A Heritage of Heroism
Gwalior is steeped in the splendour of its past. A multitude of
reigning dynasties of the great Rajput clans-the Pratiharas
Kachwahas and Tomars have left an indelible etching of their rule in
this city of Palaces, temples and grand monuments. The magnificent
momentoes of a glorious past have been preserved with care giving
Gwalior a unique and timeless appeal.
Gwalior’s history is traced back to a legend. In the 8th century AD
a chieftain called Surj Sen was stricken by a deadly disease. He was
cured by a hermit saint Gwalipa and in gratitude founded a city
which he named after the saint who had given him the gift of a new
life. The new city of Gwalior became over the centuries the cradle
for great dynasties and with each dynasty the city gained a new
dimension. Warrior kings, poets,
Musicians and saints contributed to make it a capital renowned
throughout the country. Today it’s a modern Indian city vibrant and
bustling. Gwalior is dominated by its fort or Kila which tops the
long hill to the north of Lashkar the new town. The old town clings
to the hill northeast of the fort. It is mainly famous for its old
and very large fort. Within the fort walls are several interesting
temples and ruined palaces. The dramatic and colourful history of
the great fort goes back over 1000 years. The colourful hill fort of
Gwalior was the key to control of the Central Provinces.
Places of attraction
Gwalior Fort: Built by Raja Mansingh Tomar Gwalior Fort dominates
the city like a great monolith. It is one of the finest citadels of
India. Emperor Babur described it as ‘the pearl amongst the
fortresses of Hind’. The fort contains some of the best specimens of
medieval architecture in the country.
Within the fort are some marvels of the medieval architecture.
The fort stands on a sandstone precipice 91 mts. above the
surrounding Plain. The main entrance to the north comprised a
twisting easily defended approach. On the west is the Urwahi gorge
and another well-guarded entrance.
Apart from its natural defences Gwalior had the advantage of
unlimited water supply with many tanks on the plateau. The first
Mughal Emperor Babur described it as “the pearl among the fortresses
of Hind”.
Rising 100mts. Above the town the fort hill is about 3kms long. The
walls which encircle almost the entire hilltop are 10 mts. high and
imposingly solid. Beneath them the hill face is a sheer drop away to
the plains.
An atmospheric sound and light show is held every evening at the
open-air amphitheatre outside the Man Singh Palace.
Gujari Mahal: Built by Raja Mansingh for his Gujar queen, Mrignayani,
the interior now has been converted into an Archaeological Museum.
Man Mandir Palace: North of the Sasbahu, the palace, a delightfully
whimsical building is also known as the Chit Mandir, or Painted
Palace, because of the tiled and painted decorations of ducks
elephants and peacocks. Built between 1486 and 1517 by Raja Mansingh.
It has vast chambers with fine stone screens. These were once the
music halls, and behind these screens the royal ladies used to learn
music from the great masters of the day. Emperor Aurangzeb and later
executed here.
Interestingly in addition to the two storeys above-ground there are
two underground floors which provided refuge from hot weather and
acted as circular dungeons when required.
There is a small museum next to the Man Singh Palace housing
sculptures and carvings from around the fort.
Jai Vilas Palace and Museum: The current residence of Scindia
family.Jai Vilas is an Italian structure with Tuscan and Corinthian
architecture modes. The imposing Durbar Hall has two central
chandeliers weighing a couple of tones. Part of this palace has been
converted into a museum now. It’s full of bizarre items Hollywood
maharajas are supposed to collect such as Belgian cut-glass
furniture and what looks like half the tiger population of India all
shot stuffed and moth-eaten. Then there is a little room full of
erotica including a life-sized marble statue of Leda having her way
with a swan. The main durbar hall is impressive. The gold paint used
around the room.
Old Town: The Old Town of Gwalior is situated to the north of the
fort hill. The 1661 Jama Masjid is a fine old building. Constructed
of sandstone quarried from the fort hill. On the eastern quarried
from the fort hill. On the eastern side of town is the tomb of
Mohammed Gaus a Muslims saint who played a key role in Babur’s
acquisition of the fort. Nearby is the smaller tomb of Tansen a
singer much admired by Akbar.
Teli Ka Mandir: The name probably means ‘oil man’s temple’. This
temple probably dates from the 9th century but has been restored.
This is the earliest temple in Gwalior.Its peculiar design
incorporates a Dravidian roof with Indo-Aryan decorations (the whole
temple is covered with sculptures). A Garuda tops the 10mts. high
doorway. The southern part of the fort is now a boarding school.
Sas Bahu ka Mandir: This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The Sasbahu or Mother-in-Law temples stand close to the eastern wall
about midway along that side of the fort. The two temples are
similar in style and date from the 9th to 11th centuries. The larger
temple has an ornately carved base and four huge pillars support the
heavy roof.
Other places of interest include Tombs of Tansen and Ghaus Mohammad
Chhatris and the newly built Sun Temple.
Local Festival
The Tansen Music Festival is held around October/November each year
and attracts classical musicians and vocalists from all over India.
Free performances are usually staged at Tansen’s tomb in the old
town.
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