Padan Pol
Padan Pol is the first of the seven magnificent gates that one must pass through to enter the main fortress of Chittorgarh Fort. These gates, or 'Pols', were built to create a winding, secure path, making it extremely difficult for enemy armies to breach the fortifications. The name Padan Pol transl ates to 'Gate of the Foot' or 'Gate of the Fallen,' and it is deeply significant as the spot where the famous Mewari warrior Rana Jaimal was mortally wounded by the Mughal Emperor Akbar's cannon shot during the 1567-68 siege. This gate thus serves as a somber memorial to the sacrifices made for the fort's defense. The gate, like the others, is heavily fortified, having thick stone walls, iron spikes on the inner side of the wooden doors (now mostly gone), and strategically placed guard posts. The path after the gate immediately turns, preventing a straight charge into the fort. It sets the tone for the journey into the fort, which is a blend of immense architectural might and heartbreaking history. A cenotaph (chhatri) dedicated to Rana Jaimal's cousin, Kalla Rathore, who was also a hero of the same siege, stands between the third and fourth gates, further cementing the area's association with Rajput bravery. Padan Pol acts as the initial guardian of the grand citadel, initiating the visitor's immersion into the epic saga of Chittorgarh.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
15-30 minutes (For viewing the gate and reading the historical plaque/cenotaph nearby).Place Type:
Fort Gate/Historical Monument/Military ArchitecturEntry Fees:
No Separate Fee: There is no separate entry fee for Padan Pol itself, as it is the very first entrance gate to the fort complex.
Integrated Fort Ticket: Entry is covered by the overall ticket required to enter the Chittorgarh Fort complex, w...No Separate Fee: There is no separate entry fee for Padan Pol itself, as it is the very first entrance gate to the fort complex.
Integrated Fort Ticket: Entry is covered by the overall ticket required to enter the Chittorgarh Fort complex, which you typically purchase at a nearby ticket counter. The fort entry fee is subject to change, but generally follows the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) rates for monuments:
Indians: Approximately Rs.40 to Rs.50 per person.
Foreign Nationals: Approximately Rs.500 to Rs.600 per person.
Students (Indian): Discounted rates are often available upon presentation of a valid ID card.
Vehicle Fee: There may be an additional fee for taking a private car or auto-rickshaw up the fort road past Padan Pol. This fee is usually separate from the per-person entry ticket. Visitors should carry exact change and their identification. The ticket counter is often a small structure near the base or slightly up the hill.Timing:
Regular Timings: Padan Pol, being the main fort gate, is generally accessible from Sunrise to Sunset (approx. 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM) daily, in line with the fort's overall opening hours. The inner monuments and museum have shorter, fixed timings.
...Regular Timings: Padan Pol, being the main fort gate, is generally accessible from Sunrise to Sunset (approx. 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM) daily, in line with the fort's overall opening hours. The inner monuments and museum have shorter, fixed timings.
Ideal Visit Time: The best time to pass through Padan Pol is early in the morning (right after sunrise and opening) to avoid the heat, catch the soft light for photography, and begin the fort tour before the main crowds arrive. Alternatively, visiting in the late afternoon to start your exploration and move towards the main sites by late evening is also a good option, especially in the cooler winter months.Special Events:
Rajput Valour Commemorations: While there aren't regular public festivals at the gate itself, on special anniversaries related to the sieges of Chittorgarh, particularly the one in 1568, local organizations or cultural groups may hold small ceremonies or tributes at the ceno...Rajput Valour Commemorations: While there aren't regular public festivals at the gate itself, on special anniversaries related to the sieges of Chittorgarh, particularly the one in 1568, local organizations or cultural groups may hold small ceremonies or tributes at the cenotaph of Rana Jaimal near the gate. These events typically involve paying homage to the martyred heroes with garlands, speeches, and recitals of historical poems (kavya), focusing on the themes of sacrifice and Rajput pride.
Historical Sightseeing Tours: The gate is a crucial stop on any major historical or heritage walking tour of the fort. The narration provided by official guides at this spot, detailing the strategic importance of the seven gates and the story of Jaimal, transforms the simple structure into a living history lesson. The most significant event is the passage through the gate as part of the overall fort experience.Best Photo Spots:
Framing the Archway: Stand a short distance before the gate and frame the imposing stone archway. The massive scale of the stone structure contrasting with the blue sky (or the rising sun) makes for a dramatic photo. The gateRs.s robust, simple architecture is its key visual...Framing the Archway: Stand a short distance before the gate and frame the imposing stone archway. The massive scale of the stone structure contrasting with the blue sky (or the rising sun) makes for a dramatic photo. The gateRs.s robust, simple architecture is its key visual feature.
The Winding Fort Road: Take a shot from just inside the archway, looking out. The winding, steep nature of the road after the gate is crucial to its defensive design and makes for a photograph that captures the 'gauntlet' an invading army would have had to face.
With the Cenotaph (Chhatri): Photograph the cenotaph dedicated to Rana Jaimal's heroism, which is usually located a short distance uphill from the gate. Capturing the Chhatri against the backdrop of the fort walls adds a human and historical element to the architectural shot.
Early Morning Light: The gate faces the ascending path, so visiting early in the morning provides the best soft light for photographing the rough-hewn texture of the stonework without harsh shadows. The dramatic scale is enhanced in the diffused light.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Start the Fort Journey: Padan Pol marks the official entry to the fort road. The primary activity is to start the winding ascent, absorbing the scale of the fortifications. This is the first of seven gates, so take a moment to appreciate the scale of the defense system being unveiled.
Reflect on the Valor: Look for the cenotaph (chhatri) of Rana Jaimal near the gate. Dedicate a few minutes to reflecting on the historical event of his martyrdom, which took place here. This sets a historical and emotional context for the rest of your fort tour, making the ruins and monuments more meaningful.
Capture the Defensive Architecture: Take photographs of the gate's structure, focusing on the sharp turn of the road and the robust stonework. Notice the thickness of the walls and the absence of elaborate...
Information
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Why Famous:
The Entry Point to History: Padan Pol is famous primarily because it is the first of the seven monumental gates that protect the legendary Chittorgarh Fort. Passing through it signifies the beginning of the journey into one of India's largest and most historically significa...The Entry Point to History: Padan Pol is famous primarily because it is the first of the seven monumental gates that protect the legendary Chittorgarh Fort. Passing through it signifies the beginning of the journey into one of India's largest and most historically significant forts, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's the physical and symbolic threshold to the heart of the former Mewar kingdom.
The Site of Jaimal's Martyrdom: The gate is marked by a cenotaph (chhatri) nearby, honoring Rana Jaimal, a heroic Rajput general who was fatally wounded near this spot by Akbar in 1568. This association with the fort's last great defense and the sacrifice of a celebrated warrior makes it a site of immense patriotic and historical reverence. The story of Jaimal's valor is a central part of the Chittorgarh saga.
A Masterpiece of Defensive Architecture: The gate is renowned for its strategic architectural design. Its staggered position on the winding hill road, a common feature in hill forts, was a deliberate defense mechanism. The right-angle turn immediately after the entrance and the thick, unassailable stone walls illustrate the genius of Rajput military architects in creating an impenetrable defense system against frontal attacks. -
Architecture:
Structure and Fortification: The architecture of Padan Pol is a prime example of Rajput military engineering designed for defense against siege warfare. It's a massive, sturdy stone structure built right into the hill's natural contours. The primary defense strategy involv...Structure and Fortification: The architecture of Padan Pol is a prime example of Rajput military engineering designed for defense against siege warfare. It's a massive, sturdy stone structure built right into the hill's natural contours. The primary defense strategy involves a sharp, abrupt turn in the road immediately after passing through the gate, which prevents elephants or battering rams from gaining momentum for a frontal attack. The walls are constructed from local quarried stone, which is both durable and blends naturally with the hill.
Dimension: While the exact dimensions vary, the gate is generally tall and wide enough for elephants and armed contingents to pass, typically featuring an arched opening around 15-20 feet high. The gate structure itself is part of the massive perimeter wall of the fort, which is several meters thick at the base. The thickness of the gate's walls and the heavy wooden doors (original spikes and doors are mostly absent now) were crucial for protection.
Material and Design: The structure employs simple, rugged, and functional architecture, prioritizing strength over intricate ornamentation, unlike the palaces inside the fort. It's built with rough-hewn stone, typical of early Rajput construction on hilltops. The gatehouse itself provides a fortified platform for archers and soldiers to defend the entrance from above. The strategic placement of the seven gates, starting with Padan Pol, is a masterstroke of design, making the ascent a deadly gauntlet for any invading army. -
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR) in Udaipur, approximately 90-100 KMS away. From the airport, one can hire a pre-paid taxi or take a public bus to Chittorgarh city. Padan Pol is reached via the Fort Road once you arrive in Chittorgarh.
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Near Tourist Places:
Within 0-2 KMS (Close Proximity/Up the Hill): 1.
Bhairon Pol (Second Gate): 0. 3 KMS. 2.
Hanuman Pol (Third Gate): 0. 5 KMS. 3.
Ganesh Pol (Fourth Gate): 0. 7 KMS. 4.
Jodala Pol (Fifth Gate): 0. 9 KMS. 5.
Laxman Pol (Sixth Gate): 1. 1 KMS. 6.
Ram Pol (Main Gate): 1. 5 KMS. Within 2-5 KMS (Inside the Fort Complex, Post Ram Pol): 7.
Rana Kumbha Palace: 2. 5 KMS. 8.
Vijay Stambh (Victory Tower): 3. 0 KMS. 9.
Kirti Stambh (Tower of Fame): 3. 5 KMS. 10.
Padmini's Palace: 4. 0 KMS.
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain and cobblestone paths, as the fort complex is vast. Carry drinking water, especially if visiting outside of the cooler winter months. Sunscreen and a hat are essential. Be mindful of tr...
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