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• Gwalior - rich in heritage
• Gwalior Fort - the pearl amongst fortresses in India

Gwalior - rich in heritage

     Gwalior: The timeless mementos of the bygone ages lie carefully preserved in the heart of Gwalior to give it a post-modern look- a blend of tradition and modernity. Its rich repertoire of ancient monuments such as forts, mausoleums and palaces make it a major tourist attraction among Indians and foreigners. Its historical monuments such as Gwalior Fort, the mausoleum of Ghaus Mohammed, Tomb of Tansen, Jai Vilas Palace and Sun Temple draw the attention of tourists. The Mughal Emperor Babar referred to the Gwalior Fort as "the pearl amongst fortresses in India" and although some people may beg to differ but everybody will probably agree that this, the dominating feature of Gwalior's skyline, is definitely a citadel worth seeing. With a turbulent and pretty eventful past, the Gwalior Fort bounded by solid walls of sandstone spreads out over an area of 3 square km, which enclose three temples, six palaces and a number of water tanks. It has become a major tourist attraction with visitors from India and abroad thronging its ramparts. "This fort makes Gwalior the most beautiful place. We have seen forts in Agra and Amber but I think its mosaic and blue terracotta, makes it the most beautiful of all," said Malgorzata Frankowska, a tourist from Poland.

     For over 100 years, the invincible Gwalior Fort has been over looking the city. "It is just beautiful and I am very much impressed. I like it very much that I can even recommend it to all tourists," says Tilman, tourist from France. The tomb of Mohammad Ghaus is built in the form of a square with hexagonal tower at its corners surmounted by small domes. And the tomb of well-known musician Tansen who was one of the nine gems of the great Mughal emperor Akbar, is also a big draw for tourists. The city has a special affinity to classical music and singing. It has been an influence on the Hindustani classical music, which has retained a strong musical tradition. "Both the tombs of Mohammad Ghaus and Tansen are very beautiful. Domes of sufi saint Mohammad Ghaus tomb allure him a lot. Devotees visit to pray in such tombs where all the wishes come true. Near Tansen's tomb there is also a tamarind tree whose leaves when chewed sweetens the voice of the singers," says Rahul, a tourist. Tourists seemed to be overwhelmed by the city's beauty to such an extent that if given a chance, they would love to visit again. "I am fascinated by the fortress and the castles. It is wonderful. I also like the stones, sculptures and the wonderful dresses of Gwalior," says Sabin from San Fransisco. Of the temples in the Gwalior Fort, the most famous are the Teli- ka-Mandir- a 9th century Dravidian-style shrine which is notable for its profusely sculpted exterior. The campus has Saas-Bahu Temples- two pillared temples, which stand next to each other, one larger than the other and the Chaturbhuj Mandir, a Vaishnavite shrine dating back to the 9th century.

     Man Singh Palace, which was built by Raja Man Singh is just amazing. Embellished with a vivid pattern in tile and paint, the palace spreads over four levels, and showcases a picture-pretty appearance. The old fort becomes lively when two shows take place every evening, in Hindi and English, in which the resounding voice of acting legend Amitabh Bachchan explains its history. The canopy of brightly lit stars, the chill of the night and the hauntingly captivating fort is absolutely magical. The poignant ambience of chivalry and heroism has been recreated through the superbly mounted Son-et-lumiere. Assisted by the bright lights and digital sound, the saga of heroism, valour and romance floats in air every evening. A multitude of warrior kings, poets, musicians and saints together contribute in making it a renowned city throughout the country.
-Mar 25, 2005

Gwalior Fort - the pearl amongst fortresses in India (Go To Top)

     Gwalior: The Mughal emperor Babar referred to the Gwalior Fort as "the pearl amongst fortresses in India" and although some people may beg to differ but everybody will probably agree that this, the dominating feature of Gwalior's skyline, is definitely a citadel worth seeing. With a turbulent and pretty eventful past, the Gwalior Fort bounded by solid walls of sandstone spreads out over an area of 3 square km, which enclose three temples, six palaces and a number of water tanks. It has become a major tourist attraction with visitors from India and abroad thronging its ramparts. "This fort makes Gwalior the most beautiful place. We have seen forts in Agra and Amber but I think its mosaic and blue terracotta, makes it the most beautiful of all," said Malgorzata Frankowska, a tourist from Poland. "It is just beautiful and I am very impressed. I like it very much that I can even recommend it to all tourists," says Tilman, a foreign tourist from France. Regarded as North and Central India's most impregnable fortress, the Gwalior Fort was built by Raja Man Singh Tomar in the 15th century. In the five hundred years since then, the fort has seen many as its master -it has been held by the Tomars, Mughals, Marathas and British, who finally handed it over to the Scindias. It has also seen a series of momentous events - imprisonments, battles and jauhars. The fort witnessed many battles in the turbulent times as well as festivals in the peacetime. The rulers have imparted justice from the fort, which has also seen the imprisonment of many. The ceremonies held in the fort have spelled out grandeur but the Jauhars have screamed distress. A steep road winds upwards to the Fort, flanked by statues of Jain tirthankaras, carved into the rock face. Looming at a height of 100 meters over the city, 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 fort was a mute witness to one of the most important events in Indian history - the 1857 revolt. It silently stood by the side and watched, as Rani of Jhansi, (Rani Laxmibai) died a valiant death within the ramparts while fighting against the British aggressors. Many tourists find it very interesting as they like its ceramic and yellow, and blue colours. "I am fascinated by the fortress and the castles. It is wonderful. I also like the stones, sculptures and the wonderful dresses of Gwalior," said Sabin, a tourist from San Fransisco. Of the temples in the Gwalior Fort, the most famous are the Teli- ka-Mandir- a 9th century Dravidian-style shrine which is notable for its profusely sculpted exterior. The campus has Saas-Bahu Temples- two pillared temples which stand next to each other, one larger than the other and the Chaturbhuj Mandir, a Vaishnavite shrine dating back to the 9th century. Man Singh Palace, which was built by Raja Man Singh is just amazing. Embellished with a vivid pattern in tile and paint, the palace spreads over four levels, and showcases a picture-pretty appearance, The old fort becomes lively when two shows take place every evening, in Hindi and English, in which the resounding voice of acting legend Amitabh Bachchan explains its history. The canopy of brightly lit stars, the chill of the night and the hauntingly captivating fort is absolutely magical. The poignant ambience of chivalry and heroism has been recreated through the superbly mounted Son-et-lumiere. Assisted by the bright lights and digital sound, the saga of heroism, valour and romance floats in air every evening. Tourists seem to be overwhelmed by the fort's beauty to such an extent that if given a chance, they would not miss to visit this prominent fort again and again.
-Mar 22, 2005

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