Gwalior

Gwalior’s history is closely tied to its dramatic hilltop fort, often called the “Gibraltar of India.” According to legend, the city’s name comes from the sage Gwalipa, who is said to have cured a local chieftain of leprosy; in gratitude, the ruler founded a settlement that became Gwalior. Historically, the fort and surrounding region were important from early times, passing through the hands of various dynasties including the early Gurjara-Pratiharas, Tomars, and later the Delhi Sultanate.

In the 15th century, under Tomar king Man Singh Tomar, Gwalior reached a cultural high point. He built the exquisite Man Mandir Palace inside the fort and patronised music; the legendary musician Tansen is closely associated with Gwalior’s tradition. In the 16th century, Gwalior was absorbed into the Mughal Empire and used as a strategic stronghold and state prison for important captives.

With Mughal decline, control shifted, and by the late 18th century Gwalior became the chief seat of the Scindia (Sindhia) Maratha dynasty. Under them it grew into a major princely state, playing a notable role in the 1857 revolt and later in British India’s politics. After Independence, the princely state of Gwalior merged into Madhya Bharat and then Madhya Pradesh, with the city today known for its fort, palaces, music gharana and as an important educational and industrial centre.