- Vijay Stambha
Vijay Stambha (Hindi: विजय स्तम्भ )or tower of victory is an imposing structure located in
Chittorgarh fort inIndia .This tower is the piece-de-resistance of chittaurgarh. It was constructed by
Mewar kingRana Kumbha between1442 AD and1449 AD to commemorate his victory over the combined armies ofMalwa and Gujarat led by Mahmud Khilji .Dedicated to
Vishnu ,this 37.19 m high 9 storied tower is one of the most remarkable in India . It is built partly of red sand stone and partly of white marble and is enriched by numerous images ofHindu gods and goddesses with inscriptions at bottom of each. It is believed that the tower took 10 years to be completed. This exemplary piece of architecture stands on a pedestal 10 feet high.Each of the nine stories are distinctly marked with openings and balconies at every face of each story. The interior staircase winds alternately through the central chamber and surrounding gallery.
The inscribed slabs in the uppermost story contains genealogy of the rulers of
Chittaur from Hamir toRana Kumbha . The entire tower is covered with architectural ornaments and inscribed images of gods and goddesses, seasons, weapons, musical instruments etc. Its inscribed sculpture are a veritable text-book of Hindu iconography.The portraits of the architect of this tower Jaita and his 3 sons, Napa, Puja and Poma are carved on the fifth floor of the tower.
There are around 157 narrow steps leading to the terrace from where one can have a beautiful view of
Chittorgarh town and the fort. The uppermost floor has been sealed off and is no longer accessible to visitor.ee also
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Kirti Stambha External links
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* [http://www.columbia.edu/itc/mealac/pritchett/00routesdata/1400_1499/rajputforts/chitor_tower/chitor_tower.html Photo]
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