By: David H.
Submitted: 2009-10-13 01:12:31 | Word Count: 755
The remarkable Places to See in Gwalior Madhya Pradesh are the Gwalior Fort, Gujari Mahal and Jai Vilas Palace and Scindia Museum. Apart from having been witnessed fine and rough weather as well as stood the test of time, these important structures of Gwalior housed array of rare interesting artifacts, have beautiful appearance and have significant history in Gwalior.
Gwalior is an important historical tourist destination in Madhya Pradesh. There are beautiful monuments, museums and palaces here. All these landmarks have been witnessed to numerous ups and downs and have gone through the test of time. These also are rich in history and boast of architectural designs and styles.
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The remarkable places to see here in Gwalior are the Gwalior Fort, Gujari Mahal and Jai Vilas Palace and Scindia Museum
Gwalior Fort is well known as most impregnable fortress of North and Central India. It was Raja Man Singh Tomar who constructed this magnificent structure in 15th century. This Fort bounded by solid walls of sandstone, situated in Gopachal is sprawled over an area of 3 square km and stands 35 feet high.
Gwalior Fort consist of two main entrances, North East and South West gates. It has impressive, interesting and historic sites. There are temples, palaces and a number of water tanks housed within the fort. Moreover, the southern path is bounded with intricately curve out rock faces which drawn out inspiration from Jain tirthankars.
The Teli ka Mandir Temple in the Gwalior Fort is patterned from Dravidian style architecture. This 9th century temple has lavishly done up sculpted exterior which is really a wonder to look at. While the 2 Saas Bahu Temples that are located adjacent to each other comprised of many pillars. One of these is larger in size. Another 9th century temple housed at the Fort is The Chaturbhuj Mandir which is an example of a Vaishnavite shrine.
The Man Singh Palace located in Gwalior Fort is most prominent 15th century palace built by Man Singh. This amazingly embellished painted palace with vivid pattern and styled tiles comprised of four levels. This palace also served as a prison palace of Murad, the brother of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and later on killed by Aurangzeb. Another palace with significance enclosed at the fort is the Jauhar Kund Palace. This palace reminds the spot and the event of voluntary burning to death of women of the harem which took place after the down fall of the king of Gwalior in the year 1232.
The lists of other worth seeing famous palaces enclosed within the Gwalior Fort are Gujari Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, Karan Palace and Shahjahan Mahal.
Gujari Mahal is regarded as finest monument at same time museum of Gwalior. Raja Mansingh built this beautiful structure in 15th century for his favorite beloved queen, Mrignayani. This structure of Gwalior has been well preserved and has stood the test of time.
Gujari Mahal nowadays is home to archeological museum. This palace’s museum showcases a large collection of Hindu and Jain sculptures. It also exhibits archeological pieces dating back from 1st and 2nd century B.C. Displays at the museum as well are articles of Terracotta and copies of Bagh cave frescoes.
Apart from this, the museum at Gujari Mahal takes care of a miniature statue of Salbhanjika. This marvelous object can be seen on request through the museum’s curator. Gujari Mahal also houses school formerly intended for British soldiers. These days, the school is being administered by the Scindia’s and acclaimed position as one of the best schools of Gwalior.
Finally, Jai Vilas Palace and Scindia Museum of Gwalior resembles an Italian structure with fine blend of architectural designs from the Tuscan and Corinthian. Sir Michael Filose, an army officer built this wonderful structure in 19th century as a means to welcome the “Prince of Wales” when he visited the country.
This Gwalior’s museum exhibits collection of rare objects and royal memorabilia came from different parts of the world. Further more, this museum boasts for having the two largest chandeliers of the World, with weight of over three tones. It has also crystal staircase and an arched ceiling adorned with lovely gold leaf work.
Nice looking Rolls Royce on rails, famous model train carrying after dinner dry fruit, stuffed tigers, life size statue of Ledaare, cigars and brandy around the table are being displayed at this museum of Gwalior that are really marvel to watch.
Other interesting exhibits of the museum would include: Chinkoo Rani’s jeweled slippers, German bubble car, portraits and hunting trophies.
