CHITORE, or CHETORE, the capital of the above-mentioned district, and a celebrated fortress, was formerly the capital of the ranah of Odeypoor. It is situated on the top of a high and rugged mountain, and is considered as a place of great strength. In 1303 it was taken by the Mahommedans, the ranah's son-in-law defending it to the last extremity; and having put to death his women and children, he rushed out with his garrison, and fell in the midst of the enemy. The Mahommedans retained possession of it till the year 1345, when it was given over to the rajah of Jalore, from whom it came again into the possession of the former ranah's family; and in 1567 it was taken by the armies of the emperor Acbar. The place was garrisoned by 8000 disciplined Rajpoots, who made an obstinate defence; and when at last driven to despair, they sacrificed their women and children, and were trampled to death by the war-elephants introduced into the place by the emperor. It was again taken by the Moguls in 1680, during the reign of Aurungzebe, when sixty-three Hindu temples were destroyed, either in the fort or town. In the succeeding reign the ranah again got possession, and retained it till the end of last century, when it was again surprised by a rebellious chieftain. In 1790 it was taken by Mudajee Scindia, and restored to its lawful possessor on the payment of an annual stipend of a large sum of money.