Gwalior
Gwalior, a historical Indian city is located on the periphery of Madhya Pradesh state in India. This fort city is 321 km away from Delhi, the capital city of India and 121 km from Agra. The new city consists of three major areas namely, Lashkar, Morar and Gwalior. Lashkar dominates in business activities while Morar is a busy market place for farmers and villagers of adjoining areas, while Gwalior has most of the tourist spots.
History:
Gwalior has a turbulent history which can be traced back to the 8th century AD. During that time, Suraj Sen, the chief of Kachwaha clan suffered from a deadly disease. A hermit-saint, named Gwalipa cured the chief. Later in gratitude, Suraj Sen founded this city and gave it the saint’s name. This city is located in the strategic position between north and south parts of India. It was captured and ruled by various great dynasties, right from the Huns to the Scindias. The city has memorials which were built to pay homage to the freedom fighters like Tatya Tope and the indomitable Rani of Jhansi. Today, Gwalior is famous for the educational institutes, which pulls lots of students from many parts of India.
Gwalior Fort:
The city is rich in heritage and architectural marvels. The most significant monument of the city, Gwalior fort, stands on a steep mass of sandstone that overlooks the city. The magnificent outer walls of the fort are of 2 miles long and 35 feet high. This fort has been a scene of momentous events like, imprisonment, battles and jauhars. The Mughal emperor Babur is said to have described it as “The pearl in the necklace of the forts of Hind”. Man Mandir Palace is the fort’s piece de resistance. It was built by Raja Man Singh Tomar between 1486 and 1517. It is a delicate structure exhibiting a sense of joy and abandon through use of color, motif, and design. At this palace, a poignant ambience of those days of chivalry and heroism still lingers in the silent chambers.
Gujar Mahal:
If Man Mandir reflects Raja Man Singh’s aesthetic sensibilities, Gujar Mahal reflects his love for the Gujar Queen, Mrignayani. This palace has now been converted into a museum housing valuable Jain and Hindu antiques, which date back to the 1st century AD.
Gurudwara Data Bandhi Chhod:
Gurudwara Data Bandhi Chhod was built in the memory of 6th Sikh Guru named Guru Hargobind Singh. It is located in the Gwalior fort. On the hilly slopes of Gwalior fort one can see Gopachal Parvat which has unique statues of Jain Tirthankars. It also has the world’s largest idol of Bhagwan Parshwanath which is sculptured out of a single stone piece. It is 47 feet high and 30 feet wide. It is accompanied by a series of 26 Jain statues.
Morar Sun Temple:
This Sun temple, similar to the Konark Sun temple in Orissa state, is located at Morar near Gwalior.
Sarod Ghar:
Sarod Ghar, the museum of music is a unique institution devoted to promote Indian classical music, heritage and culture. This museum has been set up in the ancestral house of the legendary Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan.
Jai Vilas Palace:
The Jai Vilas Palace is an Italian structure which combines the Tuscan and Corinthian architectural modes. This palace is the current residence of the Scindia family. Some rooms here have also been turned into Jivaji Rao Scindia museum. The museum gives a glimpse of the rich culture and lifestyle of princely India.
This city is well connected to the rest of India through the airport. Also it is located in the main Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Chennai rail link. Taxis and mini buses are the cheapest mode of transport here.
History:
Gwalior has a turbulent history which can be traced back to the 8th century AD. During that time, Suraj Sen, the chief of Kachwaha clan suffered from a deadly disease. A hermit-saint, named Gwalipa cured the chief. Later in gratitude, Suraj Sen founded this city and gave it the saint’s name. This city is located in the strategic position between north and south parts of India. It was captured and ruled by various great dynasties, right from the Huns to the Scindias. The city has memorials which were built to pay homage to the freedom fighters like Tatya Tope and the indomitable Rani of Jhansi. Today, Gwalior is famous for the educational institutes, which pulls lots of students from many parts of India.
Gwalior Fort:
The city is rich in heritage and architectural marvels. The most significant monument of the city, Gwalior fort, stands on a steep mass of sandstone that overlooks the city. The magnificent outer walls of the fort are of 2 miles long and 35 feet high. This fort has been a scene of momentous events like, imprisonment, battles and jauhars. The Mughal emperor Babur is said to have described it as “The pearl in the necklace of the forts of Hind”. Man Mandir Palace is the fort’s piece de resistance. It was built by Raja Man Singh Tomar between 1486 and 1517. It is a delicate structure exhibiting a sense of joy and abandon through use of color, motif, and design. At this palace, a poignant ambience of those days of chivalry and heroism still lingers in the silent chambers.
Gujar Mahal:
If Man Mandir reflects Raja Man Singh’s aesthetic sensibilities, Gujar Mahal reflects his love for the Gujar Queen, Mrignayani. This palace has now been converted into a museum housing valuable Jain and Hindu antiques, which date back to the 1st century AD.
Gurudwara Data Bandhi Chhod:
Gurudwara Data Bandhi Chhod was built in the memory of 6th Sikh Guru named Guru Hargobind Singh. It is located in the Gwalior fort. On the hilly slopes of Gwalior fort one can see Gopachal Parvat which has unique statues of Jain Tirthankars. It also has the world’s largest idol of Bhagwan Parshwanath which is sculptured out of a single stone piece. It is 47 feet high and 30 feet wide. It is accompanied by a series of 26 Jain statues.
Morar Sun Temple:
This Sun temple, similar to the Konark Sun temple in Orissa state, is located at Morar near Gwalior.
Sarod Ghar:
Sarod Ghar, the museum of music is a unique institution devoted to promote Indian classical music, heritage and culture. This museum has been set up in the ancestral house of the legendary Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan.
Jai Vilas Palace:
The Jai Vilas Palace is an Italian structure which combines the Tuscan and Corinthian architectural modes. This palace is the current residence of the Scindia family. Some rooms here have also been turned into Jivaji Rao Scindia museum. The museum gives a glimpse of the rich culture and lifestyle of princely India.
This city is well connected to the rest of India through the airport. Also it is located in the main Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Chennai rail link. Taxis and mini buses are the cheapest mode of transport here.
