2025-04-29 Tue

The next stamp in the Archaeological and Historical Monuments Definitive series, released in 1949, showcases the incredible Vijay Stambh or the Victory Tower! This stunning tower is nestled within Chittor Fort in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, and was built by Rana Kumbha of Mewar way back in the 15th century. The construction began in 1448 and took around ten years to complete!

Rising nine stories high, the Vijay Stambh is crafted from red sandstone and white marble. It celebrates Rana Kumbha's victory over the combined forces of Malwa and Gujarat, led by Mahmud Khilji, during the epic Battle of Sarangpur. The sandstone provides a strong foundation, while the marble enhances the structure’s durability. Due to its clever architectural design with columns and beams, the weight is distributed evenly, making the tower stable enough to withstand even minor earthquakes! Vijayasthambha is considered an engineering marvel and became a practical study material for the student of civil engineering and architecture alike.

Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the tower is adorned with captivating carvings and sculptures of various gods and goddesses. The names of architects who helped build this architectural marvel are also inscribed on its walls! On the uppermost story, one can even find a slab consisting of the genealogy of Chittorgarh's rulers, from Maharana Hammir Singh (1302) to Rana Kumbha (1417).

With a face value of just Re 1, this delightful stamp not only captures the beauty of the Vijay Stambh but also symbolizes the rich history and architectural brilliance of Chittorgarh.