A fortress so formidable,
it earned a colonial nickname
Gwalior Fort, rising on a sandstone plateau above the city, has origins traced to at least the 8th century CE and was fought over by virtually every major power in central Indian history — Tomars, Mughals, Marathas, and finally the British, who were sufficiently impressed by its defences to nickname it 'the Gibraltar of India'.
Within the fort complex, the Sas-Bahu Temples and the Teli ka Mandir showcase architectural styles centuries apart, while a series of monumental Jain rock-cut sculptures — some over 17 metres tall — are carved directly into the cliff face below the ramparts, among the largest such carvings in India.
Gwalior is equally significant in Indian classical music history as the home of Tansen, one of the nine legendary court musicians ('Navaratnas') of Emperor Akbar, and the city hosts an annual music festival in his honour that draws performers from across the country.
