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Explore Gwalior
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Gwalior Introduction |
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| Gwalior is the largest city in northern Madhya Pradesh and the site of India's most spectacular hilltop fort. A multitude of reigning dynasties, of the great Rajput clans of the Pratiharas, Kacchwahas and Tomars have left indelible etchings of their rule in this city of palaces, temples and monuments. Gwalior's tradition as a royal capital continued until the formation of present day India, with the Scindias having their dynastic seat here. Their personalities and influence are everywhere, from the grand hospital and the Chhatris (memorial halls) north of Jiyaji Chowk to the nearby excellent Sarod Ghar museum that celebrates the long tradition of royal patronage of classical music in the city. The magnificent mementos of a glorious past have been preserved with care, giving Gwalior an appeal that is indeed unique and timeless.Today, Gwalior is a cauldron of diverse cultures with a distinct princely aura of the days gone by. | ||||||||||
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Facts and Figures |
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Gwalior History |
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A donative inscription unearthed in a now-defunct sun temple proves that
Gwalior was first occupied in the sixth century BC by Hun invaders from the
north. Local legend, however, attributes the founding of the fort to the
Kuchwaha prince Suraj Sen, said to have been
cured of leprosy during the tenth century by the hermit
Gwalipa after whom the city is named. The water tank where the miracle
took place, the Suraj Kund, remains intact, as do a pair of orante temples,
the Sasbahu Mandirs, erected by the Rajput clan. The Kuchwahas' successors,
the Parihars, were brutally overthrown in 1232 by ILtutmish, following an
eleven - month siege. Before the fort eventually fell to the Muslim army,
the Rajput women trapped inside committed mass suicide by self-immolation. A
third Rajput dynasty, the Tomars, retook Gwalior in 1398, and ushered
in the city's "golden age". Gwalior became the base of the most powerful of
the four Maratha clans, the Scindias, in 1754. The most famous of
these, the immensely rich Jiyaji Rao Scindia (1843 - 86), remained loyal to
the British during the 1858 Mutiny, although 6500 of his troops joined the
opposing forces led by Tantia Topia and the infamous Rani Lakshmi Bai
of Jhansi. The Scindias remained influential after Independence, and still
live in Gwalior; the maharaja is a high-ranking minister in the Congress
Party. |
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How to Reach Gwalior |
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Air: Regular
flights connect Gwalior with Delhi, Bhopal, Indore and Bombay. Rail: Gwalior is on the Central Railway's main Delhi-Bombay and Delhi-Madras lines. Among other major trains, the Taj and Shatabdi Expresses connect Gwalior with Delhi and Agra. Road: Gwalior is connected by regular bus services with Agra, Mathura, Jaipur, Delhi, Lucknow, Bhopal, Chanderi, Indore, Jhansi, Khajuraho, Rewa, Ujjain and Shivpuri. |
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Best Season to Visit Gwalior |
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The best season to travel Gwalior is from October to March.
The climate is comfortable during this period. |
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