Rana Kumbha Palace, Chittaurgarh

Chittorgarh, Rajasthan sightseeing tour must include Rana Kumbha Palace, the most imposing monument in the Chittorgarh fort. Rich heritage and architecture define this palace. The palace is a part of many legends associated with the beautiful queen Padmini of Chittorgarh. Named after the greatest of the Sisodias, the palace is of prime importance for people on their Chittorgarh tour. Rana Kumbha Palace in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan is of great historical and architectural interest among the people on their visit to Chittorgarh. Its ruins speaking volumes of the glorious and courageous past of the Rajputs is famed among the tourist attractions in Chittorgarh.

The palace is approached through two gateways to the east. The first gate is the immense Badi Pol and the second is the more modest Tripolia. The palace also housed elephants, horse stables, and a Shiva temple. The palace is in ruins but generates historical as well as architectural interest. Originally built by the founder of the House of Mewar, Bappa Rawal in 734 AD, it was renovated by Maharana KUMBHA (1433-1468). The famed poetess, Princess MIRA BAI once lived here. The legend of PANNA DHAI saving infant Udai Singh is also associated with the palace. The jauhar committed by Padmini is believed to have taken place beneath the courtyard along with her lady 700 followers to save honor. “Bravely, they committed the ultimate sacrifice of jauhar, the grisly ritual of suicide by fire, rather than suffer disgrace at the hands of the enemy”. The archeologists are still in search of the underground cellars where this hopeless act to save their honor was performed.Places of tourist interest in Chittorgarh fort premises housed in the Rana Kumbha Palace include Suraj Gokhra, Zanana Mahal, Kanwar Pada Palace, Diwan-i-am and a Shiva temple. Across the palace are the archaeological office, museum and the treasury building. The Singa Chowri Temple is nearby.