3. Chittorgarh Fort, Chittorgarh
Believed to be built by Mauryan rulers in 7th century, Chittorgarh Fort is situated 175 km east of Udaipur and is named after Chitrangad Maurya.
The fort stands on a 180 m high hill with the total area of 700 acres, the only fort in the region with seven gates namely Padan Pol, Bhairon Pol, Hanuman Pol, Ganesh Pol, Jorla Pol, Lakshman Pol, and Rampol to the main gate.
There are many palaces, temples and reservoir located on the turf of Chittorgarh Fort but the main tourist attractions are two towers such as the 'Kirti Stambh' or Tower of Fame and the 'Vijay Stambh' or Tower of Victory.
All these monuments and structures epitomizes the romance and bravery of the Rajput tradition.
Legend has it that it was because of the beautiful Padmini that Chittaurgarh was sacked the first time.
When Sultan Ala-ud-din Khilji, the ruler of Delhi, heard of Padmini's beauty, he requested Rana Rattan Singh (her husband) for a glimpse of the queen.
However, the Sultan was permitted to see only the reflection of the queen from a water tank that overlooked the palace.
Ala-ud-din is said to have been so carried away by Padmini's beauty that he attacked Chittor in order to possess her.
This led to the first bitter and bloody siege of the Chittaurgarh fort and the subsequent mass suicide.
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