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Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh |
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Gwalior is a city of great historical importance, in the central Indian State of Madhya Pradesh. Owing to its strategic geographical position, the city used to be a valuable possession for several ruling dynasties in the past. Today the various influences of these rulers have made the city an important tourist destination. Of all the attractions found here, the most important and dominating one is the great Gwalior Fort. It is one of the oldest and most invincible living fortresses in India. Within the fort premise there are many interesting sites to see including palaces, temples, tombs and varied sculptures. Apart from these timeless jewels, the city is also an education hub with a range of architecturally modern education centers.
The story of the fort goes back to the 8 th century AD when a prince of the Kachwaha Rajput Clan accidentally met a sage called Gwalipa near by an isolated hill. The sage led him to a pond to quench his thirst and eventually by the grace of the sage the prince got his leprosy cured. In return the prince fortify the hill where the Gwalior Fort stands now. Over the centuries Gwalior developed in intensity and dimension under the influences of many new dynasties that had ruled the city. And the contributions from various kings, poets, musicians and saints with the passage of time have lent Gwalior a diverse and inimitable regal charm.
Chronologically, the first historical holders of Gwalior were the Huns. In the period between 11th to 14th century AD, the city came under the influence of Kachwaha Rajputs, the Pratiharas, Qutub-ud-din Aibak, and Iltutmish, and remained under the Mughals until 1398. Then Gwalior came under the Tomars, whose most important king was Man Singh (1486-1517). The city was surrendered to Ibrahim Lodhi in 1518. Then followed the succession of Mughals, Jats, Marathas and the British, and finally Gwalior was handed over to Jiyaji Rao Scindia in 1885. They were the last ruling family of Gwalior and are still hold influential position in the political structure of the country.
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