No indigenous State in medieval India figured so prominently in the chequered annals of our land and played so valiant a role in resisting the aggressive expansion of the foreign Sultanate of Delhi (1206-1526) and its successor the Mughal Empire (1526-1803) as the Kingdom of Mewar. In this long and unequal fight Mcwar produced a series of remarkable rulers, two of whom - Sanga and Pratap -were ‘heroes as kings’ and commanded unquestioned loyalty and enthusiastic co-operation of all sections of their people. There were to be sure a few examples of despair and defection, but the bulk of the nobility and common people stood by their rulers who counted no sacrifice as too great in defence of their liberty and honour and who refused to bend their heads before anybody, much less the alien Mughal Emperor.
Capital
Chittorgarh
Chittorgarh Fort is truly an embodiment of the chivalry and pride of the Rajputs. The fort has a long story of romance, courage, determination and sacrifice. A glimpse of the fort still makes one to think the glory of the Rajputs who once lived here. The imposing Fort boasts of well-designed palaces, magnificent cenotaphs and huge towers. The Fort of Chittorgarh has a colossal structure that is secured by its several strong gateways. Chittorgarh Fort is an acknowledgment to the courage of the gallant Rajput rulers who sacrificed their life combating dominant rivals instead of surrendering before them. The history of this majestic fort can be traced during the time of Khilji's. Chittorgarh Fort is said to have been the capital of the Gahlot and Sisodia kings who ruled Mewar between the eighth and the sixteenth century. The Fort was named after Chittrangad Maurya.
The fort was attacked three times and every time it got saved by the daring heroism of the Rajput warriors. In 1303, for the first time, this fort was attacked by Allaudin Khilji to fulfill his desire to make off with Rani Padmini. For the second time, the Fort was sacked by Sultan Bahadur Shah of Gujarat in 1535. In 1567, it was attacked for the last time by Mughal Emperor Akbar to conquer Maharana Udai Singh. Every time, a jauhar (mass suicide) was observed and the womenfolk of the Royalty never submitted themselves.
This colossal fort is accessible through seven huge gates (Pols) that are comprised of strong iron spikes and served as a watch tower in earlier times. The way to Chittorgarh Fort will take you through crisscross paths that would be interrupted at intervals by seven giant pols (gateways). The foremost gate you will come across is the 'Ram Pol' (the gate of Lord Rama) that has a temple in its vicinity. While climbing further, you would find two cenotaphs near Padal Pol. These cenotaphs are dedicated to Jaimal and Kala, who were killed by Akbar in the Third Siege of 1567.
Udaipur
Notable Rulers
Bappa Rawal
Rawal Khuman II
Rawal Ratan Singh
Maharana Hammir Singh (Veer Hamir)
Maharana Kumbha
Maharana Sanga (Maharana Sangram Singh)
Maharana Udai Singh II
Maharana Pratap
Maharana Amar Singh
Maharana Raj Singh
Maharana Bhupal Singh
Historical Wars
First Siege of Chittorgarh
Battle of Singoli
Battle of Bayana
Battle of Khanwa
Battle of Khatoli
Battle of Dholpur
Second Siege of Chittorgarh
Third Siege of Chittorgarh
Battle of Haldighati
First Battle of Dewair
Second Battle of Dewair
Battle of Udaipur
Eminent Women
Maharani Kurma Devi
Rathore Rani Hansa Bai
Maharani Padmini
Maharani Karmavati
Mirabai
Panna Dey
Hadi Rani
Chanchal Kumari
Valliant Warriors
Jaimal Rathore
Patta Chundawat
Isar Das Chauhan
Rawat Chundawat
Bhilu Maharana Rao Poonja
Pandit Chakrapani Mishra
Rawat Sai Das Chundawat
Thakur Dodiya Sanda
Rawat Saheb Khan Chauhan
Jhala Maan
Hakim Khan Suri
Gora and Badal
Ramshah Tomar and sons
Seth Bhama Shah
Forts & Palaces
Kumbhalgarh
Sajjangarh
Ranthambore Fort
Udaipur City Palace
Jagmandir Palace
Gogunda Fort