Gwalior Tourism
Places of Interest in Gwalior
Teli Ka Mandir and Sas Bahu Ka Mandir: The 9th 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 charactereistics of northern India.
Also dedicated to Vishnu is the graceful Sas-Bahu Ka Mandir built in the 11
th century.
The Fort: Standing on a steep mass of sandstone, Gwalior Fort dominates
the city and is its most magnificent monument. 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 tirthankaras, carved into the rock face.
The magnificent outer walls of the fort still stand, two miles in length and
35 feet gigh, bearing witness to its reputation for being one of the most invincible
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 desribe it as "the pearl amongst the
fortrssess of Hind."
Madhya Pradesh Tourism runs Sound and Light Show near Man Mandir in Hindi and
English every evening. Amitabh Bachchan, the Indian superstar, narrates the
story of Gwalior in his mesmerizing voice.
Gujari Mahal: Within the fort are some marvels of medieval architecture.
The 15th Century Gujari Mahal is a monument to the love of Raja Mashing 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 an Archaeoligical Museum housing rare antiquities, some of them
dating back to the Ist contury 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, 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 once adorned its exterior have
not survived, but at the entrance, traces 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 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 day 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: Though major protions of the fort were built in the 15th
century, references 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.
Gurudwara Data Bandhi Chhod: Built in the momory of guru Hargobind Saheb,
the 6th Sikh Guru who was imprisoned here by Emperor Jehangir for over two years.
Jai vilas Palace and Museum: A splendour of a different kind exists in
the Jai Vilas Palace, current residence of the Sciindia 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. 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 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 Aurangzed and Shah Jahan.
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 the 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 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.
Memorials: Ther earliest freedom fighers, Tatya Tope and the indomitable
Rani of Jhansi, are commemorated in memorials in Gwalior. There are cenotaphs
at major public crossings, memorials of Scindia kinjgs and queens. Throughout
the city, there are these reminders of a pround past, of the great men and womenof
Gwalior who have their place in the nations'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 Indian Masters of yesteryears. Sun Temple: Located near the Residency
at Morar, the newly constructed Sun Temple takes its inspiration from the famous
Konark sun Temple in Orissa.
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