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For
over 100 years this fort has been over looking the city of Gwalior. One of
the most invincible forts in India, this imposing citadel has changed many
hands. It is build on a hill of sandstone and towers 100 m from the plain.
The outer wall of the fort is almost 2 miles in length and the width
varies from one kms to 200 meters. The walls of the fort gives way onto
the steep slopes. This fort has been a witness to many battles in the
turbulent times as well as as festivals in the peace time. The rulers have
imparted justice from the fort which has seen the imprisonment of many.
The ceremonies held in the fort have been spelled out grandeur but the
Jauhars have screamed distress. It was here that Tatyia tope and Rani of
Jhansi fought for their freedom. Rani of Jhansi laid down her life in an
assault by the British to capture the fort.
The structure, the placement, the architecture, every thing of the fort
is unparalleled. Babur after seeing this fort had said that this is the
pearl of forts in India. The fort can be accessed by a winding path which
takes you up hill and is flanked by statues of Jain Tirthankars carved
into the rock faces. Within its walls this citadel treasures numerous
marvels of medieval architecture-- palaces, temples and other structures
many of which are in ruins but some are in excellent shape. On a clear day
from the walls of the fort one can have a birds eye view of the city. The
fort has changed hands from the Tomars to the Mughals to the Marathas to
the British.
In
the 14th century Tomars came to power in Gwalior and made the fort their
seat of administration. For the next few centuries the fort was witness to
numerous conflicts with the neighbouring states. The greatest Tomar King
Raja Man Singh in a bid to win over the Gujar princes Mrignayani built the
Gujari Mahal in the 15th century. This palace has survived the
time and the interior of the mahal has been converted into an
archaeological museum. The Man Mandir Palace was also built by
Raja Man Singh. The tiles that adorned the exteriors of the palace have
not survived but the traces of its beauty still ramains. Rooms of the
palace stand bare today presenting a moot testimony to the past glory
which was lost with the passage of time. The intricate decorations in the
rooms and the filigri work on the stone screens were once part of the
music halls. Behind these screens the Royal ladies sat down and took
lessons of music from the masters of those times.
Below the palace are the dungeons were the prisoners spent their
imprisonment. Aurangzeb imprisoned his brother Murad here and later
executed him. Near the Man Mandir is the palace were the ladies performed
Jauhar after the defeat of their husbands in war. The Teli ka Mandir
dates back to the 9th century. The roof of this structure is made in the
Dravidian style but the decorations on walls is done in the Indo Aryan
style. This strange combination of two architectural styles has been the
main attraction for the visitors. The highest structure within the fort is
the Garuda. Dedicated to the Pratihara Vishnu, the structure a
blend of muslim and Indian architecture. The oldest structure which
survives today is the Sas Bahu ka Mandir which was constructed in
11th century by Kachchwah King, Mahipala.
The poignant ambience of chivalry and heroism has been recreated through
the superbly mounted Son-et-lumiere. The light and sound show recreates
the glorious days. Narrated by the famous film actor Amitabh Bacchan.
Assisted by the bright lights and digital sound, the saga of heroism,
velour and romance floats in air every evening.
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