Gwalior is a historical city and a major city of the state located in the Gwalior district of Madhya Pradesh state of India. Geographically Gwalior Madhya Pradesh. Located in the north of the state. This city and its famous fort have been the center of the ancient cities of North India. This city has been the capital of the Gurjara-Pratihar dynasty, Tomar and Kachwaha. Gwalior has been selected as one of the hundred Indian cities to be developed as a smart city under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's flagship Smart Cities Mission.
There is a history hidden behind the name of Gwalior city. Surajsen, who became a king in the sixth century, once was on his deathbed suffering from an unknown disease, then a saint named Gwalipa cured him and gave him life. The foundation of this city was laid in his honor and it was named Gwalior. It is said that 83 descendants of Surajsen Pal ruled the fort, but the 84th, named Tej Karan, lost it.
While Gwalia remains in the news due to its history, it has a different status from a tourism point of view. Today we are going to give our readers information about some of its places which are excellent for visiting.
Maharaja Man Singh's Fort (Gwalior Fort)
This fort made of sandstone is visible from every direction of the city and is the most important monument of the city. To reach this fort built on a high plateau, one has to go through a narrow road with a very steep slope. The huge sculptures of Jain Tirthankaras are carved very beautifully and intricately on the big rocks around this road. The three hundred feet height of the fort is a witness to the invincibility of this fort. Amazing examples of medieval architecture are located in the inner parts of this fort. Gujri Mahal, built in the fifteenth century, is one of them which is a symbol of the intense love of Rajput king Mansingh Tomar and Gurjar queen Mriganayani. The external part of this palace has been preserved in its original form by the State Archeology Department, but the internal part has been converted into a museum where rare ancient sculptures are kept which according to carbon dating are from the first century AD. These rare sculptures have been obtained from the areas around Gwalior. Gwalior Fort is located 120 km away from Agra. It is called the 'Gibraltar of India'.
Teli Temple
A unique architectural specimen built in the 9th century is the Teli temple of Lord Vishnu, which is 100 feet high. It is a unique confluence of Dravidian architecture and Aryan architecture.
Manmandir Mahal
It was built between 1486 and 1517 by the illustrious Raja Mansingh of Gwalior. Time has taken away the grandeur of this fort decorated with beautiful colorful tiles, but in some of its internal and external parts, the remains of excellent artworks made by these blue, yellow, green, and white tiles still indicate the grand past of this fort. Apart from being a mighty warrior, Mansingh was also a lover of fine arts and knowledgeable about architectural styles. His reign is called the golden age of Gwalior. The past still vibrates in the huge chambers of this fort. Here there is a music hall made of latticed walls, behind which the women of the royal family used to enjoy musical concerts and learn music in the Zenana chambers built behind them. There is a prison in the basements of this palace, history says that Aurangzeb had imprisoned his brother Murad here and later got him executed. Jauhar Kund is also located here. Apart from this, there is a pond in the fort named after the first ruler of this city, 'Suraj Kund'. There is a temple of Lord Vishnu called 'Sahasrabahu Ka Temple', which is now also known as the Mother-in-Law's Temple. Apart from this, there is a beautiful Gurudwara which was built in the memory of Guru Hargobind Ji, the sixth Guru of the Sikhs, who was kept captive here by Jahangir for two years.
Jai Vilas Palace and Museum
This is not only the current residence of the Scindia royal family but also a grand museum. 35 rooms of this palace have been converted into a museum. Most parts of this palace are influenced by Italian architecture. The famous Durbar Hall of the palace is a witness to the grand past of this palace, the weight of the two chandeliers installed here is two tons each, it is said that they were hung when ten elephants were mounted on the roof and the strong of the roof was measured. Another famous thing of this museum is the silver train whose tracks run on the dining table and during special feasts this train serves drinks. Rare artifacts from Italy, France, China, and many other countries are here.
Tansen Memorial
Tansen was one of the best musicians in India and was a prominent singer in the court of Akbar throughout the Middle Ages. He was also one of the nine pearls of the Mughal court. According to legend, Tansen could summon magic, bring rain and even charm animals with his songs. He learned Hindustani classical music from Mohammed Ghaus, a teacher who was his teacher. He composed the musical style of Gwalior Gharana and supported the Dhrupad style. He was buried near his master in a magnificent architectural monument. Every year in November, the Tansen Music Festival is held here, in which well-known artists from across the country come to play in various classical performances.
Gopachal Mountain
Gopachal Mountain, in the area of Gwalior Fort, is a unique place of ancient artistic Jain sculpture group. Thousands of huge trees here. Jain Statues No. From 1398 to no. The mountain was carved in 1536. These huge statues were built during the reign of Tomarvanshi kings Veeramdev, Dungarsingh, and Kirtisingh. He gained fame in the company of the great poet of Apabhramsha, Pt. Raidhu.
Jhansi Maharani Laxmibai Samadhi Sthan
Rani Lakshmibai Memorial is in the Pada area of the city. It is said that here the army of Jhansi's queen Veerangana Maharani Lakshmi Bai camped while fighting the British and sought help from the then ruler of this place, Maharaja Jayajirao Shinde alias Scindia, but the rulers of this place, which were always under the dominance of the Mughals and the British, could not help them and She attained martyrdom here on June 17, 1858, at sunset in Phulbagh of Sarai in Kota. Queen Lakshmibai was cremated secretly in the monastery of Baba Gangadas Maharaj. To avoid any expense in his funeral, 745 Sadhus fought against the British and became immortal forever. There is a monument of his grand horse-drawn effigy at the same place.
Saas Bahu Temple
The real name of Saas Bahu Temple located in Gwalior is Sahastrabahu Temple based on Lord Vishnu. However, over time, due to wrong pronunciation, this temple has come to be called Saas Bahu Temple. The name of this temple built in the 9th century is included among the famous tourist places of Gwalior. At the same time, Sahastrabahu Temple is one of the favorite places of tourists due to its magnificent carvings. This temple was built during the reign of King Mahipala of the Kachchhapaghata Dynasty, who prayed to Lord Brahma for a prosperous and successful kingdom.
Sun Temple
The Sun Temple here, included among the tourist places of Gwalior, is dedicated to Lord Sun. Surya Mandir is one of the most magnificent temples of Gwalior and at the same time, this temple has magnificent architecture which is astonishing. The Sun Temple was constructed during the year 1988 by a famous industrialist GD Birla. There is a long queue of tourists coming to the Sun Temple throughout the year.
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