Vijay Stambha - Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India
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N 24° 53.263 E 074° 38.708
43R E 464157 N 2752561
A frieze depicting Hindu gods and goddesses runs around the outside walls of the Vijay Stambha (Tower of Victory) in Chittogarh, Rajasthan.
Waymark Code: WMQ46C
Location: India
Date Posted: 12/16/2015
Views: 1
Vijay Stambha is an imposing victory monument located in Chittorgarh Fort in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India. This tower is the pièce de résistance of Chittorgarh.
The Tower of Victory was constructed by Mewar king Rana Kumbha in 1448 to commemorate his victory over the combined armies of Malwa and Gujarat led by Mahmud Khilji. The tower is dedicated to Vishnu.
The 37.19 m high 9-storied tower is one of the most remarkable in India. It is built partly of red sandstone and partly of white marble and is enriched by numerous images of Hindu gods and goddesses with inscriptions at the 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 construction was supervised by Sompura architects originally from Patan.
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. 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 visitors.
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