Sunday, April 1, 2007: Chittorgarh

I'm not toally done with this post....but here's what I have so far...

After visiting Ranthambhore in the morning, we visited Chittorgarh Fort in the afternoon. Yes.....another fort. The historic, battle scarred fort epitomizes the valor, romance, chivalry, and strict death-before-dishonor code glorified in Rajput myths. The fort sprawls across nearly 700 acres on top of a steep rocky hill. Chittorgarh was one of Rajasthan's mightiest fort, and because of this was the target of successive invaders.

This is the Kumbha Shyam Temple which dates to the 15th century.
Looking straight up at Vijay Stambh (Victory Tower.) I don't totally get all the references to the Victory Tower, seeing as how eventually the Rajputs lost the fort to the Mogol invaders. But I guess "Loser's Tower" just doesn't have such a great ring to it...
Here's one of the intact elephants. When the various invaders would take over they tended to destroy the art & architecture. Most of the elephants are missing their tusks and trunks.

When we went to leave, our bus got stuck in the gateway of the fort. It was pretty funny.

Here's one of the scenes from the outside of the temple. There are all sorts of things depicted, from demons to battle to scenes from the Karma Sutra. (We looked and couldn't find any that were obviously from that)

Upclose of the carvings.

This location was where the women of the fort set themselves on fire after their men were defated in battle.

Looking at the outer walls of the fort.

Here we are standing on one of the ramparts looking out towards town.

I thought this was a neat tree. And the grouchy German guy from my group happened to get in the shot too.
Monkeys! These things are EVERYWHERE, like we have squirrels here, only they are SO aggressive it is a little scary. Think if a squirrel marched up to you and tried to take your drink...
More monkeys.

An extremely crooked picture of the Victory Tower.
Looking at the outside of the fort.





There's a great story behind this building and the next photo. I need to look it up again to make sure I get it right, but the general gist is that this guy wanted to look at the king's woman and that really ticked him off but he lost a bet so the king came up with this crazy (but ingenious) plan to pay up while saving face.


Close up...

Overlooking the middle of the fort.

Another shot of the Victory Tower.