Kshatriya Rajputs: Suryavanshi rajputs of India and Their Legacy

A Day Life in Delhi:

Himayu's Tomb

Jama-Masjid

Safdarjung Tomb

Safadarjung Tomb

Jahanpanah Mosque

Begumpur Mosque

Chittorgarh Fort:

Chittorgarh is the epitome of the valor, chivalry, romance and unassailable courage of the Kshatriya Rajput. It is a place of legends and a favored subject of poets and bards due to its place in the history. Countless tales of valor, heroism and sacrifices pervade the corridors of Chittorgarh where some of the bravest Rajput princes fought and laid their life for honor, dignity and freedom against the invaders.

Chittorgarh today is in ruins but still reverberates with legends of yore. This mighty fortress was one of the most contested fortresses in India and scene of many famous battles and most poignantly the place where Jauhar (the act of self immolation by women to save their honor from invading forces) was performed thrice, first led by Rani Padmini and later by Rani Karanavati.

The first siege of the fortress was led by Alauddin Khilji, Sultan of Delhi, in 1303 A.D. who was said to have become so enamored by the tales of legendary beauty of Rani Padmini that he led siege in order to possess her for himself. A fierce battle took place before finally the Rajput warriors decided to take the battle to the massive enemy encampment due to shortage of supply. Rani Padmini along with other ladies of the fort preferred death and honor to being dishonored by lustful invaders. The warriors all fought and died bravely and women too shared the same fate through self immolation and the fort was lost.

The fort was recaptured later by Hammir Singh, founder of the Sisodia clan of Rajput and one of the most heroic Rajput Prince Rana Kumbha came to reign here in the turn of 15th Century. Considered to a great strategist and patron of art, he built Mewar as a superior military power, a force to be reckoned with. Many of the existing forts and ruins today were constructed under his personal supervision. The second major battle in the history of Mewar was fought between combined forces of rajputs led by Rana Sanga and the Mughal Emperor Babur at Khanua. Rana Sanga lost the Battle of Khanua in 1527. Later the fort was besieged again in 1535 by Bahadur Shah, Sultan of Gujarat and second Jauhar was performed led by Rani Karnawati.

The final nail in the coffin was hammered by the mighty Mughal forces led by Akbar the Great himself. The fort was captured and the prince Uday Sing fled and took refuge in Aravali Hills and founded the city now known as Udaipur. His son was maharana Pratap, considered to be the most heroic Rajput prince of all time. He was known for his indomitable spirit, courage and honor and although he could never recapture Chittorgarh, he kept fighting the Mughal army till the last breath of life.

Maharana Pratap was like burning beacon during the utterly dark era of Rajput, drawing clans together and resisting the Mughal Empire. His was a dream to take back the fortress of Chittorgarh fondly referred to as the place of “bhakti (piety) and Shakti (valor)” Chottorgarh is also with legendary Meerabai, one of the most famous Hindu poetesses and an important figure of Bhakti tradition. She was a passionate worshipper of Lord Krishna and as per folklore her ultimate disappearance in the Temple of Krishna in Dwarka was proof of the divine love and her devotion to Lord Krishna.

Chittorgarh remains replete with the numerous historical allusions and legends and still holds a very special place in hearts and minds of Rajputs. Chittorgarh Fort also happens to be the largest fortress in India and millions flock to this landmark to get a glimpse of its distinct past and also to pay obeisance to the exemplary courage and sacrifices of the Rajput Princes and queens of a bygone era.

Agra Fort:

Agra fort was built by Sikarwar’s also ruler of Sikari known by name DHAM DEV RAO in 1527 A.D.

Amber Fort:

Amber for was originally built by Raja Man Singh and was the royal palace of the Kachwahas from 1600 to 1727.

Ajmer Fort:

Also known as Taragarh fort, seat of the Chauhan rulers, was claimed to be fist hill fort of the Asia, built at a time when the Aravalli mountain ranges were above the snowline.

Bharatpur Fort:

Also known as Deeg Fort which was made by Maharaja Surajmal and it take more then ten years.

Bikaner Fort:

Also known as Junagarh Fort was built by Rathore Rajput Rao Bika in 1465-1505 AD by the blessing of Karni Mata.

Delhi Fort:

Also known as Lal Qila is a 17th century fort built by the Mugal emperor Shah Jahan in 1648.

Dholpur Fort:

The Dholpur fort was built by Dharampal, Raja of Karauli in 1120 A.D.

Fatehpur Sikari Fort:

Gwalior Fort:

Gwalior fort have mainly two part first is Man Mandir Palace which was built by early Tomar Emperor and the second part is Gujari Mahal, was built by Man Singh Tomar in the 15th century for his favourite queen, Mrignayani.

Jaipur Fort:

City Palace:

City palace was built between 1729 and 1732, initially by Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber, the head of the Kachwaha Rajput clan.

Hawa Mahal:

Hawa Mahal was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, and designed by Lal Chand Usta in the form of the crown of Krishna, the Hindu god.

Jaisalmer Fort:

Jaisalmer Fort is one of the largest forts in the world. It is situated in Jaisalmer city in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It was built in 1156 AD by the Bhati Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal.