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.
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.
We have taken Taj express from Nizamudden Railway Station at 7.10 am 25th December 08 ( Chair Car - INR Rs. 110) and reached Gwalior around 1 pm. Then we take an auto (INR Rs 25) to reach Mahima Palace hotel near railway platform no 4 and booked two double bedded non ac room (Each room costing INR Rs. 400). After lunch we started our tour to visit major tourist spots in gwalior, which are listed below -
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 includeA 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.
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 ".
The FortStanding 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 ".
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
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
Sas-Bahu Temples
As the name suggests, the Sas-Bahu temples, located on the other part of the fort, are not dedicated to a mother-in-law (Sas) and daughter-in-law (Bahu). Sas-Bahu is the name given to two adjacent temples of different sizes. The larger of the two is ornately decorated and sculpted with beautiful statuettes and intricate patterns.
Teli-ka-Mandir
The ninth century temple of Teli-ka-Mandir, built in Dravidian form, is believed to be the oldest in the fort. The sculptures are particularly North Indian. Devoted to Lord Vishnu, a figure of garuda (mythical bird) resides on top of the 10-metre-high doorway.
Suraj Kund
Constructed in the 15th century, the Suraj Kund complex dates back to as early as AD 425. This is considered to be the place where Sage Gwalipa healed Suraj Sen of leprosy with the waters of this pool.
Tomb of Mohammad Ghaus
Another tourist attraction in Gwalior is the tomb of Mohammad Ghaus, a saint of the Islamic faith of the 16th century. Associating hardly any importance from a historical point of view, the tomb exudes sheer beauty. The stone carvings in the panels of screen work create a magical charm.
Memorial of Tansen
Next to the tomb of Ghaus is located another small tomb – the Memorial of Tansen. This is the memorial built to commemorate Tansen, the great musician and one of the nine gems of Akbar’s court. It is here that the annual Tansen Sangeet Samaroh, a world-renowned music festival, is held.
On the next day we take a 3 hr long bad bus ride to shivpuri... To be continued...
