Chittorgarh: The Final Seige

If you want to truly experience the spirit of Chittorgarh, here’s the insider scoop on how to plan your visit. You’ve got two solid options:

Arrive by evening (around 5 PM) to catch the mesmerising Light and Sound show first, then start your fort tour fresh at 9 AM the next morning. It’ll take you around 4-5 hours to soak in all the history and ambience.
Or, get there early morning and spend the whole day exploring, then watch the Light and Sound show at 6 PM before heading back to Udaipur. Most travellers skip staying overnight, but if you’re like me, you might want to spend a night in this historic town to let its resonance sink in.

On 18th October 1567, Emperor Akbar was returning triumphantly from Gujarat, intent on establishing Mughal supremacy by taking over every resistant fort and state. By 23rd October, his sights were set on Mewar, then fiercely independent under Rana Udai Singh, who had just founded Udaipur at Lake Pichola. The Rana had refused one too many Rajput policy alliance offers from Akbar.

Akbar camped outside the imposing walls of Chittorgarh Fort, the pride and heart of Mewar. His first assault in October failed thanks to the valiant defence by Mewar’s army led by the crown prince and then Senapati, Pratap Singh. But Akbar wasn’t one to give up easily. For four gruelling months, he laid siege, setting up camp in the foothills and even paying soldiers in Mohurs to build an artificial hill known today as Mohor Magri to aid his efforts.

The Siege & The Stand of Heroes

As the siege wore on, chiefs from neighbouring states were summoned for aid, but most refused, unwilling to go against Mughal supremacy. Udai Singh’s main allies included Jaimal Rathore of Badnore, Rawat Chundawat, and Patta of Kelwara (Fateh Pratap Sisodia). They wisely advised the royal family to retreat to the newly built Udaipur city at Lake Pichola. Udai Singh agreed but left behind 8,000 soldiers under the command of Patta and Jaimal to defend Chittorgarh.

Legend has it that Kunwar Pratap Singh refused to flee, instead escaping secretly through a tunnel to the River Gambhiri. He was appointed to defend the fort of Kumbhalgarh as its chief, which he successfully did.

The siege tightened, food supplies dwindled, and after four months, the brave Rajputs donned saffron robes, preparing for a final, desperate battle. "Har Har Mahadev" and "Jai Bhavani" cries echoed as they marched out against overwhelming odds. 8,000 against 70,000 soldiers. Meanwhile, the women chose martyrdom over capture. They committed Jauhar, lighting fires using gunpowder (due to lack of wood) in the Jauhar Kund at Patta and Jaimal’s house, which still bears the marks of this tragic yet heroic moment. (The roof of the house was blown off, and the dark soot on the wall of the house is still visible.)

On 23rd February 1568, Akbar won Chittorgarh, but it was a hollow victory. He realised the king and crown prince were not in the fort as he had expected, hence the idea of surrendering to him was abandoned. He destroyed Hindu and Jain temples, mosques, homes, and monuments in fury and killed 35,000 civilians, men, women, children and old people, who refused to submit to his might. This devastating siege remains one of Akbar’s darkest and most brutal campaigns.

Walking Through History Today

Visiting Chittorgarh, you cannot miss Patta and Jaimal’s house, locally known as Senapati Ka Ghar, beside the Kalika Mata Temple. Although guides and drivers are sometimes reluctant to give a detailed tour, insist on seeing it. The black soot, broken windows, and ruins speak volumes of valour and sacrifice. Young Patta, only 17, accepted his fate at Suraj Pol and his newlywed wife, 13, led the women in a fearless stand against the invaders at the Jorla Pol.

Nearby, the Suraj Pol by Kirti Stambh marks the old royal road once travelled by kings’ horses, a poignant sight with cannon-broken walls standing testament to the fierce bombardments.

The expansive battlegrounds and Martyrs’ Memorials, including those for Patta and Rawat Chundawat, remind visitors of the ultimate sacrifice for homeland and honour. The Mohor Magri hill Akbar’s soldiers built, is faintly visible but still evokes the massive siege efforts.

Museums and Monuments

Don’t miss the Fateh Prakash Palace, now a government museum showcasing Mewar’s rich heritage through paintings, weaponry, and everyday artefacts from 500 years ago. The museum also holds treasures from Rajasthan’s ancient Indus Valley sites neighbouring Chittorgarh.

Leaving Chittorgarh left me with a deep respect for the heroes who lived and died here. The sheer scale of sacrifice and pride made me realise the weight of history that shaped Mewar, and ultimately Udaipur. After two days immersed in this legendary place, it had truly won my heart.

Up next on the journey: the enchanting city of Udaipur awaits!

The Grounds where the Mughals Camped

Inside Patta's House, locally called Senapati Ka Ghar.

View of Jaimal Patta's Palace

Walls were broken by the Mughals.

The Suraj Pol

The old roads that were used by the Kings. Notice the broken wall due to Cannon attacks by the Mughals.

The Battlegrounds of Chittorgarh with Gambhiri in the centre.

The Horse Road is now broken.

Walls of the Mighty Fort

Rawat Chundawat's Memorial

Patta Sisodia fell here.

The hills and walls of the fort are now broken at the Burj (tower).

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