Monuments in Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh)

Gwalior , a city in Madhya Pradesh in India has been blessed with art and culture to a great extend. It lies. It lies 76 miles(122km)south of Agra and has a population of over 12 lakh. The state recalls the history since 6th century AD i.e from the time of White Huns and is now the ultimate destination for tourist. This princely state as a number of monuments of which the most interesting are cited below:

The Sparkling Monuments in Gwalior

Gwalior Fort
Aroused on an isolated rocks with number of historic bulidings, likes the Gwalior Fort in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh , India. The fort was built by Raja Man Singh Tomar as a token of love for his wife. This 1000 years fort stands perpendicular and attains a maximum height of 342ft at the northern end. Its length measures 1.5 mile(2.4km) from north-east to south-west and breadth extends to 900yd(820m). The great Mughal Emperor Babur reputedly quote it as, "The pearl in the necklace of the forts of Hind". The fort covers a huge battlements that circles palace,massive water tanks and temples. Among the temples are the beautifuly adorned 'Sas Bahu Ka Mandir', Sikh Gurudwara, Jain Temple which has been also been praised as a mosque and the Teli-ka-Mandir. The massive fortress of the Gwalior fort signifies the manifold dynasties of Mughals, Tomars, Britishers and Scindias.This fort have seen the the life of the Buddhist saint Lord Buddha and anecdotes related to the spread of Buddhism. The Chinese dragons that have been crafted at the hilt of the pillars depicts the mutual trade between China and India.



Sanchi Stupas
Situated 46 kms away from Bhopal,Madhya Pradesh is the Sanchi Stupa. It aslo known as the Great Stupa and was built by Emperor Ashoka. The Stupas were built on top of the hill and is crowned by the chatra(a parasol like structure),thereby specifying a shelter for relics. This dome shaped stupa is sprawled on an area of 120 feet and rise up to a height of 54 feet . It served the purpose of religious meets and as such is a gateway to several Buddhist monuments dating back since 3rd -12th century BC. The best forms of Buddhist architectural expression in the world is its four gateways-Toranas.It was constructed during 35BC and highlights the scenes from life of Buddha and Jataka.But surprising no such corner of the carvings had depicted Lord Buddha as a human figure. Instead he was exhibited by symbols like horse,on which he left his elegant way of life.
Also some of the carvings depicts the Greek attires of the devotees of that period.An added interesting feature is the Ashoka Pillars,which contains four lion standing back to back and which is proudly adopted as the national emblem of India.

Udayagiri Caves
Located 6 km away from Bhubaneshwar is the Udaygiri Kandhagiri Caves. The place is locally known as Gumpha and famous as a Jain Pilgrimage Centre. They are about 2000 years old and are 44 in number with both natural and man-made caves. Of all the caves,the largest is the magnificent ‘Queen's Cave’ ,which is as renowned as the Rani Gumpha ,featuring some complicated yet interesting carved sculptures. Other Caves like cave-3 and cave-4 are double storied,featuring the conspicuous sculptures of a lion holding its prey, elephants with snakes and also pillars decorated with unusual winged animals.

Teli Ka Mandir
This religious place marks the presence of Lord Vishnu in the earth. It was built in 9th century during the reign of Adivaraha Mihir Bhoj of Kannauj in the central part of India. The temple's architecture, design and layout features an outstanding fusion of architectural styles. The roof of the temple resembles a Dravidian style while the entire decorations highlights the art of North Indian.The temple exhibit a circular barrel,also called shikar and provides a stunning sight.

Tansen's Tomb
One of legendary monument in Gwalior is the Tansen's tomb,built in the memory of Tansen,the great musician during the time of Mughal. This tomb is situated near the tomb of Saint Hazrat Ghaus and is a part of Gwalior's cultural heritage . A tamarind tree near the tomb is believed to be of the same age as the Tansen's tomb. The tomb is small yet beautified with garden around it.It is an excellent tourist destination and is also addressed as the hall to annual Tansen Music Festival.

Thus its worth going Gwalior and refresh not only your mind but your heart and soul too...