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Gwalior City is a District in Madhya Pradesh State near Âgra. The new
section of the city called Lashkar. Lashkar is few miles South from the
old city. It is the site of factories producing cotton, yarn, paint,
ceramics, chemicals, and leather products. The nucleus of Gwalior is a
citadel crowning an isolated rock about 91 m (300 ft) high, 3.2 km (2 mi)
long, and 823 m (2700 ft) wide. The rock is said to have been a strong
hold for more than Ten Centuries and Old city is located in the Eastern
base of the rock. The old city is covered with white sandstone Mosque,
Palaces, rock temples and statues of archaeological and architectural
interest. The Jiwaji University was built in Gwalior in the year 1964.
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.
According to Census 1991, population of the District was 692,982.
Gwalior's history is traced back to a legend in 8th century AD when a
chief tain 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 by his name. The new city of Gwalior became existance 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. The city is also the setting for the memorials of
freedom fighters such as Tatya Tope and the indomitable Rani of Jhansi.
Today the old settings stand side by side with the trappings of modernity.
The Fort Gwalior
Standing on a steep mass of sandstone, Gwalior Fort dominates the city and
is its most significant monument. It has been 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 Gwalior
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 A.D. 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 . The statue is kept in the custody of the museum's curator, and
can be seen on request.
Man Mandir Palace Gwalior
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 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.
Ghaus Mohammed's Tomb Gwalior
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.
Man Mandir Palace Gwalior
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 Rajpit tradition, the ranis
committed mass sati after their consorts had been defeated in 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.
Gurudwara Data Bandhi Chhod Gwalior
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.
Distance from Railway Station / Bus Stand : 6.00 Kms Approx.
Gopachal Gwalior
Gopachal Parvat - situated on the Mountain Area at slopes of Gwalior Fort
carries unique statue of Jain Tirthankars. The largest Idol of Bhagwan
Parshwanath on Lotus is the largest statue(in single stone piece) in the
world, being 47 feet high and 30 feet in width. 26 Jain statues in a
series give a beautiful and attractivce picturescue. Built between 1398 to
1536 by Tomar Kings - these Jain Tirthankars Statues are a species of
Architecture and a treasure of Old Indian heritage and culture. Distance
from Railway Station / Bus Stand : 2.00 Kms Approx.
Sun Temple Gwalior
Located near the Residency at Morar, the newly constructed Sun Temple
takes its inspiration from the famous Konark Sun Temple in Orissa.
Distance from Railway Station / Bus Stand : 5.00 Kms. Approx.
Sarod Ghar Gwalior
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
Indian Masters of yesteryears.It also houses an impressive collection of
photographs and documents.
Sarod Ghar is a unique institution devoted to promoting Indian classical
music, heritage and culture. Through this 'window' to the past , music
lovers can gain a better understanding of the evolution and history of our
classical music and a deeper perspective and insight into the context of
the art as it exists today.
Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan Memorial Trust, Hafiz Ali Khan Road, Jiwaji Ganj,
Lashkar, Gwalior - 474001,
Timings : 10.00 AM to 5:00 PM (Lunch time : 1:30 PM to 2.00 PM),
Distance from Railway Station / Bus Stand : 5-6 Kms. Approx.
Jai Vilas Palace and Museum Gwalior
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, 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 tonnes, 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
cutglass 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 momentoes 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
unparalled glimpse into the rich culture and lifestyle of princely India.
Timings : 10.00 AM to 5:00 PM : Wensday Closed,
Distance from Railway Station / Bus Stand : 1.5 -2 Kms. Approx.
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