Global Treasures - Chittaurgarh, India

Global Treasures - Chittaurgarh, India is a captivating documentary that takes viewers on an adventure across the largest fort in India, the awe-inspiring fortress of Chittaurgarh (also known as Chittorgarh). Produced by TravelVideoStore.com, this film forms a part of the 'Global Treasures' series which prints a visual postcard from numerous world heritage sites around the globe. This particular production shines a spotlight on the historically significant location, lying in the southern parts of the Indian state of Rajasthan.

The film features the magnificent fortress city of Chittaurgarh, which sprawls over an area of around 700 acres on a 180m high hill and carries a profound historical, architectural and cultural significance. This sprawling fortress itself is considered an emblem of the chivalrous Rajput traditions, having witnessed several heroic battles.

Guiding viewers on an insightful journey, the film reveals the commendable architecture and story behind each structure within the Chittaurgarh fort. It explores the numerous palaces, gates (also known as 'Pol'), temples, and two commemorative towers present within the fortress. Scenes are given life with crisply narrated historical explanations, bringing the ancient fort's past into the living room of the audiences, inflaming their imagination.

Notably, the movie honors the Vijay Stambha and the Kirti Stambha, two imposing towers that are key attractions of this fortress city. The Vijay Stambha, or "tower of victory", erected by Rana Kumbha in the 15th century to commemorate his victorious fight against the Malwa and Gujarat sultans, is revealed in all its ornate splendor. The slightly older Kirti Stambha, or "tower of fame", built in the 12th century by a Jain merchant, is dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain Tirthankar, beautifully epitomizing the secular history and inclusive culture of India.

The movie also perfectly highlights the romantic yet tragic tale of the beautiful queen Padmini, whose beauty led to the siege of the fort by Delhi's Sultan, Alauddin Khilji. Viewers are taken through the Padmini Palace, famous for its beautiful lotus pool and the unique mirror chamber where Sultan Alauddin Khilji was permitted to glimpse the reflection of the beautiful queen.

The explorative journey doesn't just stop at the architectural marvels and tales of bravery, but also embraces the spiritual side of Chittaurgarh. The film visits the ancient Kalika Mata Temple modified in the 8th century, originally built in the 4th century as a Sun temple, and Jain temples dedicated to various Tirthankars, embracing the communal harmony that existed even in those historical periods.

This documentary also shows various other historical buildings such as the Meera temple, where saint-poet Meera Bai worshipped Lord Krishna, and the Gaumukh reservoir, a sacred pool believed to be filled by a stream flowing from a cow-shaped mouth present in the cliff, providing another facet of Chittaurgarh's cultural diversity.

The city's most moving tale, of the 'Johar,' where women preferred self-immolation to falling into the hands of invaders is also delicately handled. It discusses the instances of these mass-immolations, but never sensationalizes the tragic moments, treating them with appropriate gravitas.

Global Treasures - Chittaurgarh, India is a visual feast complemented by historical commentary, serving the viewer a vibrant tapestry of images and information. It enthralls audiences with the historical richness and architectural splendor of one of India's most royal forts. It deftly portrays the grandeur and tragedy, bravery, and determination, romance and spirituality tied to this grand fort while appreciating the importance of preserving such historical monuments.

The film embraces different aspects of the rich cultural and historical heritage of India, making it a worthwhile watch for not just history enthusiasts and architecture aficionados, but anyone interested in broadening their understanding of diverse global cultures. It showcases how a people's past influences their present, making history come alive in a way that few films on the subject can claim to do.