Gwalior a historical Indian city is located on the
periphery of Madhya Pradesh. Gwalior is a composite entity of three urban
sections: Gwalior the old city, Morar the cantonment area and Lashkar the
new city. The new section Lashkar has developed as the prime area and bazaar
with teeming factories, lucrative market complexes and show-rooms and
administrative headquarters of Gwalior district and Chambal range. The old
city of Gwalior embraces places and monuments of archaeological and
architectural value. Morar has the famous Sun Temple and is a well-equipped
military area with small but systematic market places.
Gwaliors proximity with Delhi and Agra is 321 Kms and 121 Kms respectively
which makes it the most sought after tourist destination.
A
Brief History
Gwalior's history is traced back to a legend in 8th century AD when a
chieftain known as Suraj Sen was struck by a deadly disease and cured by a
hermit-saint Gwalipa. As a gratitude for that incidence, he founded this
city on his name. The new city of Gwalior became existence over the
centuries. The cradle of great dynasties ruled the city Gwalior. With
different Dynasty, the city gained a new dimension from the warrior kings,
poets, musicians, and saints who contributed to making it renowned
throughout the country. Gwalior City was the Capital of the princely State
of Gwalior until 1948 and the summer Capital of Madhya Bharat State from
1948 to 1956. When Madhya Bharat became part of Madhya Pradesh, it become
separate District.
Best Season to visit
The best time to visit Gwalior is from October to March as the climate of
Gwalior is extreme hot in summer and cold in winter. The maximum temperature
during the summer months can touch a high of 46°C, while in the winters
it dips down to below 5°C. Monsoon starts from the first week of June
and remains there till August/September.
Tourist Places of Gwalior
The Fort
Standing on a steep mass of sandstone, Gwalior Fort dominates the city
and is its most significant monument. It has been in the scene of momentous
events, imprisonment, battles and jauhars . A steep road winds upwards to
the fort, flanked by statues of the Jain tirthankaras, carved into the rock
face. The magnificent outer walls of the fort still stand, two miles in
length and 35 feet high, bearing witness to its reputation for being one of
the most invincible forts of India. This imposing structure inspired Emperor
Babur to describe it as " the pearl amongst the fortresses of Hind ".
Memorial
of Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi
This memorial stands near Phoolbagh. One of the most famous ladies in the
entire History of India, Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi laid down her life in
Gwalior. Laxmibai was one of the leaders in the first freedom struggle of
India. Rani of Jhansi, Laxmibai came to Gwalior when general Huroz of
British army defeated Laxmibai in Kalpi. Maharaja Scindhia of Gwalior
betrayed Laxmibai. He gave her a weak horse. Sensing something-fishy
Laxmibai decided to leave Gwalior. She made the supreme sacrifice while
fighting British, on 18th June 1858.
Tomb of Tansen
This is the tomb of the father of Hindustani classical music, the great
Mian Tansen, one of the 'Nine Jewels' of Emperor Akbar's court. It is built
in the early Mughal architectural style and is surrounded by lush gardens in
typical Mughal style. There is a tamarind tree near the tomb. It is believed
that Tansen got fabulous voice after eating leaves of this tree so people
visiting the place also eat these leaves.
Jai Vilas Palace and Museum
A splendor of a different kind exists in the Jai Vilas Palace, current
residence of the Scindia family. Some 25 rooms have been turned into the
Jivaji Rao Scindia Museum, and in these rooms , so evocative of a regal
lifestyle, that the past comes alive. Jai Vilas is an Italianate structure
which combines the Tuscan and Corinthian architectural modes.
The imposing Darbar Hall has two central chandeliers weighing a couple of
tones, and hung only after ten elephants had tested the strength of the
roof. Ceilings picked out in gilt, heavy draperies and tapestries , fine
Persian carpets and antique furniture from France and Italy are the features
of these spacious rooms.
Eye catching treasures include
A silver train with cut glass wagons which served guests as it chugged
around the table on miniature rails; a glass cradle from Italy used for the
baby Krishna each Janmashtami, silver dinner services and swords that were
once worn by Aurangzeb and Shah Jahan. These are ,besides, personal
momentous of past members of the Scindia family : the jeweled slippers that
belonged to Chinkoo Rani , four-poster beds, gifts from practically every
country in the world, hunting trophies and portraits. The Scindia Museum
offers an unparalleled glimpse into the rich culture and lifestyle of
princely India.
Gujari Mahal
Within the fort are some marvels of medieval architecture. The 15th century
Gujari Mahal is a monument to the love of Raja Mansingh Tomar for his
intrepid Gujar Queen, Mrignayani. The outer structure of Gujari Mahal has
survived in an almost total state of preservation; the interior has been
converted into Archaeological Museum housing rare antiquities, some of them
dating back to the 1st century AD even though many of these have been
defaced by the iconoclastic Mughals, their perfection of form has survived
the ravages of time. Particularly worth seeing is the statue of Shalbhanjika
from Gyraspur, the tree goddess, the epitome of perfection in miniature .
Man Mandir Palace
Built
between 1486 and 1517 by Raja Mansingh. The tiles that once adorned its
exterior have not survived , but at the entrance , traces of these still
remain. Within the palace rooms stand bare, stripped of their former glory,
testifying to the passing of the centuries. Vast chambers with fine stone
screens were once the music halls, and behind these screens, the royal
ladies would learn music from the great masters of the day. Below, circular
dungeons housed the state prisoners of the Mughals. Emperor Aurangzeb had
his brother Murad were imprisoned , and later executed here. At Man Mandir
Palace, a poignant ambience of those days of chivalry and heroism still
lingers in the silent chambers. A superbly mounted Son-et-Lumiere here
brings it all alive every evening.
Ghaus Mohammed's Tomb
The sandstone mausoleum of the Afghan prince, Ghaus Mohammed, is also
designed on early Mughal lines. Particularly exquisite are the screens which
use the pierced stone technique as delicate as lace. It is on the way to
Gwalior fort near Hazira from Railway Station.
Gurudwara Data Bandhi Chhod
Built in the memory of Guru Hargobind Saheb , the 6th Sikh Guru who was
imprisoned here by Emperor Jehangir for over two years. It is located on the
Gwalior Fort
