Gwalior

Gwalior
ग्वालियर
ग्वाल्हेर
Metropolitan City

clockwise from left:Gwalior Fort, Jai Vilas Palace, High Court and Sun Temple
Nickname(s): Tourist Capital Of Madhya Pradesh
The City of Scindia
The City of Rishi Galav & Tansen Nagari
Gwalior
Coordinates: 26°13′17″N 78°10′41″E / 26.221521°N 78.178024°ECoordinates: 26°13′17″N 78°10′41″E / 26.221521°N 78.178024°E
Country India India
State Madhya Pradesh
Region Gird
District Gwalior
Founded by Raja Suraj Sen
Named for Saint Gwalipa
Area
 • Total 780 km2 (300 sq mi)
Area rank 35th
Elevation 196 m (643 ft)
Population (2011) 1,901,981[1] (Including Morar Subcity, Lashkar Subcity, Gwalior West, Malanpur, Maharajpur etc)
 • Density 5,478/km2 (14,190/sq mi)
 • Population rank 31st
Languages
 • Official Hindi, Marathi and English
Time zone IST (UTC+5:30)
PIN 474001 to 474055 (HPO)
Telephone code 0751
Vehicle registration MP-07
Sex ratio .948 ♂/♀0
Literacy 87.20%[2]%
Avg. summer temperature 41 °C (106 °F)
Avg. winter temperature 10.1 °C (50.2 °F)
Website /Gwalior Official Website

Gwalior ( pronunciation ; Hindi: ग्वालियर; Marathi: ग्वाल्हेर) is a historical and major city in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is 319 kilometres (198 mi) south of Delhi the capital city of India, Gwalior occupies a strategic location in the Gird region of India, and the city and its fortress has been ruled under several historic northern Indian kingdoms. From the Tomars in the 13th century, it passed to the Mughals, then the Marathas under the Scindias (1754).

Besides being the administrative headquarters of Gwalior district and Gwalior division, Gwalior situates many administrative offices of Chambal Division of northern Madhya Pradesh. Several administrative and judicial organizations, commissions and boards have their state as well as national headquarters situated in the city. Gwalior was the winter capital of the erstwhile state Madhya Bharat which later became a part of the larger state Madhya Pradesh. Before Independence Gwalior remained a princely state of British Raj with Scindias as the local ruler. The high rocky hills surrounds the city from all sides, on the north it just forms the border of the Ganga- Yamuna Drainage Basin.the city however is situated on the valley between the hills of Plateau. Gwalior's metropolitan area includes Lashkar Subcity, Morar Subcity, Thatipur and the City center.

The city has made a rich contribution to the history of India. From the vedic ages to the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and the British Raj, Gwalior has emerged as a prominent place making it an important archaeological as well as historical site. The rich heritage of art and culture and especially contribution of Gwalior to the classical music is worth mentioning.

Post independence, Gwalior has emerged as an important tourist attraction in central India as well as many industries and administrative offices came up within the city. Before the end of the 20th century it became a million plus agglomeration and now it is a metropolitan city in central India. Gwalior is surrounded by industrial and commercial zones of neighbouring districts (Malanpur – Bhind, Banmor – Morena) on all three main directions. Gwalior is one of the largest cities of Central India and is often referred to as the tourist capital of Madhya Pradesh; the state being called as The Heart of Incredible India.

A recent report of World Health Organization found Gwalior to be the third-most polluted city in the world.

Origin of name

According to local tradition, Gwalior owes its name to a sage of former times. Suraj Sen, a prince of the Sikarwar Gurjar clan of the eighth century, is said to have lost his way in the forest. On a secluded hill, he met an old man, the sage Gwalipa, whose influence almost took him by surprise. Upon asking the sage for some drinking water, he was led to a pond, where the waters not only quenched his thirst but cured him of leprosy. Out of gratitude, the prince wished to offer the sage something in return, and the sage asked him to build a wall on the hill to protect the other sages from wild animals which often disturbed their yajnas (or pujas). Suraj Sen later built a palace inside the fort, which was named "Gwalior" after the sage, and eventually the city that grew around the fort took the same name. this name is also known for the rishi Galav.

History

The Mughal Emperor Babur and the Mughal Army at the Urvah valley in Gwalior
Sahastrabahu Temple

After being founded by Maharaj Suraj Sen, Gwalior Fort saw many many different rulers capturing it and ruling the city around it.Gwalior became a prominent place for religious practices, cultures and other disciplines coming up during that time in the country. .During 6th century BC Gwalior was ruled by the Naad dynasty of Pataliputra. During the first century AD Gwalior came under Naag Dynasty. From the carving found at Pavaya it has been discovered that the kushanas ruled the city till the 3rd century AD. After that it came under the Guptas till 467 AD. During the 5th century, The Kannauj of Pratihara Dynasty ruled Gwalior and played a prominent role in shaping its history. From 700–740 AD Gwalior (fondly called then as Gopal Giri) became the capital of Kannauj. A Magnificent Sun Temple was created at the fort hill during that period which later was destroyed.

The Maharahaj of Gwalior Before His Palace c. 1887
Jain statues at Gwalior build by dungar singh
The Maan Mandir Palace at Gwalior Fort

Later Kachwaha became the rulers of Gwalior. The Padavali Group of Monuments near Morena, Sahastrabahu Temple at the Fort, Kankadmad, were built under their rule.

During 1195–96 Mahhamed Gauri invaded Gwalior and created a mass destruction with attempts to capture Gwalior. But he failed as the fort of Gwalior was unconquerable under the brave efforts of Parihars. In 1231 Itutmish captured Gwalior after an 11-month-long effort and from then till the 13th century it remained under Muslim Rule. In 1375, Raja Veer Singh was made the ruler of Gwalior and he founded the rule of the tomars in Gwalior. During those years, Gwalior saw its golden period.

The Jain Sculptures at Gwalior Fort were built during Tomar's rule Raja Man Singh made his dream palace the Maan Mandir Palace which is now the centre of attraction of Gwalior Fort. Babur described this Palace as a pearl in the necklace of forts in India and said that not even the winds could touch its masts.The daily Light and Sound Show tells about the beautiful history of the Gwalior Fort and Man Mandir Palace. Later during the 1730s the Scindia Captured Gwalior and it remain a princely state during the British Rule.

Ganesh temple at Gwalior Fort has the very first occurrence of zero as a written number in the world.By the 15th century, the city had a noted singing school which was attended by Tansen. Gwalior was ruled by the Mughals and then the Marathas.

Rebellion of 1857

Gwalior is also known for its participation in the 1857 rebellion, mainly due to Rani Lakshmibai's involvement. After Kalpi (Jhansi) fell into the hands of the British on 24 May 1858, Lakshmibai sought shelter at Gwalior Fort. The Maharaja of Gwalior was not willing to give up his fort without a fight as he was a nominal ally of the British, but after negotiations, his troops capitulated and the rebels took possession of the fort. The British wasted no time in attacking Gercest, the bloodiest battle ever fought on Indian soil. Indian forces numbered around 20,000, and British forces around 1600. Lakshmibai's example is remembered to this day by Indian nationalists. She died fighting, and Gwalior was captured. Tatya Tope and Rao Sahib escaped.[3] Tatya Tope was later captured and hanged in April 1859.

Scindia state of Gwalior

A King George VI stamp of 1949, inscribed 'GWALIOR'

Scindia is a Maratha clan in India. This clan included rulers of the Gwalior State in the 18th and 19th centuries, collaborators of the colonial British government during the 19th and the 20th centuries until India became independent, and politicians in independent India.

The Scindia state of Gwalior became a major regional power in the second half of the 18th century and figured prominently in the three Anglo-Maratha Wars. (Gwalior first fell to the British in 1780.) The Scindias held significant power over many of the Rajput states, and conquered the state of Ajmer. During the Indian Rebellion of 1857 the city was briefly held by rebel forces in 1858 until they were defeated by the British.[4] The Scindia family ruled Gwalior until India's independence from the United Kingdom in 1947, when the Maharaja Jivajirao Scindia acceded to the Government of India. Gwalior was merged with a number of other princely states to become the new Indian state of Madhya Bharat. Jivajirao Scindia served as the state's rajpramukh, or appointed governor, from 28 May 1948 to 31 October 1956, when Madhya Bharat was merged into Madhya Pradesh.

In 1962, Rajmata Vijayraje Scindia, the widow of Maharaja Jivajirao Scindia, was elected to the Lok Sabha, beginning the family's career in electoral politics. She was first a member of the Congress Party, and later became an influential member of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Her son, Maharaja Madhavrao Scindia was elected to the Lok Sabha in 1971 representing the Congress Party, and served until his death in 2001. His son, Jyotiraditya Scindia, also in the Congress Party, was elected to the seat formerly held by his father in 2004.

Former Vidhan Sabha when Gwalior was capital of Madhya Bharat

Scindia Dynasty of Gwalior

Demographics

As of 2011's India census,[5] Gwalior has a population of 1,564,981. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Gwalior has an average literacy rate of 87.20%, higher than the national average of 74%: male literacy is 90.85%, and female literacy is 78.82%. In Gwalior, 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Religion in Gwalior
Religion Percent
Hindus
  
 90%
Muslims
  
 5%
Jains
  
 3.5%
Others†
  
 1.5%
Distribution of religions
†Includes Sikhs (1%), Buddhists (<0.5%).

Geography

Gwalior is located at 26°13′N 78°11′E / 26.22°N 78.18°E.[6] in northern Madhya Pradesh 300 km (186 miles) from Delhi. It has an average elevation of 197 metres (646 feet). Most part of it comes under Bundelkhand area.

Climate

Gwalior
Climate chart (explanation)
JFMAMJJASOND
 
 
17
 
 
23
7
 
 
8
 
 
27
10
 
 
7
 
 
33
16
 
 
2.6
 
 
39
22
 
 
8.9
 
 
44
27
 
 
78
 
 
41
30
 
 
262
 
 
35
27
 
 
313
 
 
32
25
 
 
146
 
 
33
24
 
 
43
 
 
33
18
 
 
4.2
 
 
29
12
 
 
7.7
 
 
24
7
Average max. and min. temperatures in °C
Precipitation totals in mm
Source: IMD

Gwalior has a sub-tropical climate with hot summers from late March to early July, the humid monsoon season from late June to early October, and a cool dry winter from early November to late February. Under Köppen's climate classification the city has a humid subtropical climate. The highest recorded temperature was 48 °C and the lowest was −1 °C.

Summers start in late March, and along with other cities like Jaipur and Delhi, are among the hottest in India and the world. Temperatures peak in May and June with daily averages being around 33–35 °C (93–95 °F), and end in late June with the onset of the monsoon. Gwalior receives 970 mm (39 in) of rain every year, most of which is concentrated in the monsoon months from late June to early October. August is the wettest month with about 310 mm (12 in) of rain. Winter in Gwalior starts in late October, and is generally very mild with daily temperatures averaging in the 14–16 °C (58–62 °F) range, and mostly dry and sunny conditions. January is the coldest month with average lows in the 5–7 °C range (40–45 °F) and occasional cold snaps that plummet temperatures to close to freezing.

Climate data for Gwalior
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °C (°F) 22.9
(73.2)		 26.5
(79.7)		 32.7
(90.9)		 38.7
(101.7)		 42.1
(107.8)		 48.6
(119.5)		 40.5
(104.9)		 32.0
(89.6)		 32.7
(90.9)		 33.2
(91.8)		 29.3
(84.7)		 24.4
(75.9)		 32.5
(90.5)
Average low °C (°F) 0.1
(32.2)		 10.0
(50)		 15.8
(60.4)		 22.2
(72)		 27.2
(81)		 29.5
(85.1)		 26.6
(79.9)		 25.3
(77.5)		 23.9
(75)		 18.4
(65.1)		 11.5
(52.7)		 7.4
(45.3)		 18.7
(65.7)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 16.5
(0.65)		 8.0
(0.315)		 7.0
(0.276)		 2.6
(0.102)		 8.9
(0.35)		 78.7
(3.098)		 261.6
(10.299)		 312.9
(12.319)		 146.2
(5.756)		 42.6
(1.677)		 4.2
(0.165)		 7.7
(0.303)		 900.0
(35.433)
Source: IMD

Local Governance

Gwalior Municipal Corporation is responsible for the civic infrastructure and administration of the city, which is divided into 60 wards.

Shri Vivek Narayan Shejwalkar is the mayor of Gwalior belonging to the Bharatiya Janata Party .

Gwalior Municipal corporation covers an area of 47 square kilometres (18 sq mi) including the areas of Lashkar, Morar up to Deen Dayal Nagar (Gwalior Airport). The municipality was created on 6 June 1887 with two divisions for Lashkar and morar, which later got merged with a single constitutional body.

Transport and connectivity

Railways

see also The Maharaja Railways of India

Gwalior is a major railway junction in Northern central region. The Gwalior Junction (Station code: GWL) is the part of the Jhansi division of the North Central Railways. Gwalior is one of the few places where both narrow gauge and broad gauge railways tracks are still operational.Gwalior is the terminus for the Longest narrow gauge route operational in the world, covering a distance of 198 km from Gwalior Junction to Sheopur. Gwalior Junction is a five Railway Track intersection Point.Gwalior won the award of best and clean station of North central railway.The building of Station is historical and it look's like a palace.

1. Goes to Agra (AGC), 2. Goes to Jhansi (JHS), 3. Goes to Shivpuri (SVPI), 4. Goes to Bhind (BIX), 5. Goes to Sheopur Kalan (SOE) on Narrow Gauge Line.

Gwalior is one of the major commercial railway stations of the North Central Railway, whose zonal headquarters is centered in Allahabad. The station has won awards from Indian Railways for excellent clean infrastructure in 1987, 1988, 1989 and 1992. It is already in the Adrash Station Category of Indian Railways. The government has decided to build escalators at this station, and the construction has since started.

The Gwalior City Limits cover following railway stations:

Broad Gauge Narrow Gauge
Gwalior Junction Gwalior NG
Birlanagar Ghosipura
Rairu Motijheel
Sithouli

Gwalior narrow gauge railway connects to the Kuno National Park in sheopur and it is the junction point to reach tourist destinations like Shivpuri, Dholpur and Bhind. Gwalior is on the Main train line between Delhi (Station Code: NDLS) & Mumbai (Bombay) (Station Code: CSTM) and between Delhi & Chennai (Station Code: MAS).

New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Pune, Bhopal, Indore, Kochi, Agra, Jabalpur, Ujjain, Jaipur, Lucknow, Jhansi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kozhikode, Ajmer, Udaipur, Khajuraho, Mahoba and Jamshedpur every day.

Trains originating & destinated at Gwalior Jn

Train Train no. Origin Destination Departure Via Days of run
Chambal Express 12176 Gwalior Howrah 07.05 Gaya 2,4,6
Bundelkhand Express 11107 Gwalior Varanasi 20.40 Allahabad Daily
Gwalior-Barauni Mail 11124 Gwalior Barauni 11.45 Gorakhpur Daily
Gwalior-Indore Intercity Express 11126 Gwalior Indore 19.30 Ujjain 1,2,4,5
Gwalior-Bhopal Intercity Express 12198 Gwalior Bhopal 06.15 Guna,Bina 1,2,4,5,6
Gwalior-Pune Express 11102 Gwalior Pune 15.00 Ujjain 6
Gwalior-Agra Fast Passenger 51881 Gwalior Agra 18.10 Morena Daily
Gwalior-Bina Passenger 51884 Gwalior Bina 08.30 Guna Daily
Gwalior-Bhind Passenger 59823,59825 Gwalior Bhind 06.15,14.30 Malanpur Daily
Sushasan Express 11111 Gwalior Gonda 13.10 Delhi Hazrat Nizamuddin, Lucknow 4

Some trains starting here and travelling towards Eastern India via Gwalior Junction – Jhansi Junction, provide direct connections to points in Eastern India including Kolkata (Calcutta), Barauni, Varanasi, and Allahabad. There are about 50 trains to New Delhi and Agra every day, and around the same number of trains to Bhopal and Nagpur. However, fewer trains are available for long routes like Mumbai and Chennai.

The luxury trains – the Maharaja Express and the India on Wheels – also have hault at Gwalior on their week-long round trip of tourist destinations in Central India.

Roads

Gwalior is fairly well-connected to other parts of Madhya Pradesh and India by national and state highways. The proposed North-south-Corridor of the Golden-Quadrilateral Highway project passes through the city. The Agra-Bombay national highway (NH3) passes through Gwalior, connecting it to Shivpuri on one end and Agra on the other. The city is connected to the Jhansi by the National Highway 75, towards the south of the city. The northern part of the city is connected to the holy city of Mathura via National Highway 3. There are bus services to and from all major and minor cities near Gwalior, including Bhopal, Agra, Delhi, Jabalpur, Jhansi, Bhind, Morena, Dholpur, Etawah, Datia, Jaipur, and Indore.

Air

Gwalior Airport (IATA: GWL, ICAO: VIGR), also called Rajmata Vijya Raje Scindia Vimantal, is the airport of Gwalior. It has an Indian Air Force Base which stations Mirage fighters.

Airlines and destinations
Airlines Destination
Air India Mumbai, Delhi, Agra
Ventura Airconnect Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur

Local transport

Gwalior's public transport system mainly consists of Tempos, auto rickshaw taxis, and micro-buses. Municipal Corporation's "Gwalior City Bus" covers some routes in the city. Blue Radio taxis are also available in Gwalior.

The Tempos and auto rickshaws are often cited as a cause of pollution and road congestion, and the local government has plans to replace the Tempos with vans that will run on liquefied petroleum gas.
Recently, a 3 km cycle track has been built in the city, and the city became the fourth in India to have this type of facility.

The Gwalior Metro

The Gwalior Metro is the proposed project for Gwalior city. The project was announced by state CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan on October 17, 2014. Hence district administration is preparing DPR(Detailed Project Report) for The Gwalior Metro.The operation will start soon.

Art and culture

Gwalior is a well acknowledged place of art, associated with historic as well as contemporary evidence. In August 2005 a mural created by Aasutosh Panigrahi and five other artists was acknowledged as the World's Largest Indoor Mural by Guinness World Records.

Marathi Sahitya Sammelan, the conference on Marathi Literature were held once in Gwalior City. It was presided by President of the Conference writer Kusumavati Deshpande (and wife of Kavi Anil) in 1961. She was the first female president of the annual Sammelan since its inception in 1878.

Culturally Gwalior is the confluence of two rich cultures Bundeli and Braj. Bundelkhand covers Gwalior, Bhind, Morena, Sagar, Shivpuri, Guna, Sheopur and adjoining areas.

Music

Tansen, born in Behat, trained in music at Vrindavan, served Raja Ramchandra Waghela of Bandhawgarh, then went to Agra under the patronage of Akbar. After the death of Tansen in Fatehpur Sikri and cremation in Agra, his ashes were buried in Gwalior. Tansen Samaroh is held every year in Gwalior.

Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan is also from the royal city of Gwalior. His grandfather, Ghulam Ali Khan Bangash, became a court musician in Gwalior.

Tomb of Tansen

Gwalior holds an unparalleled reputation in Sangeet. Baijnath Prasad (alias Baiju Bawra) was a classical singer (Dhrupadiya) who lived in Gwalior for his whole life under the patronage of Man Singh. Baiju was born in Chanderi and was cremated there. He received his musical training in Brindaban under Swami Guru Haridas Ji. He was the court musician of Gwalior along with Nayak Charju, Bakshu, and others.

Amjad Ali Khan, who was born at Gwalior

Gwalior Gharana

The Gwalior Gharana is one of the oldest Khayal Gharanas and one to which most classical Indian musicians can trace the origin of their style. The rise of the Gwalior Gharana started with the reign of the great Mughal emperor Akbar (1542–1605). The favourite singers of this patron of the arts, such as Miyan Tansen, first amongst the vocalists at the court, came from the town of Gwalior. Gwalior has an important role in the journey of music in India, so much that every year, the Tansen Festival is celebrated at the tomb of Tansen in Gwalior.

Dhrupad

Dhrupad (Hindi: ध्रुपद) is a vocal genre in Hindustani classical music, said to be the oldest still in use in that musical tradition. Its name is derived from the words "dhruva" (fixed) and "pada" (words). The term may denote both the verse form of the poetry and the style in which it is sung. Raja Man Singh Tomar, the King of Gwalior between 1486–1516 AD, was a patron of Dhrupad.

Tansen Sangeet Samaroh

Main article: Tansen Samaroh

The famous Tansen Sangeet Samaroh, or the Tansen Music Festival, is celebrated every year on the Tansen Tomb in Gwalior. Tansen Samaroh is a platform where artists from all over India gather and participate to deliver vocal and instrumental performances. Gwalior's environment during the festival turns mystical with melodious music echoing. Music lovers from far and wide make it a point to be a part of this event at any cost, as it is a memorable experience for them.

The Tansen Sangeet Samaroh is organised by the government of MP, in association with the Academy of the department of culture in MP.

During the festival, music lovers and artists from all over the world gather to offer their bit of tribute to the all-time music Maestro Tansen.

To date, this festival has the honour of being the only musical show in Gwalior that takes place on multiple days and nights. The academy offers honours to senior celebrities and junior artists by including them in the Samaroh through their music of performance.

Tansen was a singer of Akbar’s mughal court. An exponent of the Hindustani classical music's dhrupad style, he was counted among the Nine Jewels of the Royal Court.

In remembrance of this artist there is a tomb constructed in Gwalior called the Tansen Tomb. This is where the Tansen Music Festival or the Tansen Samaroh is organised every year. This annual music festival started in the 1930s. At present, artists from all over the country come to perform. The venue Gwalior has retained Indian traditions and the wealth of music intact over the years.

The Tansen Music Festival, or Tansen Samaroh, is held every year in the month of December.

Main festivals

All national festivals, Holi, Diwali, Mahashivratri, Shri Krishna Janmashtami, Ramnavami, Makara Sankranti, Eid-ul-Fitr, Christmas, Rakshabandhan, Mahavir jayanti, Hanuman jayanti, Buddha Poornima,Guru Nanak Jayanti, Sant Ravidas and Ghasiram Jayanti and other local ones such as Nag-Panchmi, Shreenath Mahadji Maharaj Punyatithi, Gangaur, Teej, Gudi Padwa (Marathi New Year), Navratri, Durga Puja are celebrated with equal enthusiasm. Last decade has seen a rise in the celebration of events.

Gwalior also celebrates Rang Panchami quite differently. This festival is celebrated five days after Dulendi or Holi. This is also celebrated like Dulendi, but colours are mixed with water and then either sprinkled or poured on others.

Durga Puja

A Glimpse of Bengal can be seen in the City of Gwalior, as the Birlanagar Durga Puja committee celebrate the Durga Puja every year . They will be celebrating the 60th year of Durga Puja in 2015. This puja is hosted by Bengali Cultural Association and School,Kalibadi, Birla Nagar, Gwalior. During the Durga puja celebrations several cultural events are organized and is celebrated on a large scale. Thousands of people daily visits the puja pandal which is located at JC Mill's School Compound Birlanagar, to get the blessings of Goddess Durga.

Image of Durga Idol at Gwalior Goddess Durga Idol in Gwalior Durga Puja

Makar Sankranti is a 'Kite Festival' on 14 January each year, where people fly kites and compete to cut each other's kites in the sky.

Media and communication

SouLSteer Magazine a bi-monthly lifestyle and automotive magazine in Gwalior that is popular among every age group.

Patrika is the leading Newspaper and Dainik Bhaskar is one of the oldest and most widely read newspapers. Swadesh and Naidunia are among well established newspapers.

Other popular newspapers published in Gwalior are BPN Times, Raj Express, Dainik Madhya Raj, Nav Bharat,Youth Engine, Dainik Jagran, People's Samachar, Dainik Adityaz.

Evening newspapers : Sandhya Samachaar,Gwalior Sandesh, Sudarshan.

Big FM (92.7 MHz), Chaska FM (95 MHz), My FM (94.3 MHz), and Lemon (91.9 MHz) State-owned company, Doordarshan, transmits two terrestrial television channels. The city has local TV stations from various companies. Major local channels include Hathway Win, Harsh Networks, KMJ Communications, and DEN networks.

Education

Girls Hostel, IIITM Gwalior

During last few years,Gwalior has been developed into significant centre of education.It host many prominent government as well as private universities/institutions.Numerous colleges and universities are located in Gwalior including IIITM Gwalior, IITTM Gwalior, Jiwaji University, Raja ManSingh Tomar Music University,Scindia School, and J.C.Mill's School, Birlanagar.

List of Universities in Gwalior

University Type Location
Jiwaji University Government University road, City Centre
Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (RVSKVV) Government Racecourse Road
Raja Mansingh Tomar Music & Arts University Government Achaleshwar Road
Lakshmibai National University of Physical Education. Government Racecourse Road
Amity University Private Airport Road, Maharajpura
ITM Universe Private University Opp. Sithouli Railway Station, NH-75 Sithouli, Jhansi Road,Gwalior

Prominent Institutes in Gwalior

Institute Type Location
Atal Bihari Vajpayee – Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management, Gwalior (IIITM) Government Morena Link road
Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management Government Govindpuri
Institute of Hotel Management Government Airport road,Maharajpura
Madhav Institute of Technology and Science(MITS) Government aided Gola ka mandir,Racecourse road
Gajara Raja Medical College(GRMC) Government Heritage theme road, Lashkar
Kamla Raja girls College(KRG College) Government Kampoo
Rustamji Institute of Technology(RJIT) Government/Border Security Force BSF Academy,Tekanpur
Maharani Lakshmi Bai College of Excellence (MLB College) Government Katora taal,Heritage theme road
Govt. Model Science College Government Naka Chandrabani,Jhansi road
Central Ayurvedic Research Institute and Hospital Government Aamkho
College of Agriculture Government Racecourse Road
Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Polytechnic College Government Jhansi road
Govt. Girls Polytechnic College Government MLB road,Padav
Cadd Plus Training Services Private 72, Kailash Vihar, City Centre, Gwalior - 474011, Near Income Tax, Infront Khandelwal Guest House
Arena Animation Private Madhav Rao Scindia Road, City Center

There are five Kendriya Vidyalayas (Under Min. of HRD, GOI) named No. 1 through 5,several Engineering and Technological Institutes in Gwalior, India.More than 30 affiliated engineering colleges are within the city.

Economy of Gwalior

Gwalior Fair

Gwalior enjoys being at a very strategic position as being a main junction on New Delhi – Chennai railroad and being on NH-3 and NH-75. Gwalior is surrounded by 3 Industrial areas – Sitholi, Banmore and Malanpur. All three of these sectors are on NH 75, NH-3 and NH 92 respectively, with Malanpur being the largest. The city used to have big manufacturing industries, such as Gwalior Grasim and J.C. MILLS of Birlanagar, but now this sector is left with only one industry – J.B.Mangharam Ltd. But the other 3 sectors have many industries. The important are from dairy, chemical, manufacturing, textiles, and other industries. Handicraft and small industries are also found like Gwalior potteries. Gwalior is also an important historical and tourism sector of the country. Therefore, the tourism sector also puts an effect into the city's economy. Gwalior is part of NCR. The Gwalior Trade Fair is an annual trade fair showcasing the economy of Gwalior. There are some manufacturing set-ups of some companies like UFlex (Flex Industries Ltd), SRF, Ranbaxy Laboratories, Cadbury, J. K. Tyres, Surya Bulbs, SiyaRam and Railway spring factory Sitholi.' Most of the Local population is involved with trading firms or are self-employed. Many run OMEs and SMEs with Gwalior and Agra as the local market. The city is scattered with coaching institutes and Educational institutions which provide employment to a large section of city's population.

Important institutions and offices of commissions in Gwalior

The High Court of Madhya-Pradesh (Gwalior Bench), Office of The Narcotics Commissioner of India (Central Bureau of Narcotics), Office of The Accountant-General (AG) of Madhya-Pradesh, Office of The President-Board of Revenue of Madhya-Pradesh, Office of The Transport-Commissioner of Madhya-Pradesh, Office of The Commissioner-Land Records & Settlements Madhya-Pradesh, Office of The State Excise Commissioner of Madhya-Pradesh premiere government institutions like Defense Research & Development Establishment (DRDE), the country's only Border Security Force (BSF) Academy, National Cadet Corps (NCC) Officer's Training Academy (OTA). Gwalior also features a major Indian Air Force (IAF) Station, A major Indian Army Cantonment (Morar Cantt.), and Central Intelligence Bureau HO.

Gwalior Metro and suburbs

The old town

view of Gwalior Fort from the Old city

The old town of Gwalior, commonly called is kila gate and then about 1 km away is hazira largest area in old town, which is of considerable size but irregularly built, lies at the eastern base of the rock. It contains the tomb of the Sufi saints, Khwaja Khanoon and Muhammad Ghaus, erected during the early part of Mughal emperor Akbar’s reign, and the tomb of Mian Tansen, a great singer and one of the 'Nine Jewels' of Akbar's court. A town called by his name Ghauspura situated near the tomb of Mohaommed Ghaus.reold town consisted of some streets and mohallas which are presumed to be 700 to 800 yrs old areas in gwalior which are still backward areas in gwalior due to improper management of new town. these old areas are as follows.

1) koteshwar temple- this temple is 700 yrs old temple of lord shiva whose shivling was on gwalior fort but when mughals conquered the fort they ordered to threw out the shivaling fort when his troophs done that, shivaling was automatically established in a field below fort without any harm then Muslim qazi told emperor not to do harm to shivaling then in late 18th century scindians build a temple for that shivaling now popularly known as koteshwar mahadev.

2) Ghas mandi- this area is presumed to be 700 years old it was established around the 15th century this place was used by local population for business by selling grass for feeding animals for king and other rich persons.

3) Baba Kapoor- this place is 500 meters away from ghas mandi actually this place was given name baba kapoor because of a famous saint shah abdul gafoor his mazar is there in this area that's why this place is called as baba kapoor and this area consist of 90% Muslims in whole gwalior.

4) kashi naresh ki gali- this a 600 yrs old residential street in gwalior it was given name as kashi naresh ki gali because in the 14th century when the emperor of kashi was defeated in war he was sent to exile by oppositions at that time gwalior emperor and kashi's emperor were good friends when kashi's emperor told gwalior's emperor whole story, emperor gave him an entire street for living at that time which is now known as kashi naresh ki gali. their family is even now resides there in kashi naresh ki gali in RAJAJI KA BADA. meanings- naresh =king = rajaji. gali =street in Hindi language. bada= big area.

5) Loha Mandi- this place is also 600yrs old in gwalior. this place was used for buying iron materials.

6) Hazira- it was the main market place of gwalior that time nowadays this place is too much congested because of its irregular and unplanned structure which was made by old merchants in the 15th century.

all these areas are very considered to be very important areas in historical point of view even now many times many historical coins, jwellery, arms etc. founded in houses when a person try to reniewate the house and these areas also many unpredictable secrets. The town has a museum situated in the Gujari Mahal.

Lashkar Subcity

Jiwaji Chowk at Gwalior

See Lashkar Subcity. The name of Lashkar is a Persian word meaning 'army' or 'camp', as this was originally the camp, and later the permanent capital, of the Scindia dynasty of Gwalior state. Lashkar was the capital of Madhya Bharat from 1950 to 1956.

Jayaji Chowk is the central focus of Lashkar, with a large square, a former opera house, banks, tea, coffee and juice stands and a municipal market building. Thriving bazaars surround the chowk. Many jewellery shops are situated near Jayaji Chowk, also known as Maharaj Bada. A source of water for the city is Tighra Dam, built on the Saank river 20 km to the north. The Gajra Raja Medical College, founded in 1946 by the Maharaja Jiwaji Rao Scindia and the Maharani Vijayaraje Scindia, is situated in Lashkar on Palace Road, near Katora Taal, together with a group of many hospitals. Jai Vilas Palace is patterned on the French palace of Versailles is located here

Pt. Deen Dayal Nagar

Pt. Deen Dayal Nagar is situated at NH-92 Bhind Road (2 km before Gwalior Airport). It is a planned urban colony established by MP Housing Board and have huge developed area. The houses are of various categories like HIG, MIG & LIG. The Colony is surrounded by Bhind road in the East, Shatabdi Puram (another colony developed by GDA)in the west, Airport in the North and Bhagat Singh Nagar in South. The colony is nearer to the educational institutions like Ebenezer School,Amity University, Gwalior Engineering College, Institute of Hotel Mgmt (IHM), Prestige College,Nav Uday Medical College, Kendriya Vidyalaya No.2, Kendriya Vidyalaya No.4, No.1 Air force school, Gwalior and many more.

Morar Subcity

See Morar Subcity.Morar, formerly a separate town, lies 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) east of the old city. It was formerly a British military cantonment. Morar is generally considered a rural farming town. The area is known as the "green part" of Gwalior because much of the area is still rural.

Morar was the scene of the most serious uprising in Central India. On 1 June 1858, Jayajirao led his forces to Morar to fight a rebel army led by Tatya Tope, Rani Lakshmibai and Rao Sahib. This army had 7,000 infantry, 4,000 cavalry and 12 guns while he had only 1,500 cavalry, his bodyguard of 600 men and 8 guns. In this attack, the rebel cavalry took the guns and most of the Gwalior forces except the bodyguard went over to the rebels (some deserted). The Maharaja and the remainder fled without stopping until they reached the British garrison at Agra.[7] By 1900 it had become a centre for local trade and had an important training industry, with a population of 19,179 in 1901.

The second Temple of the Sun in India (after the Konark Sun Temple) is situated in Morar at Residency Road. This Sun Temple was built by the Aditya Birla Trust.

The cantonment area makes up a large area of Morar which contains official residences for the Indian Army. It has many canteens for Army personnel. Saint Paul's School and Pragati Vidyapeeth School are nearby. There is an air force base in the Pinto Park region.

Thatipur

view of Gwalior Fort from the Old city

Thatipur is said to have got its name from State Army Unit 34, which once resided there. Gandhi Road divides Thatipur into two areas. Morar at one end of the road and Balwant Nagar on the other. It primarily consists of Darpan Colony, Madhav Rao Scindhiya Enclave, the government blocks, Vivek Nagar, and Suresh Nagar. Places of note are the Dwarikadhish Mandir, Bhagwan colony, Tomar building, Chauhan Pyaau(The Chauhan's family),"Kaurav bhavan"(residence of Thakur B.M.S.kaurav), Galla Kothar, Ramkrishna Aashram, Saraswati Nagar, Govindpuri, Gayatri Vihar, Shakti Vihar, Shakuntalapuri,Dushyant Nagar, Shanti Vihar, and Mayur market along with Sai Baba Mandir in Shakti Vihar Colony. (

Gola Ka Mandir

Gola Ka Mandir is one of the important circles of Gwalior which connect the city to many of the important national highways. The highway starts from Gola Ka Mandir Circle in Gwalior, and ends in Bhaogaon (Mainpuri) in UP. In Gwalior, it is better known as Airport Road. It is now been developed as a four-lane highway from Gola Ka Mandir in Gwalior to Maharajpura because of the heavy traffic in the area. It is typically used as a link from Gwalior to Malanpur, Bhind, Etawah, Mainpuri and Kanpur.The name of this circle is based upon railway station of narrow gauge at this crossing.Now this crossing is one of the biggest crossing in the Madhya Pradesh.The name also comes from an actual Temple (Gole Ka Mandir) situated nearby.

Healthcare

The prominent hospitals of Gwalior include Gajara Raja Medical College and the associated J.A. Hospital, Kamla Raja Hospital, Sahara Hospital, Mascot Hospital, Birla Hospital, Cancer Hospital & Research Institute and many good private doctor clinics. The Cancer Hospital & Research Institute is a nationally acclaimed medical center in Oncology. There is also a charitable hospital named SATCH (Shri Anandpur Trust Charitable Hospital) which provides free treatment. There is a government Ayurvedic college and a private homoeopathic college (Vasundhara Raje Homoeopathic Medical College) which is run by the Biochemic and Homoeopathic Association of Gwalior, also providing health care education and services.

Sports in Gwalior

Lakshmibai National University for Physical Education (operational since 1957) is one of the largest physical education institutions in the country. Gwalior also has the Railway Hockey Stadium with artificial turf. Roop Singh Stadium is a cricket ground with a capacity of 45,000. The stadium has hosted 10 One Day International (ODI) matches. Of the 10 matches played so far, the first one was played between India and West Indies on 22 January 1988. The ground has flood lights and has also hosted day-night encounters. One match of the 1996 Cricket World Cup was also played on this ground, between India and West Indies. This ground is famous for hosting the ODI between India and South Africa in which Sachin Tendulkar scored a double century.

In this ground in 1999 India played against New Zealand in which Sourav Ganguly scored 153 not out runs, he hit sixes all over the park.

Sourav Ganguly also played his last one day international match on this ground vs Pakistan and also claimed his 100th wicket. Major Dhyan Chand was a famous hockey player from Gwalior. It was even told that he miraculously kept the ball stuck to his stick and was often referred to as a Jaadugar of Hockey. Ankit Sharma is cricketer originating from Gwalior and playing the Indian Premier League. Athletics is also played in this city, Vishal Kaim is one of the famous athlete. He was the youngest hammer thrower of India when he participated in National Athletics Games in 2006 at the age of 14 years.

Future developments

The SADA Counter Magnet City, under the Indian urban development NCR plan, has been introduced to increase investment in education, industry and real estate. This is hoped to counteract the closing of manufacturers such as Hotline, Cimmco and Grasim Gwalior.The Gwalior Master PLAN launched by the local collector and municipal corporation initiates to improve the basic civic infrastructure of the city to meet the growing population of the city as well as to make the city beautiful for the tourists.Gwalior is the third largest city of Madhya Pradesh and it is the biggest city of North MP.

Tourism

Jai Vilas Palace
Jai Vilas Palace at night)
Sun Temple

Gwalior Fort

Main article: Gwalior Fort

At the heart of Gwalior is Gwalior Fort of the Tomar dynasty. This formidable structure was reputed to be one of the most structurally sound forts of India, having been improved by Raja Man Singh Tomar where a previous structure existed. It occupies an isolated rock outcrop. The hill is steepened to make it virtually unscalable and is surrounded by high walls which enclose buildings from several periods. The old town of Gwalior lies at the eastern base of the fortress. Lashkar, formerly a separate town that originated as a military camp, lies to the south, and Morar, also a formerly separate town, lies to the east. Gwalior, Lashkar and Morar are part of the Gwalior Municipal Corporation.

The massive Gwalior Fort, popularly called "the Gibraltar of India", overlooks the city. The Emperor Babur reputedly described it as "the pearl in the necklace of the forts of Hind". This fort's architecture is unique. It displays a Chinese influence on Indian architecture, as Chinese dragons have been crafted at the hilt of the pillars. This influence was due to trade between China and India at the time of the fort's construction.

Panoramic view of Gujri Mahal & near by areas from Gwalior Fort

After the death of Sher Shah Suri in 1545, who was ruling North India at that time, his son Islam Shah shifted his capital from Delhi to Gwalior and constructed 'Sher Shah Mandir' (or 'Sher Shah Fort') in his father's memory. Islam Shah operated from Gwalior until his death in 1553. Islam Shah had appointed the Hindu warrior 'Hemu' or Hem Chandra Vikramaditya as his Prime Minister in Sher Shah Fort for the first time, who later on became the Hem Chandra Vikramaditya king at Delhi and established 'Hindu Raj' in North India, by virtue of winning 22 battles continuously from Punjab to Bengal and defeating Akbar's army in Agra and Delhi on 6 October 1556.

In the east of the city are two examples of early Mughal architecture: the mausoleum of the 16th century Sufi Saint Ghous Mohammed and the tomb of Mian Tansen, a great singer and one of the 'Nine Jewels' of the Mughal Emperor Akbar's court. Right next to them is the Gujari Mahal, built by tomar rajput King Man Singh Tomar on demand of his consort Gujar princess "Mrignayani" (meaning "having eyes like deer").[8] The Mughal Emperor Akbar is also known to have organised hunting parties near Gwalior.[9] Close to the heart of the city is Jai Vilas Palace, patterned on the palace of Versailles. It combines Tuscan, Italian and Corinthian styles of architecture. Historically and architecturally, Gwalior is interesting first as an ancient seat of Jain worship; second for its example of palace architecture of the Hindu period between 1486 and 1516; and third as an historic fortress. Many historical places are found near the Dabra-Bhitarwar Road. Prior to the founding of Gwalior, the region was also known by its ancient name of Gopasetra. The great Apabhramsha poet Pandit Raighu lived in Gwalior. Gwalior had an institutional seat of the Bhattarakas of Kashtha Sangh and later Mula Sangh.

View from the summit of the Gwalior Fort showing the palace of the Maharajah of Scindia, circa 1882.

According to history, the original fort of Gwalior was founded by the Bargujar Kings during the 34th/35th century of Kali yuga as per puranas available with them. His palace is the most interesting example of early Hindu work of its class in India. Another palace of even greater extent was added to this in 1516. The Mughal emperors, Jahangir and Shah Jahan, added palaces to these two, the whole making a group of edifices unequaled for picturesqueness and interest by anything of their class in central India. Among the apartments in the palace was the celebrated chamber, named the Baradari, supported on 12 columns, and 45 ft (15 m) square, with a stone roof, forming one of the most beautiful palace-halls in the world. It was, besides, singularly interesting from the expedients to which the Hindu architect was forced to resort to imitate the vaults of the Muslims. Of the buildings, however, which so excited the admiration of the first Mughal emperor Babur, probably little now remains.

The view of scindia palace from the fort
The town hall situated at Maharaj Bada
Gaus Mohammad tomb

The temple bears a close resemblance to the temple of Prathihara Vishnu, and is filled with images of coiled serpents, passionate couples, river goddesses, and a flying Garuda. The temple architecture follows the Indo-Aryan and Nagara styles that exhibit superior artistic calibre. A marvelous temple, believed to be among the oldest constructions in the fort, gives an enchanting experience to the visitor.

The Telikā Mandir, or 'oil-man's temple', owes its name to Teli, a term for an oil grinder or oil dealer. Many suggestions have been put forward to explain this name historically, but in fact the name is not old, the temple being used for processing oil before the British occupied the fort and used the building, albeit temporarily, as a coffee shop. The Telikā Mandir is the loftiest temple among all the buildings in Gwalior Fort with a height of about 30m. The temple consists of a garba griha, that is, sanctum proper for the deity, and an antarala to enter into the temple. It can be approached by a flight of steps provided on the eastern side. The most striking feature of the temple is the wagon-vaulted roof, a form used over rectangular shrines which normally accommodated a row of Mother Goddesses.[10] The goddesses from the interior vanished centuries ago and have not been traced, even in fragments. The exterior walls of the temple are richly decorated with sculptures, many of which are damaged; the niches, shaped like temples, are empty. The building carries a dedicatory inscription to the goddess in a niche on the southern side, but otherwise does not have any history.[11] The architectural style, discussed by a number of architectural historians, points to a date in the late 8th Century.[12] The building was erected just as the Gurjara Pratihāras were asserting their power over central India. The entrance gateway on the eastern side is a later addition of the British period, made by Major Keith in 1881. It was built as a way of saving various historic pillars and other pieces no longer in their original context.

Teli-ka-Mandir

The temple is located in a serene ambience and a well-maintained garden within the temple premises is very attractive. This holy temple draws the locals and tourists alike who gather here to render their prayers. It makes one astounded that a shrine of comparatively modern origin holds such a highest regard, and became one among the most sought after pilgrimage centres in the city.

traffic outside Deen Dayal City mall

Ambedkar Park and Gandhi Park are the other prominent parks.

Around Gwalior

An area of 344.686 square kilometres was set aside as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1981. Since then this has been elevated to the Kuno Wildlife Division with an additional area of 900 square kilometres as a buffer area around the Sanctuary. The park is home to many species of wild animals including wolves, monkeys, leopards and nilgai .

Jain temples at Sonagir

.

Datia Mahal

Sports

The University has established it self as a leading centre in sports in the region and is presently catering to the sports need of Children, Youths and old People of Greater Gwalior by organising regular Yogic classes and scientific coaching camps in different games and sports. The Sports Complex has got two floodlight basketball courts with portable uprights, three floodlight tennis courts, four volleyball courts (caged) one hockey ground, one grassy football ground, standard cricket ground with turf wicket, one Kho-Kho, two Kabaddi, one Handball, one Indoor hall for Table Tennis, Judo, Aerobic, Badminton, Wrestling and Weight Lifting and a 400 m. grassy track. The sports complex of university is named as Mahadji Scindia Sports Complex. The newly constructed Gymnasium which is one among the best in the Indian Universities with all modern facilities has been named as Madhav Rao Scindia Gymnasium.

Stadiums

The ground has flood lights and has hosted day-night encounters. It can hold 45,000 people at a time. It was originally a hockey stadium named after great Indian hockey player Roop Singh brother of hockey legend Dhyan Chand.

Arrow The Institute started as an affiliated college of the Vikram University, Ujjain and then came to the folds of Jiwaji University, Gwalior in 1964. The Institute was given the status of National importance, and hence it was renamed as Lakshmibai National College of Physical Education (LNCPE) in1973. In recognition of its unique status and character and to facilitate its further growth, the college was conferred the status of an ’Autonomous College’ of Jiwaji University, Gwalior in 1982.

Famous personalities from Gwalior

Tansen

Gallery

See also

References

  1. ↑ http://www.census2011.co.in/city.php
  2. ↑ "Literacy rate". Web.archive.org. 16 June 2004. Retrieved 29 April 2012.
  3. ↑ "Rani Lakshmibai: the brave queen of Jhansi".
  4. ↑ Columbia-Lippincott Gazetteer, p. 740
  5. ↑ "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 2004-06-16. Retrieved 2008-11-01.
  6. ↑ Falling Rain Genomics, Inc – Gwalior
  7. ↑ Edwardes, Michael (1975) Red Year. London: Sphere Books; p. 124
  8. ↑ India (Republic) Office of the Registrar General (1972). Census of India, 1961, Volume 14, Issue 5. Manager of Publications. p. 11.
  9. ↑ http://www.google.com.pk/imgres?q=akbarnama&hl=en&biw=1024&bih=673&tbm=isch&tbnid=ixyEuEoV-Vu96M:&imgrefurl=http://www.superstock.com/stock-photos-images/475-638&docid=So7hrNVbFmZpHM&w=212&h=350&ei=VIiFTrXVPMPf4QTGspWHDw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=244&vpy=281&dur=9662&hovh=280&hovw=169&tx=97&ty=205&page=3&tbnh=133&tbnw=82&start=41&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:15,s:41
  10. ↑ M. Willis, Temples of Gopakṣetra: A Regional History of Architecture in Central India (London, 1996).
  11. ↑ Willis, Inscriptions of Gopakṣetra: Materials for the History of Central India (London, 1995), illustration.
  12. ↑ Willis, Temples of Gopakṣetra.

External links

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