The Gwalior Fort at Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh

Gwalior Fort serves as the prime Historical Destinations to be visited in Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh. Gwalior Fort was built in the 8th Century and has lots of history to narrate. The Gwalior Fort has a turbulent past which narrates the deep and interesting history of the past which involves a lot of bloodshed and courage. The Gwalior Fort is located roughly 2 miles from the Gwalior City and can be easily accessed by auto-rickshaws or Private taxis. The Gwalior Fort at Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh is spread over an area of 3 square km on a rocky hill of Gopachal. If the legendary tales are to be believed, the layout of Gwalior Fort was built by Price Suraj Sen for a sage Gwalipa whose name was given to the fort and thus the fort was known as Gwalior. The city that came into existence later on surrounding the fort was named after the fort, i.e. Gwalior City. The Gwalior Fort is longest towards the north-east side with 2.4 km. The walls of Gwalior Fort are made from solid sandstone which made it completely strong and sturdy. The walls of Gwalior Fort rise up to a height of 35 feet. One of the unconquerable and safest structures in India, Gwalior Fort has been referred as the Gibraltar of India. The Gwalior Fort has always fascinated lots of artists and poets for its amazing layout and majestic beauty. Zahir ud-din Muhammed Babur, one of the Muslim Conquerors tabbed Gwalior Fort as The Pearl In The Necklace of Forts of Hind.

History of Gwalior Fort at Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh

Due to its Majestic beauty and strategic location, Gwalior has been a center of attraction for many rulers of the past. The Mughals, the Marathas and the British fought to take control over the Gwalior Fort. The layout of the fort was further built into a strongest and beautiful master piece by Raja Man Singh Tomar in the 15th Century. The Moghals fought for the Gwalior Fort and then the Marathas which was later on followed by Rani Laxmi Bai along with Tatya Tope. Finally it was the British who fought for the Gwalior fort and then the Gwalior Fort went back to Scindias.

Structures Inside the Gwalior Fort at Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh

Gwalior Fort has many historical monuments inside the fort. The Gwalior Fort is divided in to two parts. One is the Main Fort and the other part includes the Man Mandir Palace and Gurjari Mahal. The main fort area is the main attraction of Gwalior Fort. The main entrance of the Gwalior Fort is called as the Hathi Pul Gate and the other entrance is called the Badalgarh Gate. The fort rampart is laid along the hill's periphery and is connected by means of 6 towers. The complete fort wall gives a uniform look and gives out a unique appearance.

Gujari Mahal

The Gujari Mahal on the other hand serves presently as an Archaeological Museum. Gujari Mahal was built by Raja Maan Singh for his loving wife Mrignayani. The archaeological museum that the GUJARI Mahal is transformed into showcases various artifacts which are related to the ancient history right from the 1st Century BC to 2nd Century BC. There are various Hindu and Jain Sculptures and artifacts showcased in the Gujari Mahal Archaelogical Museum. Few of the known artifacts include the Miniature Statue of Salabhanjika and replicas of Frescoes seen in the Bagh Caves.

Man Mandir Palace

The Man Mandir Palace is located towards the northeast end of the Gwalior Fort. The Man Mandir Palace was built by Man Singh Tomar and is often referred as a Painted Palace. The painted effect of the Man Mandir Palace is due to the use of styled tiles of Turquoise, green and yellow used extensively in a geometric pattern. Each of the inner courts of Man Mandir Palace is been ornamentally done with carved brackets and colorful tiles. The Light and Sound Show is held here in Man Mandir Palace at Gwalior Fort.

Apart from these structures few other structures which are present inside the Gwalior Fort include the Teli Ka Mandir or the Oilman's Temple, which was built during the 8th Century; Saas – Bahu Temple which was built in the 10th Century, Chattris of Maharaja and Gurudwara Data Bandi which was constructed in the memory of the sixth Sikh Guru Har Gobind. Additionally there are around 7 Hindu Temples and 4 Jain Temples inside the Gwalior Fort.

The Gwalior Fort at Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh