Chittaurgarh

Chittaurgarh: temple, Chitor hill fort

Chittaurgarh, also spelled Chittorgarh, also called Chitor, city, southern Rajasthan state, northwestern India. It lies in an upland region on a tributary of the Banas River, about 65 miles (100 km) northeast of Udaipur.

Chittaurgarh: Rana Kumbha's palace, Chitor hill fort

Chittaurgarh, formerly called Chitrakut (for Chitrang, a chieftain of the Rajputs), lies at the foot of a hillslope on which stands Chitor (or Chittorgarh) hill fort. From the 8th century to the 16th it remained the capital of the Rajput state of Mewar and was the stronghold of the Sesodia Rajputs. It was thrice besieged by Muslim attackers: ʿAlāʾ al-Dīn Khaljī (1303), Bahādur Shah of Gujarat (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 Chittaurgarh’s capture and sack by Akbar (1568), the capital of Mewar was transferred from there to Udaipur, and the princely state became known as Uidapur.

Chittaurgarh: Tower of Fame, Chitor hill fort

The Chitor fortress was one of several hill forts in Rajasthan that were collectively designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013. The structure is situated some 590 feet (180 metres) above the surrounding area. The fort is vast, the walls having a circumference of about 8 miles (13 km) and encompassing an area of roughly 700 acres (280 hectares). Within its walls are several palaces, Jaina and Hindu temples, and two exquisitely carved Jaina pillars. The two pillars—the Tower of Fame (Kirti Stambh) and the Tower of Victory (Vijay Stambh)—were erected in the 12th and 15th centuries, respectively.

Chittaurgarh: Tower of Victory, Chitor hill fort

The city is served by rail and road and is an agricultural market centre. Its industries include cement production and zinc and lead smelting. Tourism contributes to the local economy. Chittaurgarh has a government college affiliated with the University of Rajasthan in Jaipur.

The surrounding area consists of 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. In addition, iron ore and limestone deposits are worked. Pop. (2001) 96,219; (2011) 116,406.