Ratan Singh Palace

Ratan Singh Palace is one amongst the top places in Chittorgarh district. It lies in the vicinity of Chittorgarh Fort near Ratneshwar Talaab. This monument used to be the residence of Maharana Ratan Singh II. This palace was utilized as the winter abode for the royal family. Mainly, it is known for its eye-catchy Rajasthani architecture.

Architecture
Entry to the palace is epic. The gate leading into the palace faces east. It is a giant erection with a soaring archway and chattris atop. On the northern side of the entrance lies the Ratneswar Mahadeva Temple. The temple complex comprises of a garbagriha, a mandapa and an antarala. The outer side of the temple has attractive carvings.

The palace has a rectangular layout enclosed by tall walls. It houses numerous courtyards encircled by rooms, towers, deohris etc. The interior of the palace showcases well maintained lush green gardens. The private part of the palace is entered through a gate in the north. Inside, there lies a vast span of empty space encircled by old constructions and accommodations. The upper level on the eastern part of the palace has balconies. This served as the Darikhana or, Audience Hall. The view of the Chittorgarh Fort from here is splendid.

Apart from serving in the winters, this palace was extensively used for celebrations and other event management. The remnants of this beautiful architecture are still an appeal for the tourists.

Monuments in Chittorgarh

Monuments in Chittorgarh resonates with stories of Rajputana bravery, pride and passion. The bards of Rajasthan sing tales of courage and sacrifice recounting stories that are known to every child and adult in the city. Chittorgarh is named after its most imposing structure, the Chittorgarh Fort which stands atop a 180 metre high hill and is spread across 700 acres. Chittorgarh Fort has had a tumultuous past. This bastion of the Rajputs has faced violent attacks thrice in its entire history. The first was in 1303 when the Sultan of Delhi, Ala-ud-din Khilji, who was enamoured by Queen Padmini, launched an attack to abduct her. More than two centuries later, in 1533, it was Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat, who caused immense destruction. Four decades later, in 1568, Mughal Emperor Akbar attacked and seized the fort. It was finally in 1616, under the rule of Mughal Emperor Jahangir that the fort was returned to the Rajputs.