Once the place was home to Chhatari Rajputs. Historically, it is believed that Chittorgarh was gifted to Bappa Rawal, a rajput ruler as a part of dowry when he married the princess of Solanki in the 8th century. Bappa Rawal was popularly known as the founder of Sisodia dynasty. Bappa and then his descendants controlled over the place till the 16th century. An interesting mythological story is also associated with the history of the district. It is believed that Bheem, one of the Pandavas, came to this place and learnt the secrets of immortality. Moreover, as per the local beliefs, Bheem kicked the ground and water came out of the earth at that place. Later, the place became a water reservoir and is presently well known as Bheemlat. In the 15th century, the place was under the rule of the Maurya Rajputs and served as a capital of Mewar till 1568 AD. Then the Mewars transferred their capital to Udaipur. The famous Chittorgarh fort was constructed by the Maurya rulers in the 7th century. Though the fort was attacked thrice by different rulers but fortunately it didn’t lose its original beauty.
Geographically, the district has a geographical area of 7,822 sq km and occupies the ranks 16th in the State and 105th in India on basis of this size. As per data recorded in the year 2019, the forest covers to 12.64% of the total geographical area of the district. It lies at 24°89'N latitude, 74°63'E longitude and 394 m altitude. The district is divided into two portions. Western portion is much larger than Eastern potion. The Western portion is bounded by Neemuch, Mandsaur, and Ratlam districts of Madhya Pradesh to the East, and the Rajasthan district of Pratapgarh to the South, Udaipur and Rajsamand to the East and Bhilwara to the North. The Eastern portion is bounded by Bhilwara, Bundi, and Kota districts of Rajasthan to the North and Neemuch district of Madhya Pradesh to the South and West. The prominent river that flows through the district is Banas. The climate of the district is extremely hot in the summer and fairly cold in the winters. The actual rainfall in the district was 1251.0 mm in the year of 2019-2020.
Administratively, the district is divided into 10 tehsils which are Chittorgarh, Rashmi, Gangrar, Begun, Kapasan, Rawatbhata, Dungla, Bhadesar, Bari Sadri and Nimbahera. Moreover, it has 7 towns and 1,730 villages. The district of Chittaurgarh came into existence in the state of Rajasthan with an allotted district code of 126. Hindi is its administrative language. Chittorgarh is its district Headquarter which is located at a distance of 310 km. from the State Capital.
Demographically, according to 2011 census, the district consists a total number of 3,26,449 households with a total population of 15,44,338 including 7,83,171 are males and 7,61,167 are females that causes it to rank 21st in the state and 323 in India. The population growth rate during the period 2001 to 2011 was 16.08% with 15.76% were males and 16.42% were females. The density of population of the district is 197 persons per sq km. The sex ratio stands at 972 (females per 1000 males) while the child ratio stands at 912 (females per 1000 males). As per 2011 census the percentage of major religion practiced by the people of this region is Hindu with 91.51% of the total population. According to 2011 census the principal language in the district is Hindi with 98.40%. In the year 2018 the number of live births in the district was 30,573 out of which 15,995 were males and 14,576 were females. In the same year the number of deaths in the district was 11,186 out of which 7,352 were males and 3,832 were females.
Economically, according to 2011 census, agriculture is the main source of income of the people of the district. Beside it, small scale industries are also available here. It is one of the districts which are receiving Backward Region Grant Fund (BRGF). The Gross Domestic Product in the district during 2016-17 was Rs. 17,20,699 lakh at current price and Rs. 12,63,684 lakh at constant prices during 2011-2012. The Net Domestic Product in the district during 2016-17 was Rs. 15,54,147 lakh at current price and Rs. 11,32,267 lakh at constant prices during 2011-2012. The Per Capita Income or NDDP, at factor cost during 2016-17 was Rs. 92,895 lakh at current price and Rs. 67,678 lakh at constant prices during 2011-2012.
Educationally, according to 2011 census, the percentage of literate persons is 61.71% with 76.61% are males and 46.53% are females. The total literate population of the district is 8,21,825 including 5,14,851 were males and 3,06,974 were females. There are a number of Government and Private higher educational institutions, schools and P.G. Colleges in the district. Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Mandaphia, situated in Mandaphia town of Chittorgarh district. It provides the good high quality education without any discrimination of socio-economic conditions. It was started on August 22nd, 1987. It organizes an entrance exam on the district level. It is administrated under the Jaipur region of Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti. Computer Science Students are prepared for entry into the National Defense Academy in ‘Sainik School, Chittorgarh’ which was established in 1961. It is administered by Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), New Delhi. NCC (National Cadet Corps) is mandatory here. Mevar University has a campus in Chittorgarh. Mewar University is promoted by the Mewar Education Society (MES). It is administrated by MSE Board of Management, is headed by Chairperson Shri Ashok Kumar Gadiya. It provides various courses in Engineering & Technology, Computer Science and System Studies, Commerce, Science & Technology, Legal Studies, Humanities, Social Science & Fine Arts, Mass & Media Communication, and Mass & Media Communication etc.
The district has several key personalities in politics. One famous person is Shrichand Kriplani. He was born on July 18, 1958 in Chittorgarh. He is a member of the 14th Lok Sabha of India he belongs to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
During 2018, there were 4,673 foreign tourists and 7,31,733 domestic tourists who visited historical and religious places of the district. These places are Chittaurgarh Fort, Kirti Stambh Tower of Fame, Meera Temple, Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary, Padmini's Palace, RanaKumbha Palace, Gaumukh Reservoir, Fateh Prakash Palace Museum, and Vijaya Stambh Victory Tower which attract tourist from worldwide.