Excavation Sites in Gwalior - ग्वालियर किला
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Ater, Kherat, Kakanmadh Forms The Excavations Site
Gwalior FortDescribed as 'the pearl in the necklace of the castles of Hind' by the Mughal Emperor Babur, the Gwalior Fort was mightier than any other fort in the medieval ages. Naturally every powerful ruler dreamt of possessing it. It has fascinated historians and poets alike down the ages, and continues to do so. It also tickles one's curiosity because its origin is shrouded in mystery.
The Gwalior Fort has changed hands many times, from the Tomaras in the 8th century, to the Scindhias who were its masters when India became independent. and each of these dynasties adorned and embellished the fort. One cannot help being impressed with the perfect blend of the Hindu and Muslim architecture that characterises the fort and finds its fullest expression in this brilliant monument.
The history of the Fort goes back to the fifth century AD or perhaps still earlier. The old name of the hill as recorded in ancient Sanskrit inscriptions is Gopagiri. It has witnessed varying fortunes of the Guptas, Hunas, the Pratiharas, the Kachhwahas, the Tomars, the Pathans, the Mughals, the English and the Marathas who have left their landmarks in the various monuments which are still preserved. The main monuments which are in the premises of this fort are :- Man Mandir, Teli-Ka-Mandir, Sas Bhau Temple, Badal Mahal, Alamgiri gate, Ganesa gate, Chaturbhuj gate, Rock-cut Jain collosi, Urwai gate, etc.
Among the earliest architectural efforts the Teli ka Mandir definitely stands as the earliest one being dated conformably to the 8th century AD A hallmark feature of this temple is the imposing superstructure of a mixed type, showing a Valabhi shikara on a Nagara base. Chaturbhuj temple is another early temple of this site being securely dated to AD 875. It stands as the only monolithic rock cut temple in the entire region. In the hill fort the twin Vaishnava temple known as Sas Bahu constructed during the reign of the Kachchapghattas marks the culmination of artistic endeavours marked by extravagant ornamentation. Jainism also thrived conspicuously especially during the reign of the Tomars as understood the large number of gigantic Jaina tirthankara images from images on both sides of the Urwahi Road and rock cut Jain colossies, including at Ek Pathar ki Baodi. The Palace of Raja Man Singh, a great patron of architecture, is an interesting example of Hindu Architecture, incorporating elements commonly in vogue, in Islamic architecture.
Ater
Extensive excavations are presently being carried out in these places around Gwalior and many interesting monuments have already been discovered. The Ater Fort (an Archaeological Survey of India site about 110km from Gwalior) was built by Badan Singh Badoria in 1701. An all out effort is now being to restore it to its former glory. Do check out the other places nearby: Shankar Mandir (a State Archaeology site), Sati Mandir and Chamunda Mandir.Kherat
Kherat lies 6km from Ater along an uneven but motorable road - be prepared for a bumpy ride, another site of great excavations in Gwalior. The last half kilometre has to be done on foot as it goes through a ravine. You’ll have to put on your walking shoes and trudge it for half an hour. This site too is under the care of the Archaeological Survey of India. of the two temples you’ll find here, the Durga Temple is recent while the other is a 10th century brick structure. The Navgraha Murti (representation of the nine planets) that was originally installed here has been missing since 1986.Kakanmadh
Kakanmadh too has been declaired as an excavation site, it is handed over to the Archaeological Survey of India for the restoration of the 11th century temple which is presently in disrepair. It is roughly 100km from Ater. While visiting any of these sites go prepared for an uncomfortable ride and take bottles of mineral water and some snacks along.Must-See Museums
Apart from the above-mentioned Gujari Mahal Archaeological Museum and the Jai Vilas Museum, there are two more museums worthy of a visit. The Municipal Corporation Museum, Moti Mahal Road, has quite a collection of armoury and natural history. Open 1000-1630; closed Monday. . The Kala Vithika, MP Kala Parishad, has a fantastic collection of modern art. Open 0900-1700; closed Sunday; no admission charge.Gwalior FortDescribed as 'the pearl in the necklace of the castles of Hind' by the Mughal Emperor Babur, the Gwalior Fort was mightier than any other fort in the medieval ages. Naturally every powerful ruler dreamt of possessing it. It has fascinated historians and poets alike down the ages, and continues to do so. It also tickles one's curiosity because its origin is shrouded in mystery.
The Gwalior Fort has changed hands many times, from the Tomaras in the 8th century, to the Scindhias who were its masters when India became independent. and each of these dynasties adorned and embellished the fort. One cannot help being impressed with the perfect blend of the Hindu and Muslim architecture that characterises the fort and finds its fullest expression in this brilliant monument.
The history of the Fort goes back to the fifth century AD or perhaps still earlier. The old name of the hill as recorded in ancient Sanskrit inscriptions is Gopagiri. It has witnessed varying fortunes of the Guptas, Hunas, the Pratiharas, the Kachhwahas, the Tomars, the Pathans, the Mughals, the English and the Marathas who have left their landmarks in the various monuments which are still preserved. The main monuments which are in the premises of this fort are :- Man Mandir, Teli-Ka-Mandir, Sas Bhau Temple, Badal Mahal, Alamgiri gate, Ganesa gate, Chaturbhuj gate, Rock-cut Jain collosi, Urwai gate, etc.
Among the earliest architectural efforts the Teli ka Mandir definitely stands as the earliest one being dated conformably to the 8th century AD A hallmark feature of this temple is the imposing superstructure of a mixed type, showing a Valabhi shikara on a Nagara base. Chaturbhuj temple is another early temple of this site being securely dated to AD 875. It stands as the only monolithic rock cut temple in the entire region. In the hill fort the twin Vaishnava temple known as Sas Bahu constructed during the reign of the Kachchapghattas marks the culmination of artistic endeavours marked by extravagant ornamentation. Jainism also thrived conspicuously especially during the reign of the Tomars as understood the large number of gigantic Jaina tirthankara images from images on both sides of the Urwahi Road and rock cut Jain colossies, including at Ek Pathar ki Baodi. The Palace of Raja Man Singh, a great patron of architecture, is an interesting example of Hindu Architecture, incorporating elements commonly in vogue, in Islamic architecture.
 Photo by : Kanad Sanyal in Flickr |
 Photo by : aupeter100 in Flickr |
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 Photo by : aupeter100 in Flickr |
 Photo by : HarryCool in Flickr |
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 Photo by : drssengupta in webshots |
 Photo by : chibadger2 in webshots |
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 Photo by : drssengupta in webshots |
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