Cities in India

Gwalior

Population                     : 780,000
Main Languages            : Hindi.
Telephone area code    : 0751
Best time to visit          : October to March

The strategically important fort at Gwalior dominates the city and for centuries it controlled one of the major routes between north and south India. Its history goes back to 2000 years, with rock inscriptions from the 5^th century still to be found. From the 12^th century control of the fort and surrounding area passed through a succession of Muslim, Tomar Rajput, Afghan, Mughal and finally Maratha rulers. During the 12^th century Qutb-ud-din Aibak was the first ruler to hold it but eventually the Tomars took possession. It was under Man Singh who came to power in 1486 that many of the great battlements and interior palaces were built.

After a short period of control by Lodhis, the first Mughal emperor took over the fort, and described it as a “Pearl among the fortresses of Hind”. During the collapse of Mughal empire, the Scindia line of Marathas conquered the area in 1754.  The British took control of it during the Maratha wars and held it for 30 years after capturing the Rani of Jhansi within its walls in 1858.

Places of Interest
Fort
On the way to the fort you pass through 21 Jain sculptures carved out of the rock. These sculptures date back to the 8^th and 15^th centuries. Enter the fort through Urwahi gate. The forts walls and buildings were constructed by different generations of rulers.  The notable of them are the Suraj Kund, a tank built in 8^th century AD, Teli ka Mandir, dedicated to Vishnu, this temple was build by Prathiharas (8^th-11^th centuries) is one of the oldest buildings; Two 11^th century temples known as Sas Bahu ka Mandir also dedicated to Vishnu;  the 16^th century Gujri Mahal Palace and the Hindola Gate which houses a small archeological museum.

The finest buildings in the fort is the Man Mandir Palace built by Raja Man Singh in the 15^th century.  Other buildings inside the fort are the interconnected Vikramaditya and Karan Palaces.

Jai Vilas Palace and Museum
The enormous Jai Vilas Palace built in the 19^th century has a pair of world’s heaviest chandeliers in the Durbar Hall, and a crystal staircase. The dining table is fitted with electric train made of silver which carried brandy and cigars around the table after dinner. Thirty five rooms have been converted into a museum filled with family’s memorablia.

Shivpuri
114 kms from Gwalior is the old summer capital of Scindias. Set in formal gardens, the Chhatris (tombs) are the main attraction here. With Mughal pavilions and sikhara spires these beautiful memorials to the Scindia rulers are inlaid in Pietra dura style like the Taj Mahal.