Gwalior City: The Pearl in the Necklace of the Forts of Hind
Posted on August 25, 2008 in Travel by Prarthna
Gwalior, situated 122 kilometers south of Agra is considered to be the 46th populated city in the country. Whether in news for the record-breaking biological parents of 22 children or for its architectural dominance, Gwalior has become a favorite with tourist both and international of late.
Girdled by forts from all sides, Gwalior city gives proof of a number of North Indian historical kingdoms. The origin of Gwalior dates back to an 8th century AD legend that says that when the chief tain Suraj Sen suffered from a deadly disease, a saint known as Gwalipa cured him. In return for his favor, the chief founded a city called Gwalior.
Gwalior Fort
Right in the heart of the city, is the Gwalior Fort. This fort was built by Raja Man Singh Tomar who belonged to the Tomar dynasty. The fort, located on a steep hill, houses ancient structures and buildings that have been centuries old.
The huge Gwalior Fort is also known as the Gibraltar of India. The second Mughal Emperor, form the Timurid dynasty, Babur, described the fort to be “the pearl in the necklace of the forts of Hind”. The architectural shimmer depicted influences from the ancient Chinese art and architecture like dragons on the pillars. It is presumed that such influence could have been brought about by the culmination of the two countries on the grounds of trade and commerce.
Both architecturally and historically, Gwalior is famous for 3 reasons – ancient seat of Jain worship (a number of caves and rock-cut sculptures suggest the prevalence of Jainism), an excellent reminiscence of palace architecture and as an historic fortress. Legends however say that the original fort was built by Suraj Sen and additional palaces were added by the Mughal Emperors Jahangir and Shah Jahan.
The Gwalior Fort area also encloses within its premises the famous Scindia School, which enjoys attention from hundreds of families who wish their kids study here. The institution was founded by the Maratha ruler Maharaja Madho Rao Scindia of Gwalior in 1897.
Art and Culture
Gwalior enjoys a much acclaimed seat for art and culture as well – with its affinity to ancient classical music called the Sangeet (Dhrupadiya being the greatest classical singers of all times). Tansen, the greatest music-composer that was born to Hindustani classical music also has his origins in Gwalior. Infact, Tansen Samaroh is celebrated each year in Gwalior.
A number of dances are also held in Gwalior from time to time that mark the uniqueness of the cultures and traditions thriving since ages – Ahiri, baredi, saharia dances are some to mention a few.
Gwalior celebrates all kinds of festivals such as – diwali, dusshera, makar sakranti, etc. with great fervor and jubilation. However, the city celebrates the Rang Panchami very differently, that is, over a period of 5 days after Holi. Ganesh Chaturthi is also celebrated in a unique way in Gwalior with a carnival of floats which people call Jhanki.
Gwalior is a city that enjoys its past! With the forts and palaces existing so near, people relive history by engaging in ancient customs, festivals, dances and traditions. As Gwalior is strategically located close to eminent cities such as Delhi, Agra and the Khajuraho Temples at Chhatarpur District (south east of Delhi), the city has an added advantage to lure tourists from all around the world and India.
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