A tale beyond time

Chittorgarh Fort is a location where history mixes with myth, creating a rich tapestry that elicits feelings varying from wonder to sadness. However, the heart of this extensive stronghold is a tale that flows through the Rani Padmini's Palace. Walking through the arches, you will sense the burden of ages, urging you to reveal the story that unfolded inside these walls. It tells of a lovely queen, a king's determination, and an outsider's fixation—an ancient narrative that endures in the palace's very foundations.

The legend of Rani Padmini

The tale of Rani Padmini revolves around love, beauty, and deceit. She was known throughout the kingdom for her beauty as the wife of Rawal Ratan Singh, the ruler of Mewar. The Sultan of Delhi, Alauddin Khilji, was drawn to this fame. According to the story, Khilji learned about Padmini's extraordinary beauty and was overwhelmed with the longing to behold her in person.

Khilji besieged Chittorgarh Fort, but Ratan Singh declined to surrender his queen. In the end, a settlement was agreed upon, allowing Khilji to catch a glimpse of Padmini through a mirror. This short meeting intensified Khilji's fixation, resulting in a lengthy siege that culminated in a tragic outcome.

After the fortress was conquered, Rani Padmini and numerous other Rajput women performed Jauhar, a ritual involving self-immolation, to prevent being taken captive. The act of rebelling and giving up something important became a crucial moment in Rajput history, and the palace serves as proof of their enduring impact.

Architecture: A reflection of grandeur

The Palace of Rani Padmini showcases the extravagance and strength of the Rajput period. Next to a peaceful lotus pond, the palace's image is reflected on the water, creating a feeling of calmness despite its turbulent past. The palace's white stone walls intricately carved windows, and Jharokhas overlooking the gardens and waters recall a time when royalty and nobility graced these corridors.

Upon entering the palace, you will be immediately impressed by its combination of simplicity and elegance. Despite displaying signs of age, the walls continue to speak tales from history. The palace, featuring open courtyards and interconnected rooms, encourages you to envision the past inhabitants' lives.

Things to do around the palace

Even though Rani Padmini's Palace is the main attraction, Chittorgarh provides a deeper look into its rich history.

• Visit Chittorgarh Fort: Discover the extensive fortress, featuring seven gates, palaces and temples. The fortress, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, houses the famous Vijay Stambha (Tower of Victory), a 37-metre-tall tower constructed by Rana Kumbha in 1448 CE to celebrate his win against Mahmud Khilji in the Battle of Sarangpur.
• Explore the Kirti Stambh: Referred to as the Tower of Fame, this seven-level tower is a tribute to the initial Jain Tirthankara, Adinath. It serves as evidence of the religious variety that has always been present in India's cultural landscape.
• Temples Galore: Many temples can be found within the fort, such as the Meera Temple, honouring the devotee-saint Meera Bai, and the Kalika Mata Temple, which was initially a Sun Temple in the 8th century before being repurposed for the worship of the Hindu goddess Kali.
• Picnic by the Gaumukh Reservoir: This perennial spring-fed reservoir provides a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of the fort. It is an ideal location for a peaceful afternoon, where you can ponder on the fort's past and its lasting impact.

A personal connection to history

A visit to Rani Padmini's Palace not only shows you a monument but also puts you into the story of a stunning queen and a siege which marked a period in history — along with the sacrifice. The palace comes alive with its beautiful jharokhas narrating tales of yore: political intrigue amidst gallant royalty, whose echoes still reverberate within the stone walls.

This historical place does more than just attract tourists— it brings out emotions that make one reflect upon their life situations: what they would sacrifice for their beliefs or whom they stand by during difficult times.

Explore beyond the opulent palace

The historical significance of the area surrounding Rani Padmini’s Palace in Chittorgarh is not only confined to the palace. The area boasts a number of historical marvels waiting to be explored. Ranging from the Chittorgarh Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its beautiful scenery and centuries-old history, to the 34-metre tall Victory Tower (Vijay Stambha), erected as a memorial for the region’s past triumphs, every corner of the Rajasthan leads with the ancient glory and heroism of this magical land. Peer into the deeply sculptured Kirti Stambha, a tribute to the legacy of Jainism and stroll through the melancholy ruins of Rana Kumbha Palace, a former seat of the ruler of Mewar. Surrounded by devotional chants, let us visit the Meera Temple, the place where the spirit of the poet Mirabai is still hovering. Every plaque records a story of determination, belief and endurance, providing a fantastic trip of ages in this historic town.