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| Vijay Stambha, Chittor Fort, RJ instagram.com |
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| Vijay Stambha commons.wikimedia.org |
Not to be confused with Kirti Stampha, the Vijaya Stambha (Tower of Victory) is a magnificent Rajput victory monument located within the historic Chittor Fort in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India. This prominent architectural marvel was commissioned by the Hindu Rajput king, Rana Kumbha of Mewar, and completed in 1448 CE. Its construction was a celebration of his major military triumph over the combined forces of the Sultanate of Malwa led by Mahmud Khilji in the Battle of Sarangpur. The tower is so impressively large that it can be viewed from across the entire town.
The tower is a remarkable example of Hindu Rajput architecture and was considered by British historian Colonel James Todd to be superior to the Qutub Minar. It is primarily dedicated to the Hindu God Lord Vishnu, and its exterior is elaborately decorated with carvings and sculptures of various Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The internal spaces are equally adorned with carvings depicting weapons, instruments, and other motifs.
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| Vijay Stambha Chittor fort,RJ |
Architecture and Inscriptions
The Vijaya Stambha is composed of nine storeys, each offering a variety of significant architectural details to admire. The sheer height of the tower allows the topmost portion to offer a majestic, panoramic view of the entire town of Chittorgarh. It is particularly recommended that visitors experience the mesmerizing view during the evening hours. The tower is situated beside the famous Kumbha Palace within the fort complex.
The historical significance of the victory and the subsequent triumphs of Rana Kumbha, including his vanquishing of the combined forces of Gujarat and Malwa, are immortalized through detailed inscriptions within the tower.
The uppermost story contains inscribed slabs detailing the genealogy and notable deeds of the rulers of Chittaur. This text is attributed to Rana Kumbha’s court scholar, Atri, and his son, Mahesh.
The names of the chief architect, Sutradhar Jaita, and his three sons who assisted him—Napa, Puja, and Poma—are permanently carved onto the fifth floor of the tower.
Symbol of Pluralism
The Vijaya Stambha also stands as a noteworthy symbol of the religious pluralism practiced by the Rajputs of the era. Despite its dedication to Lord Vishnu and its overwhelmingly Hindu iconography, the topmost storey of the tower prominently features an image of the Jain Goddess, Padmavati. This inclusion underscores the spirit of tolerance and syncretism that characterized the kingdom of Mewar. The tower is a major landmark within the fort, which also houses the older Jain monument, the Kirti Stambha (Tower of Fame).
https://www.travellingcamera.com/2021/02/vijaya-stambha-chittor-fort-rajasthan.html
https://www.rajasthantourplanner.com/Tourist-Places-Rajasthan/kirti-stambh-chittorgarh.html
