Rajasthan's Hill Forts: Citadels of culture

The Chittorgarh Fort is an imposing structure that rings with the stories of the past and the tales of extraordinary women and men.

A kilometre-long road winding through foothills leads to the fort and takes visitors through seven gates before reaching Rampol (‘the gate of Ram’), one of the main gates.

While going from the Chittorgarh Fort’s second gate to its third, one can see two cenotaphs (chattris) that have been built in honour of Jaimal and Kalla, who laid down their lives during the siege by Mughal emperor Akbar in 1568. The main gate of the fort is Surajpol (the ‘sun gate’).

The Chittorgarh Fort has many magnificent monuments, including the Vijaya Stambha, the Kirti Stambha (seen here), Rana Kumbha’s palace, Rani Padmini’s palace, a temple dedicated to Meera Bai and many others. It also houses a number of Jain temples.

Built by Bappa Rawal, the ruler of Mewar, in 734 CE, the Rana Kumbh Palace is named after Maharana Kumbha, who renovated it.

The ruins of the palace reflect its former grandeur. This palace is believed to once have been the home of Meera Bai, a renowned devotional poetess.

One can also visit the temple of Lord Shiva, the Diwan-E-Aam and the Zanana Mahal in the complex.

Built by craftsmen of extraordinary calibre, the Jaisalmer Fort seems to rise straight from the desert itself. Its gleaming stone façade gives the impression of it being an extension of the magnificent Thar Desert.

The magic of this architectural marvel is best witnessed at sunset, when the entire structure seems ablaze, reflecting the light from the setting sun.

The Jaisalmer Fort also piqued the interest of Oscar-winning Indian filmmaker Satyajit Ray, who featured it in his 1974 film ‘Sonar Quila’ (The Golden Fortress.)

Built on the Trikuta Hill (triple peaked hill), the Jaisalmer Fort is known for the Raj Mahal, an elaborately carved structure where the royal family lived, and the beautiful Jain and Laxminath temples it houses.

Located inside the Jaisalmer Fort, Surya Mandir is a small 16th Century temple, dedicated to the Sun God. Perched on the topmost point of the fort, it provides a sweeping view of the area.

Kumbhalgarh is one of the most important forts in Rajasthan, after the Chittorgarh Fort. It has as many as 360 Hindu and Jain temples inside its walls.

The Kumbhalgarh Fort stands tall amidst the Aravallis, one of the oldest mountain ranges in India. Despite being attacked multiple times, historical records suggest that the Kumbhalgarh fort was besieged just once.

Surrounded by 13 mountain peaks, seven huge gates and numerous watch towers, its location was a challenge to the enemy.

View: Bawan Devri

The Kumbhalgarh fort was renovated by Maharana Fateh Singh in the 19th Century. The Tourism Department of the state government organises a three-day festival in memory of Rana Kumbha’s splendid architecture.

A group of nine temples, the Golerao group of temples is ornamented with gorgeous carvings and sculptures of gods and goddesses. Its architectural style reflects the glorious period of Rana Kumbha, the great ruler of Mewar.