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GWALIAR |
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The ancient capital of Gwalior is steeped in the splendor of its past A multitude of reigning dynasties, of the great Rajput clans of the Pratiharas, Kachwahas and Tomars have left indelible etchings of their rule in this city of palaces, temples and monuments. The magnificent mementoes of a glorious past have been preserved with care , giving Gwalior
a unique and
timeless appeal.
Standing on a steep mass of sand stone, Gwalior fort dominates the city and is its most magnificent monument. It has been the scene of momentous events imprisonments, battles and jauhars . A steep road winds upward to the fort , flanked by statue of Jain Tirthankaras, carved into the rock face. The magnificent outer walls of the fort still stand, two miles in length and 35 ft high, bearing witness to its reputation for being one of the most invincible fort of India. This imposing structure inspired emperor Babar to describe it as "the pearl amongst the fortress of Hind".
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Major Attractions of Gwaliar |
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Teli ka Mandir
The 9 th century Teli Ka Mandir, towering 100 ft high, is a Pratihara Vishnu Temple of a unique blending of architectural styles. The shape of the roof is distinctively Dravidian , While the decorative embellishments have the typically Indo-Aryan characteristics of Northern India.
Jai Vilas Palace
A Splendor of a different kind exists in the Jai Vilas Palace, current residence of the Scindia family. Some 35 rooms have been made into the Jivaji Rao Scindia Museum, and in these rooms, so evocative of a regal lifestyle, the past comes alive. Jai Vilas is an Italianate structure, which combines the Tuscan and Corinthian architectural modes. The imposing Darbar
Hall has two central chandeliers, weighing a couple of tones, and
hung only after ten elephants had tested the strength of the roof.
Ceilings picked out in gilt, heavy dra peries
and tapestries, fine Persian carpets, and antique furniture from
France and Italy are features of these spacious rooms.
Eye-catching treasures include : a silver train with cut-glass wagons which served guests as it chugged around on miniature rails on the tables; a glass cradle from Italy used for the baby Krishna each Janamashtami; silver dinner services and swords that were once worn by Aurangzeb and Shah Jahan.
There are, besides, personal momentoes of the past members of the Scindia family: the jeweled slippers that belonged to Chinkoo Rani, four-poster beds, gifts from practically every country in the world, hunting trophies and portraits. The Scindia Museum offers an unparalleled glimpse into the rich culture and lifestyle of princely India.
Ghous Mohammed
The sand stone mausoleum of the Afgan Prince, Ghous Mohammed, is also designed on early Mughal lines. Particularly exquisite are the screens which use the pierced stone technique as delicate as lace.
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Air : Gwalior is on the Central Railway's main Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Chennai lines. Among other major trains, the Shatabdi and the Taj Express connect Gwalior with Delhi and Agra daily.
Road :
Gwalior is connected by regular bus service with Agra, Mathura, Jaipur, Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Bhopal, Chanderi, Indore, Jhansi, Khajuraho, Rewa, Jabalpur, Ujjain, and Shivpuri. |
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