Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India

Chittorgarh lies at the foot of a hill on which stands Chittor fort. From the 8th century to the 16th it remained the capital of the state of Mewār and was the stronghold of the Sisodia Rājputs. It was thrice besieged by Muslim attackers: Alā-ud-Dīn Khaljī (1303), Bahādur Shāh of Gujarāt (1534-35), and the Mughal emperor Akbar (1567-68). In each case the defenders chose death for themselves and jauhar (collective immolation) for their families rather than surrender. After Chittorgarh's capture by Akbar (1568), the capital of Mewār was transferred from there to Udaipur. Within the Chittor fortress are several palaces, Jain and Hindu temples, and two exquisitely carved Jain pillars (the towers of Fame and Victory), erected in the 12th and 15th centuries, respectively. The surrounding area comprises a series of hills running north to south and forming narrow, confined valleys. Agriculture is the principal occupation. Wheat, corn (maize), sorghum, oilseeds, cotton, and sugarcane are the chief crops. ♣

Sammidheshwar Temple and Victory Tower Area
Sammidheshwar temple	Built in 6th cent. CE	Dedicated to Shiva	Wall detail
Side view			Inner sanctum
Temple art (more)			Carving
Temple exterior (more)	Temple exterior	Victory tower (1, 2)	Fort walls and a tank
Langur monkey			Gateway
Other ruins (more)			View of Chittor town
Rana Kumbha palace
Facade	Former palace	Sprawling ruins	Site of Padmini's jauhar
Sacked thrice in history...	...in 1303, 1535 and 1568	Outside the palace	Courtyard (1, 2, 3)
Meera and Kumbh Shyam temples
Meerabai's hometown	Meera temple (more)	Kumbh Shyam temple (1,2,3)	Entrance (more) ▒
Padmini's palace
Cool abode	Palace courtyard (more)	Summer residence	View from palace
Kirti Stambha Etc.
Tower of Fame ▒	Dates from 12th cent. CE	Built by a Jain merchant	Dedicated to Adinath
Wall detail (more)	Wall detail	Path down to the battlefield	Battlefield