Information on Vijay Stambh (Chittorgarh, Rajasthan) - History & Architecture

Vijay Stambh Chittorgarh is a mark of victory over the Malwa Khilji by the Rajput king Rana Kumbha, who was a Mewar ruler in the 15th century AD. This victory tower is a unique masterpiece of the Rajputana architecture. It is a magnificent structure standing on the Chittorgarh fort area in Chittorgarh town, Rajasthan State, India.

Vijay Stambh Architecture

Vijay Stambh of Chittorgarh is an inch by inch architectural marvel. It took a decade to build this magnificent structure. It is a high-rise square structure with a spiral staircase laid from the bottom to the last 9th stories of this tower. It stood at a height of 37.19 meters from a 10 feet citadel foundation. The entire structure is built with red sand stone and marbles. It is still unbelievable, that how did they build such high-rise structure in those days. Many architects believed that it was carved in a single stone on the ground and such nine huge single stone may be placed on after the other when the carving works are over from the ground. Whatever, no one in the present days can re built such towers even with all ultra modern techniques available now. It is a 9 storied structure with beautiful balconies and many arched open windows are seen all sides of this structure. There is a Sharpe peaked dome on the top with a semi sphere shaped dome. The first and the second story are built little larger to hold the rest of the floors. Again on the 8th floor there is a similar large sized structure found on the 1st and second floor. It is said that this was kept to have a vigil of Chittorgargh area. The entire structure is carved with Hindu ditties. There are also Vedic themes beautifully carved here. The vastu of ditties are also seen here. Each and every ditty is placed according to the Hindu principals and practice, which can be designed by an expert in the Hindu Vast Kala sashtra, i.e. the structural dynamics according to Hindu principals. A lot of precisions are sought here, which can be absorbed by only viewing from close of this structure.

Vijay Stambh History

Vijay Stambh found in Chittorgarh are a very rear in India. It stood as a pride for the Rajputana Kingdom in Rajasthan. It was built around 1442 AD. The historians do believe that it was the pride over defeating an Islamic ruler of that time which was dreaming for the western expansion. At this time the Khilji Dynasty had the Northern, Eastern and Central India in its territory. The west ward approach was stopped by Rajput king Rana Kumbha. He also built a large fortification and a place in Chittorgarh to safe guard his kingdom from further external aggressions. In the later period this place was considered for royal crematorium for the male clans of this Mewar families. There are also many stone markings found here. This is believed to be the all those sacrificed their lives by performing Juhar, a self immolation by women's when they lost their husbands or a captive like situation emerged with enemy in the attack. All these history shows that the Rana Kumbha was a great devotee of Hindu culture.

Vijay Stambh Tourism Importance

Vijay Stambh at Chittorgarh is a great place to see the victory of the Rajput Empire over the Khilji ruler. This victory tower is the landmark of Mewar region. This is a heritage site and an ancient monument of India. It is open to public and the entire Chittorgarh City can be seen from the top of this victory tower. This tower is maintained by the Indian archeological department.