Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh, the heartland and the largest
state of India was created in 1956 hut its cultural history dates
back 3,08,144 sq.km. area and population around 6,03,85,118 ,
this has been the cradle of many a dynasties and faith and abounds
in edifices and historical monument of great tourist interest.
The great central plateau of Madhya Pradesh, streaked with the
ranges of Satpura and Vindhyas, the river systems of the Narmada,
Tapti, Chambal, Sone, Betwa and Indravati, and possessed of some
of the richest tropical forest, it has a natural setting of great
charm. This is the only producer of diamond and tin in India.
Madhya Pradesh can proudly boast of thousands of magnificent monuments.
Millennia have passed, kings and princes have come and gone, but
the monuments are still there, giving a peep into the chequered
history and joy to the visitors. Some of the prominent spots of
tourist interest city-wise have been described below.
Gwalior
Gwalior, named after legendary saint Gwalipa
of the eight century and its ancient fort are almost synonym.
Passing from legendary Suraj Scn, to Tomars in the 14th century,
it has been the seat of ruling of the Scindias. It was here that
Rani of Jhansi was killed fighting the British forces. The following
spots deserve special mention:
The Fort
The Fort built by Tomar Raja Man Singh symbolizes
the grandeur of Gwalior. Built on a 100 metre high hill with a
massive wall around, rising to a height of nearly 10 meters, the
Fort offers a panoramic view of the town and plains below. Within
the fort is the Gujari Mahal, a magnificent palace in stone which
was built by Raja Man Singh in 15th century for his favorite Wife
Mrignayani .The palace now houses a Museum with fine sculptures
and replica of the Bagh Cave murals Nearby is six-towered palace
crowned with domes, the Man Mandir with its lattice work windows
and vivid colors. Other spots in the fort worth visiting are Chaturbhuj
Temple, Sas-Bahu-ka-Mandir and Teli-ka-Mandir. Outside the fort,
in the new town Lakshar is Jai Vilas Palace, designed on the plan
of an Italian Piazza. This has also the Jivaji Rao Scindia Museum
which remains open between 10 A.M. and 5 P.M. on working days;
Monday being off day. Other monuments outside the fort are Rani
of Jhansi Memorial, Tombs of Tansen and Ghaus. Excursion to 125
km. away Narvar Fort is also an exhilirating experience. Gwalior
is very well connected with Delhi by air, road and air links,
There are scores of good hotels, both of Indian and Western style,
for visitors’ stay.
Datia
69 km. from Gwalior on Delhi- Chennai main
(railway) line, Datia is a medieval historical site. Its main
attraction is seven storey Palace atop a hill built by Raja Bir
Singh Deo in the 17th century. Datia is well connected with Gwalior
by road.
Orcha
Founded in the 16th century by Bundela Rajput
Chief, Rudra Pratap, on the banks of river Betwa, Orcha is a beautiful
historical spot with its palaces, temples, fort, parks, cenotaphs,
etc. Of the palaces Rai Praveen Mahal is the best. Rai Praveen
was a beautiful paramour for Raja Indramani (1672-76). There are
also some palaces of interest and this town is only 19 km. away
from Jhansi, a big city.
Shivpuri
120 km. from Gwalior on the Agra Bombay Road
lies Shivpuri, the Summer Capital of Scindias, amidst lush forests
and undulating wooded hills. Apart from palaces, fort, lake and
pool and chantries, Shivpuri in noted for its 156 sq.km. National
Park rich in wild-life. Regular buses connect Shivpuri with Gwalior,
Indore, Bhopal, Jhansi and Ujjain. There are good hotels, Circuit
House, Rest House and Indian style hotels.
Chanderi
About 239 km. from Gwalior, Chanderi is famous
for its Koshak Mahal built by Mehmud Khilji of Malwa in 1445,
Fort atop a 200 meter high hill, and handicrafts. Among its well-known
handicrafts are fine muslin, brocade work and saris.
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