महाराणा कुम्भा (हरविलास सारदा - मेवाड़ साम्राज्य के अद्वितीय विजेता, निर्माता व विद्वान्)

Maharana Kumbhá. his legions against the chivalrous Maharana Raj Singh in an attempt to deprive this sacred soil of its ancient independence, this stronghold, the ever memorable Kumbhalgarh, provided shelter to those who were dear to the noble defenders of their fatherland. This fortress, which has played a part in history, seldom rivalled and never surpassed, was the bulwark of Mewar throughout the Moghal rule in India. "When they were young and proud, Banners on high and battles passed below ; But they who fought are in a bloody shroud, And those which waved are shredless dust ere now, And the bleak battlements shall bear no future blow." Kumbhalgarh and the Kirtisthambha (Tower of Victory) at Chitor, are the two pillars on which the fame of Kumbha as a great commander and a great sovereign rests. Kumbhalgarh, situated on the 25°9′ N. and 73°35′ E., about 60 miles north of Udaipur, stands on a high peak of the most westerly range of the Aravalli hills, on the site of an ancient stronghold, which, according to tradi- tion, was built by the famous Jain king Samprati, who flourished in the third 127