A Living Heritage of Heroism – Gwalior

The ancient capital of Gwalior is steeped in the splendor of its past. A multitude of reigning dynastic, of the great Rajput clans of Pratiharas, kachwahas and Tomaras have left indelible the magnificent momentoes of a glorious past have been preserved with care, giving Gwalior a unique and timeless appeal.

Gwalior’s history is tracked back to a legend. In 8 A.D. a chieftain called Suraj 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 of great dynasties and with each, the city gained new dimensions from warrior kings, poets, musicians and saints, contributing to making it a capital renowned throughout the country. Today, Gwalior is a modern Indian city, vibrant and bustling.

WHAT TO SEE

The Fort: Standing on a steep mass of sandstone, Gwalior Fort dominates the city and its most magnificent. It has been the scene of momentous events: imprisonments, battles and jauhars.

A steep road winds upwards to the fort, flanked by statues of the Jain tirhankaras, carved into the rock face. The magnifivent 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 15^th Century Gujari Mahal is a monument to the love of Raja Mansingh Tomar for his intrepid Gujar queen, Mrignayni. The outer structure of Gujari Mahal has survived in an almost total state of preservation; the interior has been converted in to an Archaeological Museum housing rare antiquities, some of them dating back to to the 1^st century AD. Even through many of these have been defaced by the iconoclastc Mughals, their perfection of form has survived the ravages of time. Particularly worth seeing is the statue of Shalbhanjika from Gyaraspur, the tree goddess, epitome of perfection in miniature. The Statue is kept in the custody of the museum’s curator, and can be seen on request.

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, imprisoned, and later executed here. Close by is Jauhar Pond, where, in the Rajput tradition, the ranis committed mass sati after their consorts had been defeated in the battle. 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.

Suraj Kund : Through major portions of the fort were built in the 15^th century, reference to this gigantic complex can be traced back to 425 A.D. Older than the city is the Suraj Kund within the Fort walls, the original pond where Suraj Sen, or Suraj Pal as he was later known, was cured by saint Gwalipa.

Teli Ka Mandir and Sas Bahu Ka Mandir : The 9^th century Teli ka Mandir, towering 100ft high, is a Pratihara Vishnu temple of a unique blending of architectural styles, The shape of the roof is distinctively Dravidian, while the decorative embellishments have the typically Indo Aryan characteristics of northem India.

Also dedicated to Vishnu is the graceful Sas-Bahu Ka Mandir built in the 11^th century.

Gurudwara Data Bandhi Chhod : Built in the memory of Guru Hargobind Saheb, the 6^th Sikh Guru who was imprisoned here by Emperor Jahangir for over two years.

Jaivilas Palace and Museum :  A splendor of a different kind exists in the Jaivilas Palace, current residence of the Scindia family. Some 35 rooms have been turned into the Jivaji Rao Scindia Museum, and in these rooms, so evocative of a regal lifestyle, the past comes alive. Jaivilas is an Italianate structure which combines the Tuscan and Corinthian architectural modes. The imposing Darbar Hall has two central chandeliers weighting three and a half tones each and hung only after ten elephants had tested the strength to the roof. Ceilings picked out in gilt, heavy draperies and tapestries, fine Persian carpets and antique furniture from france snd Itally are feature of these spacious rooms. Eye-catching include: a silver train with cutglass wagons which served guests as it chugged around the table on miniature rails; a glass cradie from Itally used for the baby Krishna each Janmashtmi, silver dinner services and swords that were once worn by Aurangzeb and Shah Jehan.

There are besides personal mementoes 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.

Tansen’s Tomb : A pillar of Hindustani classical music, the great Tansen, one of the ‘nine jewels’ of Akbar’s court, lies buried in Gwalior. The memorial to this great musician has a pristine simplicity, and is built in early Mughal architectural style. More than a monument, the tomb is part of Gwalior’s living cultural heritage: it is the venue of a music festival on a national scale held annually in November – December.

Ghaus Mohammed’s Tomb:  The sandstone mausoleum of the Afghan prience, Ghaus Mohammed is also designed on early Mughal lines. Particularly exquisite are the screens which use the pierced stone technique as delicate as lace.

Memorials: The earliest freedom fighters, Tatya Tope and the indomitable Rani of Jhansi, are commemorated in memorials in Gwalior. There are cenotaphs at major public crossings, memorials of Scindia kings and queens. Throughout the city, there are these reminders of proud past, of the great men and women of Gwalior who has their place in the nation’s roll of honour.

Kala Vithika and Municipal Museum: The Kala Vithika is another treasure house of the arts. It remains closed on Sundays and public holidays. The Municipal Corporation Museum, open all days except Mondays, has a very fine natural history section.

Sarod Ghar : This museum of music has been set up in the old ancestral house of the legendary Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan. It houses ancient instruments of the great India masters of yesteryear's.

Sun Temple: Located near the Residency at Morar, the sun Temple takes its inspiration from the famous Konark Sun Temple in Orissa.

Excursions

Bateshwar Group of Temples: (40 Km via Malanpur)

The Bateshwar Group of Temples consists of large number of temples in various states of preservation. Most of these are single cell shrines with shikharas, surmounted by amalakas. The main temple here is known as the Bhuteshwar Mahadev Temple. The temples at Bateswara belong to Pratihara and Kachapaghata period spanning between 8^th and 12^th century AD.

Sihoniya (Kakanmath Temple) – 90 km via Morena

The Shiva Temple locally known as Kakanmath is built on a spacious platform which, on plan consists of sanctum, a pillared hall and a porch. The lofty spire now partly in ruins was covered with sculptures and artistic designs. The pillars in the halls are a massive, fall and majestic covered with fine decorative carvings. The temple is dated to 11^th century AD.

Padavli – 38 km via Malanpur

The fortress at Padavli was built by the Jat Ranas of Gohad. Among the most conspicuous architecture at this site in the temple inside the fortress. This Shiva temple consists of Mandapa with intricately carved ceiling and study pillars. The temple is embellished with depiction of Mythological scenes from the Ramayana. It is dated to the reign of Kachhapghatta rulers

Mitavli – 40km via Malanoy

The temple stands on a circular platform in an open court enclosed by a circular wall with small cells and colonnade in side with a Shiva image in each cell. It is dated to the 14^th century AD. On the basis of an inscription dated to V.S. 1380 (1323 AD,  it can be claimed that the temple was built by the erstwhile ruler Maharaja Devapala. This type of circular architecture is unique to the Gwalior region.

HOW TO REACH

BY Air: Gwalior is connected to Delhi and Jabalpur.

BY Rail:  Gwalior is on the Central Railway’s main Delhi- Mumbai and Delhi- Chennai lines. Among other major trains, the Taj and Shatabdi Expresses connected Gwalior with Delhi and Agra.

BY Road: Gwalior is connected by regular bus services with Agra, mathus, Jaipur, Delhi, Lucknow, Bhopal, Chanderi, Indore, Jhansi, Khajuraho, Rewa, Ujjain and Shivpuri.

This Article written by Madhya Pradesh Toursim and Posted by MakeYouTravel.com, which provides the International Travel Package and Domestic Travel Packages