Gwalior: Difference between revisions

{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}

| name                           = Gwalior

| native_name                     = <!-- Please do not add any Indic script in this infobox, per WP:INDICSCRIPT policy. -->

| native_name_lang               =  

| settlement_type                 = [[Metropolis]]

| image_skyline                   = {{Photomontage

| photo1a = Gwalior fort swarna.jpg

| photo2a = Surya mandir Birla Sun temple Gwalior.jpg

| photo2b = Jai Vilas Palace Night at the Museum (4).JPG

| photo4b = 244 Gwalior.jpg

| photo4a = Chattri of Maharani Laxmi Bai Gwalior - panoramio.jpg

| photo5a  = Jai vilas palace gwalior.jpg

| foot_montage = Clockwise from top: [[Gwalior Fort]] and the city skyline, [[Jai Vilas Mahal]] Interior, British era monument, Sanatan Dharam Mandir, [[Jai Vilas Mahal|Jai Vilas Palace]], [[Rani of Jhansi|Jhansi ki Rani]] monument, Birla Sun Temple of Gwalior}}

| postal_code                    = 474001 to 474055 (HPO)

| blank2_info_sec1                = 87.14%

| blank4_name_sec2                = Avg. summer temperature

| blank5_info_sec2                = {{convert|6.6|C|F}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://en.climate-data.org/location/4881/ |title=Climate: Gwalior |access-date=12 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223083531/http://en.climate-data.org/location/4881/ |archive-date=23 December 2015 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

| website                        = {{URL|gwalior.nic.in}}

'''Gwalior''' ({{audio|Gwalior.ogg|pronunciation}}) is a major city in the central Indian state of [[Madhya Pradesh]] lies at upper Madhya Pradesh and one of the [[National Capital Region (India)#Counter magnets|Counter-magnet]] cities. Located {{convert|343|km|mi|0}} south of [[Delhi]], the capital city of India, {{convert|120|km|mi|0}} from [[Agra]] and {{convert|414|km|mi|0}} from [[Bhopal]], the state capital, Gwalior occupies a strategic location in the [[Gird, India|Gird]] region of India. The historic city and its fortress have been ruled by several historic northern Indian kingdoms. From the [[Kachchhapaghata dynasty|Kachchhapaghatas]] in the 10th century, [[Tomaras of Gwalior|Tomars]] in the 13th century, it was passed on to the [[Mughal Empire]], then to the [[Maratha]] in 1754, followed by the [[Scindia]] in the 18th century.<ref name="lonelyplanet.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/india/madhya-pradesh-and-chhattisgarh/gwalior/history|title=History of Gwalior - Lonely Planet Travel Information|author=Lonely Planet|access-date=28 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706025720/http://www.lonelyplanet.com/india/madhya-pradesh-and-chhattisgarh/gwalior/history|archive-date=6 July 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>{{unreliable source? |date=August 2015 |reason=Is a travel guide a reliable source for an encyclopedia?}} In April 2021, It was found that Gwalior had the best air quality index (AQI 152) amongst the 4 major cities in [[Madhya Pradesh]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhopal/bhopal-indore-jabalpur-have-the-most-polluted-air-in-state/articleshow/81999987.cms|title = Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur have the most polluted air in state &#124; Bhopal News - Times of India|website = [[The Times of India]]}}</ref>

Gwalior was the winter capital of the state of [[Madhya Bharat]] which later became a part of the larger state of Madhya Pradesh. Prior to [[Indian independence movement|Indian independence]] on 15 August 1947, Gwalior remained a princely state of the [[British Raj]] with the Scindia as the local rulers. High rocky hills surround the city from all sides, on the north it just forms the border of the Ganga- Yamuna Drainage Basin. The city however is situated in the valley between the hills. Gwalior's metropolitan area includes Gwalior city centre, [[Morar Cantonment]],<ref name="2011census"/> Lashkar Gwalior (Lashkar Subcity), [[Maharaj Bada, Gwalior|Maharaj Bada]], Phool Bagh, [[Thatipur]].{{citation needed|date=November 2017}}

 

Gwalior has been selected as one of the hundred Indian cities to be developed as a [[smart city]] under [[Narendra Modi|PM Narendra Modi's]] flagship [[Smart Cities Mission]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.firstpost.com/business/why-only-98-cities-instead-of-100-announced-all-questions-answered-about-smart-cities-project-2410576.html |title=Only 98 cities instead of 100 announced: All questions answered about the smart cities project |website=Firstpost.com |date=28 August 2015 |access-date=13 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170119003746/http://www.firstpost.com/business/why-only-98-cities-instead-of-100-announced-all-questions-answered-about-smart-cities-project-2410576.html |archive-date=19 January 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

The name Gwalior literally means the abode of Gwalas( the cow/buffalo herder ). Since Gwalior falls in the region of greater Braj area which can be assumed to be roughly a circular area of {{cvt|200 to 250|km}} radius having its centre at Mathura, and Braj culture has historically had great a connection to cows, buffaloes, milk, butter, curd etc. so not just Gwalior but also a few other places in the area derive their name form things associated with cows, like a place {{cvt|40|km}} from Gwalior known as Gohad (means periphery up to which cows used to go and return).

 

According to legend, Gwalior was founded in 8 AD after a local chieftain, Suraj Sen, was cured of leprosy from a drink given to him by a holy man called Gwalipa. Suraj subsequently set up a town and fort and named them after Gwalipa.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|title=International Dictionary of Historic Places, Volume 5: Asia and Oceania|publisher=Fitzroy Dearborn Publishers|year=1996|isbn=1-884964-04-4|editor-last=Schellinger|editor-first=Paul|location=Chicago|pages=312|editor-last2=Salkin|editor-first2=Robert}}</ref>

 

Around the 9th century, the [[Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty]] controlled Gwalior and during their rule, they constructed the [[Teli ka Mandir]] temple. In 1021, Gwalior was attacked by forces led by [[Mahmud of Ghazni|Mahmud Ghazni]] but they were repelled.<ref name=":0" />

[[File:Jain statues, Gwalior.jpg|thumb|left|Jain statues at [[Siddhachal Caves]] inside Gwalior Fort.]]

In 1231 [[Iltutmish]] 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 [[Tomaras of Gwalior|Tomar]] clan. During those years, Gwalior saw its golden period.

The Jain Sculptures at [[Gwalior Fort]] were built under Tomar rule. [[Man Singh Tomar]] made his dream palace, the [[Gwalior Fort#Man mandir palace|Man Mandir Palace]] which is now a tourist attraction at Gwalior Fort.<ref name=Madan>{{cite book|title=India through the ages|url=https://archive.org/details/indiathroughages00mada|last=Gopal|first=Madan|year= 1990| page= [https://archive.org/details/indiathroughages00mada/page/178 178]|editor=K.S. Gautam|publisher=Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India}}</ref> Babur described it as "the pearl in the necklace of forts of [[Al-Hind|India]] and not even the winds could touch its masts". The daily light and sound show organised there tells about the history of the Gwalior Fort and Man Mandir Palace. By the 15th century, the city had a noted singing school which was attended by [[Tansen]]. Later in the 1830s, the [[Scindia]]s captured Gwalior and it remained a princely state during the period of British rule.

[[Chaturbhuj Temple, Gwalior|Chaturbhuj Temple]] at Gwalior Fort claims the world's [[0#History|very first occurrence of zero]] as a written number.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/origin-number-zero-180953392/?no-ist|title=The Origin of the Number Zero|author=Amir Aczel|website=Smithsonian.com|access-date=28 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924131103/http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/origin-number-zero-180953392/?no-ist|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Gorgeous Gwalior Fort.jpg|thumb|left|The Maan Mandir Palace at [[Gwalior Fort]].]]

Gwalior is also known for not participating in the [[Indian Rebellion of 1857|1857 rebellion]], mainly due to non-co-operation with [[Rani Lakshmibai]]. After Kalpi (Jhansi) fell into the hands of the British on 24 May 1858, Lakshmibai sought shelter at Gwalior Fort. The Maharaja of Gwalior, [[Jayajirao Scindia]], was not willing to give up his fort without a fight as he was a strong ally of the British, but after negotiations, his troops capitulated and the rebels took possession of the fort. The British attacked Gwalior in no time, the battle was fought by Lakshmibai.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sanskritimagazine.com/history/rani-lakshmibai-remembering-valiant-queen-jhansi/# |title=Rani Lakshmibai: Remembering the valiant queen of Jhansi |work=Sanskriti - Indian Culture |access-date=28 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716053211/http://www.sanskritimagazine.com/history/rani-lakshmibai-remembering-valiant-queen-jhansi/ |archive-date=16 July 2015 |url-status=live |date=19 November 2014 }}</ref> Indian forces numbered around 20,000, and British forces around 1,600 troops. Lakshmibai's example is remembered to this day by Indian nationalists. She died fighting, and Gwalior was free from rebels. There is a statue of Lakshmibai on her horse which commemorates her contribution to the fight for independence. [[Tantia Tope]] and Rao Sahib escaped.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indolink.com/Kidz/laxmiBai.html |title=INDOlink Kidz-Korner - Story of RANI LAKSHMIBAI |website=Indolink.com |access-date=13 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100830180316/http://www.indolink.com/kidz/laxmiBai.html |archive-date=30 August 2010 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> Tantia Tope was later captured and hanged in April 1859.

The Scindia state<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianrajputs.com/view/gwalior|title=Gwalior|author=Abhinay Rathore|work=Rajput Provinces of India|access-date=28 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621050303/http://www.indianrajputs.com/view/gwalior|archive-date=21 June 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref>''Columbia-Lippincott Gazetteer'', p. 740</ref> 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 the appointed governor, from 28 May 1948 to 31 October 1956, when Madhya Bharat was merged into Madhya Pradesh.

[[File:Gwalior Twelve Annas King George VI SG137.jpg|thumb|right|A King George VI stamp of 1949, inscribed 'GWALIOR']]

As of the [[2011 Census of India]], Gwalior had a population of 1,054,420. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Gwalior has an average literacy rate of 84.14%, higher than the national average of 74%: male literacy is 89.64% and female literacy is 77.92%. In Gwalior, about 11% of the population is under 6 years of age. The city's metropolitan population, which includes the commuter town of [[Morar Cantonment]], was of 1,102,884.<ref name="2011census">[https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/23/2304_PART_A_DCHB_GWALIOR.pdf District Census 2011 - Gwalior]</ref>

|title=Religion in Gwalior (2011)<ref name="Religion">{{cite web |title=C-16 Population By Religion - Madhya Pradesh|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW23C-01%20MDDS.XLS |website=census.gov.in}}</ref>

{{bar percent|[[Muslims]]|#008000|8.58}}

{{bar percent|[[Jainism in Bundelkhand|Jains]]|brown|1.41}}

Hinduism is practiced by the majority of the people in Gwalior (88.84%). Other religions practised include Islam (8.58%), Jainism (1.41%), Sikhism (0.56%), Christianity (0.29). Gwalior has a long history of religious amity. The erstwhile Maharajas of the Scindia dynasty considered the Sufi saints to be their gurus and headed the Moharram procession every year.<ref name="Religion"/>

[[Hindi]] is by far the predominant language of Gwalior with nearly 96% of residents speaking it as their first language. [[Sindhi language|Sindhi]] and [[Marathi language|Marathi]] are spoken by 1% each.<ref>[http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16.html 2011 Census of India, Population By Mother Tongue]</ref>

Gwalior is located at {{Coord|26.22|N|78.18|E|}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/35/Gwalior.html|title=Maps, Weather, and Airports for Gwalior, India|website=Fallingrain.com|access-date=28 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924141246/http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/35/Gwalior.html|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> in northern Madhya Pradesh 300&nbsp;km (186&nbsp;miles) from Delhi. It has an average elevation of 197&nbsp;metres (646&nbsp;feet). Most part of it comes under the [[Bundelkhand]] area.

The Lashkar part of Gwalior has many parks, including the ''Phool Bagh,'' or the garden of flowers, built to welcome the Prince of Cambridge and the Italian Garden - the garden which was used by the Scindias as a place of relaxation, is Italian in architecture with a water pool surrounded by musical fountains. Ambedkar Park and Gandhi Park are other prominent parks.

| location= Gwalior (1981–2010, extremes 1951–2011)

| Jan high C = 22.7

| Feb high C = 26.5

| Mar high C = 32.7

| Apr high C = 38.8

| May high C = 41.9

| Jun high C = 40.6

| Aug high C = 33.2

| Sep high C = 33.8

| Oct high C = 34.0

| Nov high C = 29.6

| Dec high C = 24.9

| Jan low C = 7.1

| Feb low C = 10.0

| Mar low C = 15.4

| Apr low C = 21.1

| May low C = 26.6

| Jun low C = 28.5

| Jul low C = 26.5

| Aug low C = 25.6

| Sep low C = 24.1

| Oct low C = 18.6

| Nov low C = 12.4

| Dec low C = 7.9

| year low C = 18.7

| rain colour = green

| Jan rain mm = 10.4

| Feb rain mm = 12.6

| Mar rain mm = 6.3

| Apr rain mm = 7.6

| May rain mm = 15.2

| Jun rain mm = 76.0

| Jul rain mm = 221.6

| Aug rain mm = 218.7

| Sep rain mm = 161.1

| Oct rain mm = 35.9

| Nov rain mm = 9.2

| Dec rain mm = 5.3

| year rain mm = 780.0

| Feb rain days = 0.9

| Mar rain days = 0.9

| Apr rain days = 0.7

| May rain days = 1.5

| Jun rain days = 4.2

| Jul rain days = 11.0

| Aug rain days = 11.3

| Oct rain days = 1.6

| Nov rain days = 0.4

| Dec rain days = 0.6

| year rain days = 40.7

| Jan humidity = 51

| Feb humidity = 37

| Mar humidity = 26

| Apr humidity = 19

| May humidity = 21

| Jun humidity = 37

| Jul humidity = 64

| Aug humidity = 72

| Sep humidity = 63

| Oct humidity = 51

| Nov humidity = 54

| Dec humidity = 56

| year humidity = 46

|source 1 = [[India Meteorological Department]]<ref name=IMDnormals>

{{cite web

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205040301/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf

| archive-date = 5 February 2020

| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205042509/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf

| archive-date = 5 February 2020

| title = Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012)

| publisher = India Meteorological Department

| date = December 2016

| page = M119

| access-date = 28 December 2020}}</ref>

Gwalior was found to have the second-highest level of air pollution according to a [[World Health Organization]] study in 2016. Particulates from the burning of garbage and fossil fuels make breathing the air of this city a hazard.<ref name="WHO2016">{{cite news |title=WHO flags Gwalior for pollution, officials dismissive |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bhopal/who-flags-gwalior-for-pollution-officials-dismissive/story-RGHZPeoRKojeAODaEbiRLN.html |access-date=24 March 2021 |work=Hindustan Times |date=22 May 2016 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="CBS-polluters">{{Cite news |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/the-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world-ranked/ |title=The most polluted cities in the world ranked |date=3 February 2017 |work=CBS News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618230145/https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/the-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world-ranked/ |archive-date=18 June 2018 |url-status=live |access-date=24 March 2021}}</ref>

The [[Judiciary of India|judiciary]] has four levels: the lowest level being the Gwalior [[Gram panchayat]] (or "[[Gram Nyayalaya]]").<ref>{{cite web|title=Gwalior-Gram Panchayat|url=http://www.gpgwalior.harpanchayats.gov.in/en_GB/hidden|website=National Panchayat Portal|publisher=Govt. of India|date=23 November 2017|access-date=23 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201043403/http://www.gpgwalior.harpanchayats.gov.in/en_GB/hidden|archive-date=1 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Bail|first1=Shishir|title=From Nyaya Panchayats to Gram Nyayalayas : the Indian State and Rural Justice|url=http://docs.manupatra.in/newsline/articles/Upload/78E09754-74E0-4268-A050-5EC28D6BBF51.pdf|publisher=Manupatra|date=4 September 2015|access-date=23 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201032803/http://docs.manupatra.in/newsline/articles/Upload/78E09754-74E0-4268-A050-5EC28D6BBF51.pdf|archive-date=1 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Above the gram panchayat is the [[District Courts of India|District Court]] for Gwalior district sits Lashkar. Above that, the [[Madhya Pradesh High Court]] has its main seat in [[Jabalpur]], but also a permanent bench in Gwalior city. The final court of appeal is the [[Supreme Court of India]].<ref name="gmc-admin"/>

Vivek Narayan Shejwalkar was the Mayor of Gwalior Municipal Corporation before becoming a Member of Parliament as a [[Bharatiya Janta Party]] in the [[2019 Indian general election|2019 Lok sabha elections]]. Now there is no Mayor for Gwalior as of August 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gwaliormunicipalcorporation.org/mayor_desk.aspx |title=Mayor's Desk |website=Gwaliormunicipalcorporation.org |access-date=13 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151006163404/http://gwaliormunicipalcorporation.org/mayor_desk.aspx |archive-date=6 October 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The [[Municipal Commissioner (India)|Municipal Commissioner]], a member of the [[Indian Administrative Service]], is responsible for the corporations finances and for the services and works conducted for the city.<ref name="gmc-admin">{{cite web|title=Administration in Gwalior|url=http://www.gwalioronline.in/city-guide/administration-in-gwalior|website=www.gwalioronline.in|publisher=Municipal Corporation of Gwalior|date=2017|access-date=23 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170618140804/http://www.gwalioronline.in/city-guide/administration-in-gwalior|archive-date=18 June 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

Gwalior Municipal Corporation covers an area of {{convert|289|km2|sqmi}}. The municipality was created on 6 June 1887 with two divisions for Lashkar and Morar, which later were merged with a single constitutional body.<ref name="gmc-about">{{cite web|title=About GMC|url=http://gwaliormunicipalcorporation.org/about_gmc.aspx|website=gwaliormunicipalcorporation.org|access-date=11 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111205102/http://gwaliormunicipalcorporation.org/about_gmc.aspx|archive-date=11 November 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

There are four seats in the [[Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly|state legislative assembly]] (the "Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha") responsible for the Gwalior municipal area, the constituencies being [[Gwalior (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Gwalior]], [[Gwalior Rural (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Gwalior Rural]], [[Gwalior East (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Gwalior East]] and [[Gwalior South (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Gwalior South]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Delimitation of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies Order, 2008|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/CurrentElections/CONSOLIDATED_ORDER%20_ECI%20.pdf|publisher=Election Commission of India|date=2008|access-date=23 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101005180821/http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/CurrentElections/CONSOLIDATED_ORDER%20_ECI%20.pdf|archive-date=5 October 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> Prior to the 2008 boundary changes the seats were "Gird", "Lashkar East" and "Lashkar West".<ref>{{cite web|title=Madhya Pradesh State election results, Assembly and Madhya Pradesh Vidhan sabha results|url=http://elections.traceall.in/Madhya-Pradesh-vidhan-sabha-assembly-election-results|website=elections.traceall.in|language=en|access-date=23 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201033710/http://elections.traceall.in/Madhya-Pradesh-vidhan-sabha-assembly-election-results|archive-date=1 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

In May 2019, Vivek Narayan Shejwalkar of [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] had been elected as the [[Member of parliament, Lok Sabha|Member of Parliament]] from Gwalior.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/news/politics/gwalior-election-results-2019-live-updates-winner-loser-leading-trailing-2154571.html|title=Gwalior Election Results 2019 Live Updates: Vivek Narayan Shejwalkar of BJPWins|website=News18|date=23 May 2019|access-date=23 May 2019}}</ref>

* Indian Air Force (IAF) Station (Maharajpura Airbase).  

* Central Potato Research Institute, Gwalior<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://cpri.ernet.in/?q=node%2F172 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150416050124/http://cpri.ernet.in/?q=node%2F172 | url-status=dead | archive-date=16 April 2015 |title = CPRS, Gwalior &#124; Central Potato Research Institute}}</ref>

# Goes to [[Jhansi Junction|Jhansi]] (JHS)

Some trains starting here and travelling towards Eastern India via Gwalior Junction – Jhansi Junction provide direct connections to points in eastern India including [[Kolkata]], [[Barauni Junction railway station|Barauni]], [[Varanasi Junction railway station|Varanasi]], and Allahabad. There are about fifty trains to [[New Delhi railway station|New Delhi]] and Agra every day, and around the same number of trains to the [[Bhopal Junction railway station|Bhopal]] and [[Nagpur Railway Station|Nagpur]] stations. However, fewer trains are available for long routes like Mumbai and Chennai. The luxury trains – the [[Maharaja Express]] and the India on Wheels – stop at Gwalior on their week-long round trip of tourist destinations in Central India. More than 180 trains stop at Gwalior Railway Station<ref>{{cite web |url=http://indianrailways.info/stations/GWL/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=20 April 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630200424/http://indianrailways.info/stations/GWL/ |archive-date=30 June 2016 }}</ref>

===Local Public Transport===

Gwalior's public transport system mainly consists of [[Tempo (car)|Tempos]], [[Auto rickshaw|auto rickshaw taxis]], [[Ola Cabs]], [[Ola Cabs|and]] micro-buses. The Municipal Corporation's "Gwalior City Bus" covers some routes in the city. Blue [[Taxicab|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. In 2018, a 3&nbsp;km cycle track was built in the city,<ref name=bhaskar>{{cite news|url=https://www.bhaskar.com/local/mp/gwalior/news/new-cycle-track-will-be-built-from-laltipara-park-to-number-six-intersection-127869224.html |title=New cycle track will be built from Laltipara Park to number six intersection |work=bhaskar.com |language=hi |trans-title= Construction work:New cycle track will be built from Laltipara Park to number six intersection |quote=...in 2018, the Municipal Corporation had prepared the first cycle track by spending 2.5 crores... |access-date=11 February 2021}}</ref> and the city became the fourth in India to have this type of facility.{{citation needed|date=December 2020}}

===Art and Literature===

Gwalior holds a major and a special position in the Indian classical music, art and literature. 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 [[Largest Indoor Mural|World's Largest Indoor Mural]] by [[Guinness World Records]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/largest-indoor-mural |title=Largest indoor mural |publisher=[[Guinness World Records]] |date=5 March 2005 |access-date=13 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924125304/http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/largest-indoor-mural |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Marathi Sahitya Sammelan]], the conference on Marathi Literature was held in Gwalior in 1961. It was presided over by writer [[Kusumavati Deshpande]] (herself a poet and also the wife of [[Kavi Anil]]). 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]].

 

Raja Man Singh Tomar, the King of Gwalior between 1486 and 1516 AD, was a patron of [[Dhrupad|Drupad]] (Hindi: ध्रुपद). Dhrupad 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.

Gwalior holds a major position in the Indian classical music, with being the birthplace of the oldest Hindustani sangeet [[gharana]] - [[Gwalior Gharana]]. Gwalior holds an unparalleled reputation in [[Sangeet (music)|Sangeet]] and has retained Indian traditions and the wealth of music intact over the years. The Gwalior Gharana is not only the oldest Khyal [[Gharana]] but it is also one of the most prominent [[gharana]] being the 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). Akbar's favourite singer was Tansen, who came from the Gwalior area and whose ashes were buried in Gwalior after his death. The Tansen Tomb in Gwalior was constructed in his remembrance. [[Tansen Samaroh|Tansen Festival]] started in the 1930s, and currently artists from all over India come to perform in the festival.

The [[Tansen Samaroh|Tansen Sangeet Samaroh]] (Tansen Music Festival) is celebrated every year on the Tansen Tomb in Gwalior during the month of December.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://travel.india.com/gwalior/activities/events-tansen-samaroh-in-gwalior|title=Tansen Samaroh in Gwalior|work=Travel India|access-date=28 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908112600/http://travel.india.com/gwalior/activities/events-tansen-samaroh-in-gwalior/|archive-date=8 September 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> Tansen Samaroh is a platform where artists from all over India gather and participate to deliver vocal and instrumental performances. The Tansen Sangeet Samaroh is organised by the government of Madhya Pradesh, in association with the Academy of the Department of Culture. During the festival, music lovers and artists from all over the world gather to offer their tribute to Tansen. The academy offers honours to senior celebrities and junior artists by including them in the Samaroh through their performed music.

Lakshmibai National University for Physical Education (operational since 1957) is the largest physical education institutions in Asia.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://yas.nic.in/sites/default/files/100%20Days%20Progress%20Report.pdf |title=100 Days Progress Report.cdr |website=Yas.inc.in |access-date=13 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150331130354/http://yas.nic.in/sites/default/files/100%20Days%20Progress%20Report.pdf |archive-date=31 March 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> 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 ten 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.

* [[Captain Roop Singh Stadium]] is a cricket ground in Gwalior. The stadium has hosted ten [[One Day International]] (ODI) matches. Of the ten matches played so far, the first one was played between India and West Indies on 22 January 1988. 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 player Dhyan Chand. The ground has flood lights and has hosted day-night encounters as well. One match of the 1996 Cricket World Cup was also played on this ground, between India and West Indies. This ground is notable for hosting the ODI between India and South Africa in which [[Sachin Tendulkar]] scored the first-ever double century in ODI cricket.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/indvrsa2010/engine/current/match/441828.html |title=2nd ODI: India v South Africa at Gwalior, Feb 24, 2010 &#124; Cricket Scorecard |publisher=[[ESPN Cricinfo]] |access-date=13 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002212135/http://www.espncricinfo.com/indvrsa2010/engine/current/match/441828.html |archive-date=2 October 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

* A new international stadium at Shankarpur village near Ghatigaon tehsil<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bhaskar.com/news/MP-GWA-new-cricket-stadium-gwalior-3935331-NOR.html |title=new cricket stadium gwalior |website=Bhaskar.com |date=17 October 2012 |access-date=13 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117023910/http://www.bhaskar.com/news/MP-GWA-new-cricket-stadium-gwalior-3935331-NOR.html |archive-date=17 November 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> has been proposed by [[Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association]] (MPCA). The proposed stadium will be built on a land of 30 acres, which has been taken over by Gwalior District Cricket Association (GDCA). The construction of the proposed stadium is expected to be completed in 2020. It will have a seating capacity of around 100,000 spectators. It will also be equipped with flood lights for night matches, a swimming pool, sauna bath, modern gym, dressing room, and 30 corporate boxes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://soulsteer.com/new-international-cricket-stadium-to-open-at-shankarpur-gwalior/ |title=New international cricket stadium to open at Shankarpur, Gwalior |publisher=SouLSteer |date=3 March 2015 |access-date=13 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724225654/http://soulsteer.com/new-international-cricket-stadium-to-open-at-shankarpur-gwalior/ |archive-date=24 July 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>{{Update inline|date=February 2019|reason=}}

| [[Rustamji Institute of Technology]] (RJIT) || Self financed/[[Border Security Force]] || BSF Academy, [[Tekanpur, India|Tekanpur]]

Gwalior has five [[Kendriya Vidyalaya]]s (managed by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government Of India), several engineering and technological institutes and more than thirty affiliated engineering colleges.

The [[Scindia School]], a boarding school for boys, and all India ranked 3rd among other IPSC Boarding schools by the Education World, [[Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya]] (boarding school for girls), [[Delhi Public School, Gwalior]] are also located in Gwalior city. Other notable schools and colleges include [[No. 1 Air Force School, Gwalior]] and [[Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 4, Gwalior]].

The 2011 census put the population of Gwalior's urban area / metropolitan region, comprising Gwalior and [[Morar Cantonment]], at 1,117,740.<ref>{{cite web|title=Gwalior Urban Region|url=http://www.census2011.co.in/census/metropolitan/245-gwalior.html|website=www.census2011.co.in|date=2011|access-date=10 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171125100932/http://www.census2011.co.in/census/metropolitan/245-gwalior.html|archive-date=25 November 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

*Koteshwar Temple. This temple is a 700 year old temple of Lord Shiva whose [[shivling]] was on Gwalior Fort, but when the Mughals conquered it they ordered the shivling thrown out. When the troops did that, the shivling was automatically established in a field below the fort without any harm. Muslim Gazi told the emperor not to harm the shivling. In the late 18th century Scindias built a temple for that shivling, now known as Koteshwar Mahadev.

*Kashi Naresh ki gali- this a 600 year 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 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.)

[[Gwalior West]] is being developed as a "Counter Magnet" project with funding support from the [[National Capital Region (India)|National Capital Region]].<ref name="2008 study ch4">{{cite web|title=Study on Counter Magnet Areas to Delhi and NCR|url=http://ncrpb.nic.in/pdf_files/07_chapter4_cma.pdf|website=ncrpb.nic.in/cma_study.php|publisher=[[National Capital Region (India)]] Planning Board|date=2008|access-date=5 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160519033718/http://ncrpb.nic.in/pdf_files/07_chapter4_cma.pdf|archive-date=19 May 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> It 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.

At the heart of Gwalior is Gwalior Fort of the [[Tomaras of Gwalior|Tomara dynasty]]. This 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, founded by Daulat Rao Scindia, 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gwaliormunicipalcorporation.org/gwalior_municipal_corporation_history.aspx |title=Gwalior Municipal Corporation History |website=Gwaliormunicipalcorporation.org |date=1 July 1912 |access-date=13 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150618141555/http://gwaliormunicipalcorporation.org/gwalior_municipal_corporation_history.aspx |archive-date=18 June 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

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 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.<ref>{{cite book|title=Census of India, 1961, Volume 14, Issue 5|author=India (Republic) Office of the Registrar General|publisher=Manager of Publications|year=1972|page=11}}</ref><ref>[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:4] {{dead link|date=June 2017}}</ref>

* [[Gopachal Parvat]] is situated on the mountainous terrain at the slopes of Gwalior Fort. Gopachal Parvat contains unique statues of [[Jain]] [[Tirthankara]]s. The idol of [[Parshvanath]] seated on a lotus (carved out of a single stone) is the largest in the world, towering at {{Convert|14|metres|feet}} in height and {{Convert|9|metres|feet}} in breadth. There is a series of 26 Jain statues in a single line. Built between 1398 and 1536 by Tomar kings, these Jain ''[[Tirthankar]]'' statues are one of a kind in architecture.

* Municipality Museum, is situated a little distance from Rani Lakshmibai's tomb. [[File:Gwl museum.jpg|thumb|Gwalior Municipal Corporation's Museum]]

* Modern 5D is Madhya Pradesh's first multi-dimensional theatre launched in the 2011 trade fair of Gwalior. It was built by Gwalior's leading enterprise Modern Techno Projects (P) Ltd. Modern 5D is recognised as India's first own multi-dimensional theatre.

* [[Shyam Vatika]] is a banquet hall which has the world's largest indoor mural, as recognised by [[Guinness World Records]].

* Within the fort are some marvels of medieval architecture. The 15th century [[Gujari Mahal]] is a monument to the love of Raja Mansingh Tomar for his Gujar Queen, Mrignayani. The outer structure of Gujari Mahal has survived in an almost total state of preservation; the interior has been converted into an archaeological museum housing rare antiquities, some of them dating back to the 1st century A.D. Many of these have been defaced by the [[iconoclastic]] Mughals.

* [[Sas-Bahu Temple]] - A 9th-century shrine, Sas-Bahu temple in the fort allures not only the devotees but also the tourists with its artistic value. Despite what its name may suggest, these temples are not dedicated to Sas (mother-in-law) and Bahu (daughter-in-law) but rather the short form of Shashtra Bahu, another name for Lord Vishnu. These temples situated adjacent to each other and the larger one is elaborately decorated with carvings and sculptures. The roof of the larger temple is adorned with a lotus carving.

[[File:Teli ka Mandir (15699755834)2.jpg|thumb|right|Teli-ka-Mandir]]

* Jain rock-cut sculptures - A striking part of the [[Jain]] remains at Gwalior is a series of caves or rock-cut sculptures, excavated in the rock on all sides, and numbering nearly a hundred, great and small. Most of them are mere niches to hold statues, though some are cells that may have been originally intended for residences. According to inscriptions, they were all excavated within a short period of about thirty-three years, between 1441 and 1474.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/india/madhya-pradesh-and-chhattisgarh/gwalior/sights/other/jain-rock-sculptures|title=Jain Rock Sculptures|author=Lonely Planet|work=Lonely Planet|access-date=28 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304073000/http://www.lonelyplanet.com/india/madhya-pradesh-and-chhattisgarh/gwalior/sights/other/jain-rock-sculptures|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> One of the colossal figures is 57&nbsp;ft (17&nbsp;m) high, taller than any other in northern India.{{Citation needed|date=September 2018}}

* Gurudwara Datta Bandi Choodh- Gwalior Fort also has the [[Gurudwara]], built in the memory of the sixth [[Sikh]], [[Guru Har Gobind]]. This Gurudwara is particularly large and grand, built entirely of marble with coloured glass decorating the main building. Recital of the [[Guru Granth Sahib]] takes place here and Mughal kings used to visit Gwalior regularly. There is a Gurdwara that was converted to a mandir of "kalli devi" and process is on to take it back by Sikhs.

[[Adhyatma Niketan]] is an important [[ashram]] near Gwalior Fort.

Also called Jai Vilas Palace, is the residential palace turned museum of the Maratha rulers of Gwalior - the Scindias. The palace has notable collections of antiques. The museum is one of the largest in Madhya Pradesh and has the world's largest chandelier {{Citation needed|date=September 2018}} and the complex is a mixture of British and Hindu architecture.

* Tansen's tomb: Gwalior is the birthplace of the musician Tansen. He was one of the "Nine Gems of Akbar".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gktoday.in/navratnas-of-akbar-9-gems/ |title=Navratnas of Akbar (9 Gems) - General Knowledge Today |website=Gktoday.in |access-date=13 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702111511/http://www.gktoday.in/navratnas-of-akbar-9-gems/ |archive-date=2 July 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Located in {{see section||Morar Cantonment}}, the Sun Temple ''"Vivsvaan mandir"'' is dedicated to the sun god [[Surya]]. Designed as a facsimile of the Sun temple of [[Konark]] in Odisha, the temple was sponsored and built in the 1980s by the [[Birla family]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Temples of Madhya Pradesh|publisher=Goodearth Publications|isbn=9789380262499|page=49|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=THW_OkoTuE4C&q=Surya&pg=PA49|language=en|access-date=25 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425183416/https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=THW_OkoTuE4C&pg=PA49&dq=Surya|archive-date=25 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Trip to Gwalior, Orccha and Sonagiri: Day1|url=http://harithateegela.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/trip-to-gwalior-orccha-and-sonagiri-day1.html|website=harithateegela.blogspot.co.uk|access-date=25 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425183419/http://harithateegela.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/trip-to-gwalior-orccha-and-sonagiri-day1.html|archive-date=25 April 2018|url-status=live|date=9 October 2014}}</ref> Before the temple was built the gardens had the name ''Tapovan''. The gardens were the location of an ill-fated attempt to introduce [[african lion]]s by the Maharaja of Gwalior State.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Mitra|first1=Sudipta|title=Gir Forest and the Saga of the Asiatic Lion|date=2005|publisher=Indus Publishing|isbn=9788173871832|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=J0rME6RjC1sC&pg=PA213|language=en|access-date=25 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720105443/https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=J0rME6RjC1sC&pg=PA213&|archive-date=20 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

* [[Salman Khan]], [[Arbaaz Khan]], studied at Scindia School

* [[Sunil Bharti Mittal]], CEO of [[Bharti Airtel]]. He first joined the Wynberg Allen School in Mussoorie, but later attended Scindia School at Gwalior

* [[Amitabh Mitra]], Indo-English poet, visual artist and Head of Emergency Medicine and Trauma, South Africa. He studied at [[Gajara Raja Medical College]], Gwalior

* [[Nitin Mukesh]], Singer. He did his schooling at Scindia School in Gwalior

 

 

<gallery mode="packed" heights="134">

File:Sun Temple - GWL - F3101 Wiki Veethi.JPG|Sun Temple

File:Tighra dam.jpg|Tighra Dam

File:Mythological statue guarding Gujari Mahal.JPG|Statue Guarding Entrance to Gujari Mahal

File:Gwalior Fort Gate.JPG|One of the Seven Gates of the Gwalior Fort

File:Gwalior-temple.jpg|Sas-Bahu Ka Mandir at Gwalior Fort

File:256 Gwalior.jpg| Beautiful Chinese hand craft work on the walls of Gwalior Fort

File:SP A0135.jpg|Former Vidhan Sabha when Gwalior was capital of Madhya Bharat

</gallery>

[[Category:Metropolitan cities in India]]

[[Category:All articles containing potentially dated statements]]

[[Category:Cities in Madhya Pradesh]]