Cheerva (Chirva), a locality near AHAR established during the period when that city was the capital of Mewar.

cheetal (chital), (Hindi) the spotted deer or axis deer; lives in grasslands and forests in India and Ceylon.

Chetak, a magnificent white (or dark grey) stallion of the MARWARI breed; it belonged to Maharana PRATAP SINGH I (1572-1597) and carried him bravely into the thick of many battles. The horse and his royal master were severely wounded at the Battle of HALDIGHATI; the Maharana survived, Chetak died. A special chabutra (memorial platform), beside the road leading into the battle pass, commemorates the spot where Chetak died after carrying his master out of danger. This gallant steed has gained renown in Udaipur and all Rajasthan: it is believed that any place or commodity with the name of Chetak will enjoy a popular market. HORSES have a dominant place in Mewar and Rajput history.

Chetak Circle, Udaipur; a busy shopping centre in the city's northern sector, a little south of the BHARTIYA LOK KALA MANDAL; named after Maharana Pratap I's gallant horse, CHETAK.

Chetak Exports (India) Pvt. Ltd., part of the Commercial Division of the MAHARANA MEWAR INSTITUTION TRUST.

Chetak Trust, part of the Non Commercial Division of the MAHARANA MEWAR INSTITUTION TRUST, established to awaken compassion for the care and consideration of pets.

Chhatra, (Hindi) a crown; part of the insignia of Rajput royalty: see KIRANIA.

Chhatrapati, (Hindi) a term commonly used to describe the heroic Maratha leader SHIVAJI and his descendants.

chhatri (chatra, chatri, chattri), (Hindi) an umbrella; a pillared canopy on top of a chabutra (platform).

Chhatri of Maharana Udai Singh, a memorial in the town of Gogunda, commemorating the death there of the Maharana (1572).

Chhatria, the name local residents give to the royal cenotaphs at AHAR.

chhatripati, (Hindi) a person of sufficient dignity (e.g., a king) to have an umbrella (chhatri) carried over him in procession, and over the throne in Durbar (at Court).

Chhatris of Ahar (domed royal cenotaphs): see AHAR.

Chhattar Sal, Raj, of the Jhala clan and one of the sixteen chief nobles of Mewar (1760), his estate being the town of GOGUNDA.

Chhota Baba, (Hindi) a pet name, younger father; also a baby son.

Chhoti Didi, (Hindi) a pet name, younger sister.

Children learning history. So that they would mature with a sound knowledge of their heritage and responsibilities, young Rajput children were often given history lessons, usually in the form of stories to make the intake of essential information more palatable and thus easier to assimilate. The stories were overlaid with examples of princely virtue, Rajput chivalry, and good behaviour, which they were expected to follow. There were also legends and folklore of their particular clan, stories of honesty and honour, and valour in the face of extreme hardship; how to accept victory with humility, and defeat with bravery and optimism. Performance of essential religious rites was also a prime topic in their training as a future leader of the people. Apropos of this, there is an oft-repeated Hindi saying: "Yatha Raja, tatha praja" ("As the king is, so are the people"). This verbal passing on of knowledge was not restricted only to royal children; every Rajput boy and girl, whether of royal blood or a commoner was fed this valuable diet of folklore. More often than not, such teaching was the pleasant duty of bards (professional storytellers), or distinguished gentlemen who acted as the children's guardians.

Chingis Khan: see GENGHIS KHAN.

Chini Chitrashala (Chistrashali) (also Chini-ki-Burj), City Palace, Udaipur; a later addition to the City Palace complex, built in 1717-1723 by Maharana SANGRAM SINGH II (1710-1734). It houses an exquisite display of (as its name suggests) fine Chinese porcelain and glass. A colourful balcony features blue and white tiles, which depict many scenes including some from the Holy Bible. There is a spectacular view of the city from this balcony.

Chini-ki-Burj (Udaipur): see CHINI CHITRASHALA.

Chisti (Chishti), Khvajah Mu'in-ud-Din, a Muslim missionary who came to India in the Ghaznavid period. He made his headquarters at Ajmer, and Muslim traders, craftsmen, and soldiers, settled there. His tomb is at Ajmer, and is one of the holy places for Muslims in India.

Chitaur, Chitaurgarh: see CHITTORGARH.

Chitor, Chitorgarh: see CHITTORGARH.

Chitrakoot, Chitrakut, former name of CHITTORGARH.

Chitrang Mori (Chitrangada Mori, Chittering Mori), a chieftain of the ancient PARAMARA (Puar; Mauryan or Mori) dynasty, a Rajput clan that ruled Chittorgarh before BAPPA RAWAL established the Mewar Dynasty here in AD 734.

Chitrang Mori Palace, Chittorgarh. The ruins are said to be the palace of CHITRANG MORI, the ancient PARAMARA Rajput lord of Chittor whom BAPPA RAWAL defeated to establish the Mewar Dynasty (734). It has been so altered, remodelled, and ruined that its original form is unrecognisable.

Chitrang Tank (Lake), Chittorgarh; an ancient tank (reservoir) south of PADMINI'S PALACE and BADSHA'S BHAKSI. Constructed by CHITRANG MORI, the interior sides of the tank are divided into tasteful sculpted compartments. Nearby is a ruin said to be the palace of the Paramara rulers: see CHITRANG MORI PALACE.

Chitrangada Mori: see CHITRANG MORI.