The Old City of Gwalior
To the north of the Fort lies the old city of Gwalior. The town is
overflowing with history and much of it can still be sussed out from
its monuments.
¤ Main Attractions
Jami Masjid
Just as Hindu rulers never tired of building temples, the Mughals
were partial to erecting Jami Masjids or Friday Mosques. Be it Delhi,
Fatehpur Sikri, Srinagar or Gwalior – all boast of a magnificent
Jami Masjid. In 1661, Mutamad Khan built the Jami Masjid in Gwalior.
Made of red and white sandstone, it has lofty minarets and gold-plated
domes.
Tomb of Mohammad Ghaus
In the eastern part of the city lies the tomb of the Sufi saint who
helped Babur annex the Gwalior Fort. According to local folklore, he
also granted the boon of a son to Tansen’s parents, and is
therefore venerated as Tansen’s janma daata (the giver of life).
According to another version, Mohammad Ghaus was an Afghan prince.
Whatever be the truth, his mazaar (tomb) suggests that he was a man
held in great esteem. Designed in the typical Mughal style, the tomb
is a grand structure that arrests one’s attention.
The path leading to it is flanked by a garden decorated with roses
and other flowers. As you enter the premises, to your right is a
dilapidated mosque that was built during Akbar’s reign. It is
frequented even today, especially on Friday, when namaaz (prayer) is
offered.
Built in the late 16th century, the tomb is
square-shaped, with huge towers which are crowned by small domes. The
building is enclosed on all sides by delicately carved lattices over
which rises a large dome – once inlaid with blue tiles. The tomb
is a pilgrimage centre for both the Hindus and the Muslims.
Tomb of Tansen
Right next to the tomb of Mohammad Ghaus is the mazaar (tomb) of the
most famous musician at the court of Emperor Akbar. Regarded as one of
the nine jewels of the court, Tansen was an exponent of the dhrupad
style (Check our Music & Dance section for details). Legend has it
that by the intense allure of his mellifluous voice - Tansen could
make thunderclouds appear, followed by rain. His ragas (melodies)
caused lamps to light up and held animals and birds spellbound.
Tansen Sangeet Samaroh -- The Musical Festival
The tomb – built in the early 17th century is set in a beautiful
garden, and is the venue for a music festival, the Tansen Sangeet
Samaroh – held every December. However, it is not nearly as
impressive as the tomb of Mohammad Ghaus.
But this seems to have been Tansen’s intention: he did not want
his tomb to surpass Mohammad Ghaus’ Tomb in grandeur or beauty.
The tamarind tree that you now see beside his grave has replaced an
earlier one that grew near the grave, and was believed to possess
magical properties. Whoever chewed upon its leaves acquired an
exceptionally clear and honeyed voice. |
