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Attractions in Gwalior
Tourist Attractions in Gwalior
Sas Bahu Temples
The Sas Bahu temples, in another part of the Fort
are not, as people believe, dedicated to a mother-in-law (sas)
and daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law (bahu). Sas Bahu is
the name traditionally given to two adjoining temples of different
sizes. Similar to the Sas Bahu temples near Udaipur, these were
built at the time of Kirtiraj and Mahipal, both Kachwaha rulers.
The larger of the two, is profusely sculpted with graceful figures
and intricate patterns. This is more apparent in the interior
where above the sculpted walls and pillars an elaborately carved
lotus, similar to the Dilwara temple at Mount Abu, adorns the
roof.
Mani-Kantha, an 11th century poet of Gwalior, describes the
musicians and dancing girls who performed in the temple and
how it took a whole village to serve both gods and devadasis.
Other Attractions
The city that lies at the foot of the hill effectively
combines the past with the present. Its monuments and edifices
are extensions of the main events that have taken place in the
Fort. There are, for instance, the chattris, memorials to former
Scindia rulers, executed in the typical Bundelkhandi style with
conical spires and heavily carved exteriors. At another point
in the city is the tomb of Mohammad Ghaus, which is not of much
historical significance, but whose sheer beauty is breath-taking.
Here, the stone carving for which the skilled craftsmen of Gwalior
were justly famous is apparent in the huge panels of lacy screen
work, that combine with an interesting architectural design
to create a delicate, ethereal appeal. Adjacent is a small white,
austere tomb. This is the memorial to Tansen, a famed musician
and one of the nine gems of the Mughal Emperor Akbar's court.
More than a monument, it is the embodiment of Gwalior's living
cultural heritage. Before performing in the Tansen music festival
held every winter, musicians pay homage at this tomb. The festival
is a major cultural event, drawing prominent performers and
music lovers from all parts of the country.
Much of modern Gwalior is associated with the Scindias who were
prolific builders. The Jai Vilas Palace at Lashkar is an opulent
Italianate structure, set in carefully laid lawns. Part of the
palace is used as a residence for the family while the other
has been converted into a museum that effectively documents
a more leisurely and princely lifestyle. The museum exhibits,
consisting of collections of the Scindia family, include such
things as chandeliers weighing several tones, a silver toy train
whose wagons were used as serving dishes and a glass cradle
from Italy used for the Lord Krishna at Janmashtami.
Those who have lived in this city have come to love it. Industrialist
G.D. Birla, who has built a small-scale replica of the Sun Temple
at Konark and called it Surya Mandir.
Administrators today have not ignored, the city's cultural heritage,
and the Baija Taal cultural complex is its latest attraction.
Built buy Baija Baj, a distinguished lady of vision, belonging
to the Scindia family, this oval shaped tank with bridges leading
to the surrounding stone steps faces the Moti Mahal Palace.
Originally used for ceremonial and festive occasions, it was
till recently suffering from neglect and misuse. In order to
restore its former glory, a plan was conceived to convert the
premises into a cultural complex comprising an open-air auditorium
and art gallery. The inaugural performance was an Indo-French
venture, where the audience had the unusual experience of watching
a performance on a platform that seemed suspended in mid air.
The silt from the tank was used in the construction of the open-air
theatre; Kushmakar located in the exhibition grounds where the
annual trade fair is organized.
Sound and Light Show
Capturing the ambience of history and legend, the sound and
light show held every evening in front of the Man Mandir effectively
documents Gwalior's history. With the city lights below, the
present is forgotten, as the combination of light and sound
takes you back centuries - to an isolated hill, and the sage
Gwalipa.
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