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

Maharana Kumbha. Chitor and built seven¹ of its gates—the Rampol with circular bastions, after Ráma the great hero of the Solar dynasty, the Surya Vamsa, of which the Maharana of Mewar is the head. This Pol was partly dismantled by Emperor Shah Jahan. The remains of its plinth are handsomely carved with figure friezes; the Hanumánpol, called after the temple of this god; the Bhairavapol, since associated with the name of Bhairavadas Solanki, who fought bravely and was killed at that spot in the battle against Sultan Bahadur Shah of Gujrat in A D. 1534-35 ; Lakshmipol, Chámundápol, Tarapol and Rajpol.² Maharana Kumbha built the present road³ up the hill by which carriages can go up to the fort. Before his time there was only a foot-path. Maharana Kumbha also built a Rama Kund at Chitor⁴ and several stepped wells and reservoirs for storing water. ¹ Kirtisthambha Inscription, verses 36-42 and 125. ² The last four pols are now called Lakshmanpol, Jorla- pol, Ganeshpol and Pádalpol. ³ The Chitorgarh Kirtisthambha Inscription, verses 34-35. ⁴ Chitor Kirtisthambha Inscription, verse 33. 138