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| Gwalior's colourful history, going back to the
8th century, is a mosaic of the Rajput clans of Pratiharas, Kachawas
and Tomars, each leaving their marks on the city's magnificent monuments.
This great city became, over a period of time, the cradle of great
dynasties and with each, the city gained new dimensions from warrior
kings, poets, musicians and saints. A modern city, Gwalior is famous
for its cloth mills and big corporate presence in adjoining Malanpur
area. The city serves as an access point for the tourist centers
of Orchha, Shivpuri, and Chanderi etc. |
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G walior
Fort- Standing on a steep mass of sandstone, Gwalior Fort dominates
the city and is its most magnificent monument. It has been the center
of momentous events in the history of India- battles, Jauhars, imprisonment.
It was here that Tatya Tope and Rani Jhansi fought for their freedom.
A steep road winds upward to the fort from the city, flanked by
statues of Jain Thirthankars, carved into the rock face between
7th and 15th century. |
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| Gujari Mahal- Within the fort is some marvels
of medieval architecture. The 15th century Gujari Mahal is a monument
of love of Raja Mansingh Tomar for his intrepid Gujar Queen, Mriganayani. |
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| Mansingh Palace-Built between 1486 and 1517
by Raja Mansingh. Emperor Aurangzeb, had his brother imprisoned
and later, executed here. It also has Jauhar Kund, where in Rajput
tradition, the Ranis, committed mass sati if their consorts were
defeated in battle. |
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Teli
Ka Mandir and Sas Bahu Ka Mandir- The 9th century Teli Ka Mandir,
towering 100feet high, is a great architectural style. The shape
of the roof is distinctively Dravidian, while the decorative embellishments
have the typical Indo-Aryan characteristic of northern India. Also
dedicated to Vishnu is the graceful Sas Bahu ka Mandir built in
the 11th century. |
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Gurudwara
Data Bandi Chod- Built in the memory of Guru Hargobind sahib,
the 6th Sikh Guru, who was imprisoned here by the emperor Jehangir
for over two years. |
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Jai
Vilas Palace and Museum- is reminiscence of a regal lifestyle,
the past comes alive. Paalace Jai Vilas is an Italian structure,
which combines the Tuscan and Corinthian architectural modes. The
imposing Durbar hall has two central Chandeliers weighing a couple
of tons and hung only after ten elephants had tested the strength
of the roof. Eye-catching treasures includes silver train with cut
glass wagon, which served guests as it chugged on the table on miniature
rail. |
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Tomb
of Tansen - A pillar of Hindustani Classical music, the great
Tansen, one of the jewel amongst Navratnas of Mughal Emperor- Akbar's
court, lies buried in Gwalior. More than a monument, the tomb is
part of Gwalior's cultural heritage and is the venue of annual music
festival. |
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Sun
Temple - located near the residency of Morar, the newly constructed
Sun Temple, takes its inspiration from the famous Konark Sun Temple
in Orissa. |
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| Ek Patthar ki Bawadi - World famous sculpture
of the Lord Parshvanath. No where in the world, can one find bigger
sculptor of Lord Parshvanath in a sitting posture. |
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| There also Chattries (Cenotaphs) of Scindia Family,
Maharaja's Bara shopping centre, Urvai Gate of Jain sculptor, Sarod
Ghar- old ancestral house of legendary Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan, Laxmi
bai samadhi etc. |
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