0691 INDIA (Rajasthan) - Chittorgarh Fort - part of Hill Forts of Rajasthan (UNESCO WHS)

0691 Vijay Stambha in Chittorgarh Fort

Chittorgarh Fort, sprawling on a 180m high hill, located on the plains of the valley drained by the Berach River, in the southern part of Rajasthan, is the largest fort in India. Built by the Mauryans during the 7th century AD, it was the capital of Mewar for 834 years, being ruled initially by Guhilot and later by Sisodias, the Suryavanshi clans of Chattari Rajputs. It was finally abandoned in 1568 after the siege of Emperor Akbar. In 1616, Jehangir returned in Chittor fort, but however it wasn't resettled, being refurbished only in 1905 during British Raj.

The fort is approached through a zig zag and difficult ascent of more than 1km from the plains, after crossing over a bridge spans the Gambhiri River, supported by ten arches. The plethora of palaces and temples (many of them in ruins) located within its precincts, is dominated by two tall towers, Kirti Stambha (Tower of Fame - 22m), and Vijay Stambha (Tower of Victory - 37.2m). The second one, erected by Rana Kumbha between 1458 and 1468 to commemorate his victory over Mahmud Shah I Khalji, the Sultan of Malwa, in 1440 AD, was dedicated to Vishnu.

Built partly of red sand stone and partly of white marble, it has nine stories accessed through a narrow circular staircase. The entire tower is covered with architectural ornaments and inscribed images of Hindu gods and goddesses, seasons, weapons, musical instruments, etc. Actually its sculpture is a veritable text-book of Hindu iconography. The dome, which was a later addition, was damaged by lightning and repaired during the 19th century. The Stamba is now illuminated during the evenings and gives a beautiful view of Chittor from the top.

Chittorgarh Fort is part of the UNESCO WHS Hill Forts of Rajasthan, about which I wrote here. 

About the stamps
The first stamp is part of a serie named Princely State, issued on Octomber 6, 2010. The four stamps of the series (all with the same face value, 5 IND) are:
• Indore - It's on the postcard 0691
• Sirmmor
• Bamra
• Cochin

The second stamp is part of a commemorative series of four, issued on March 8, 2007, with the occasion of the Women's Day.

References
Chittorgarh Fort - Wikipedia
Vijay Stambha - Wikipedia
Hill Forts of Rajasthan - UNESCO official website 

Sender: Sita / Seetas (postcrossing)
Sent from Mumbai (Maharashtra / India), on 21.12.2011
Photo: Ravinder Pal Kalra