Vijay Stambha is a glorious edifice built by Maharana Kumbha to commemorate his victories against the Muslim barbarian, Mahmud Khilji in the Battle of Sarangpur in 1437, the Battle of Mandavgad in 1440, the Battle of Mandalgarh in 1442 and the Battle of Banas in 1446. Mahmud Khilji faced the ignominy of defeat in the Battle of Sarangpur and subsequent capture in the Seige of Mandavgad. He was imprisoned for about six months in the Chittorgarh Fort and unfortunately set free rather than killed which would have effectively broken the backbone of the Muslim invaders who had wreaked havoc on the karma bhoomi of Akhanda Bharat.
Maharana Kumbha who was proficient in Shilpa Shastra exhibited his architectural mastery, artistic excellence and structural ingenuity in this iconic structure that can be appreciated from any part of the city. Said to have been built in 1448 (though some historians feel it may have been built between 1457 – 1488), the Tower of Victory is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and largely believed to have been a part of the Kumbha Shyam Temple that is about 90 metres to its south.
Though the sculptural art and architectural detailing seen in the Kumbha Shyam Temple and this Vishnu Stambha are similar, no inscription has been found to confirm the same. The Vijay Stambha is made of red sandstone and white marble.
The tower is approximately 37.19 metres in height with nine storeys accessed by a grand staircase that offers a panoramic view of the central hall within, the balconies on each level and the sprawling grounds and the entire city.
Each level is richly embellished with sculptures of gods and goddesses, panels depicting stories of the Mahabharat, Ramayana and Puranas, musicians, sages, ruthus, presiding deities of various Shastras and others.
The uppermost level has a detailed biography of the mighty rulers of Mewar namely Maharana Hammir Singh, Maharana Kshetra Singh, Maharana Lakha Singh, Maharana Mokal Singh and Maharana Kumbha. This task was completed by the court scholar Atri and Mahesh.
The fifth level has the names of the architects Jaita and his sons, Napa, Puja and Poma inscribed. The upper part of this tower was struck by lightning and renovated by Maharana Swarup Singh of Udaipur.
Written by Lakshmi Subramanian
sahasa.in 
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