Thread by @hinduaesthetic

Photograph of the Mirabai Temple and of the Kumbha Shyama Temple at Chittaurgarh, taken by an unknown photographer in the 1900s.

The temple in the foreground is the Kumbha Shyama Temple, situated in the fort and originally built in the 8th c. during the Pratihara period.

In the background is the temple dedicated to the 15th century saint princess of Jodhpur Meera Bai, who was famous for her poetic compositions and bhakti for Sri Krishna.

The impressive fortress of Chittaurgarh is situated on a narrow ridge that rises abruptly 150 metres above the plain. This ancient site was occupied by a succession of rulers from the seventh century including the Pratiharas who built many stone temples.

After the Muslim raids in the 12-13th c., the fort became the headquarters of the state of Mewar. The most famous of the kings who fought aginst the Muslims was Rana Kumbha (1433-68). In 1567, when the fort was sacked for the final time by the Akbar, Chittaurgarh was abandoned.

Vintage photographs of Vijaya (or Jaya) Stambha or Tower of Victory at the Chittur fort, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan

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Stereoscopic photograph of the Tower of Victory (Vijaya Stambha) and the Royal Cenotaphs at Chittaurgarh in Rajasthan: James Ricalton; c. 1903

The tower was erected in 1448 by Rana Kumbha (r. 1433-68) to commemorate his victory over Mahmud Shah I Khalji, the Sultan of Malwa, in 1440. The tower is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and measures approximately 37.2 m

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The Kirtistambha (tower of fame) dedicated to Lord Adinatha was constructed by Baghervala merchant Sah Jija by using "nija-bhujoparjita" i.e. self earned money, between the 13th and 15th centuries, according to an inscription by his great-grandson who had it repaired in 1489.

The inner staircase ascends the tower's six levels, leading to a summit pavilion with 12 columns, added in the 15th century. Kirti Stambha in the citadel at Chittaurgarh fort is situated on top of a rocky hill standing 152 metres above the surrounding plain.

The Chittor Kirtistambha is the only surviving tower from its period in north India, following widespread Islamic iconoclasm. Buddhist pagodas in China and Japan are said to be modelled after such ancient towers in India.