The tower was constructed by the Hindu Rajput king Rana Kumbha of Mewar in 1448 CE to commemorate his victory over the army of Malwa led by Mahmud Khilji in the Battle of Sarangpur.

[1][2] Colonel James Todd considered it one of the finest examples of Hindu Rajput architecture & superior to Qutub Minar.

Sultan Mahmud Khilji remained a prisoner in Chittor for a period of six months, after which he was liberated with ransom by Rana Kumbha.

The inscribed slabs in the uppermost storey containing a detailed genealogy of the rulers of Chittaur and their deeds is ascribed to Rana Kumbha court scholar, Atri and his son Mahesh.

The names of the architect, Sutradhar Jaita and his three sons who assisted him, Napa, Puja, and Poma, are carved on the fifth floor of the tower.