This city, which reaches the million inhabitants
now, is located in a natural site dominated by a high tabular hill where was
built, at the 15 2nd century, an extraordinary fortress whose formidable ramparts
encircle the plate. Rani of JHANSI lost the life in a heroic defense in 1858.
An equestrian statue downtown points out this event.
The citadel of Gwalior points out the top-facts of the knighthood rajpoute the Middle Ages. The first traces of occupation go up to the 3 2nd century and are allotted to Suraj SEN, a rajpoute head. The name of Gwalior comes from that of Gwalipa, ascetic who had, says one, cured the king of leprosy.
The visit of the Fort comprises especially the palate of Man Mandir, built by Rao Mansingh (1486-1516), famous for the fort beautiful decoration of polychrome earthenware squares, in the tone blue, green and ochre, of the external frontages is and southern palate. One will notice the curious ones and delicate planks animalières.
The two courses of the palate, in the shape of deep patios protecting from the sun, are of a sober elegance; the mural partitions, giving access to the interior parts (beautiful room of music), are decorated mouldings, openings and stalactites of stone.
While arising from the palate, one can follow a way paved towards the line, to an esplanade around which are the dilapidated remainders several other palates of Moghole time.
Vis-a-vis the Palate of Man Mandir, small but interesting Musée exposes some good statues.
To reach the plate where the Palate is (or to go down again towards the city), the road threads in a ravine escarpé with the sides of which monumental low-reliefs of Tirtankharas (the Jains prophets) were engraved at the 15th century. Most imposing measurement more than 17 meters height. The visit is necessarily done with foot, because the parking is interdict on the road.
Teli-ka-Mandir (temple of Teli, this last word appointing the manufacturers and merchants of oil) is a high and massive monument, dating from the end of the 9 2nd century, whose architecture points out at the same time the style dravidien south and that of India of north. The statuary in misses almost, but one will appreciate the fine decoration of the architectural elements. In the garden, are laid out of the statues of hermits jains.
Vis-a-vis the temple of Teli-ka-mandir, a large recent Sikh temple is, with the high white silhouette, Bandichor Gurdwara.
Further, in edge of cliff on the side east, the two temples, devoted to Vishnu,
said Hopper Bahu ("Beautiful-Mother "and" Beautiful-Girl"),
were built to the 11 2nd century. Largest, that of Hopper, keeps a beautiful
pace, in spite of the undergone damage. The mandapa with the high columns
is impressive. Temple of Bahu remains only part of the showing mandapa, like
that of the temple of Hopper, a cruciform provision. Terrace in front of the
temples, the sight on the city downwards, and the palate of Man Mandir with
far, is very photogenic.
In the low city, one will be able especially to devote a visit to the mausoleum of Mohammed Ghaus and the tomb of Tansen, near. The first was the guru of the Akbar emperor, with whom it inspired the bases of a new religion of synthesis between Hindouisme and the Islam, which was called the Divine Faith (DIN Al-Ilahi). This mausoleum has splendid jali (openwork marble screens).
As for Tansen, it was a very large musician, native of Gwalior, which exerted its art at the court of the Akbar emperor.
To the foot of the citadel, in the old city, one will admire the remarkable selection of old statues exposed to Archeological Museum. This one is installed in a palate, Gujari Mahal, name of the wife of king Man Singh (the manufacturer of the Palate of Man Mandir, city higher). Curious fact, this palate of Gujari Mahal was built out of the royal enclosure, because the wife was of low caste.
Lastly, last of the visits with Gwalior, Jai Vilas, especially interesting for its museum, is the palate of Mahârâja.