With its stimulating ambience and undeniable aura of romance, Gwalior is one of the most impressive cities in India for the sensitive holidaymakers. There is an interesting story of how the city derived its name. According to legends, Suraj Sen, a prince of the Kachhwaha clan of the 8th century, lost his way while venturing in the jungle and reached an isolated hill wandering around. There he met a venerable old man, Sage Gwalipa. Thirsty and tired, he asked for some water and the sage led him to a pond. To his astonishment, the prince after drinking the water found that not only his thirst but his disease of leprosy has also been cured. He asked the sage if he could do anything in return and the sage told him to fortify the hill. The hill was fortified and named Gwalior, and the city that developed around it gradually acquired the name.

Gwalior was always an important city because of its strategic location on the Agra-Deccan main route. Hence many dynasties tried to claim this land including the mighty Mughals and Marathas. Before them, the city was the stronghold of the Huns from Central Asia, the Kachhwaha Rajputs, the Pratihars, the Slave Dynasty of Delhi Sultanate, and the Tomars-of whom the most important king was Raja Man Singh (1486-1517). The Marathas under Madho Rao Scindia, the last dynasty to rule the city before Independence, restored Gwalior to its former glory. The imposing Jai Vilas Palace, situated below the hilltop Gwalior fort, is proof of the Scindia sway over the city.

Fast Facts

History

It is interesting to know how the city of Gwalior got its name. It is said that some time in the 8th century, Suraj Sen, a prince of the Kachhawaha clan, while venturing deep into the forest lost his way. Wandering around, he reached an isolated hill where, to his surprise, he came across a venerable old man. This was the Sage Gwalipa. Tired and thirsty, the prince asked for some water and the sage led him to a pond. Suraj Sen, who suffered from leprosy, was astonished to find that the waters had not only quenched his thirst, but had cured him of his disease as well. Grateful, he asked what he could do in return. The sage told him to beautify the tank and fortify the hill. He did both, and the hill was called Gwalior, in recognition of the boon granted to the prince.

Gwalior's strategic position between north and south India made it an important city. Several ruling dynasties captured it from time to time. Historically, the first holders of the city were the Huns. Between 11th to 14th century ad, Gwalior came under the influence of Kachhawaha Rajputs, the Pratiharas, Qutub-ud-din Aibak, and Iltutmish, and remained under Muslim possession until 1398. Under the Tomars, whose most important king was Man Singh (1486-1517), Gwalior rose to prominence. However, it finally surrendered to Ibrahim Lodi in 1518. The Mughals, Jats, Marathas, and the British held Gwalior in succession.

In 1857, when Mangal Pandey lit the fire and the First War of Independence broke out, the Maharaja of Gwalior had sided with the British. However, his troops did not, and took the city under their control. In 1858, Gwalior was again at war and, in this war, Tantia Tope and the Rani of Jhansi embedded their names in the history books by becoming martyrs. Gwalior came under the hands of the British and they finally handed it over to Jiyaji Rao Scindia at a formal durbar in 1885. The Scindias were the last ruling family of Gwalior and are still influential in the political arena of India.

Today, the city is also famous for the educational institutions like Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management, Indian Institute of Travel and Tourism Management, Scindia School, and Laxmibai National Institute of Physical Education that attract students from all parts of the country.

Best Season, Climate, and Clothing

The climate of Gwalior is extreme with hot summers and cold winters. The maximum temperature during the summer months can touch a high of 46°C, while in the winters it can go down to below 5°C. Monsoon starts from the first week of June and remains there till August/September. The best time to visit Gwalior is from October to March. Cotton clothing is apt for summers and woolens are required for winters.