between Delhi and Mumbai on the National Highway
8¹. It rises abruptly above the surrounding plains and is
spread over an area of 2.8 km²¹.

3. Historical Background
The history of Chittorgarh Fort is a stirring chapter in Indian history, filled
with tales of Rajput chivalry and valor⁴. The fort was initially believed to
be built by the Mauryans in the 7th century AD, as suggested by
inscriptions on coins from that period⁵. However, it is also said that the
fort's foundation was laid by Chitrangad Mori of the Maurya dynasty⁶.
The fort came into the possession of Bappa Rawal, who established the
Mewar dynasty, in the mid-8th century⁶. Bappa Rawal is considered the
legendary founder of the Sisodia dynasty⁴. From the 8th to the 16th
century, Bappa Rawal's descendants ruled over an important kingdom
called Mewar, stretching from Gujarat to Ajmer⁴.
Chittorgarh Fort has been a fiercely contested seat of power in India. It
has witnessed numerous sieges and battles, and it was sacked three
times⁴. In 1303, Allauddin Khilji, Sultan of Delhi, intrigued by tales of the
matchless beauty of Padmini, Rani of Chittor, decided to verify this
himself. His armies surrounded Chittor, leading to a series of dramatic
events that have become almost mythical now⁴.Despite its turbulent
history, Chittorgarh Fort stands today as an iconic symbol of Rajput pride
and courage³.

4. Architectural Marvel
. It is one of the largest forts in India, sprawling over a hill 180 m in height and covering an area of 280 ha1. The fort is built
in the shape of a large fish, with a circumference of 13 km2.
The fort’s layout is impressive, with 65 historic structures that include four palaces, 19 large temples, 20 large water
bodies, four memorials, and a few victory towers1. The fort was built on the basis of Hindu architecture, though ideas
like vaulted substructures belong to Muslim architecture2.
There are seven entrances to the fort: Padan Pol, Bhairon Pol, Hanuman Pol, Ganesh Pol, Jodala Pol, Laxman Pol, and
Ram Pol2. Each gate has its own historical significance and architectural beauty.
The fort also houses several palaces. The Rana Kumbha Palace can be accessed from the seventh gate2. The Rana
Ratan Singh Palace was constructed in the 19th and 20th century2. There’s also the Fateh Prakash Palace which has
been converted into a museum2.
The fort once boasted of 84 water bodies but now has only 22. These water bodies are fed by natural catchment and
rainfall and have a combined storage of 4 billion litres that could meet the water needs of an army of 50,0001.
The Chittorgarh Fort stands as a testament to the grandeur of Rajput architecture and their indomitable spirit. It
continues to attract visitors from around the world who come to marvel at its architectural beauty and delve into its rich
history.

5. Siege and Battles*
The Chittorgarh Fort has been the site of many historic sieges and battles. Here are some of the most notable ones:
**Siege by Alauddin Khilji (1303)**⁸: The first significant siege of Chittorgarh Fort took place in 1303, when Alauddin Khilji, the
Sultan of Delhi, laid siege to the fort⁸. This siege is particularly famous because of the legend of Rani Padmini, the beautiful queen
of Rana Ratnasimha⁸. The siege lasted for eight months, and ended with Khilji capturing the fort⁸. When the fort was stormed,
Rajput women committed Jauhar (a self-immolation to avoid capture), while most of the warriors died defending the fort⁸.
**Siege by Bahadur Shah (1535)**[^10^]: The second significant siege occurred in 1535, when Sultan Bahadur Shah of Gujarat
attacked Chittorgarh Fort[^10^]. This attack came after the death of Rana Sanga, and the fort's defense was led by his
widows[^10^]. Despite a valiant defense, the fort fell to Bahadur Shah. As in the previous siege, many Rajput women committed
Jauhar to avoid capture[^10^].
**Siege by Akbar (1567-1568)**¹²: The third major siege was led by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1567¹². This siege lasted for several
months and ended with a Mughal victory¹². After capturing the fort, Akbar ordered a general massacre of Chittor's population,
resulting in a tragic loss of life¹².
These sieges and battles are not just historical events but also tales of courage, valor, and sacrifice that continue to echo through
the corridors of Chittorgarh Fort.

6. Chittorgarh Today*
The Chittorgarh Fort, also known as Chittod Fort, is one of the largest forts in India and is a UNESCO World Heritage
Site¹. The fort was declared a UNESCO's World Heritage Site in the year 2013³. It was recognized as a part of the group
called the Hill Forts of Rajasthan². The fort's extensive fortifications up to 20 kilometres in circumference optimized
various kinds of hill terrain, specifically the river at Gagron, the dense forests at Ranthambore, and the desert at
Jaisalmer².
As a tourist destination, Chittorgarh Fort is a popular attraction that resonates with stories of Rajputana bravery, pride,
and passion⁵. The fort houses several magnificent monuments, some unfortunately ravaged by the passage of time⁶.
The fort offers a traditional light & sound show featuring mesmerizing impacts of DMX controlled LED luminaries, gobo
lights, 5.1 audio surround system⁵. The show depicts the history of the fort, its foundation, its rulers, wars & battles
fought at the Fort, attack by Alauddin Khalji, story of sacrifice of Gaura-Badal, story of Rani Padmini and Johar during
siege of ChittorgarhFort⁵.
The fort also houses several attractions for visitors to explore such as Padmini's Palace, Vijay Stambh (the Tower of
Victory), Kirti Stambh (Tower of Fame), and Fateh Prakash Palace which has been converted into a museum⁵.

7. Conclusion
The Chittorgarh Fort is a significant monument in preserving Rajasthan’s history and culture. As one of the largest forts
in India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it stands as a testament to the grandeur of Rajput architecture and their
indomitable spirit.
The fort’s history is a stirring chapter in Indian history, filled with tales of Rajput chivalry and valor. It has been linked to
significant events that shaped the history of the region. The fort was perhaps built by a local Mori Rajput ruler,
Chitrangada Mori, in the 7th century. It has witnessed many dramatic and tragic events during its time, some of which
served as inspirationfor movies and literature.
The fort’s layout is impressive, with 65 historic structures that include four palaces, 19 large temples, 20 large water
bodies, four memorials, and a few victory towers. These structures not only showcase the architectural brilliance of
the time but also provide insights into the socio-cultural aspects of the era.
As a tourist destination, Chittorgarh Fort attracts visitors from around the world who come to marvel at its
architectural beauty and delve into its rich history. The traditional light & sound show at the fort offers an immersive
experience into the history of the fort, its rulers, wars & battles fought at the Fort.

8. Thank You