 Located at Gopachal, just about 100 meters above of the city, the Gwalior Fort is one of the most unconquerable forts in India , constructed by Raja Man Singh Tomar in the 15th century. The fort spreads out over an area of 3sq km, bounded by sandstone solid walls, which enclose three temples as Teli Ka Mandir, Saas-Bahu-Ka-Mandir and Chaturbhuj Mandir, six palaces and a number of water tanks. The Mughal Emperor Baber referred to the Gwalior Fort as Tomars, Mughals, Marathas and British, who lastly handed over to the Scindias.
History of Gwalior Fort
In accordance with a myth, the history of Gwalior traces back to just about 1000 years. On the hilltop where the fort is situated, dwelt a hermit named Gwalipa who cured Suraj Sen of leprosy by giving him a drink of water from the Suraj Kund which is still there in the fort. He also was renamed him Suraj Pal and said that if he and his descendents kept the name Pal, they would remain in power. His 84th descendent yet, altered his name as well as he lost his kingdom.
The Tomar family came to power in Gwalior in 1938. Raja Man Singh, who ascended the throne in 1486 incidentally, was the greatest of the Tomar rulers. He drove back an assault on the fort by Sikandar Lodi of Delhi . In 1516, Ibrahim Lodi laid siege on the fort. Raja Man Singh died but his son held on to the fort for one year before surrendering. After the Lodis, the fort passed into the hands of the Mughals who held on top of it till 1754, when the Marathas imprisoned it. The next 50 years saw the fort change hands many times prior to passing into the hands of the Scindias. In 1857, the troops shocked against the British in insubordination of the ruler who remained loyal to the British. It was close to this fort that Tantia Tope was defeated and the Rani of Jhansi also killed here by British Soldiers.
Teli Ka Mandir : It was built in the 9th century. The roof of the temple is built in the "Dravidian" style with "Indo- Aryan" decorations. The front entrance to the shrine is 10m high and is topped with a carving of the Garuda. The whole shrine is covered with sculpture.
Saas-Bahu-Ka-Mandir : This shrine also was built in the 9 th , located proximity to the eastern wall. The Mother-in-law and Daughter-in-law temple is similar in style. There are figures of Lord Vishnu over the entrance of the shrine. Four huge pillars support the large roof of the shrine.
Chatarbhuj Mandir : It is known as the shrine of four-armed and it is devoted to Lord Visfhnu and it was built in 876A.D, is located in the northeast entrance to the fort.
Aran Palace or the Kirti Mandir situated on the western side of the fort. It is a long two- storied building.
Jehangir Mahal & Shahjahan Mahal: Both are lsituated on the northern end of the fort.
Jauhar Kund is nestled in the Shah Jahan Mahal, is a very deep tank where the women of the harem committed Sati after the defeat of the Raja in 1232.
Gujri Mahal was built for queen Mrignayni by Raja Man Singh in the 15th century. At the present time, the Archaeological museum is housed within this palace.
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