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Vijay Stambh
 Location
: Chittorgarh, Rajasthan
Structure
: 37 mts, Nine Storeys
Built In
: 1440 AD
Built By
: Maharaja Kumbha
Synonymous with the tradition of valour and chivalry, Chittorgarh or
Chittaur, the capital of Mewar, was under the Rajput rule from the 7th to the mid 16th century. Fiercely independent, it was ravaged thrice, and each time like Phoenix - it rose again.
Allauddin Khilji was the first to plunder Chittaur in 1303 AD. Legend and history corroborate that this was because of his passionate desire to abduct queen
Padmini. Yet, she, preferring death to dishonor, committed 'Jauhar' (self immolation) along with the other ladies of her court.
Translated as the Victory Tower, it is a nine-storeyed 37 metres high structure with sculptures of a secular nature to ornate the exteriors. Maharaja
Kumbha built it in commemoration of his victory over the Muslim rulers of
Malwa and Gujarat in 1440.
Today, remains speak of its former importance, yet in the hearts and minds of its people the tales of glory are as much alive as they were then.
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