Gwalior

Gwalior Fort, Madhya Pradesh

Gwalior Fort is the ideal destination, if you want to discover the mystic beauty of Madhya Pradesh.  Often referred as the ‘Heart of India’, the state is situated right in the middle of India’s map. It was the largest Indian state till Chattisgarh was declared as a separate entity.  We will take you for a virtual sightseeing of Gwalior Fort.

All the forts of India have some mysticism attached to it, and Gwalior Fort in not an exception; moreover, its origination is also shrouded in a mystery. History states that this fort has changed a number of hands, right from the Tomaras in 8th Century to the Scindhias, till India got its independence from British rule. 

Images of Gwalior Fort can substantiate the fact that it was mightier of all forts in medieval ages. Babur, the great Mughal Emperor described it as ‘The Pearl in the Necklace of the Castles of Hind’. All these dynasties have contributed in their own ways, to enhance the beauty of this splendid structure.  It goes without saying that Gwalior Fort is one of the major tourist attractions of Madhya Pradesh.

Have you even seen Hindu as well as Muslim architectural elements in the same structure? Well, Gwalior Fort can fulfill your quest for knowledge. It has a perfect blend of these two architectural styles in the same monument, which stand in pride upholding the architectural brilliance of the bygone era. It stands on an isolated rock and it covers a distance of about two and a half kilometers from North East to South West. Can you believe that it is raised to a height of 104 meter above sea level?

The approach to this picturesque fort is through a steep road, but you will understand that the journey is worth an effort as soon as you stand in front of this gigantic structure. It has a scenic appearance with colored tile work symbolizing a number of images. Sas Bahu Mandir, however cinematic the name appears to be, is actually a well known temple inside this fort that is adorned with bas relief work. This fort also houses some other temples, which reflect the spiritual inclination of the then rulers of Madhya Pradesh. 

In short it can be said that you should plan a vacation to Madhya Pradesh, of which, Gwalior Fort is an indispensable part that can give you an insight of the bygone era. 

Arial view of Gwalior City

The Gwalior city gives an old look by varios momuments situaded in the city, the city is decorated with Hindu as well as Muslim architectural elements around, the main tourist attraction of Madhya Pradesh is Gwalior.

Cricket Stadium at Gwalior

This beautiful cricket stadium is situated at Gwalio, well mentained, and thousands of people sit together on well managed chairs outside the boundry, the statdium is decorated with red and green infrastructre elements, and the grass of stadium is making it neat and clean.

Gujari Mahal, Gwalior

One of the important historical destinations of India is Gwalior that houses quite a number of well known architectures, which dates back to the bygone era. Times of India Travel offers a virtual tour of these historical monuments, which you might have seen in the pages of any History book. Gwalior Fort is undoubtedly the major attractions of this city of Madhya Pradesh, which houses a number of Mahals, of which, Gujari Mahal, is perhaps the most popular one. 

Gujari Mahal celebrates the love of Raja Man Singh for his intrepid wife, Mriganayani. It is one of the finest museums and monuments in the city of Gwalior. The construction of this temple can be dated back to 15th Century, which has experienced a taste of time. There is a historical fact behind its construction. After Raja Man Singh won over Mriganayani, she made the demand for a separate palace with constant water supply from Ria River; and thereafter, this beautiful palace came up.

The exteriors as well as the interiors of Gwalior Gujari Mahal, enamors the travelers from far and wide, with its enticing beauty.  It is the example of one of the most preserved historical monuments of India. The Mahal of Queen Mriganayani has been transformed to an archaeological museum in the present time. It houses a huge number of rare antiques that include some of the rare sculptures of 1st Century, AD. The renowned sculpture of Gyraspur Shalabhanjika (circa 10th century) graces this museum, which can be seen only on request.  Apart from this, there are also some famous Jain and Hindu sculptures, terracotta items and Bagh cave frescos representing the artwork of 1st and 2nd Century, BC.

A school is situated within the Gujari Mahal premise that was established for the British soldiers. It is one of the best schools of the region that is run by the Scindias. So, it can be summarized that Gujari Mahal is one of those popular historical attractions that has significance in modern times, too.      

Teli ka Mandir

An amalgam of sorts, the architecture of Teli ka Mandir within the Gwalior Fort has been well arrested image covering every detail of the structural fineness to the core. The origin of the primeval shrine dates back to 8th or 9th century AD when Adivaraha Mihir Bhoj of Kannauj reigned over the territories of Central India. The oddity of the name of the temple owes to several different interpretations. According to some Rashtrakuta Govinda III occupied the Fort in 794, and employed the Telang Brahmins to administer all religious ceremonial occasions. Another group of people believe that the monument is called the Teli Temple as men of Teli caste or oil merchants oversaw its construction. A third speculation is that the name originated from the Telangana region in modern Andhra Pradesh, implicating a fusion of Dravidian and North Indian architectural styles.

Whatever the truth is, the 100 feet high Teli ka Mandir of Rajput origin is beautifully a blend of the northern and southern architectural styles of India, although many believe that its design is closer to the temples of Orissa than the South. There is certainly a feel of fusion suggesting a wonderful concept of exchange of artistic views and ideas among different communities as early as 8th or 9th century. The shikhara or the spire of this Vishnu temple is Dravidian in style, while the ornamental details are in the Nagara style – which is atypical of North Indian architecture. Figures and statues of river goddesses, passionate couples, coiled serpents, and a flying Garuda (Lord Vishnu’s vehicle) on the10 meters high doorway comprise the entire temple complex.

The temple’s architecture, pattern and plan are incredibly interesting and depict the adeptness and expertise of the then artisans, sculptors and architects. The porch and the doorway are embossed with detailed carvings. One can trace figures of amorous couples, coiled serpents, gods and goddesses on the doorway. The entrance of the temple, as seen in the pictures, represents a sense of regality with the pillared archway and the long path leading to the main shrine. However, this temple consists only of the sanctum with a porch and doorway leading you further into the inner chamber. There is no mandapa and no pillared hall. This structure of the Teli ka Mandir is a rare variety of a Brahmanical sanctuary, as the form of its roof bears proof of its Buddhist heritage. In place of a spire it has a ridge, a feature which is commonly found on the arched roof of a Buddhist chaitya-hall.

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