Vijay Stambha
Vijay Stambha ("Kirttistambha") is an imposing victory monument located in
Chittorgarh Fort in Chittorgarh,
Rajasthan, India. This tower is the pièce de résistance of Chittorgarh.
It was constructed by Mewar King Rana Kumbha in 1448 to commemorate his
victory over the combined armies of Malwa and Gujarat led by Mahmud Khilji.
The tower is dedicated to Vishnu.
The 37.19 m high 9-storied tower is one of the most remarkable in India. It
is built partly of red sandstone and partly of white marble and is enriched
by numerous images of Hindu gods and goddesses with inscriptions at the
bottom of each. It is believed that the tower took 10 years to be completed.
This exemplary piece of architecture stands on a pedestal 10 feet high. Each
of the nine stories are distinctly marked with openings and balconies at
every face of each story. The interior staircase winds alternately through
the central chamber and surrounding gallery. The construction was supervised
by Sompura architects originally from Patan.
The inscribed slabs in the uppermost story containing a detailed genealogy
of the rulers of Chittaur and their deeds is ascribed to Ran Kumbha court
scholar, Atri and his son Mahesh. The names of the architect, Sutradhar
Jaita and his three sons who assisted him, Napa, Puja, and Poma, are carved
on the fifth floor of the tower.
The entire tower is covered with architectural ornaments and inscribed
images of gods and goddesses, seasons, weapons, musical instruments, etc.
Its inscribed sculpture are a veritable text-book of Hindu iconography.
There are around 157 narrow steps leading to the terrace from where one can
have a beautiful view of Chittorgarh town and the fort. The uppermost floor
has been sealed off and is no longer accessible to visitors.
The tower is a remarkable example of religious pluralism practiced by the
Rajputs. The topmost storey features an image of the Jain Goddess, Padmavati.
Rana Kumbha also had the word Allah carved in Arabic nine times in the third
storey and eight times in the eighth.
Getting There
Numbers of private bus services are available in Chittorgarh, connecting all
major cities in India. There are regular bus services from Chittorgarh to
other cities in Rajasthan and India. Bus services operate for Delhi, Mount
Abu, Jaipur, Indore, and Ajmer.
The nearest airport is the
Maharana Pratap Airport at Udaipur, about 90 km from Chittorgarh.
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