This is one of the most unconquerable forts in India, which was built by Raja Man Singh Tomar in the 15th century. This fort is situated at Gopachal, nearly 100m above the town of Gwalior. The Gwalior Fort spreads out over an area of 3 square km, bounded by solid walls of sandstone, which enclose three temples, six palaces and a number of water tanks. The Mughal emperor Babar referred to the Gwalior Fort as "the pearl amongst fortresses in India." In the five hundred years since then, the fort has changed hands many times- it has been held by the Tomars, Mughals, Marathas and British, who finally handed it over to the Scindias.

History
According to a legend, the history of Gwalior traces back to about 1000 years. This fort has been a witness to many battles in the turbulent times as well as festivals in the peacetime. The magnificent momentous of a glorious past have been preserved with care, giving Gwalior an appeal unique and timeless.

Gwalior`s history is traced back to a fascinating legend: in 8 AD, where a deadly disease struck a chieftain called Suraj Sen. He was cured by a hermit saint, Gwalipa, who stayed on the hilltop where the fort stands. Gwalipa gave Suraj Singh a drink of water from the Suraj Kund, which is still there in the fort. Suraj Singh in gratitude founded a city, which he named after the saint who had given him the gift of a new life. He also renamed him Suraj Pal and said that as long as he and his descendents kept the name PAL, they would remain in power. The new city of Gwalior became, over the centuries, the cradle of great dynasties. But his 84th descendent however, changed his name and lost his kingdom.

In 1938, the Tomar dynasty came to power in Gwalior. Man Singh was the greatest of the Tomar rulers, who ascended the throne in 1486. He also repelled an attack on the fort by Sikandar Lodi Delhi. In 1516, Ibrahim Lodi laid siege on the fort. Man Singh died but his son held on to the fort for one year before surrendering. After the Lodis, the fort passed into the hands of the Mughals who held onto it till 1754, when the Marathas captured it. The next 50 years saw the fort change hands several times before passing into the hands of the Scindias. In 1857, the troops revolted against the British in defiance of the ruler who remained loyal to the British. It was near this fort that Tatia Tope was defeated and the Rani of Jhansi killed in battle.

Site & Architecture
One can enter the fort from the south or the northeast, where the latter approach starts from the archaeological museums and leads to the doors of the Man Singh Palace. The southern entrance is via the URBAI GATE and goes past the cliff face with Jain Sculptures on it.

The fort is built on a hill of sandstone and towers 100 m from the plain. The outer wall of the fort is almost 2 miles in length and the width varies from one kms to 200 meters. The walls of the fort, which encircle the fort, are solid and nearly 10m high and they give way onto the steep slopes. In places the cliff overhangs and elsewhere it has been clipped to make it steep and hence unscalable. The fort also enjoys the advantage of an unlimited water supply, as there are many water tanks on the plateau.

Near the fourth gate of the northeast entrance to the fort is a small four pillared Hindu temple dedicated to the hermit Gwalipa, after whom the fort and the town is named. Of the monuments in the Gwalior Fort, the most famous monuments are as follows:

Within the fort are some marvels of medieval architecture. The 15th century Gujari Mahal is a monument of love by Raja Mansingh Tomar for his Gujar queen, Mrignayani. After he had wooed and won her, Mrignayani demanded for a separate palace with a constant water supply from the River Rai. The outer structure of the Gujari Mahal has survived in an almost total state of preservation; the interior has been now converted into an archaeological Museum.

Also built by Raja Mansingh Tomar is the Man Mandir Palace, built between 1486 and 1517. The tiles that once adorned its exterior have not survived, but at the entrance, traces of these still remain. Vast chambers with fine stone screens were once the music halls, and behind these screens, the royal ladies would learn music from the great masters of those times. Below the circular dungeons once housed the state prisoners of the Mughals. The Emperor Aurangzeb had his brother, Murad, imprisoned, and later executed, here.

Close by is the Jauhar Pond, where the Rajput `ranis` committed mass `sati` after their consorts had been defeated in battle. Though the major portions of the Fort were built in the 15th century, references to this gigantic complex can be traced back to 425 AD. Older than the city is the Suraj Kund within the Fort walls, the original pond, where the Saint Gwalipa cured Suraj Sen.

The Teli ka Mandir is a 9th century Dravidian-style shrine which is notable for its profusely sculpted Indo-Aryan style exterior; The doorway to the temple is 100 ft high and is topped with a sculpture of the Garuda. This is a Pratihara Vishnu temple of a unique blending of architectural styles. The shape of the roof is distinctively Dravidian, while the decorative embellishments have the typically Indo-Aryan characteristics of Northern India. The whole temple is covered with sculptures.

The graceful little Saas-Bahu-ka-Mandir built in 11th century is a dedication to Lord Vishnu.

Another landmark is the historic Gurudwara Data Bandhi Chhod built in the memory of Guru Hargobind Sahib, the 6th Sikh Guru who was imprisoned here by Jehangir for over two years. At the time of his release, he wanted 52 Hindu kings who were his fellow prisoners, released with him. Jehangir was very impressed with the Guru and agreed to his condition.

And, finally, within the Fort complex, is Gwalior`s unique gift to modern India, the Scindia School. Acknowledged as one of the finest schools in India, its aim is that the country`s young citizens receive the best educational grounding surrounded by historical monuments, which constantly inspires them.

Chaturbhuj Mandir: This is also known as the Temple of the four-armed and it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and was built in 876A.D. It is located on the northeast entrance to the fort.

Jain Sculptures: Along the path leading to the fort from the Southern side are many Jain sculptures along the rock faces. These sculptures were originally cut in the mid-15th century but were defaced by the marauding armies of Babur in 1527. However, they were later restored. The sculptures can be divided into 5 groups. Image 20, belonging to the Arwahi group is a sculpture of the first Jain Tirthankar. The figure is 17m high. Image 22, is a sculpture figure representing, the 22nd Tirthankar Nemnath. It is 10m high. The most important group is the southeastern group in which there is nearly 20 images spread over a distance of 1km.

Karan Palace / Kirti Mandir is situated on the western side of the fort. It is a long two- storied building.

Jehangir Mahal & Shahjahan Mahal: They both are located at the northern end of the fort.

Gates on the Northeast Entrance: Hathiya Paun or elephant`s foot is on the entrance to the palace. Besides there is the Badalgarh gate named after Raja Man Singh`s Uncle Badal Singh. The first gate is the Alamgiri gate and was built in 1660 A.D. The fourth gate was built in the 15th century and is named after Lord Ganesha.