According to Hindu and Jain mythology, a stambha is a tall column, believed to be a cosmic pillar, which functions as a bond, joining the heaven or Swarga above and the earth below. The stambhas are also erected with intricate artistic decorations to commemorate a special historical occasion or to the memory of a particular person for his contribution toward the nation and the country. Kirti Stambha or the Tower of Fame, built to glorify Jainism in the 12th century, is one of the numerous famous structures located within the boundaries of Chittorgarh Fort.

Located in the present-day town of Chittor and said to be built by the local Maurya ruler Chitrangada Maurya, the fort stands on a 590`6 feet (180 m) high hill. Considered as the largest fort in India, as well as in Asia, it was the site of three major sieges by the Muslim invaders, when its Hindu rulers fought fiercely to defend the invaders and maintain their independence.

Chittor has a history going back several centuries. It was ruled by different dynasties, which included the Sisodia Rajput Dynasty of Mewar. It is also believed to be once a major spiritual centre for the Jain religion.

The 72 feet (22 m) tall and beautifully carved Kirti Stambha or the Tower of Fame was built by a Bhagerwala merchant Sah Jija, during the rule of Rawal Kumar Singh. Intricately decorated with figures and scripts from Jainism, it has great importance in Jainism.

Unfortunately, the exact date of construction of the Kirti Stambha is not known. But according to an inscription by his great-grandson, who had the monument repaired in 1489, Sah Jija erected the tower with the money that he earned. It is considered by some that it is possible that perhaps the merchant had rebuilt an older tower from the 12th century. Nevertheless, the Kirti Stambha later served as a model for the Vijay Stambha, constructed by Rana Kumbha during 1458-68, to commemorate his victory over Mahmud Khilji.

Designed and built in a very special way, using the Solanki art and architectural style, the six-storey Kirti Stambha was dedicated to Sri Adinath, the first Tirthankar in Jainism. Apart from that, the entire body of the tower is also embellished with numerous figures of naked Thirthankars, which indicates that it belonged to the Digambara sect of Jainism.

The lower storey of the tower is adorned with the images of standing Adinatha, placed on all the four cardinal directions, while the upper storeys contain hundreds of miniature images of Jain divinities. A number of Jain inscriptions can also be found within and outside the tower, dating it to 896 AD.

Constructed in Solanki style, the tower has many columned balconies, latticed arches, intricately carved niches and minute style windows. A narrow circular stairway leads to the top floor, equipped an observation hall, which offers a breath-taking panoramic view of the city of Chittor.

The Kirti Stambh, one of the renowned structures located within the boundaries of Chittorgarh, is considered as one of the major pilgrimage sites for followers of the Jainism and the only surviving tower from its period in north India.