Fort Of Gwalior !

Fort of  Gwalior

Gwalior Fort or Gwalior Qila is in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, stands on an isolated rock, overlooking the Gwalior town, and contains a number of historic buildings. It is one of the biggest forts in India and a postage stamp has been issued by the Indian Postal Service to commemorate the importance of this fort.This is one of the most unconquerable forts in India, which was built by Raja Man Singh Tomar in the 15th century. This fort is situated at Gopachal, nearly 100m above the town of Gwalior. The Gwalior Fort spreads out over an area of 3 square km, bounded by solid walls of sandstone, which enclose three temples, six palaces and a number of water tanks. The Mughal emperor Babar referred to the Gwalior Fort as "the pearl amongst fortresses in India." In the five hundred years since then, the fort has changed hands many times- it has been held by the Tomars, Mughals, Marathas and British, who finally handed it over to the Scindias. The fort’s history relates to two parts namely, the main fort and the Gurjari Mahal and the Man Mandir palace. The first part was built during the early Tomar rule, while the second part, the Gurjari Mahal (now a Museum) and the palace, was constructed by Raja Man Singh Tomar in the 15th century for his favourite queen, Mrignayani

According to a legend, the history of Gwalior traces back to about 1000 years. This fort has been a witness to many battles in the turbulent times as well as festivals in the peacetime. The magnificent momentous of a glorious past have been preserved with care, giving Gwalior an appeal unique and timeless.

Gwaliors history is traced back to a fascinating legend: in 8 AD, where a deadly disease struck a chieftain called Suraj Sen. He was cured by a hermit saint, Gwalipa, who stayed on the hilltop where the fort stands. Gwalipa gave Suraj Singh a drink of water from the Suraj Kund, which is still there in the fort. Suraj Singh in gratitude founded a city, which he named after the saint who had given him the gift of a new life. He also renamed him Suraj Pal and said that as long as he and his descendents kept the name PAL, they would remain in power. The new city of Gwalior became, over the centuries, the cradle of great dynasties. But his 84th descendent however, changed his name and lost his kingdom. 

In 1938, the Tomar dynasty came to power in Gwalior. Man Singh was the greatest of the Tomar rulers, who ascended the throne in 1486. He also repelled an attack on the fort by Sikandar Lodi Delhi. In 1516, Ibrahim Lodi laid siege on the fort. Man Singh died but his son held on to the fort for one year before surrendering. After the Lodis, the fort passed into the hands of the Mughals who held onto it till 1754, when the Marathas captured it.

The next 50 years saw the fort change hands several times before passing into the hands of the Scindias. In 1857, the troops revolted against the British in defiance of the ruler who remained loyal to the British. It was near this fort that Tatia Tope was defeated and the Rani of Jhansi killed in battle