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Teli
Ka Mandir and Sas Bahu Ka Mandir :
The 9th century Teli Ka Mandir, towering 100ft. high, is a Pratihara
Vishnu temple of a unique blending of architectural styles. The
shape of the roof is distinctively Dravidian, while the decorative
embellishments have the typically Indo-Aryan charactereistics of
northern India. Also dedicated to Vishnu is the graceful Sas-Bahu
Ka Mandir built in the 11 th century.
The Fort :
Standing on a steep mass of sandstone, Gwalior Fort dominates the
city and is its most magnificent monument. It has been the scene
of momentous events: imprisonments, battles and jauhars. A steep
road winds upwards to the fort, flanked by statues of the Jain tirthankaras,
carved into the rock face. The magnificent outer walls of the fort
still stand, two miles in length and 35 feet gigh, bearing witness
to its reputation for being one of the most invincible 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 imposing structure inspired Emperor Babur to desribe it as
"the pearl amongst the fortrssess of Hind." Madhya Pradesh
Tourism runs Sound and Light Show near Man Mandir in Hindi and English
every evening. Amitabh Bachchan, the Indian superstar, narrates
the story of Gwalior in his mesmerizing voice.
Gujari Mahal :
Within the fort are some marvels of medieval architecture. The 15th
Century Gujari Mahal is a monument to the love of Raja Mashing Tomar
for his intrepid gujar queen, Mrignayani. The outer structure of
gujari Mahal has survived in an almost total state of preservation;
the interior has been converted into an Archaeoligical Museum housing
rare antiquities, some of them dating back to the Ist contury AD.
Even though many of these have been defaced by the iconoclastic
Mughals, their perfection of form has survived the ravages of time.
Particularly worth seeing is the statue of Shalbhanjika from Gyraspur,
the tree goddess, epitome of perfection in miniature. The statue
is kept in the custody of the museum's curator, and can be seen
on request.
Man Mandir Palace : Built
between 1486 and 1517 by Raja Mansingh . The tiles that once adorned
its exterior have not once adorned its exterior have not survived,
but at the entrance, traces survived, but at the entrance, traces
of these still remain. Within, the palace rooms stand bare, stripped
of their former glory, testifying to the passing of the centuries.
Vast chambers with fine stone screens were once the music from the
great masters of the day. Below, circular dungeons housed the state
prisoners of the Mughals. Emperor Aurangzeb had his brother, Murad,
imprisoned, and later executed here. Close by is Jauhar Pond, where,
in the Rajput tradition, the ranis committed mass sati after their
consorts had been defeated in battle. At Man Mandir Palace, a poignant
ambience of those day of chivalry and heroism still lingers in the
silent chambers. A superbly mounted Son-et-Lumiere here brings it
all alive every evening.
Suraj Kund :
Though major protions of the fort were built in the 15th century,
references to this gigantic complex can be traced back to 425 A.D.
Older than the city is the Suraj Kund within the fort, walls, the
original pond where Suraj Sen, or Suraj Pal as he was later known,
was cured by saint Gwalipa.
Gurudwara Data Bandhi Chhod:
Built in the momory of guru Hargobind Saheb, the 6th Sikh Guru who
was imprisoned here by Emperor Jehangir for over two years.
Jai vilas Palace and Museum :
A splendour of a different kind exists in the Jai Vilas Palace,
current residence of the Sciindia family. Some 35 rooms have been
turned into the Jivaji Rao Scindia Museum, and in these rooms, so
evocative of a regal lifestyle, the past comes alive. Jai Vilas
is an Italianate structure which combines the Tuscan and Corinthian
architectural modes. The imposing Darbar hall has two central chandeliers
weighing a couple of tones and hung only after ten elephants had
tested the strength of the roof. Ceilings picked out in gilt, heavy
draperies and tapestries, fine Persian carpets and antique furniture
from France and Italy are features of these spacious rooms.
Eye-catching treasures include: a silver train with cutglass wagons
which served guests as it chugged around the table on miniature
rails; a glass cradle from Italy used for the baby Krishna each
Janmashtami, silver dinner services and swords that were once worn
by Aurangzed and Shah Jahan.
There are besides, personal mementoes of past members of the Scindia
family: the jeweled slippers that belonged to Chinkoo Rani, four-poster
beds, gifts from practically every country in the world, hunting
trophies and portraits. The Scindia Museum offers an unparalleled
glimpse into the rich culture and lifestyle of princely India.
Tansen's Tomb
: A
pillar of Hindustani classical music, the great Tansen, one of the
nine jewels' of Akbar's court, lies buried in Gwalior, the memorial
to this great musician has a pristine simplicity, and is built in
the early Mughal architectural style. More than a monument, the
tomb is part of Gwalior's living cultural heritage: it is the venue
of a music festival on a national scale held annually in November-December.
Ghaus Mohammed's Tomb :
The sandstone mausoleum of the Afghan prince, Ghaus Mohammed, is
also designed on early Mughal lines. Particularly exquisite are
the screens which use the pierced stone technique as delicate as
lace.
Memorials:
Ther earliest freedom fighers, Tatya Tope and the indomitable Rani
of Jhansi, are commemorated in memorials in Gwalior. There are cenotaphs
at major public crossings, memorials of Scindia kinjgs and queens.
Throughout the city, there are these reminders of a pround past,
of the great men and womenof Gwalior who have their place in the
nations's roll of honour.
Kala Vithika and Municipal Museum
:
The Kala Vithika is another treasure house of the arts. It remains
closed on Sundays and public holidays. The Municipal corporation
Museum, open all days except Mondays, has a very fine natural history
section.
Sarod Ghar:
This Museum of Music has been set up in the old ancestral house
of the legendary Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan. It houses ancient instruments
of the great Indian Masters of yesteryears. Sun Temple: Located
near the Residency at Morar, the newly constructed Sun Temple takes
its inspiration from the famous Konark sun Temple in Orissa.
Teli
Ka Mandir and Sas Bahu Ka Mandir :
Built
between 1486 and 1517 by Raja Mansingh . The tiles that once adorned
its exterior have not once adorned its exterior have not survived,
but at the entrance, traces survived, but at the entrance, traces
of these still remain. Within, the palace rooms stand bare, stripped
of their former glory, testifying to the passing of the centuries.
Vast chambers with fine stone screens were once the music from the
great masters of the day. Below, circular dungeons housed the state
prisoners of the Mughals. Emperor Aurangzeb had his brother, Murad,
imprisoned, and later executed here. Close by is Jauhar Pond, where,
in the Rajput tradition, the ranis committed mass sati after their
consorts had been defeated in battle. At Man Mandir Palace, a poignant
ambience of those day of chivalry and heroism still lingers in the
silent chambers. A superbly mounted Son-et-Lumiere here brings it
all alive every evening. 
A
pillar of Hindustani classical music, the great Tansen, one of the
nine jewels' of Akbar's court, lies buried in Gwalior, the memorial
to this great musician has a pristine simplicity, and is built in
the early Mughal architectural style. More than a monument, the
tomb is part of Gwalior's living cultural heritage: it is the venue
of a music festival on a national scale held annually in November-December.
