eè; izns'k osQ nqxZ rFkk egy

Forts and Palaces of Madhya Pradesh

eè; izns'k osQ nqxZ rFkk egy

eè; izns'k jkT; dks jkT; iquxZBu vfèkfu;e] 1956 dh èkkjk osQ vUrxZr 1 uoEcj] 1956 dks cuk;k x;kA blesa eè; izns'k osQ iquxZBu ls iwoZ osQ ftys] iwoZ eè; Hkkjr jkT;] foUè; izns'k vkSj dksVk ftys dh fljkSat rglhy 'kkfey FksA eè; izns'k dk {ks=kiQy 4,43,446 oxZ fd-eh- gS vkSj ;g Hkkjrh; jkT;ksa esa lcls cM+k jkT; gSA ;g jkT; 149 O;fDr izfr oxZ fd- eh- dh l?kurk lfgr tula[;k esa ikaposa LFkku ij gSA bl jkT; esa vkfnokfl;ksa dh vfèkdre tula[;k gSA eè; izns'k dks jktèkkuh Hkksiky lfgr iz'kklfud iz;kstuksa gsrq 12 [k.Mksa esa foHkkftr fd;k x;k gS] ftuesa Xokfy;j] bUnkSj] jhok] mTtSu] tcyiqj vkfn 'kkfey gSaA

;gka ij foUè; rFkk lriqM+k ioZr Ük`a[kyk,a gSa] ftUgsa Xokfy;j] vlhjx<+] dkfyatj] ek.Mw vkfn tSls vts; nqxks± osQ fuekZ.k gsrq vkn'kZ ekuk tkrk FkkA volknh pV~Vkuh ryksa }kjk fdyscUn nhokjksa dks vfrfjDr e”kcwrh izkIr gksrh Fkh] ftu ij ;s nqxZ cus gSaA bu nqxks± osQ laj{k.k dk ,d vU; igyw Fkkµ fupys Lrj ij ?kuk ou vkoj.kA blosQ vykok ek.Mw] èkkj] Xokfy;j rFkk vlhjx<+ tSls nqxZ] ueZnk rFkk pEcy unh osQ fudV fLFkr gSa] tks o"kkZ ½rq esa lnSo ck<+xzLr jgrh FkhaA bu ufn;ksa esa o"kZ Hkj ty dh vfèkdrk osQ dkj.k nq'eu osQ fy, bUgsa ikj dj ikuk Hkh dfBu FkkA

eè; izns'k esa lcls iqjkuk nqxZ rkez&ik"kk.k ;qx esa fufeZr gqvk FkkA mnkgj.k osQ fy,] ,j.k dh [kqnkbZ ls ijdksVksa osQ gYosQ iqQYosQ lk{; feys gSaA eè; izns'k osQ ”;knkrj nqxZ fxfjnqxZ gSaA mnkgj.k Lo:i Xokfy;j nqxZ] ujoj nqxZ] dkfyatj nqxZ rFkk vlhjx<+ nqxZ likV maQpkbZ okyh igkM+h ij fLFkr gSaA

7oha 'krkCnh bZloh esa g"kZoèkZu jktoa'k osQ iru ls mÙkj Hkkjr esa jktiwrksa dk mn; gqvk] ftuesa ls izeq[k Fks µ dUukSt osQ xqtZj vkSj izfrgkj] tstdkHkqfDr osQ pUnsy] nkgyk µ eaMyk osQ dypqjh rFkk ekyok dk ijekj jktoa'kA xqtZj&izfrgkj jktoa'k osQ fefgj Hkkst izFke us vius lkezkT; dk mÙkj izns'k ls jktLFkku osQ izeq[k Hkkx rd rFkk mÙkj&iwoZ esa lkSjk"Vª ls cqUnsy[k.M rd foLrkj fd;kA mlosQ vèkhu vusd nqxZ Fks] tSlsµ Xokfy;j nqxZ] ujoj nqxZ] vkfnA

pUnsy jktoa'k osQ ;'kksoeZu us dkfyatj nqxZ ij dC”kk izkIr dj 11oha 'krkCnh bZloh esa cqUnsy[k.M esa viuh lÙkk LFkkfir dhA mlus u osQoy cqUnsy[k.M izns'k osQ xqtZjksa rFkk izfrgkjksa] oju~ ekyok osQ ijekjksa dks Hkh vius vèkhu dj fy;kA pUnsy 'kkldksa osQ vèkhu ,d vU; egRoiw.kZ nqxZ Fkk µ vt;x<+A

dypqjh jktoa'k us mÙkj esa xkserh ls ysdj nf{k.k esa ueZnk] cqUnsy[k.M] c?ksy[k.M] lkxj rFkk eè; izn'k osQ tcyiqj f”kys osQ Hkkx vkSj mÙkj izns'k osQ osQUnzh; Hkkx rd iSQys fo'kky jkT; ij vfèkdkj izkIr fd;kA

ekyok osQ ijekj jktoa'k us yxHkx 500 o"kks± rd jkT; fd;k rFkk mudh jktèkkuh èkkj cuh jghA

Forts and Palaces oF Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh was formed under the provisions of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956 on November 1, 1956. It consisted of districts of the former state of Madhya Pradesh, the former state of Madhya Bharat, Vindhya Pradesh and the Sironj subdivision of Kotah district. Madhya Pradesh with an area of 4,43,446 sq.km. is the largest among the Indian states and fifth in population with density of 149 persons per sq.km. Madhya Pradesh has the largest population of adivasis. Madhya Pradesh with Bhopal as capital has been divided into 12 divisions for administrative purposes which include Gwalior, Indore, Rewa, Ujjain, Jabalpur, etc.

It has the Vindhya and Satpura range of mountains which were ideal for the construction of impregnable forts like Gwalior, Asirgarh, Kalinjar, Mandu, etc. The fortification walls were provided additional strength by the sedimentary rock beds on the top of which these forts were built. Another aspect of protection was the dense forest cover at the lower level of these forts. Moreover, the forts, like Mandu, Dhar, Gwalior and Asirgarh are situated close to the Narmada and Chambal rivers, which were always flooded during the monsoons and water runs throughout the year making it difficult for the enemies to cross.

The earliest fort built in Madhya Pradesh dates back to Chalcolithic period. For instance, excavations at Eran have brought to light evidences of mud ramparts. Most of the forts in Madhya Pradesh are mountain forts or Giridurga for example, the fort of Gwalior, Narwar, Kalinjar and Asirgarh stand on a flat topped hill.

The decline of Harshavardhana’s dynasty in the 7th century A.D. in turn led to rise of Rajputs in the northern India, prominent among them were Gurjara-Pratiharas of Kanauj, the Chandellas of Jejakabhukti, the Kalachuris of Dahala-Mandala and the Paramaras of Malwa. Mihir Bhoja I of Gurjara-Pratiharas extended his empire from Uttar Pradesh to major portion of Rajasthan and from Saurashtra to Bundelkhand region in the north east. He had many forts under his control, namely, Gwalior Fort, Narwar Fort, etc.

Yashovarman of Chandellas occupied Kalinjar fort and established his supremacy in the Bundelkhand region in 11th century A.D. He not only subjugated Gurjara-Pratiharas of Bundelkhand region but also Paramaras of Malwa. Another important fort under the Chandellas was the Ajaigarh Fort.

The Kalachuris held sway over a large kingdom extending from Gomti in the north to Narmada in the south, the part of Bundelkhand, Baghelkhand, Sagar, Jabalpur districts of Madhya Pradesh and central part of Uttar Pradesh.

The Paramaras of Malwa ruled for a period of nearly 500 years with their capital at Dhar.

f[kyth 'kkldksa us 13oha 'krkCnh bZloh esa ekyok ij vkozQe.k fd;k rFkk eè; izns'k osQ vusd nqxZ] tSlsµ Xokfy;j] ujoj] pUnsjh] vt;x<+] dkfyatj vkfn ij viuk vkfèkiR; LFkkfir dj fy;kA eksgEen fcu rqxyd osQ de”kksj 'kklu osQ vèkhu] vusd vfèkdkfj;ksa us Lo;a dks Lora=k ?kksf"kr djus dh dksf'k'k dhA buesa ls I+kQhjks”k 'kkg rqX+kyd osQ vèkhu dk;Zjr ,d lhek 'kqYd vfèkdkjh fnykoj [kku X+kkSjh dks 14oha 'krkCnh bZloh esa ekyok dks Lora=k jkT; ?kksf"kr djus esa liQyrk izkIr gqbZ rFkk mlus èkkj dks viuh jktèkkuh cuk;kA mlosQ csVs gks'kax'kkg us 1405 bZloh esa viuh jktèkkuh èkkj ls ek.Mw LFkkukarfjr dhA gks'kax'kkg dh 1435 bZloh esa e`R;q osQ i'pkr~ ekyok esa f[kyth egRoiw.kZ :i esa mHkjsA 1442 bZloh esa egewn [kku f[kyth us Lo;a dks ekyok dk lqYrku ?kksf"kr dj fn;kA mlosQ i'pkr~ ekyok esa vusd 'kkld gq,A 1530 bZloh esa gqek;wa] 1545 bZloh esa 'ksj'kkg] 1555 bZloh esa ck”kcgknqj rFkk varr% vdcj osQ 'kklu osQ vèkhu ekyok eqX+ky lkezkT; dk fgLlk cu x;kA 17oha 'krkCnh bZloh esa ekyok ij ejkBksa us dC”kk tek fy;k] ftl ij 18oha 'krkCnh bZloh osQ eè; esa flfUèk;k jktoa'k us mÙkjkfèkdkj izkIr fd;kA

Xokfy;j

lar Xokg ik osQ uke ij cuk Xokfy;j 'kgj 8oha 'krkCnh bZloh esa LFkkfir fd;k x;k FkkA ;g 'kgj vius fo'kky fxfjnqxZ osQ fy, izfl¼ gSA

,d viwoZ n'; izLrqr djrk ;g nqxZ] Hkwry ls 100 ehVj dh maQpkbZ ij ,d likV f'k[kj ls ;qDr ,dkdh pV~Vku ckywiRFkj rFkk vflrk'e dh igkM+h ij fLFkr gSA yxHkx 3 fd- eh- yack vkSj 500 ehVj rd pkSM+k igkM+h iBkj mÙkj ls nf{k.k dh vksj lhèk esa gS vkSj if'peh vksj ls ,d xgjh rax ^mjokgh ?kkVh* ls lajf{kr gSA

bl nqxZ dh fo'ks"krk gS µ 15oha 'krkCnh bZloh esa cuk jktk ekuflag dk egy] ftlesa iRFkjksa dh vfHkdYiuk oqQN bl izdkj ls dh xbZ gS fd mUgsa ns[kdj yxrk gS] ekuks os jktiwrksa osQ 'kkS;Z o ijkozQe dh xkFkk dg jgs gksaA

nqxZ osQ vUnj dh vU; izkphu bekjrksa esa rsyh&dk&eafnj] lkl&cgw dk eafnj rFkk fupys Hkkx esa xwtjh egy gS] tks ns'k osQ mRÑ"Vre f'kYi laxzgky;ksa esa ls ,d gSA

Xokfy;j dks Hkkjrh; 'kkL=kh; laxhr dk ,d osQUnz gksus osQ dkj.k Hkh tkuk tkrk gSA vusd Hkkjrh; 'kkL=kh; laxhr osQ ^jkxksa* osQ jpukdkj vkSj lezkV vdcj osQ njckj osQ ^uo jRuksa* esa ls ,d] fe;ka rkulsu dks Xokfy;j dk gh ekuk tkrk gS vkSj mudh lekfèk ;gha cuh gSA Xokfy;j osQ uke ij gh 'kkL=kh; laxhr dk izfl¼ ^Xokfy;j ?kjkuk* gSA

The Khaljis invaded Malwa in 13th century A.D. and many forts of Madhya Pradesh like Gwalior, Narwar, Chanderi, Ajaigarh, Kalinjar etc. were captured by them. Under the fragile rule of Mohd.-bin Tughlaq, many officials tried to declare themselves independent.One of them Dilawar Khan Ghori, a custom officer under Firoz Shah Tughlaq succeeded in declaring the independence of Malwa in 14th century A.D. with his seat at Dhar. In 1405 A.D. his son Hoshang Shah shifted the capital from Dhar to Mandu. After the death of Hoshang Shah in 1435 A.D., the Khaljis rose to prominence in Malwa. In 1442 A.D. Mahmud Khan Khalji declared himself as Sultan of Malwa. He was followed by series of rulers - Humayun in 1530 A.D., Sher Shah in 1545 A.D., Baz Bahadur in 1555 A.D. and finally under Akbar’s rule Malwa became a part of Mughal empire. In 17th century A.D. Malwa was occupied by the Marathas to be succeeded by Scindia’s in mid 18th century A.D.

Gwalior

Gwalior was established in 8th century A.D. and named after saint Gwah Pa. It is renowned for its huge hill-fort.

The fortress, commanding a spectacular view, is situated on a flat-topped isolated rocky sandstone and basalt hill at a height of 100 m. above the plains. About 3 km. in length, and never wider than 500 m., the hill plateau is aligned north to south and protected by a deep gorge called ‘Urwahi Valley’ on the western side.

The fort has the distinction of housing the 15th century A.D. palace of Raja Man Singh, whose stones, seem styled in such a way as if they are going to speak about the valour and chivalry of Rajputs.

Among other ancient buildings in the fortress are, Teli-ka-Mandir, Saas-Bahu temple and the Gujari Mahal which is located at the foot of the fort, is one of the finest sculpture museums in the country.

Gwalior is also known for being a centre of Indian classical music. Creator of many classical Indian ragas and one of the ‘nine jewels’ at the emperor Akbar’s court, Miya Tansen is believed to belong to Gwalior and is burried here. It has the distinction of having a famous classical gharana, Gwalior gharana named after it.

vksjNk

>kalh osQ lehi fLFkr vksjNk dks vkt Hkh ,sls 'kgj dh laKk nh tk ldrh gS] tks vius Hkwrdky] vFkkZr&eè;dkyhu foxr le; esa gh th jgk gS vkSj 20oha 'krkCnh bZloh osQ fodkl ozQe ls vNwrk lk gSA cqUnsy jktk #nz izrki }kjk 16oha 'krkCnh bZloh esa clk, x, vksjNk 'kgj esa egy] nqxZ] eafnj vkSj Nrfj;ksa lfgr ijaijkxr fgUnw] fefJr baMks&lkjlhfud o vkyadkfjr eqxy dyk 'kSyh osQ la'ys"k.k ls ;qDr vusd okLrqdyk osQ uewus gSaA

mTtSu

fgUnqvksa dh ifo=k lIriqfj;ksa esa ,d] f{kizk unh osQ fdukjs ij clk gqvk vkSj izkphu Hkkjrh; bfrgkl esa ^vofUrdk* uke ls mfYyf[kr mTtSu dks] ekS;Zdky esa Hkh ,d egRoiw.kZ LFkku izkIr FkkA lkaLÑfrd rFkk ,sfrgkfld n`f"V ls le`¼ mTtSu og LFkku gS] tgka ij ,sfrgkfld jktk foozQekfnR; us viuk izfl¼ njckj LFkkfir fd;k FkkA bl njckj dks vius fo}kuksa o dfo;ksa osQ dkj.k fof'k"Vrk izkIr FkhA bUgha jktk foozQekfnR; osQ uke ij izfl¼ fgUnw ^foozQe laor~* gSA izfr ckjg o"kks± esa gksus okys oqaQHk osQ esys osQ fy, Hkh mTtSu izfl¼ gSA

ekaMw

foUè; ioZr ij yxHkx 1950 iqQV dh maQpkbZ ij fLFkr ekaMw us 10oha 'krkCnh bZloh osQ var esa ml le; izeq[krk izkIr dh] tc ijekj 'kkldksa µ eqat nso ,oa Hkkst us viuk Lora=k jkT; cuk;kA okLrqdykRed n`f"V ls] ekaMw] bLykeh okLrqdyk dh izkUrh; 'kSyh osQ nks egRoiw.kZ osQUnzksa esa ls ,d (nwljk osQUnz µ èkkj) gksus osQ dkj.k vR;Ur izfl¼ gSA ekaMw dh vfèkdka'k bekjrsa 1401 bZloh o 1526 bZloh osQ chp ewyr% LFkkuh; fgUnw eafnjksa osQ vo'ks"kksa dk mi;skx djosQ fufeZr dh xbZA budh fuekZ.k 'kSyh osQ Ng izeq[k lewg gSa % jktlh var% {ks=k] xk¡o osQ vklikl dk lewg] lkxj rkykc lewg] jsok oqQ.M lewg] lkxj rkykc o xkao osQ chp dk lewg rFkk vU; fefJr Lekjdksa dk lewgA

iUuk

cqUnsy[k.M osQ igkM+h] oU; {ks=k esa fLFkr iUuk] #nz izrki flag }kjk 1886 bZloh esa fufeZr egy osQ fy, izfl¼ gSA bldh ifjdYiuk ,d vaxzsth okLrqdkj }kjk dh xbZ Fkh] ftlus yanu osQ ls.V ikWy oSQFksMªy dh okLrq&;kstuk osQ vkèkkj ij LFkkuh; cyjke eafnj dh Hkh ;kstuk rS;kj dh FkhA

jhok

jhok ns'k osQ chgM+ izns'k esa gS] ftls ^cqUnsy[k.M* osQ uke ls tkuk tkrk gSA vdcj }kjk cqUnsy[k.M ij fot; izkIr djus osQ i'pkr~] ;g vapy NksVs&NksVs jkT;ksa esa [kf.Mr gks x;k Fkk] ftuesa ls jhok izeq[k FkkA orZeku eè; izns'k osQ ,d Hkkx osQ :i esa 'kkfey gksus rd jhok] igys osQ jhok jkT; dh jktèkkuh cuk jgkA ;g bykgkckn ls yxHkx 210 fd- eh- dh nwjh ij gSA

jhok vius 'osr ck?kksa] izkphu uxj egy rFkk jhok nqxZ osQ fy, izfl¼ gS] ftls yxHkx 1780 bZloh esa ejkBksa }kjk iw.kZ fd;k x;kA

orchha

Orchha is near Jhansi and can be said as still living in its past, medieval, bygone age having been left untouched by the developments of the 20th century A.D. Founded by the Bundel king Rudra Pratap in the 16th century A.D., Orchha has a number of architectural specimens belonging to synthesis of traditional Hindu, Indo-Saracenic and ornate Mughal art which include a palace, fortress, temple and a cenotaph.

Ujjain

One of the seven sacred Hindu pilgrimage centres on the banks of Kshipra river and also referred to as Avantika in ancient India, Ujjain had also an important place in Mauryan times. Culturally and historically rich, Ujjain is the place where the legendary king Vikramaditya after whom the Hindu ‘Vikram Era’ is named, held a famous court which had the distinction of having reputed scholars and poets. Ujjan is also famous for the Kumbha mela held after every twelfth year.

Mandu

Situated at a height of approx. 1950 ft. in the Vindhyas, Mandu gained prominence at the end of the 10th century A.D. when Paramara kings – Munja Dev and Bhoj formed an independent kingdom.

Architecturally, Mandu is very famous for being one of the two important centres (other is Dhar) of a provincial style of Islamic architecture. The most of its extant buildings were constructed between 1401 A.D. and 1526 A.D., initially using salvaged masonry from local Hindu temples. The six distinct groups of construction style of Mandu buildings are : the Royal Enclave, the group around the Village, the Sagar Talao group, the Rewa Kund group, the group between the Sagar Talao and the Village, and a group of miscellaneous monuments.

Panna

Panna lies in a hilly, wild area of Bundelkhand and is famous for the palace built by Rudra Pratap Singh in 1886 A.D. It was designed by an English architect, who had also designed the local Balaram Temple on the model of St. Paul’s Cathedral, London.

rewa

Rewa belongs to the wild tract of country known as Bundelkhand. After Akbar conquered Bundelkhand, the territory was fragmented into smaller states, of which Rewa was foremost. Rewa remained capital of the former state of Rewa till it was merged as a part of present Madhya Pradesh. It is at a distance of approx. 210 km. from Allahabad.

Rewa is renowned for its white tigers, Old City Palace and Rewa Fort which was completed in about 1780 A.D. by the Marathas.

nfr;k

>kalh ls osQoy 24 fd- eh- dh nwjh ij fLFkr nfr;k 'kgj dks cqUnsy[k.M esa caqnsy jktiwrksa }kjk LFkkfir fd;k x;k] ftls 16oha 'krkCnh osQ mÙkjk¼Z vkSj 17oha 'krkCnh bZloh osQ iwokZ¼Z dh okLrqdykRed 'kSyh osQ Js"B mnkgj.k gksus dk xkSjo izkIr gSA ml nkSjku fufeZr vkkd"kZd egy Fks µ u`flag nso egy] jktx<+ fLFkr izkphu egy rFkk jktk chj flag nso dk egyA

vlhjx<+

lriqM+k dh igkfM+;ksa esa fLFkr vlhjx<+ dks Hkkjr osQ izkphure nqxks± esa ls ,d gksus dk oSf'k"V~; izkIr gSA ,d bfrgkldkj osQ vuqlkj] 1370 bZloh esa vlk vghj pjokgs us vlhjx<+ nqxZ dks cuk;k Fkk] ftlosQ iwoZt bl pV~Vkuh {ks=k ij 700 o"kZ ls Hkh vfèkd le; rd jgs FksA

vlhjx<+ dk fdyk lriqM+k ioZr Ük`a[kyk dh maQph p<+kbZ ij fufeZr gSA

èkkj

10oha 'krkCnh bZloh esa eqat nso] Hkkst rFkk vU; ijekj jktkvksa dh uxjh] èkkj vius fo'kky e”kcwr nqxks± vkSj izkphjksa osQ fy, tkuh tkrh FkhA èkkj fLFkr izeq[k bekjrsa] VwVs gq, izkphu fgUnw eafnjksa ls yh xbZ fpukbZ dh lkexzh ls fufeZr dh xbZ FkhaA

ekyok esa b.Mks&bLykeh okLrqdyk dh izknsf'kd 'kSyh osQ osQUnz osQ :i esa ek.Mw osQ lkFk èkkj Hkh egRoiw.kZ Fkk] ftlosQ oqQN mnkgj.k vkt Hkh fo|eku gSaA

dkfyatj

dkfyatjknjh ioZr ij fLFkr dkfyatj] ckank ls 57 fd- eh- nwj gS vkSj eè; izns'k esa cqUnsy[k.M vapy osQ izkphu ,oa ,sfrgkfld LFkkuksa esa ,d gSA

;gka dk dkfyatj nqxZ Hkkjr osQ izkphure nqxks± esa ls ,d gSA bl nqxZ esa gh dkfyatj egy Hkh gSA

pUnsjh

eqfLye lYrur osQ 'kklu osQ nkSjku ekyok dh mÙkjh jktèkkuh vkSj dHkh i;kZIr egÙkk izkIr pUnsjh] ladjs ekxks± ls ;qDr cyqvk iRFkj dh xgjh [kkM+h esa fLFkr gSA

;gka fLFkr vkd"kZd okLrqdykRed Lekjd vfèkdka'kr% ekaMw osQ ?kwj rFkk f[kyth lqyrkuksa }kjk gh cuok, gq, gSaA

bUnkSj

bUnkSj] gksYdj jktoa'k dh iwoZ jktèkkuh gS] ftls 17oha 'krkCnh bZloh osQ mÙkjk¼Z esa vgY;k ckbZ] jktoa'k dh f}rh; 'kkfldk }kjk ,d NksVs ls xkao osQ :i esa LFkkfir fd;k x;k FkkA ljLorh rFkk dgku unh osQ fdukjksa ij fLFkr bUnkSj vc cny x;k gS rFkk bldk iqjkuk {ks=k if'pe dh vksj o u;k {ks=k iwoZ dh vksj gSA ;g jkT; dk lcls cM+k 'kgj gSA

le`¼ o fodkl'khy 'kgj] bUnkSj dks egkjktk eYgkj jko gksYdj f}rh; }kjk fufeZr twuk jtokM+k ;k izkphu egy tSlh bekjrksa dh 'kkunkj Ük`a[kyk gksus dk xkSjo izkIr gSA bUnkSj dh vU; izfl¼ bekjrksa esa yky ckx egy] lq[k&fuokl egy] nq;kZo egy vkSj ucZnk egy mYys[kuh; gSaA

datia

Datia, a town just 24 km. off from Jhansi, has the imortance of owning the best surviving examples of architectural style of the late 16th and early 17th centuries A.D. that flourished under the Bundela Rajputs in Bundelkhand area. The interesting palaces built during that period were Nrising Dev Palace, Old Palace at Rajgarh and Raja Bir Singh Deo’s Palace.

asirgarh

Asirgarh situated in the Satpura range has the distinction of having one of the oldest forts in India. According to one of the historian, Asirgarh Fort was built in 1370 A.D. by a herdsman Asa Ahir whose ancestors had occupied this rocky area for over 700 years.

Asirgarh Fort is built on a high slope of an isolated outcrop of the Satpura range.

dhar

Dhar, the city of Munja Dev, Bhoj and other Paramar kings during the 10th century A.D., was known for its gigantic strong forts and ramparts. The principal edifices at Dhar were built from masonry taken from earlier dismantled Hindu temples.

Dhar together with Mandu was important as the centre of a provincial style of Indo-Islamic architecture in Malwa, of which some examples are still in existence.

Kalinjar

Situated in the Kalinjaradri hill, Kalinjar is 57 km. from Banda, and is one of the ancient and historical sites in Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh.

Its Kalinjar Fort is one of the oldest forts in India. The Kalinjar Palace is built within the fort.

chanderi

Once a town of considerable importance and northern capital of Malwa during the Muslim Sultanate rule, Chanderi is picturesquely situated in a great bay of sandstone hills pierced with narrow passes.

It has interesting architectural monuments mostly built by Ghurid and Khalji Sultans of Mandu.

Indore

Indore is the former capital of the Holkar dynasty which was established as a small village in later half of 17th century A.D. by the second chief of the dynasty, Ahlya Bai. Situated on the banks of the Sarasvati and the Kahan rivers, Indore has changed over the years where the older areas are in the western side and the new ones in the east. It is the largest city in the state.

Indore, an affluent developing city, can boast of splendid range of buildings like, the Juna Rajawada or Old Palace built by Maharaja Malhar Rao Holkar II. Other famous buildings of Indore are – Lal Bagh Palace, Sukh-Niwas Palace, Duryao Mahal and Nurbada Mahal.

Nk=kksa rFkk vè;kidksa osQ fy, jpukRed xfrfofèk;k¡

creatIVe actIVItIes For stUdents and teachers

bl iSosQt esa fn, x, 24 jaxhu fp=kksa dks vki d{kk ;k LowQy osQ fdlh egRoiw.kZ LFkku ij iznf'kZr dj ldrs gSaA bu fp=kksa dks vki xÙks ij yxk dj budk 'kh"kZd rFkk fp=k osQ ihNs fn;k x;k eq[; fooj.k LFkkuh; Hkk"kk esa Hkh fy[k ldrs gSaA Hkkjrh; dyk osQ 'kS{kf.kd egRo dks mtkxj djus osQ fy, vki bu fp=kksa dh xgjkbZ esa tkdj mu fo"k;ksa osQ lkFk vè;;u dj ldrs gSa] tks buls lacafèkr gksaA vè;kidx.k Hkh uhps lq>kbZ xbZ xfrfofèk;ksa esa Nk=kksa dks lfEefyr dj fp=kksa ij dk;Z dj ldrs gSa %

Hkkjr osQ cM+s vkdkj osQ ekufp=k dks ysa rFkk mlesa ns'k osQ fofHkUu nqxks± rFkk egyksa osQ LFkkuksa dks vafdr djsaA bl iSosQt esa fn, x, nqxks± rFkk egyksa osQ fp=kksa osQ LFkkuksa dks [kksft,A

ns'k osQ nqxks± rFkk egyksa dk vè;;u dj mudk fuekZ.k djokus okys jktkvksa osQ ckjs esa tkudkjh ,df=kr djsaA bu bekjrksa dh rkjh[kksa rFkk muosQ iz;ksx osQ mn~ns';ksa dks [kksft,A fuEufyf[kr tkudkjh ,df=kr djsa %

µ Hkou osQ {ks=k fo'ks"k dh tyok;qA

µ izkÑfrd ifjos'k] ufn;ka] ioZr Ük`a[kyk,a rFkk isM+&ikSèksA

µ bu fdyksa dks cukus rFkk muesa jgus okys yksx] mudk O;olk; vkfnA

µ ml dky dk laxhr] u`R;] ukVd] f'kYi dyk vkfnA

µ {ks=k fo'ks"k osQ jhfr&fjokt] euk, tkus okys R;kSgkj rFkk tqM+h gqbZ ikSjkf.kd dFkk,aA

µ iSosQt esa fn, x, fp=kksa dks ns[kdj muosQ js[kk&fp=k cuk,aA

eè;dky osQ ;kf=k;ksa@bfrgkldkjksa@dykdkjksa us bu iSosQtksa esa n”kZ nqxks± o egyksa dks ns[kk rFkk muosQ }kjk fyf[kr orkar o laLej.k gesa izkIr gksrs gSa] ftuesa js[kkfp=k Hkh gSaA bu oÙkkarksa] laLej.kksa o js[kkfp=kksa dks ,df=kr dj muesa of.kZr bu LFkkuksa dk 'kSyhxr o.kZu rFkk LFkkuksa osQ ukeksa osQ mPpkj.kksa o vklikl osQ LFkkuksa dks tkfu,A

fofHkUu nqxks± dh èkjkryh; ;kstukvksa dks ,df=kr dj mudk vè;;u dj osQ mudh lekurk,a [kksft,A vius ?kj] LowQy ;k dkWyst dh ;kstuk rS;kj dj mlesa f[kM+fd;ksa rFkk njoktksa dh okLrqdyk osQ fooj.k dks Hkh n'kkZ,aA

èkkfeZd Lo:i dks le>uk

lHkh èkeks± dk ,d gh mn~ns'; gksrk gS fd yksx csgrj ,oa laiw.kZ thou ft,aA bu lHkh èkeks± dk ckg~; :i] tSls fd vuq"Bku rFkk izFkk,a] izk;% ,sfrgkfld] vkfFkZd] jktuSfrd vkSj ;gka rd fd HkkSxksfyd dkj.kksa ls ,d&nwljs ls fHkUurk j[krk gSA dbZ èkkfeZd jhfr&fjokt ,oa lekjksg okf"kZd Ñf"k pozQ ls tqM+s gksrs gSa rFkk os thou osQ vkuan dks O;Dr djrs gSaA izk;% gj dky osQ èkkfeZd fo'oklksa us vius ;qx osQ okLrqdkjksa] f'kYidkjksa ,oa fp=kdkjksa dks izHkkfor fd;k gS vkSj blh ls izsfjr gksdj mUgksaus ml èkeZ ls lacafèkr fo'ks"k izrhdksa dk bLrseky djrs gq, lqanj Lekjdksa dh jpuk dh gSA

vè;kidx.k vius Nk=kksa dks Hkkjr osQ yksxksa ,oa muosQ fofHkUu èkeks± dks vè;;u djus dks dgsaA lkFk gh muls fganw] bZlkbZ] ckS¼] bLyke] tSu rFkk fl[k vkfn gj èkeZ osQ ckjs esa tkudkjh tqVkus osQ fy, Hkh dgsaA

The 24 pictures provided in this package can be displayed in the classroom or any prominent place in the school. The pictures may be stuck on cardboard with the title and description in regional languages. It can also be studied indepth with activities that bring out the educational value of Indian art. The teachers can work with a few pictures at a time ensuring ‘students’ enjoyment in learning by involving them in some activities suggested below :

In a large outline map of India, mark the sites of various forts and palaces of our country. Find out the location of the forts and palaces given in the pictures in this package.

Make a study of the forts and palaces in India and collect information of the kings, emperors who built these forts and palaces. Find out the dates of these monuments and the purpose for which they were used. Collect the following information :

— Climate of the location of the building.

— Natural surroundings, rivers, mountain range and the flora and fauna.

— People, who built and lived in these forts, their occupation, etc.

— Music, dance, drama, craft, etc. of the period.

— Customs, festivals celebrated in the region and the myths associated.

— Make a sketch/rough outline of the monuments from the pictures provided in the cultural package.

The forts and palaces mentioned in this package were visited by a number of travellers/historians/artists in the medieval period of Indian history and these people have left a vivid and interesting account of these monuments including the drawings/sketches. Collect such travelogues/memoirs/sketches. Notice interesting details in these travelogues such as the style of description, pronunciation of places and the surrounding areas of monuments of that period.

Collect and study the various ground plans of different forts and find out the similarities. Similar studies of ground plans can also be made of your school, home or college showing windows, doors and other architectural details.

Understanding religious concepts

All religions aim at helping us to lead better and richer lives. The outward manifestations of religion such as rituals, customs differ from one another for historical, economic, political and even geo-physical reasons. Many religious rituals and ceremonies are linked with the annual agricultural cycle and celebrations of life. Religious beliefs have influenced the architects, sculptors and painters of the by-gone era to create beautiful monuments using specific symbols and motifs pertaining to each religion.

okLrqdyk ij miyCèk izkphu xzaFkksa esa fofHkUu izdkj osQ nqxks± dk mYys[k feyrk gSA nqxZ vFkok fdyk lHkh fn'kkvksa ls lqn<+ ,oa vkjf{kr Hkou dks dgrs gSa] ftlosQ nk;js esa dHkh&dHkh lEiw.kZ 'kgj clk gksrk gSA bu xzaFkksa esa fxfj] Hkw] ty vFkok }hih; nqxks± osQ lkFk oU; ,oa e# nqxks± vkfn dk mYys[k vkrk gSA

Nk=kksa gsrq muosQ vapy osQ fofHkUu nqxks± dk ,d 'kS{kf.kd Hkze.k vk;ksftr fd;k tk ldrk gS vFkok mUgsa {ks=k fo'ks"k dh okLrqdyk osQ bfrgkl rFkk fofHkUu izdkj osQ nqxks± osQ vè;;u gsrq dgsaA

ns'k osQ fofHkUu nqxks± rFkk egyksa osQ ,sfrgkfld fodkl ij dk;Z&;kstuk cuk,aA

nqxks± rFkk egyksa dh okLrqdyk ls lacafèkr rduhdh 'kCnksa dh iqfLrdk cuk,a rFkk mlesa mudk vFkZ Hkh fy[ksa] tSls fd cqtZ] ijdksVk] mRFkkiu] eqaMsj vkfnA

ns'k osQ fofHkUu nqxks± ,oa egyksa osQ ukedj.k osQ ckjs esa tkudkjh ,df=kr dj muosQ ukedj.k ij dgkuh fy[ksaA

dYiuk djsa fd vki eè;dky osQ nkSjku fdys esa jgrs FksA ,slh fLFkfr esa tu&lkèkkj.k] 'kkld rFkk okLrqdkj osQ :i esa vius thou osQ ckjs esa fy[ksaA

fdlh nqxZ ;k egy fuekZ.k ls lacafèkr ?kVuk dks ukVdh; :i iznku dj ml le; fo'ks"k osQ laxhr ls vyaÑr djsaA

fofHkUu nqxks± rFkk egyksa dks n'kkZus okyh ,d iqfLrdk rS;kj djsa] ftlesa muls lacafèkr lHkh egRoiw.kZ o.kZu gksA bl dk;Z osQ fy,] vki iSosQt esa fn, x, fp=kksa dk Hkh bLrseky dj ldrs gSaA

nqxks± ,oa egyksa osQ ckjs esa izkphu iqLrdksa esa ls lanHkZ&lkexzh rFkk lwfDr;ksa dk laxzg djsaA

fofHkUu {ks=kksa dh okLrqdyk ls lacafèkr vuq"Bkuksa osQ lanHkZ rFkk fp=k laxzghr djsaA

ns'k esa lqanj nqxZ rFkk egy cuokus okys jktkvksa ,oa egRoiw.kZ jktoa'kksa osQ ckjs esa dgkfu;ka fy[ksaA

vius ns'k osQ fofHkUu fdyksa dk vè;;u dj mUgsa uhps nh tk jgh Jsf.k;ksa osQ vuqlkj lwphc¼ djsa %

izkÑfrd nqxZ

}hih; nqxZ

e# nqxZ

fxfj nqxZ

likV Hkwfe okys nqxZA

Invite your students to study the religions and people of India and collect information on each religion such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Jainism, Sikhism and others.

Ancient texts on architecture describe a variety of forts. Durg or fort is a fortified building which many times encompasses whole cities within its walls. In these texts, there is mention of land, hill, water or island and also forest and desert forts.

Students can be taken on educational tours to nearby forts or asked to study the history of architecture of a specific region.

Conduct a Project on the historical development of forts and palaces in our country.

Make a booklet of the terms associated with the architecture of forts and palaces with their meaning. Some terms like turret design, elevation, battlement, rampart, parapet, etc. can be included.

Find out all that you can know about the names of different forts and palaces of our country and write a story how these were named.

Imagine you lived in the fort in the medieval times and describe your life as an architect, emperor, common man.

Dramatise the events involved in the construction of the fort or a palace and enrich with music of the period.

Make a scrap book displaying different forts and palaces with important descriptions. You may choose pictures from this package also.

Collect reference/quotations from ancient books on forts and palaces.

Collect pictures and references of the rituals connected with the architecture in different regions.

Write stories of important dynasties, emperors who built beautiful forts and palaces in our country.

Conduct a study of various forts in our country and categorize these monuments as per the following :

Natural Fort

Island Fort

Desert Fort

Mountain Fort

Land Fort

eè; izns'k osQ nqxZ rFkk egyForts and Palaces of Madhya Pradesh

1- Xokfy;j nqxZ] Xokfy;j] eè; izns'k

;g nqxZ ,d likV f'k[kj] mBku;qDr fdukjksa vkSj ,dkdh cyqvk iRFkj dh igkM+h ij fLFkr gSA ;g yach ,oa ladjh igkM+h vkl&ikl osQ lery eSnkuksa ls yxHkx 300 iqQV Å¡pkbZ rd tkrh gS rFkk mÙkj ls nf{k.k rd yxHkx 3 fd- eh- yEch ,oa iwoZ ls if'pe rd yxHkx 600 ls 2800 iqQV pkSM+h gSA igkM+h osQ fdukjksa ij iyLrj fd;k gqvk gS] rkfd nqxZ dh nhokj igkM+h osQ fdukjs ls gh fudyrh gqbZ lh izrhr gksA

;kstuk osQ vuqlkj mi&egk}hi osQ mÙkj&nf{k.kh ekxZ ij fLFkr Xokfy;j nqxZ] Hkkjr osQ vR;Ur izkphu nqxks± esa ls ,d gSA bldh uhao rhljh 'krkCnh bZloh esa j[kh xbZ FkhA gw.k jktoa'k osQ ,d 'kkld] fefgjxqyk osQ jkT;dky esa 5oha 'krkCnh bZloh osQ nkSjku nqxZ osQ vgkrs esa lw;Z eafnj dk fuekZ.k fd;k x;k FkkA 950 bZloh esa lwjt iky }kjk ;gka ij fgUnw jktoa'k dh LFkkiuk dh xbZA tc 1129 bZloh esa ;g jktoa'k lekIr gks x;k rks blosQ i'pkr~ izfrgkj jktoa'k vk;k] ftlosQ ikl ;g nqxZ 1232 bZloh esa fnYyh osQ lezkV bYrqrfe'k }kjk dCtk fd, tkus rd jgkA 1398 bZloh esa rksej jktiwr] ohj ¯lg nso] rSewj osQ vkØe.k ls mRiUu v'kkafr dk ykHk ysdj Xokfy;j osQ jktk cu x, rFkk ;gka mUgksaus rksej oa'k LFkkfir fd;kA eku ¯lg 1486 bZloh esa jktk cus] tks rksej 'kkldksa esa egkure FksA eku flag dh e`R;q osQ i'pkr~ muosQ csVs foozQekfnR; us 1518 bZloh rd Xokfy;j ij viuk fu;a=k.k j[kkA bczkfge yksnh us liQyrkiwoZd nks o"kZ dh ?ksjkcUnh dks lekIr dj fnYyh lYrur osQ fy, bl nqxZ dks thr fy;kA 18oha 'krkCnh bZloh osQ eè; rd ;g nqxZ eqxyksa osQ vèkhu jgk] vkSj muosQ ckn ejkBksa us 1754 bZloh esa bls vius vfèkdkj esa ys fy;kA

vkxkeh 50 o"kks± rd ;g nqxZ fofHkUu jktoa'kksa osQ vkozQe.k lgrk jgkA rRi'pkr~ bl ij flafèk;k jktoa'k us viuk vkfèkiR; LFkkfir dj fy;kA brus yacs vkSj fofoèkrkiw.kZ bfrgkl osQ nkSjku bl nqxZ osQ vUnj rFkk uhps dh vksj] egyksa o eafnjksa lfgr vusd bekjrsa cukbZ xb±] ftuesa ekuflag egy] xwtjh egy] lkl&cgw dk eafnj rFkk rsyh dk eafnj 'kkfey gSA ;g fo'kky fxfjnqxZ pkjksa vksj ls ,d pkSM+h o xgjh [kkbZ ls f?kjk gqvk Fkk] ftls ^lqo.kZ&js[kk ukyk* dgk tkrk FkkA ewyr% nqxZ osQ lkr izos'k }kj Fks] ftuesa ls orZeku esa osQoy ikap fo|eku gSaµ vkyexhj njoktk] fgaMksyk njoktk] x.ks'k njok”kk] y{e.k njok”kk rFkk gkFkh njok”kkA

1. Gwalior Fort, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

The fortress stands on a flat-topped, sheer-sided and isolated sandstone hill. The hill rises up to 300 ft. above the surrounding plains, and is long and narrow, measuring approximately 3 kms. from north to south and from 600 to 2800 ft., east to west. The sides of the hill are revetted so that the fort wall seems to grow out of the hillside.

Gwalior Fort, strategically located on the main north-south route through the sub-continent, is one of the most ancient forts of India. Its foundation was laid in the 3rd century A.D. During the 5th century A.D. under the reign of Mihirgula, one of the rulers of Hun dynasty, Sun Temple was erected in the premises of the fort. In 950 A.D., a Hindu dynasty was founded there by Suraj Pal. When this became extinct in 1129 A.D., it was followed by the Pratihara dynasty, which held the citadel until it was captured by the Delhi emperor Iltutmish in 1232 A.D. In 1398 A.D, Bir Singh Deo, a Tomar Rajput, took advantage of the turmoil caused by Timur’s invasion. He became the king of Gwalior and established the Tomar dynasty there. Man Singh who came to power in 1486 A.D., was the greatest of the Tomar ruler. After his death, his son Vikramaditya controlled Gwalior until 1518 A.D. Ibrahim Lodi successfully concluded a two year siege and won back the fortress for the Delhi Sultanate. The Mughals held the fort till the mid-18th century A.D. until the Marathas conquered it in 1754 A.D.

For the next 50 years, the fort was invaded by different dynasties till it was taken over by the Scindias. During this long and varied history, many buildings were erected in or below the fortress, including palaces and temples which include Man Singh Palace, Gujari Mahal, Saas-Bahu Temple and Teli ka Mandir. This huge hill-fort is surrounded by a wide deep moat called Suvarna-Rekha Nallah. Originally, the fortress had seven entrances, of which only five are there, they are Alamgir Gate, Hindola Gate, Ganesh Gate, Lakshman Gate and Elephant Gate.

lkaLÑfrd lzksr ,oa izf'k{k.k osQUæ Centre for Cultural Resources and Training

eè; izns'k osQ nqxZ rFkk egyForts and Palaces of Madhya Pradesh

2- eku flag egy (Hkhrjh n`';)] Xokfy;j nqxZ] Xokfy;j] eè; izns'k

eku flag egy] Xokfy;j nqxZ osQ izos'k }kj dh Hkk¡fr gS] tks fd lqUnj [kijSyksa rFkk cÙk[kksa] gkfFk;ksa o eksjksa osQ uewuksa osQ fpf=kr vyadj.kksa lfgr ,d 'kkunkj bekjr gSA ;g egy jktk eku flag }kjk 1486 ls 1516 bZloh osQ chp cuk;k x;kA

bls eè;dkyhu Hkkjr osQ fgUnw okLrqdyk osQ ,d mRÑ"V vkSj #fpdj mnkgj.k osQ :i esa of.kZr fd;k tkrk gSA egy osQ iwohZ Hkkx esa] bldh nks eaftysa mQij dh vksj rFkk nks Hkwry osQ uhps gSaA [kM+h pV~Vku osQ fdukjs ij ;g egy cuk gqvk gS rFkk blesa ehukjksa vkSj ewyr% eqyEek p<+s rkacs ls vkojf.kr xqEcn;qDr Nrfj;ksa dh Ük`a[kyk gSA vanj dh vksj fo'kky d{k & eku eafnj vkSj foozQe eafnj gSa] ftudk mi;ksx laxhr lHkkx`gksa osQ :i esa fd;k tkrk Fkk rFkk tgka ij mRÑ"V tkyh dk;Z ls ;qDr inks± osQ ihNs cSBdj jktlh efgyk,a ml le; osQ egku laxhrKksa ls laxhr lh[krh FkhaA ;s d{k vusdkusd dejksa ls f?kjs gSa] ftudh Nrsa foLrkfjr :i ls vyaÑr gSaA

eku eafnj osQ }kj&LraHk fo'kky gSa rFkk ygjnkj vksfj;ksa dks nhokjxhjksa dh drkjksa }kjk vkèkkj iznku fd;k x;k gSA

2. Man Singh Palace (Inside view), Gwalior Fort, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

The Man Singh Palace which forms the entrance to the Gwalior Fort is a beautiful building with tiled and painted decoration of ducks, elephants and peacocks. The palace was built by Raja Man Singh between 1486 and 1516 A.D.

It is described as a remarkable and interesting example of Hindu architecture of the medieval India. It has two storeys above and two below the ground level in the eastern part of the palace. It is built on the edge of the cliff, with a series of towers and domed cupolas originally covered with gilt copper. In the interior, there are vast chambers - Man Mandir and Vikram Mandir, which were used as music halls, where behind the fine lattice-work screens, royal ladies used to learn music from the great masters of the day. These chambers are surrounded by several rooms with elaborately decorated ceilings.

The pillars of the gateways of Man Mandir are massive and a line of brackets support the corrugated eaves.

lkaLÑfrd lzksr ,oa izf'k{k.k osQUæ Centre for Cultural Resources and Training

eè; izns'k osQ nqxZ rFkk egyForts and Palaces of Madhya Pradesh

3- xwtjh egy] Xokfy;j nqxZ] Xokfy;j] eè; izns'k

eè;dkyhu okLrqdyk dh vn~Hkqr izLrqfr;ksa esa ,d] xwtjh egy 1510 bZloh esa jktk ekuflag }kjk viuh fiz; jkuh e`xu;uh dh ;kn esa cuok;k x;kA ;g egy Xokfy;j nqxZ osQ vgkrs esa gSA

cM+s izkax.k osQ vklikl cus vkarfjd Hkkx lfgr dykRedrk ls ifjiw.kZ fpukbZ djosQ cukbZ xbZ ;g nks eaf”kyh bekjr lkaps esa <kys x, vyadj.kksa osQ lewgksa vkSj mRdhf.kZr nhokjxhjksa lfgr NksVs d{kksa ls f?kjh gSA bldk vkarfjd Hkkx iqjkrRo laxzgky; esa ifjofrZr gks x;k gS] ftlesa fgUnw o tSu f'kYidyk] vfHkys[kksa o fp=kÑfr;ksa dk mRÑ"V laxzg gSA blesa iznf'kZr o`{k nsoh 'kkyHkaftdk dh izfrek X;kjkliqj ls ykbZ xbZ gSA

3. Gujari Mahal, Gwalior Fort, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

One of the marvels of the medieval architecture, Gujari Mahal is situated in the premises of the Gwalior Fort. It was built by Raja Man Singh in 1510 A.D. for his wife, Mrignayani.

Gujari Mahal, a two storey masonry building of the artistry with interior portion set around spacious courtyard, is surrounded by small rooms with carved brackets and bands of moulded ornaments. Its interior portion has been converted into an archaeological museum having outstanding collection of Hindu and Jain sculptures, inscriptions and paintings. One of the statue kept there is of the tree goddess, Salabhanjika, brought from Gyraspur.

lkaLÑfrd lzksr ,oa izf'k{k.k osQUæ Centre for Cultural Resources and Training

eè; izns'k osQ nqxZ rFkk egyForts and Palaces of Madhya Pradesh

4- t; foykl egy] Xokfy;j] eè; izns'k

t; foykl egy Xokfy;j osQ vusd izfl¼ egyksa esa ls ,d gSA ;g egkjktk t;kth jko }kjk 1872 ls 1874 bZloh osQ chp fufeZr ,d 'kkunkj egy gSA lu~ 1857 esa vk”kknh dh igyh yM+kbZ osQ i'pkr~] flafèk;k jktoa'k dks Xokfy;j 'kgj ij 'kklu djus dk fo'ks"kkfèkdkj izkIr gqvkA t; foykl egy esa ns'kh fo'ks"krkvksa lfgr rqLdu o dksfjafFk;kbZ okLrqdyk dh fefJr 'kSyh fn[kkbZ nsrh gSA

bl egy osQ izeq[k okLrqdkj ys- duZy lj ekbosQy fiQyksl us fizal vkWiQ osYl osQ vkxeu gsrq nks o"kZ esa gh bl iwjs egy dk fuekZ.k fd;k FkkA t; foykl egy dk izeq[k izos'k] nf{k.kh vxzHkkx osQ osQUnz osQ iwoZ o if'pe esa fLFkr Nrnkj }kj&eaMiksa ls gks dj gSA njckj gkWy 15 eh- × 85 eh- dk eki fy, gS] ftldh Nr 12 eh- ls Hkh vfèkd maQph gSA blesa ,d fo'kky nhikèkkjksa dk tksM+k gS] ftuesa ls izR;sd esa 248 fpjkx gSA budh maQpkbZ 42 iqQV o otu yxHkx 3 Vu gSA ;s fo'o osQ fo'kkyre nhikèkkjksa esa ls ,d gSaA egy esa lksus osQ jaxysi ;qDr dkap dk iQuhZpj rFkk vfrfFk;ksa dks is; vkfn nsus gsrq ,d pkanh dh f[kykSuk jsyxkM+h lfgr ,d fo'kky [kkus dh es”k] Hkkjrh; rFkk brkyoh f'kyIdkjksa dh dkjhxjh dh fefJr 'kSyh dks n'kkZrh gSA

orZeku esa] ;g egy flafèk;k ifjokj dk fuokl LFkku gSA bl egy osQ ,d Hkkx dks laxzgky; osQ :i esa ifjofrZr dj fn;k x;k gS] tks gesa 'kkldksa dh jktlh thou&'kSyh osQ ckjs esa crkrk gS vkSj chrs le; dh ;kn dks rk”kk djrk gSA

4. Jai Vilas Palace, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

One of the fabulous palaces in Gwalior is Jal Vilas Palace. It is a magnificent city palace built by Maharaja Jayaji Rao between 1872 and 1874 A.D. After the first war of independence in 1857 A.D., the Scindias had the privilege of holding sway over the town of Gwalior. The Jai Vilas Palace reflects a mixed style of architecture i.e. Tuscan and Corinthian along with indigenous features.

It’s chief architect Lt. Col. Sir Michael Filose, built the entire palace in a short span of two years for the forthcoming visit of Prince of Wales. The main entrances of Jai Vilas Palace are through covered porticos on the east and west of the centre of the South facade. The Durbar Hall measures 15 m. by 85 m. with the roof over 12 m. high. It has a pair of huge chandeliers with 248 candles apiece, each is 42 ft. high and weighs about 3 tons, one of the largest in the world. The glass furniture, with a lot of gold paint, and a huge dining table with a silver toy train used to serve drinks to the guests, reflect a synthesis of Italian and Indian craftsmanship.

At present, the palace is the residence of the Scindias. A portion of the palace has been converted into museum which indicates the royal lifestyle of the rulers and takes us back down the memory lane.

lkaLÑfrd lzksr ,oa izf'k{k.k osQUæ Centre for Cultural Resources and Training

eè; izns'k osQ nqxZ rFkk egyForts and Palaces of Madhya Pradesh

5- tgk¡xhj egy] vksjNk] eè; izns'k

cqansyk jktoa'k }kjk 16oha 'krkCnh bZloh esa 'kkflr] vksjNk vius 'kkunkj egyksa osQ fy, izfl¼ gSA buesa ls ,d gSµtgk¡xhj egy] ftls vksjNk osQ lqyrku jke flag osQ NksVs HkkbZ] chj flag nso }kjk 17oha 'krkCnh bZloh esa fufeZr fd;k x;kA eqxy lezkV vdcj dh e`R;q osQ i'pkr~ 1605 bZloh esa tgkaxhj }kjk chj flag nso dks vksjNk dk jkT; iznku fd;k x;k FkkA chj flag nso] vcqy iQ”ky dh e`R;q esa lgk;d FkkA mldh okLrqdykRed fo'ks"krk esa fgUnw o eqfLye 'kSyh dk feJ.k fn[kkbZ nsrk gSA

NTtksa ls ;qDr Nrfj;ksa rFkk vkB xqEcnksa ls vkPNkfnr ikap eaf”kyk tgk¡xhj egy csrok unh osQ fdukjs ij fLFkr gSA blosQ eq[; izos'k LFkku ij gkfFk;ksa dk ,d tksM+k ik'oZ esa gS vkSj bldk laiw.kZ <kapk cyqvk iRFkj ls mRdhf.kZr gSA nf{k.kh vxzHkkx esa ,d }kjekxZ lHkkx`g ls gksrs gq, ,d [kqys prq"dks.k dh vksj tkrk gS] ftlesa ,d osQUnzh; iQOokjk gS rFkk ftlosQ vklikl rhu eaf”kyksa dh iafDr esa O;ofLFkr dejs o NTts gSaA dejksa osQ lewgksa osQ chp lEioZQ] pkSM+h vksfj;ksa ls lajf{kr yVdrs NTtksa ls gksrs gq, ckgjh nhokjksa vkSj tkyh&dk;Z ls ;qDr vkoj.kksa ls lqlfTtr f[kM+fd;ksa osQ lekukUrj gSaA

eqxy 'kSyh esa cuk, x, ckx dh ifjdYiuk pkj ckx osQ vkèkkj ij dh xbZ gS rFkk blesa O;ofLFkr :i ls fufeZr ckx o 'khry ugjs gSa] tks bl fp=k esa fn[kkbZ ugha iM+ jgs gSaA

5. Jahangir Mahal, Orchha, Madhya Pradesh

Orchha, ruled by Bundelas in the 16th century A.D., is known for magnificent palaces. One of them is Jahangir Mahal built in the 17th century A.D. by Bir Singh Deo, younger brother of Ram Singh, Sultan of Orchha. Bir Singh Deo, instrumental in the death of Abu-I-Fazl, was awarded the kingship of Orchha by Jahangir in 1605 A.D., after the death of Akbar, the Mughal emperor. In his architectural feast, one can see the synthesis of Hindu and Muslim style of architecture.

Jahangir Mahal, built in five receding storeys surmounted by eight domes and covered balconies, stands along the banks of the Betwa river. A pair of elephants are flanked at the main entrance and the whole structure is carved of sandstone. A doorway in the southern facade leads through a hall to open quadrangle containing a central fountain around which are arranged the apartments and terraces in the three storey ranges. Lateral communication between the suites of rooms is through hanging balconies protected by wide eaves which run along the outer walls and windows decorated with jali-work screens.

The garden (not in the picture) is designed on the Char Bagh pattern with well laid out lawns and cool canals.

lkaLÑfrd lzksr ,oa izf'k{k.k osQUæ Centre for Cultural Resources and Training

eè; izns'k osQ nqxZ rFkk egyForts and Palaces of Madhya Pradesh

6- dkfy;kng egy] mTtSu] eè; izns'k

ekyok osQ rhljs f[kyth lqyrku ulhj 'kkg us 15oha 'krkCnh bZloh esa mTtSu ls Ng ehy mÙkj esa dkfy;kng egy dk fuekZ.k fd;kA ;g egy f{kizk unh osQ ,d }hi ij fLFkr gSA

dkfy;kng egy esa ,d osQUnzh; lHkkxkj gS] ftlosQ pkjksa vksj ohfFkdk,a gSaA bl xzh"e lSjxkg dh mRÑ"V fo'ks"krk] lqUnj vkdkjksa esa cuh ugjksa ls gksdj unh osQ ty dk vusdkusd oqQ.Mksa esa igqap dj f'kYikRed ik"kk.kksa ij fxjuk gSA Ñf=ke tyizikr ,d irys iQyd ij iSQy tkrk gS] tgka ls ty okil f{kizk unh esa pyk tkrk gSA ty yxHkx 20 iqQV dh maQpkbZ ls fxjrk gSA bl iz.kkyh }kjk b±V&iRFkj dh fpukbZ;qDr pcwrjs ij cus d{kksa dks 'khry j[kk tkrk gSA

6. Kaliadeh Mahal, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

Kaliadeh Mahal, which is situated about six miles north of Ujjain city was built by Nasir Shah, the third Khalji Sultan of Malwa in 15th century A.D. The Kaliadeh Mahal is situated on an island of Kshipra river.

Kaliadeh Mahal has a central hall with galleries on all four sides. The remarkable feature of this summer resort is the system by which the water of the river is carried through decorated conduits into several tanks and then allowed to fall from a height of about 20 ft. over sculptured stone curtains. The artificial waterfall is spread into a thin sheet and falls back into the Kshipra river. In this way the chambers built on the masonry platform were kept cool.

lkaLÑfrd lzksr ,oa izf'k{k.k osQUæ Centre for Cultural Resources and Training

eè; izns'k osQ nqxZ rFkk egyForts and Palaces of Madhya Pradesh

7- fgaMksyk egy] ek.Mw] eè; izns'k

fnYyh ij 1398 bZloh esa rSewj osQ vkozQe.k osQ i'pkr~ rqxyd oa'k lekIr gks x;kA bl fLFkfr dk ykHk mBkrs gq, 1401 bZloh esa èkkj osQ xouZj fnykoj [kku X+kkSjh] tks ewyr% vI+kQxkfuLrku dk jgus okyk Fkk] us Lo;a dks èkkj dk lqyrku ?kksf"kr dj fn;kA mlosQ csVs gks'kax 'kkg us 1405 bZloh esa mÙkjkfèkdkj esa jkT; izkIr fd;k vkSj viuh jktèkkuh dks LFkkbZ :i ls ek.Mw LFkkukarfjr dj fn;kA

viuh <kyw ;k frjNh cuh nhokjksa osQ dkj.k >wyrs egy osQ uke ls Hkh izfl¼ ¯gMksyk egy 1425 bZloh esa cuk;k x;k FkkA bldh 'kq.Mkdkj nhokjsa yxHkx 77 fMxzh dh <yku fy, gq, gSaA ;g iwjh bekjr vaxzsth o.kZekyk osQ Vh* osQ vkdkj dh gSa rFkk bldk vk;rkdkj Hkkx lHkkxkj vkSj vxZyk (ozQkWl ckj) Hkkx jktlh dejksa osQ :i esa gSA lHkkxkj 110 iqQV yack] 60 iqQV pkSM+k rFkk 35 iqQV m¡Qpk gS] ftlesa vuqizLFk esgjkcksa lfgr ,d fo'kky d{k osQ vklikl vusdkusd rksj.k iFk gSa] ftuosQ mQij ,d ohfFkdk cuh gqbZ gSA nqeaf”kys jktlh d{k] dykRed ifjdYiuk yh gqbZ >jks[kk :ih f[kM+fd;ksa lfgr cus gq, Fks rFkk ;s cyqvk iRFkj esa eghu tkyh osQ dk;Z ls le¼ gSaA ;g laiw.kZ bekjr ,d Bksl etcwrh dk vkHkkl nsrh gSA

7. Hindola Mahal, Mandu, Madhya Pradesh

The Tughlaq dynasty came to an end after. Timur’s invasion of Delhi in 1398 A.D. Taking advantage of the situation, in 1401 A.D., the Governor of Dhar, Dilawar Khan Ghori, originally from Afghanistan, declared himself as Sultan of Dhar. His son, Hoshang Shah succeeded him in 1405 A.D. and shifted the capital to Mandu permanently.

Hindola Mahal, built in 1425 A.D., is also known as Swinging Palace due to its sloping sidewalls. The tapering walls slope at approximately 77 degrees. The whole building is ‘T’ shaped with the oblong portion forming an audience hall and the cross-bar portion, the royal apartments. The audience hall is 110 ft. long, 60 ft. wide and 35 ft. high, with several arcades around a huge room framed with transverse arches and overlooked by a gallery. The royal apartments were built in two storeys with projected windows artistically designed which are enriched with an ornamental facade with delicate jali work in sandstone. The whole edifice gives an impression of massive solidity.

lkaLÑfrd lzksr ,oa izf'k{k.k osQUæ Centre for Cultural Resources and Training

eè; izns'k osQ nqxZ rFkk egyForts and Palaces of Madhya Pradesh

8- tgk”k egy] ek.Mw] eè; izns'k

jktk gks'kax 'kkg osQ iq=k dks mlosQ rqoZQ ea=kh] egewn [kku f[kyth us 1436 bZloh esa ”kgj ns fn;k vkSj eè; Hkkjr esa f[+kyth oa'k dh LFkkiuk dhA mlus 15oha 'krkCnh bZloh osQ mÙkjk¼Z esa viuh jkfu;ksa osQ fy, tgk”k egy dk fuekZ.k fd;kA

vius uke osQ vuq:i tgk”k egy] eqat rkykc rFkk diwj rkykc uked nks Ñf=ke >hyksa osQ chp fLFkr gS] tks nwj ls ns[kus ij ,d tgk”k osQ leku izrhr gksrk gSA ;g laiw.kZ bekjr vR;ar fo'kky gS vkSj yxHkx 100 eh- yach rFkk 15 eh- pkSM+h gSA

blosQ vkPNkfnr Hkwry osQ mQij dh vksj ,d pkSM+h vksjh gS vkSj lhf<+;ksa dh ,d pkSM+h iafDr [kqyh Nr dh vksj tkrh gSA Hkwry esa] lqUnj Lukukxkj rFkk iQOokjksa ls ;qDr jktlh izkax.k lfgr rhu fo'kky d{k gSa] tcfd Nr osQ mQij eaMi] Nrfj;ka rFkk xqEct gSaA tgk”k egy dk eqat rkykc o diwj rkykc esa fn[kus okyk izfrfcac n'kZdksa ij ,d tknqbZ izHkko Mkyrk gSA vkUrfjd fp=k esa vki tgk”k egy osQ ihNs dk fgLlk ns[k ldrs gSaA

8. Jahaz Mahal, Mandu, Madhya Pradesh

Mahmud Khan Khalji, a Turk minister to Hoshang Shah’s son, poisoned him in 1436 A.D. and established the Khalji dynasty in Central India. He built Jahaz Mahal in late 15th century A.D. for his queens.

True to its name, Jahaz Mahal, situated between two artificial lakes, Munja Talao and Kapur Talao, resembles a ship from a distance. The whole edifice is massive and measures about 100 m. by 15 m.

It has an arcaded ground storey with a broad eave above and a wide flight of steps leading to a roof terrace. On the ground floor, there are three large halls with a beautiful bathing courtyard, luxurious fountain courts, while on the rooftop are pavilions, kiosks and cupolas. Its reflection in the Munja and Kapur Talao has a magical effect on the viewers. In the inset picture, one can see the back side view of Jahaz Mahal.

lkaLÑfrd lzksr ,oa izf'k{k.k osQUæ Centre for Cultural Resources and Training

eè; izns'k osQ nqxZ rFkk egyForts and Palaces of Madhya Pradesh

9- v'kjI+kQh egy] ek.Mw] eè; izns'k

egewn [kku f[kyth }kjk 15oha 'krkCnh bZloh esa cuok;k x;k v'kjI+kQh egy tkeh efL”kn osQ Bhd lkeus fLFkr gSA bl bekjr dh dYiuk ewyr% bLykeh fo}kuksa osQ fy, enjlk osQ :i esa dh xbZ FkhA vc ;g bekjr th.k& 'kh.kZ voLFkk esa gSA bldh nhokjksa dk fuekZ.k dkepykmQ <ax ls rS;kj fd, x, vux<+s iRFkjksa ls fd;k x;k Fkk] D;ksafd vfèkd è;ku bldh lrg osQ [kwclwjr izLrqrhdj.k ij fn;k x;k FkkA dkap p<+kus dh I+kQkjlh rduhd dks eqyrku ls viuk;k x;k] ftls bl egy dh pednkj jax ls ;qDr xqEcn;qDr lajpuk esa ns[kk tk ldrk gSA

15oha 'krkCnh bZloh esa fpÙkkSM+ osQ jk.kk oqQEHkk ij viuh fot; osQ izrhd Lo:i egewn [kku f[kyth us ,d lkr eaf”kyh ehukj cuokbZ Fkh] tks vc <g pqdh gSA

enjlk dh Nr ij 1450 bZloh esa ,d 'kkgh eO+kQcjk fufeZr fd;k x;kA bl eO+kQcjs dks 27 iqQV maQps pcwrjs ij fufeZr fd;k x;k FkkA lhf<+;ksa dh ,d iafDr LrEHk;qDr }kj&eaMi dh vksj tkrh gS] ftlesa izR;sd vksj 'kh"kZ ij ,d fo'kky xqEcn ls ;qDr NÙks gSaA vkUrfjd fp=k esa vki tkeh efL”kn dks ns[k ldrs gSaA

9. Ashrafi Mahal, Mandu, Madhya Pradesh

Ashrafi Mahal, built by Mahmud Khan Khalji in 15th century A.D., is situated just opposite the Jami Masjid. Originally conceived as a madrassa for Islamic scholars, it is now lying in ruins. Its walls were constructed of roughly prepared rubble as much attention was paid on its colourful surface treatment. The Persian art of glazing was borrowed from Multan and can be seen in this brilliantly coloured domed structure.

In 15th century A.D., a seven storeyed Tower of Victory was built by Mahmud Khan Khalji to commemmorate his victory over Rana Kumbha of Chittor, which has since collapsed.

In 1450 A.D., an imperial mausoleum was built upon the terrace of the madrassa. It was raised on a 27 ft. high plinth. A flight of steps lead to a pillared portico with loggias on each side topped by an immense dome. In the inset picture one can see the Jami Masjid.

lkaLÑfrd lzksr ,oa izf'k{k.k osQUæ Centre for Cultural Resources and Training

eè; izns'k osQ nqxZ rFkk egyForts and Palaces of Madhya Pradesh

10- ck”k cgknqj egy] ek.Mw] eè; izns'k

1509 bZloh esa fufeZr ck”k cgknqj egy] dfo&jktoqQekj ck”k cgknqj dh viuh lqUnj iRuh] jkuh :ierh osQ izfr izse dh dfYir dFkk dh ,d vfHkO;fDr gSA

ewyr% ,d lsuk izs{k.k pkSdh osQ :i esa bl Hkou dk fuekZ.k fd;k x;k FkkA bldh fo'ks"krk pkjksa vksj lHkkxkjksa lfgr foLr`r [kqyk izkax.k gSA jkuh :ierh dk e.Mi] mQij dh vksj [kqyk ,dkUr LFkku Fkk] tgka ls og ueZnk unh dks uhps dh vksj fuekM+ osQ eSnku ls gksdj cgrs gq, ns[k ldrh FkhA

egy osQ fupys Hkkx esa jsok oqQ.M gS] ftldk ty lzksr ueZnk unh ls Fkk] tks ,d le; esa egy esa jgus okys yksxks dh vko';drkvksa dh iwfrZ djrk FkkA vkt Hkh bl oqQ.M dks yksxksa }kjk ifo=k ekuk tkrk gSA

10. Baz Bahadur Palace, Mandu, Madhya Pradesh

Baz Bahadur Palace, built in 1509 A.D., is a manifestation of the legendary tale of love of the poet-prince Baz Bahadur for his beautiful wife, Rani Roopmati.

Originally built as an army observation post, its unique features are its spacious open court with halls and rooms on all four sides. The Roopmati’s pavilion, open at the top was a retreat of the lovely queen, from where she could see the river Narmada flowing through the Nimar plains far below.

At the foot of the palace is Rewa Kund, a reservoir fed by river Narmada, fulfilling the needs of the people living in the palace. Till date, the pool is considered sacred by the people.

lkaLÑfrd lzksr ,oa izf'k{k.k osQUæ Centre for Cultural Resources and Training

eè; izns'k osQ nqxZ rFkk egyForts and Palaces of Madhya Pradesh

11- iÂk egy] iÂk] eè; izns'k

ghjksa dh uxjh] iÂk ,d lqO;ofLFkr uxj gS] tgka ewyr% cqansy fuokl djrs FksA ,d vaxzsth okLrqdkj us 1886 bZloh esa #nz izrki flag osQ fy, iÂk egy dh ifjdYiuk dh FkhA

pkSM+h lhf<+;ksa osQ mRdh.kZ izdkjksa ls vafdr iafDr yach èkkfj;ksa ls ;qDr LraHkksa okys vxzHkkx] dksfjfFk;kbZ 'kh"kks±] f=kdks.kh; }kjekxks± vkSj vkPNkfnr xfy;kjs esa foLr`r ejxksy dk;Z dh vksj ys tkrh gSA ;|fi izeq[k :i ls ;g egy jkse dh okLrq 'kSyh esa cuk gS] fiQj Hkh blesa oqQN Hkkjrh; fo'ks"krk,a Hkh gSa] tSls ,oSQUFkl dh ifÙk;ksa osQ LFkku ij dksfjafFk;kbZ 'kh"kks± osQ vklikl dey dh ifÙk;ka ns[kh tk ldrh gSaA

egy osQ vxzHkkx rFkk ihNs osQ Hkkx esa ,d fof'k"V fo"kerk ns[kh tk ldrh gSA vkxs osQ Hkkx esa ;wjksih; vfrfFk;ksa dh vko';drkvksa dh iwfrZ djus osQ fy, ifjdfYir d{k gSa vkSj ihNs osQ Hkkx (vkUrfjd fp=k) esa ”kukuk] ifo=k oqQ.M] xzh"e e.Mi rFkk lsodksa osQ fuokl gSaA

11. Panna Palace, Panna, Madhya Pradesh

Panna, the city of diamonds, originally inhabited by Bundelas, is a well-laid out city. In 1886 A.D., an English architect designed the Panna Palace for Rudra Pratap Singh.

A flight of wide steps delineated with carved parapets lead to the colonnaded facade, Corinthian capitals, pedimented doorways and a covered passageway enriched with elaborate scrollwork. Although predominantly Roman in style, it has certain Indian features as well, for instance one can see lotus leaves instead of acanthus leaves round the Corinthian capitals.

A marked contrast can be seen between the front and rear section of the palace. In the front, there are rooms designed to meet the needs of European guests, and the rear section (inset) houses the zenana, sacred tank, summer pavilion and servant quarters.

lkaLÑfrd lzksr ,oa izf'k{k.k osQUæ Centre for Cultural Resources and Training

eè; izns'k osQ nqxZ rFkk egyForts and Palaces of Madhya Pradesh

12- jhok egy] jhok] eè; izns'k

jhok egy] tks izkphu uxj egy osQ uke ls Hkh izfl¼ gS] okLrqdyk dh n`f"V ls jktiwr rFkk eqxy 'kSyh dk lfEeJ.k gSA eqxyksa osQ vkfèkiR; esa ewyr% c?ksyk ljnkjksa }kjk 16oha 'krkCnh bZloh esa fufeZr bl egy esa njckj gkWy rFkk Lokxr lHkkxkj FksA ckn osQ o"kks± esa bl egy esa vU; vusd eafnj] izkax.k] Lukukxkj rFkk cgqr&ls lHkkxkj vkSj xfy;kjs cuk, x,A

njckj gkWy ,d fo'kky d{k gS] ftlesa 'kkgh 'kfDr rFkk oSHko dks iznf'kZr djrs vfo Üoluh; jaxhu dkap osQ dk;Z ls ;qDr lksus dk eqyEek p<+h nhokjsa gSaA Lokxr lHkkxkjksa esa xksykdkj yach èkkfj;ksa ,oa csy cwVksa lfgr LraHkksa dk fupyk fgLlk pkSdksj vkÑfr dk gSA LraHkksa osQ 'kh"kZ ij fufeZr rksj.k] nhi vkyksa ls lqlfTtr gSaA

12. Rewa Palace, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh

Rewa Palace also known as Old City Palace is a synthesis of Rajput and Mughal styles of architecture. Originally built by Baghela chiefs under the hegemony of Mughals in the 16th century A.D., it comprised of Durbar Hall and reception halls. In later years, many other temples, courtyards, bathing places and number of halls and passageways were added to the palace.

Durbar Hall is a vast hall with gilded walls and coloured glass work emanating imperial power and grandeur. The unique features of the reception halls are fluted columns, foliated plinths and capitals, cusped arches flanked by lamp-niches.

lkaLÑfrd lzksr ,oa izf'k{k.k osQUæ Centre for Cultural Resources and Training

eè; izns'k osQ nqxZ rFkk egyForts and Palaces of Madhya Pradesh

13- xksfoUnx<+ egy] jhok] eè; izns'k

xksfoUnx<+ egy jhok uxj ls 24 fd-eh- dh nwjh ij gSA bls jktiwr 'kSyh esa jhok osQ j?kqjkt flag osQ fy, f'kdkjxkg osQ :i esa fufeZr fd;k x;k FkkA ;g egy dPN ouLifr rFkk taxy ls f?kjh >hy osQ fdukjs fLFkr gSA ftlosQ lkFk osQ vgkrs esa fo'kky pcwrjs ij ,d deykdkj esgjkc cukbZ xbZ gSA vkUrfjd fp=k esa vki dkBh egy ns[k ldrs gSaA

13. Govindgarh Palace, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh

Govindgarh Palace is at a distance of 24 kms. from Rewa city. It was built in Rajput style for Raghuraj Singh of Rewa as a hunting retreat. The palace situated on a lake, surrounded by mangroves and jungle, has an adjacent compound with an arch on a huge platform carved in the shape of a lotus. In the inset picture, one can see the Kathi Mahal.

lkaLÑfrd lzksr ,oa izf'k{k.k osQUæ Centre for Cultural Resources and Training

eè; izns'k osQ nqxZ rFkk egyForts and Palaces of Madhya Pradesh

14- u`flag nso egy] nfr;k] eè; izns'k

cqUnsy ljnkj] chj flag nso }kjk 1620 bZloh esa fufeZr u`flag nso egy] Hkkjr dh mRÑ"Vre bekjrksa esa ls ,d gSA ;g ikap eaf”kyk egy] 130 iqQV dh maQpkbZ fy, ,d pV~Vkuh n`';ka'k ij vofLFkr gSA

bl egy dh okLrq ;kstuk pkSdksj gS rFkk blesa ,d eaMi dks nwljs eaMi osQ lkFk tksM+us okys HkO; iqyks a rFkk NTtks a osQ izkpq;Z lfgr pkjks a dksuks a ij pkj ehukjs a cuh gSaA iwjk egy pkjks a rjiQ ls vksfj;ks a] rksj.k iFk] Nrfj;ks a vkSj xqEctks a lfgr ,d lesfdr ,dd osQ :i esa fufeZr gSA osQUnzh; eaMi esa jktlh d{k gSaA nf{k.kh vksj ls d.kZ lkxj >hy dk euksgkjh n`'; ns[kk tk ldrk gSA vkarfjd n`'; esa vki u`flag nso egy dk i`"BHkkx ns[k ldrs gS aA

14. Nrising Dev Palace, Datia, Madhya Pradesh

Nrising Dev Palace, built in 1620 A.D. by Bir Singh Deo, Bundela chief, is one of the finest buildings in India. The five storeyed palace, 130 ft. in height, stands on a rocky outcrop.

It is square in plan, with four corner towers having a profusion of balconies and elegant bridges linking one pavilion with the other pavilion. The whole palace is symmetrically built as a single integrated unit with domes and kiosks, arcades and eaves on every side. The central pavilion contains royal apartments. On the southern side, one can have a delightful view of Karna Sagar Lake. In the inset picture, one can see the backside view of Nrising Dev Palace.

lkaLÑfrd lzksr ,oa izf'k{k.k osQUæ Centre for Cultural Resources and Training

eè; izns'k osQ nqxZ rFkk egyForts and Palaces of Madhya Pradesh

15- vt;iky eafnj] vt;x<+ nqxZ] eè; izns'k

pUnsyksa }kjk 9oha 'krkCnh bZloh esa fufeZr vt;x<+ nqxZ xzsukbV osQ n`';ka'k ij cuk gqvk gSA ;g nqxZ osQnkj&ioZr ij jgus okys lar vt;iky osQ uke ls gSA th.kZ&'kh.kZ voLFkk esa gksus osQ ckotwn vkt Hkh vt;iky eafnj vR;ar fnypLi LFkku gSA vt;x<+ nqxZ osQ ifjlj esa foLrkfjr :i ls mRdhf.kZr iRFkjksa dh iafDr ij iafDr] èkhjs ls mQij dh vksj ozQe'k% de iryh gksrh nh[krh gSA nSoh; vkÑfr;ksa osQ mRdh.kZ fd, x, vusd lrh LraHk ;gka ns[ks tk ldrs gSaA

15. Ajaipala Temple, Ajaigarh Fort, Madhya Pradesh

Ajaigarh fort, buiilt by Chandellas in the 9th century A.D. is perched on a granite outcrop. The fort is named after the sage Ajaipala who lived on Kedar parvat. Even today, Ajaipala temple, though now in ruins, is the most interesting place. Tier upon tier of elaborately carved stones, taper gently upwards and number of sati pillars engraved with divine motifs can be seen in the premises of Ajaigarh fort.

lkaLÑfrd lzksr ,oa izf'k{k.k osQUæ Centre for Cultural Resources and Training

eè; izns'k osQ nqxZ rFkk egyForts and Palaces of Madhya Pradesh

16- vlhjx<+ nqxZ] vlhjx<+] eè; izns'k

lriqM+k ioZrJs.kh osQ iFkd n';ka'k ij fLFkr vlhjx<+ nqxZ dks yEch nwjh ls ns[kk tk ldrk gSA [k.Mok ls nf{k.k dh vksj 48 fd-eh- rFkk cqjgkuiqj ls 20 fd-eh- mÙkj ij j.kuhfrtU; :i ls fLFkr ;g nqxZ nf{k.k osQ izos'k}kj osQ :i esa Hkh tkuk tkrk gSA

,d pjokgs vlk vghj }kjk lu~ 1370 bZloh esa fufeZr ;g nqxZ Hkkjr osQ lokZfèkd iqjkus nqxks± esa ls ,d gSA nqxZ esa igqapus osQ nks eq[; jkLrs gSa µ if'peh rjiQ liZ oqQ.Myh okyk vkjksgh jkLrk vkSj nf{k.k&iwohZ rjiQ] lkr njoktksa ls jf{kr xksiuh; jkLrkA if'peh fgLlk iw.kZr% rhu nhokjksa }kjk lqjf{kr gSA lcls fupyh lqj{kk nhokj ey;x<+] chp dh dejx<+ rFkk lcls mQij dh nhokj vlhjx<+ dgykrh gSA

nqxZ dk lokZfèkd egRoiw.kZ LFkku izeq[k izos'k}kj osQ fudV gS] tgka xu VkWoj osQ uke ls izfl¼ ,d fo'kky cqtZ] nf{k.k&if'pe dh vksj dh lqj{kk O;oLFkk dks etcwrh nsus gsrq fufeZr fd;k x;k FkkA ;g uqdhys dksuksa okys vusd ijdksVksa ls ;qDr gSA bl VkWoj ij ckgjh lhf<+;ksa ls gksdj igqapk tk ldrk gS vkSj ,d uqdhys esgjkc okys }kjekxZ ls blesa izos'k fd;k tk ldrk gSA

16. Asirgarh Fort, Asirgarh, Madhya Pradesh

Situated on an isolated outcrop of the Satpura range, Asirgarh Fort can be seen from a long distance. Strategically located 48 kms. south of Khandwa and 20 kms. north of Burhanpur. It is also regarded as an entrance gateway of Deccan.

Built by a herdsman, Asa Ahir, in 1370 A.D., it is one of the oldest forts of India. There are two main approaches to the fort–one on the 'western side, ascending in the shape of a serpentine, and second on the south-east, which used to be the secret passage at that time guarded by seven gates. The western side is well defended by three walls–the lower most defensive wall called Malaigarh, the middle one known as Kamargarh, and the top most wall is called the Asirgarh.

The most impressive site of the fort is near the main entrance where a massive bastion known as gun-tower (inset) was built to strengthen the line of defence on the south-west side. It is equipped with numerous parapet battlements with pointed tops. The top of this tower can be reached through the steps on the outside and entered through a pointed arch gateway.

lkaLÑfrd lzksr ,oa izf'k{k.k osQUæ Centre for Cultural Resources and Training

eè; izns'k osQ nqxZ rFkk egyForts and Palaces of Madhya Pradesh

17- èkkj nqxZ] èkkj] eè; izns'k

vius gh uke dh ewy jkT; dh jktèkkuh èkkj] egw ls 53 fd-eh- if'pe esa fLFkr gSA ?kwj 'kkld fnykoj [kku X+kkSjh osQ 'kkludky esa 15oha 'krkCnh bZloh esa] èkkj esa ijekj 'kkldksa dh rqyuk esa dgha vfèkd bekjrksa dk fuekZ.k gqvkA

10oha 'krkCnh bZloh osQ nkSjku jktk Hkkst izFke us èkkj dks jktèkkuh cukdj èkkj nqxZ dh uhao j[khA yky iRFkj ls cuk ;g nqxZ pkj }kjiFkksa lfgr ,d fdyscUn nhokj ls f?kjk gqvk gSA ;g nqxZ 24 xksy rFkk 2 pkSdksj ehukjksa ls vyaÑr gS rFkk ekyok esa baMks&bLykeh okLrqdyk dk ,d mRÑ"V mnkgj.k gSA ?kwj 'kkldksa }kjk fnYyh dh okLrqdyk esa ikbZ tkus okyh vusd fo'ks"krkvksa dk ;gka ij Hkh bLrseky fd;k x;k gS] tSls [kf.Mr fgUnw eafnjksa dh VwVh gqbZ nhokjksa dk iz;ksx] xksy'kh"kZ fdukjksa lfgr uqdhys rksj.k] rksj.k&ljny&dks"Bd la;kstu] ^vk¡èkh ukSdk* osQ vkdkj esa cqtZ] fijkfeMh Nr rFkk vU; vkyadkfjr vfHkizk;A

17. Dhar Fort, Dhar, Madhya Pradesh

Dhar, the capital of the native State of that name, lies 53 kms. west of Mhow. During the reign of Dilawar Khan Ghori, a Ghurid ruler in 15th century. A.D., a number of building projects were carried out, contrary to the period when Dhar was under the suzerainty of the Paramaras.

In the 10th centrury A.D., it was the Paramar King Bhoja I who built it as the capital city and laid the foundation of the Dhar Fort. The fort built in red stone was encircled by a fortification wall with four gateways and embellished with 24 round and 2 square towers. It is a remarkable example of provincial Indo-Islamic architecture in Malwa. The Ghurid rulers borrowed several features from Delhi’s architecture particularly the use of battered walls of the dismantled Hindu temples, the pointed arch with spearhead fringe, the arch-lintel-bracket combination, the ‘boat-keel’ dome, pyramidal roof and other decorative motifs.

lkaLÑfrd lzksr ,oa izf'k{k.k osQUæ Centre for Cultural Resources and Training

eè; izns'k osQ nqxZ rFkk egyForts and Palaces of Madhya Pradesh

18- dk¯ytj nqxZ] dk¯ytj] eè; izns'k

dk¯ytj nqxZ] Hkkjr osQ izkphure nqxks± esa ls ,d gS rFkk cqUnsy[k.M vapy esa gSA ¯oè; ioZr Ük`a[kyk osQ vafre LoaQèk ij Hkwry ls 375 eh- dh maQpkbZ ij cuk ;g nqxZ] ckank ls 57 fdyksehVj dh nwjh ij gSA ewyr% dkfyatj ij pUnsyksa dk vkfèkiR; FkkA 11oha 'krkCnh bZloh esa bl ij vusd vkozQe.k gq, & 1019 bZloh esa egewn x”kuoh] 1202 bZloh esa oqQrqc&mn~&nhu ,scd] 1530 bZloh esa gqek;wa rFkk 1545 bZloh esa 'ksj'kkg us vkozQe.k fd;kA

iwoZ ls if'pe rd nks fdyksehVj rFkk mÙkj ls nf{k.k rd ,d fdyksehVj dh ifjfèk esa iSQys bl oxkZdkj nqxZ esa 45 eh- m¡Qps ijdksVs lfgr lkr izos'k }kj gSa] tks ,d 'kqHk la[;k ekuh tkrh gSA ;s gSa µ vkyexhj njok”kk] x.ks'k njok”kk] pk¡nh njok”kk] cqèk cnz njok”kk] guqeku njok”kk] yky njok”kk rFkk cM+k njok”kkA vkyexhj njok”ks ls x.ks'k njok”ks rd osQ <yku ;qDr rFkk iFkjhys ekxZ dks dkfI+kQj ?kkV dgk tkrk gSA osQoy cqèk cnz njok”ks rd lhf<+;ksa ls p<+dj igqapk tkrk gSA lHkh njok”kksa dh lqj{kk ehukjksa ;k iqyksa ls dh tkrh FkhA

18. Kalinjar Fort, Kalinjar, Madhya Pradesh

Kalinjar Fort, reputed to be one of the oldest forts of India, lies in the Bundelkhand region. Built at a height of 375 m. from the ground level on the last spur of the Vindhya mountains, Kalinjar fort is at a distance of 57 km. from Banda. Originally the seat of Chandellas, in the 11th century A.D. it was invaded by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1019 A.D., Qutub-ud-Din Aibak in 1202 A.D., Humayun in 1530 A.D. and Sher Shah in 1545 A.D.

Expanded in a circumference of 2 km. from east to west and 1 km. from north to south, this square shaped fort with 45 m. high rampart has seven entrance gates, considered as the auspicious number. These are known as Alamgir Darwaza, Ganesh Darwaza, Chandi Darwaza, Budh Budr Darwaza, Hanuman Darwaza, Lal Darwaza and Bara Darwaza. The steep and stony route from Alamgir Darwaza to Ganesh Darwaza is called Kafir Ghat. Only Budh Budr Darwaza is approached by a flight of steps. All the gates are guarded by either towers or bridges.

lkaLÑfrd lzksr ,oa izf'k{k.k osQUæ Centre for Cultural Resources and Training

eè; izns'k osQ nqxZ rFkk egyForts and Palaces of Madhya Pradesh

19- veu flag egy] dkfyatj nqxZ] eè; izns'k

jktk veu flag dk egy] laiw.kZ dkfyatj nqxZ dks ty iznku djus okys fo'kky oqQ.M] dksB rhFkZ osQ fudV gSA bldk vgkrk pV~Vku ls dkVdj cuk;k x;k gS vkSj eksj osQ vkdkj osQ rksj.kksa dh lekukUrj iafDr;ksa ls f?kjk gqvk gSA ;gka cs'kdherh ik"kk.k vo'ks"kksa] tSls µ ysVs gq, f'ko] urZu x.ks'k ,oa uUnh cSyksa dh vkÑfr;ksa vkfn dks ns[kk tk ldrk gSA ;gka osQ vkUrfjd Hkkx ls lhf<+;ksa dh nks iafDr;ka Hkxoku f'ko dks lefiZr uhyoaQB eafnj dh vksj tkrh gSa] tks gesa chrs le; osQ xkSjo dh ;kn fnykrk gSA vgkrs esa vc Hkh guqeku th dh eq[kkÑfr okyh ,d fxjh gqbZ vkÑfr] ojkg osQ vorkj esa fo".kq] vknedn u`R; djrs x.ks'k vkfn [kf.Mr f'kYikÑfr;ka ns[kh tk ldrh gSaA

19. Aman Singh’s Palace, Kalinjar Fort, Madhya Pradesh

Near the Koth Tirth, a large tank which supplied water to the whole fort, is King Aman Singh’s palace. Its courtyard is hewn out of the rock and surrounded by parallel rows of peacock arches. Here one can see several precious stone-relics — a reclining Shiva, a dancing Ganesha, Nandi Bulls etc. From its interiors, two flights of steps lead down to Neel Kanth Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva which reminds us of the glory of the past. Distorted sculptures can still be found in the premises — a toppled figure with the face of Hanuman, Vishnu in the incarnation of boar, lifesize dancing Ganesha etc.

lkaLÑfrd lzksr ,oa izf'k{k.k osQUæ Centre for Cultural Resources and Training

eè; izns'k osQ nqxZ rFkk egyForts and Palaces of Madhya Pradesh

20- ujoj nqxZ (izkax.k)] Xokfy;j] eè; izns'k

ujoj nqxZ] HkwriwoZ Xokfy;j jkT; osQ rhu izeq[k fxfjnqxks± esa ls ,d gSA vU; nks nqxZ gSaµ Xokfy;j rFkk pUnsjh nqxZA Xokfy;j nqxZ osQ i'pkr~ ifjeki esa blh dk LFkku gSA dNokgk 'kkld bl izns'k osQ loZizFke o izeq[k 'kkld FksA bYrqrfe'k }kjk 13oha 'krkCnh bZloh osQ eè; esa ijkftr fd, tkus osQ i'pkr~ xqtZj&izfrgkj 'kkld Xokfy;j ls ujoj nqxZ esa LFkkukarfjr gks x,A ij tYn gh mudk LFkku ujoj osQ ;tiky jktoa'k osQ izorZd pgkM+ nso us ys fy;kA

Hkwry ls 120 eh- m¡QpkbZ ij foaè; ioZr Ük`a[kyk dh ,d likV f'k[kj ;qDr ,dkdh igkM+h ij ;g fxfjnqxZ gSA ;g nqxZ ,d izkÑfrd [kkbZ ls f?kjk gqvk gS] ftlosQ if'pe o mÙkj dh vksj flaèk unh cg jgh gSA ;g laiw.kZ vapy pkj Hkkxksa esa foHkDr gS % e>yksd µ eè; Hkkx_ nwYgk vgkrk µ if'peh Hkkx_ enkj vgkrk µ nf{k.k&iwohZ Hkkx rFkk xqtZj vgkrk µ nf{k.kh HkkxA

e>yksd esa vusd egy Fks] tks vc th.kZ&'kh.kZ voLFkk esa gSaA dNokgk 'kkldksa }kjk fufeZr ;s egy] if'pe dh vksj ls ,d fo'kky e”kcwr fdyscUn nhokj ls lajf{kr gSaA ;g nhokj bls 'ks"k fjgk;'kh {ks=k ls vyx djrh gSA izR;sd egy esa vgkrksa dh ,d Ük`a[kyk gS] ftlesa n'kZd lHkkxkj] flagklu d{k] eaMi] lqUnj ckxkfn ls ;qDr Lukukfn dh O;oLFkk fy, geke vkfn dks ns[kk tk ldrk gSA ;s egy jktiwr 'kSyh dh fHkfÙk fp=kÑfr;ksa rFkk dkap osQ tM+kmQ dk;Z ls izpqj :i ls vyaÑr FksA

20. Narwar Fort (Courtyards), Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

Narwar is one of the three main hill-forts of the erstwhile Gwalior State, the other two being Gwalior and Chanderi forts. In dimensions, it is next to Gwalior fort. The Kachhwahas were the first and foremost rulers of this region. Towards the middle of the 13th century A.D., Gurjara-Pratiharas, after being defeated by Iltutmish, shifted from Gwalior to Narwar. They were soon replaced by Chahada Deo, founder of the dynasty of Yajapalas of Narwar.

The hill fort is situated over an isolated flat-topped hill of Vindhyan range, 120 m. high from the ground level. It is surrounded by a natural moat formed by the Sindh river flowing on its western and northern side. The entire region had been divided into four sectors — Majhloka, the middle portion; Dulha-Ahata, the western portion; Madar-Ahata, south eastern portion and Gurjar-Ahata, southern-most portion.

In the Majhloka, there were number of palaces which are in ruins now. These palaces built by Kachhwaha kings are protected on the western side by a massive fortified wall. It demarcates this from the rest of the inhabited area. Each palace comprises a series of courtyards having audience hall, throne-room, pavilions, hammams with bathing arrangements attached with pleasure gardens etc. The palaces were profusely decorated with glass inlay-work and wall paintings of Rajput style.

lkaLÑfrd lzksr ,oa izf'k{k.k osQUæ Centre for Cultural Resources and Training

eè; izns'k osQ nqxZ rFkk egyForts and Palaces of Madhya Pradesh

21- ckny egy] pUnsjh] eè; izns'k

LorU=k :i ls fufeZr ckny egy }kj 50 iqQV maQpk rFkk 25 iqQV pkSM+k gSA blosQ nksuksa vksj nks 'kq.Mkdkj ehukjsa gSaA bu nks voyacksa osQ chp rksj.k iFk nks eaf”kyksa esa foHkkftr gSaA mQij dh eafty pkj lqlfTtr ik"kk.k vkoj.kksa ls Hkjiwj gSA uhps dh eaf”ky esa ,d rksj.k;qDr xfy;kjk gSA

bldk vuks[kk vyadj.k fnYyh] ekyok] jktiwrkuk rFkk xqtjkr ls xzg.k dh xbZ okLrqdykRed fo'ks"krkvksa osQ la;ksxkRed feJ.k dks izfrfcafcr djrk gSA

21. Badal Mahal, Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh

The Badal Mahal Gate, 50 ft.high and 25 ft. wide, stands unattached from other buildings. It has two tapering buttresses on either side, within these twin supports, the archway is divided into two storeys. The upper storey is filled with four decorative stone screens. The lower storey has an arched passage.

Its ornamentation reflects the unusual mixture of architectural features borrowed from Delhi, Malwa, Rajputana and even Gujarat.

lkaLÑfrd lzksr ,oa izf'k{k.k osQUæ Centre for Cultural Resources and Training

eè; izns'k osQ nqxZ rFkk egyForts and Palaces of Madhya Pradesh

22- oqQ'kd egy] pUnsjh] eè; izns'k

ekyok osQ egewn 'kkg izFke }kjk 1445 bZloh esa fufeZr oqQ'kd egy] pUnsjh osQ izkphure Lekjdksa esa ls ,d gSA bl egy dh ewyr% lkr eaftysa Fkha] ftuesa ls vc osQoy pkj eaftysa gh 'ks"k gSaA bl egy dh okLrq ;kstuk oxkZdkj gS] ftlosQ gj rjiQ osQ eè; Hkkx ls izos'k fd;k tk ldrk gSA bldh nhokjsa ckgj ls likV gSa rFkk muesa fu;fer nwjh ij NTtksa ls ;qDr f[kM+fd;ka gSaA

vkUrfjd Hkkx esa] ledks.kksa ij nks rksj.k;qDr ikjxkeh xfy;kjs gSa] tks laiw.kZ {ks=k dks pkj prqFkk±'kksa esa foHkkftr djrs gSa] ftuosQ chp egy osQ lHkkxkj gSaA fuekZ.k dh ;gh ;kstuk mQij dh eaf”kyksa esa Hkh iz;ksx esa ykbZ xbZ gSa] ftuesa vUnj dh vksj rksj.k;qDr xfy;kjs rFkk ckgj dh vksj fLFkr NTtksa ls ;qDr f[kM+fd;ksa ls jks'kuh vkus dh O;oLFkk dh xbZ gSA

22. Kushak Mahal, Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh

Kushak Mahal, built in 1445 A.D. by Mahmud Shah I of Malwa, is one of the earliest monuments of Chanderi. Originally a seven-storeyed palace of which only four exist now, it is square in plan with entrance in the middle of each side. Its walls, plain from exterior, have balconied windows at regular intervals.

In the interior, two arched passages cross at right angles, thereby dividing the whole area into four quadrants within which are located palace halls. The same pattern is carried on to the storeys above with arched passages from inside and light filters through the balconied windows on the outside.

lkaLÑfrd lzksr ,oa izf'k{k.k osQUæ Centre for Cultural Resources and Training

eè; izns'k osQ nqxZ rFkk egyForts and Palaces of Madhya Pradesh

23- pUnsjh nqxZ] pUnsjh] eè; izns'k

,d le; esa psfn oa'k osQ jktk f'k'kqiky osQ vèkhu jgk pUnsjh nqxZ] vc th.kZ&'kh.kZ voLFkk esa gSA yackbZ esa ;g nqxZ 6 fd-eh- osQ {ks=k esa gS vkSj ;gka ls pUnsjh uxj dk fogaxe n`'; fn[kkbZ nsrk gSA

bl nqxZ osQ ikap njokts Fks µ iwoZ dh vksj rfy;k njoktk_ mÙkj dh vksj fnYyh njoktk_ if'pe dh vksj iQdhj o pax njoktk vkSj nf{k.k dh vksj [kwuh njoktkA orZeku esa bu esa ls osQoy rhu }kj gh lgh gkyr esa gSa µ fnYyh njoktk] I+kQdhj njoktk rFkk [kwuh njoktkA

pUnsjh nqxZ dh ,d izeq[k fo'ks"krk gS µ blosQ vkyksa ij ik;h tkus okyh 'kknwZy dh vkÑfrA fdys osQ vgkrs esa cuk, x, vusd cqtZ] tks pkSdlh cqtZ osQ :i esa dke vkrs FksA buesa ls vc osQoy rhu gh 'ks"k gSa µ mÙkj esa dey cqtZ] nf{k.k esa xnk cqtZ rFkk if'pe esa Hkn Hkn cqtZA

23. Chanderi Fort, Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh

The Chanderi Fort, now in ruins, was once subjugated under the reign of Sisupala – the Chedi. It lies within a circuit of 6 km. lengthwise and offers a birds eye view of the city of Chanderi.

It has five gates – Taliya Darwaza on the east; Delhi Darwaza in the north; Faquir Darwaza and Changa Darwaza on the west; and Khuni Darwaza on the south. At present only three are in proper state which are Delhi Darwaza, Faquir Darwaza and Khuni Darwaza.One of the prominent features of Chanderi Fort is the Shardula motif found on the niches. Number of bastions, which served as watch towers were built in the premises of the fort of which only three are existing. They are Kamala burj in the north, Gada burj in the south and Bhad Bhad burj in the west.

lkaLÑfrd lzksr ,oa izf'k{k.k osQUæ Centre for Cultural Resources and Training

eè; izns'k osQ nqxZ rFkk egyForts and Palaces of Madhya Pradesh

24- bUnkSj egy] bUnkSj] eè; izns'k

bUnkSj egy] ftls egkjktk eYgkj jko gksYdj f}rh; us cuok;k Fkk] twuk jtokM+k osQ uke ls Hkh tkuk tkrk gSA bl egy dh fo'ks"krk bldk lkr eaf”kyk }kjiFk gS] ftldh okLrqdyk esa izQkalhlh] eqxy rFkk ejkBk okLrq'kSyh dk feJ.k gSA bl m¡Qph vkSj HkO; bekjr osQ osQUnzh; }kjiFk osQ nksuksa vksj <yqok¡ d{k gSaA

bUnkSj dh ,sfrgkfld bekjr] twuk jtokM+k osQ vkl&ikl dk {ks=k vfr lqUnj gSA blosQ nkfguh rjiQ 1832 bZloh esa cuk xksiky eafnj gS] ftlesa ,d cM+k osQUnzh; lHkkxkj gS] tgka foLr`r :i ls vyaÑr Nr dks lgkjk fn, gq, xzsukbV osQ LraHk gSaA egy osQ vUnj ikfjokfjd nsork µ eYgkjh ekrZ.M dk eafnj gS rFkk egy osQ ml ikj lekt osQ xjhc oxZ osQ fy, vUu N=k uked èkekZFkZ LFkku gSA

24. Indore Palace, Indore, Madhya Pradesh

Indore Palace, also known as Juna Rajawada, was built by Maharaja Malhar Rao Holkar II. Its most distinguishing feature, a seven storeyed gateway, is a mixture of French, Mughal and Maratha style of architecture. The lofty and imposing structure as canted bays on either side of a central archway.

A landmark of Indore, Juna Rajawada has beautiful surroundings. To its right is Gopal Temple, built in 1832 A.D., with a large central hall having granite pillars supporting an elaborately decorated roof. Inside the palace is a temple of Malhari Martand, a family deity and across the palace is Anna Chatra, the charitable place for the poor sections of society.

lkaLÑfrd lzksr ,oa izf'k{k.k osQUæ Centre for Cultural Resources and Training

1- Xokfy;j nqxZ] Xokfy;j] eè; izns'k

;g nqxZ ,d likV f'k[kj] mBku;qDr fdukjksa vkSj ,dkdh cyqvk iRFkj dh igkM+h ij fLFkr gSA ;g yach ,oa ladjh igkM+h vkl&ikl osQ lery eSnkuksa ls yxHkx 300 iqQV Å¡pkbZ rd tkrh gS rFkk mÙkj ls nf{k.k rd yxHkx 3 fd- eh- yEch ,oa iwoZ ls if'pe rd yxHkx 600 ls 2800 iqQV pkSM+h gSA igkM+h osQ fdukjksa ij iyLrj fd;k gqvk gS] rkfd nqxZ dh nhokj igkM+h osQ fdukjs ls gh fudyrh gqbZ lh izrhr gksA

;kstuk osQ vuqlkj mi&egk}hi osQ mÙkj&nf{k.kh ekxZ ij fLFkr Xokfy;j nqxZ] Hkkjr osQ vR;Ur izkphu nqxks± esa ls ,d gSA bldh uhao rhljh 'krkCnh bZloh esa j[kh xbZ FkhA gw.k jktoa'k osQ ,d 'kkld] fefgjxqyk osQ jkT;dky esa 5oha 'krkCnh bZloh osQ nkSjku nqxZ osQ vgkrs esa lw;Z eafnj dk fuekZ.k fd;k x;k FkkA 950 bZloh esa lwjt iky }kjk ;gka ij fgUnw jktoa'k dh LFkkiuk dh xbZA tc 1129 bZloh esa ;g jktoa'k lekIr gks x;k rks blosQ i'pkr~ izfrgkj jktoa'k vk;k] ftlosQ ikl ;g nqxZ 1232 bZloh esa fnYyh osQ lezkV bYrqrfe'k }kjk dCtk fd, tkus rd jgkA 1398 bZloh esa rksej jktiwr] ohj ¯lg nso] rSewj osQ vkØe.k ls mRiUu v'kkafr dk ykHk ysdj Xokfy;j osQ jktk cu x, rFkk ;gka mUgksaus rksej oa'k LFkkfir fd;kA eku ¯lg 1486 bZloh esa jktk cus] tks rksej 'kkldksa esa egkure FksA eku flag dh e`R;q osQ i'pkr~ muosQ csVs foozQekfnR; us 1518 bZloh rd Xokfy;j ij viuk fu;a=k.k j[kkA bczkfge yksnh us liQyrkiwoZd nks o"kZ dh ?ksjkcUnh dks lekIr dj fnYyh lYrur osQ fy, bl nqxZ dks thr fy;kA 18oha 'krkCnh bZloh osQ eè; rd ;g nqxZ eqxyksa osQ vèkhu jgk] vkSj muosQ ckn ejkBksa us 1754 bZloh esa bls vius vfèkdkj esa ys fy;kA

vkxkeh 50 o"kks± rd ;g nqxZ fofHkUu jktoa'kksa osQ vkozQe.k lgrk jgkA rRi'pkr~ bl ij flafèk;k jktoa'k us viuk vkfèkiR; LFkkfir dj fy;kA brus yacs vkSj fofoèkrkiw.kZ bfrgkl osQ nkSjku bl nqxZ osQ vUnj rFkk uhps dh vksj] egyksa o eafnjksa lfgr vusd bekjrsa cukbZ xb±] ftuesa ekuflag egy] xwtjh egy] lkl&cgw dk eafnj rFkk rsyh dk eafnj 'kkfey gSA ;g fo'kky fxfjnqxZ pkjksa vksj ls ,d pkSM+h o xgjh [kkbZ ls f?kjk gqvk Fkk] ftls ^lqo.kZ&js[kk ukyk* dgk tkrk FkkA ewyr% nqxZ osQ lkr izos'k }kj Fks] ftuesa ls orZeku esa osQoy ikap fo|eku gSaµ vkyexhj njoktk] fgaMksyk njoktk] x.ks'k njok”kk] y{e.k njok”kk rFkk gkFkh njok”kkA

2- eku flag egy (Hkhrjh n';)] Xokfy;j nqxZ] Xokfy;j] eè; izns'k

eku flag egy] Xokfy;j nqxZ osQ izos'k }kj dh Hkk¡fr gS] tks fd lqUnj [kijSyksa rFkk cÙk[kksa] gkfFk;ksa o eksjksa osQ uewuksa osQ fpf=kr vyadj.kksa lfgr ,d 'kkunkj bekjr gSA ;g egy jktk eku flag }kjk 1486 ls 1516 bZloh osQ chp cuk;k x;kA

bls eè;dkyhu Hkkjr osQ fgUnw okLrqdyk osQ ,d mRÑ"V vkSj #fpdj mnkgj.k osQ :i esa of.kZr fd;k tkrk gSA egy osQ iwohZ Hkkx esa] bldh nks eaftysa mQij dh vksj rFkk nks Hkwry osQ uhps gSaA [kM+h pV~Vku osQ fdukjs ij ;g egy cuk gqvk gS rFkk blesa ehukjksa vkSj ewyr% eqyEek p<+s rkacs ls vkojf.kr xqEcn;qDr Nrfj;ksa dh Ük`a[kyk gSA vanj dh vksj fo'kky d{k & eku eafnj vkSj foozQe eafnj gSa] ftudk mi;ksx laxhr lHkkx`gksa osQ :i esa fd;k tkrk Fkk rFkk tgka ij mRÑ"V tkyh dk;Z ls ;qDr inks± osQ ihNs cSBdj jktlh efgyk,a ml le; osQ egku laxhrKksa ls laxhr lh[krh FkhaA ;s d{k vusdkusd dejksa ls f?kjs gSa] ftudh Nrsa foLrkfjr :i ls vyaÑr gSaA

eku eafnj osQ }kj&LraHk fo'kky gSa rFkk ygjnkj vksfj;ksa dks nhokjxhjksa dh drkjksa }kjk vkèkkj iznku fd;k x;k gSA

3- xwtjh egy] Xokfy;j nqxZ] Xokfy;j] eè; izns'k

eè;dkyhu okLrqdyk dh vn~Hkqr izLrqfr;ksa esa ,d] xwtjh egy 1510 bZloh esa jktk ekuflag }kjk viuh fiz; jkuh e`xu;uh dh ;kn esa cuok;k x;kA ;g egy Xokfy;j nqxZ osQ vgkrs esa gSA

eè; izns'k osQ nqxZ rFkk egyForts and Palaces of Madhya Pradesh

7- fgaMksyk egy] ek.Mw] eè; izns'k

fnYyh ij 1398 bZloh esa rSewj osQ vkozQe.k osQ i'pkr~ rqxyd oa'k lekIr gks x;kA bl fLFkfr dk ykHk mBkrs gq, 1401 bZloh esa èkkj osQ xouZj fnykoj [kku X+kkSjh] tks ewyr% vI+kQxkfuLrku dk jgus okyk Fkk] us Lo;a dks èkkj dk lqyrku ?kksf"kr dj fn;kA mlosQ csVs gks'kax 'kkg us 1405 bZloh esa mÙkjkfèkdkj esa jkT; izkIr fd;k vkSj viuh jktèkkuh dks LFkkbZ :i ls ek.Mw LFkkukarfjr dj fn;kA

viuh <kyw ;k frjNh cuh nhokjksa osQ dkj.k >wyrs egy osQ uke ls Hkh izfl¼ gMksyk egy 1425 bZloh esa cuk;k x;k FkkA bldh 'kq.Mkdkj nhokjsa yxHkx 77 fMxzh dh <yku fy, gq, gSaA ;g iwjh bekjr vaxzsth o.kZekyk osQ ^Vh* osQ vkdkj dh gSa rFkk bldk vk;rkdkj Hkkx lHkkxkj vkSj vxZyk (ozQkWl ckj) Hkkx jktlh dejksa osQ :i esa gSA lHkkxkj 110 iqQV yack] 60 iqQV pkSM+k rFkk 35 iqQV m¡Qpk gS] ftlesa vuqizLFk esgjkcksa lfgr ,d fo'kky d{k osQ vklikl vusdkusd rksj.k iFk gSa] ftuosQ mQij ,d ohfFkdk cuh gqbZ gSA nqeaf”kys jktlh d{k] dykRed ifjdYiuk yh gqbZ >jks[kk :ih f[kM+fd;ksa lfgr cus gq, Fks rFkk ;s cyqvk iRFkj esa eghu tkyh osQ dk;Z ls le¼ gSaA ;g laiw.kZ bekjr ,d Bksl etcwrh dk vkHkkl nsrh gSA

8- tgk”k egy] ek.Mw] eè; izns'k

jktk gks'kax 'kkg osQ iq=k dks mlosQ rqoZQ ea=kh] egewn [kku f[kyth us 1436 bZloh esa ”kgj ns fn;k vkSj eè; Hkkjr esa f[+kyth oa'k dh LFkkiuk dhA mlus 15oha 'krkCnh bZloh osQ mÙkjk¼Z esa viuh jkfu;ksa osQ fy, tgk”k egy dk fuekZ.k fd;kA

vius uke osQ vuq:i tgk”k egy] eqat rkykc rFkk diwj rkykc uked nks Ñf=ke >hyksa osQ chp fLFkr gS] tks nwj ls ns[kus ij ,d tgk”k osQ leku izrhr gksrk gSA ;g laiw.kZ bekjr vR;ar fo'kky gS vkSj yxHkx 100 eh- yach rFkk 15 eh- pkSM+h gSA

blosQ vkPNkfnr Hkwry osQ mQij dh vksj ,d pkSM+h vksjh gS vkSj lhf<+;ksa dh ,d pkSM+h iafDr [kqyh Nr dh vksj tkrh gSA Hkwry esa] lqUnj Lukukxkj rFkk iQOokjksa ls ;qDr jktlh izkax.k lfgr rhu fo'kky d{k gSa] tcfd Nr osQ mQij eaMi] Nrfj;ka rFkk xqEct gSaA tgk”k egy dk eqat rkykc o diwj rkykc esa fn[kus okyk izfrfcac n'kZdksa ij ,d tknqbZ izHkko Mkyrk gSA vkUrfjd fp=k esa vki tgk”k egy osQ ihNs dk fgLlk ns[k ldrs gSaA

9- v'kjI+kQh egy] ek.Mw] eè; izns'k

egewn [kku f[kyth }kjk 15oha 'krkCnh bZloh esa cuok;k x;k v'kjI+kQh egy tkeh efL”kn osQ Bhd lkeus fLFkr gSA bl bekjr dh dYiuk ewyr% bLykeh fo}kuksa osQ fy, enjlk osQ :i esa dh xbZ FkhA vc ;g bekjr th.k&'kh.kZ voLFkk esa gSA bldh nhokjksa dk fuekZ.k dkepykmQ <ax ls rS;kj fd, x, vux<+s iRFkjksa ls fd;k x;k Fkk] D;ksafd vfèkd è;ku bldh lrg osQ [kwclwjr izLrqrhdj.k ij fn;k x;k FkkA dkap p<+kus dh I+kQkjlh rduhd dks eqyrku ls viuk;k x;k] ftls bl egy dh pednkj jax ls ;qDr xqEcn;qDr lajpuk esa ns[kk tk ldrk gSA

15oha 'krkCnh bZloh esa fpÙkkSM+ osQ jk.kk oqQEHkk ij viuh fot; osQ izrhd Lo:i egewn [kku f[kyth us ,d lkr eaf”kyh ehukj cuokbZ Fkh] tks vc <g pqdh gSA

enjlk dh Nr ij 1450 bZloh esa ,d 'kkgh eO+kQcjk fufeZr fd;k x;kA bl eO+kQcjs dks 27 iqQV maQps pcwrjs ij fufeZr fd;k x;k FkkA lhf<+;ksa dh ,d iafDr LrEHk;qDr }kj&eaMi dh vksj tkrh gS] ftlesa izR;sd vksj 'kh"kZ ij ,d fo'kky xqEcn ls ;qDr NÙks gSaA vkUrfjd fp=k esa vki tkeh efL”kn dks ns[k ldrs gSaA

10- ck”k cgknqj egy] ek.Mw] eè; izns'k

1509 bZloh esa fufeZr ck”k cgknqj egy] dfo&jktoqQekj ck”k cgknqj dh viuh lqUnj iRuh] jkuh :ierh osQ izfr izse dh dfYir dFkk dh ,d vfHkO;fDr gSA

ewyr% ,d lsuk izs{k.k pkSdh osQ :i esa bl Hkou dk fuekZ.k fd;k x;k FkkA bldh fo'ks"krk pkjksa vksj lHkkxkjksa lfgr foLr`r [kqyk izkax.k gSA jkuh :ierh dk e.Mi] mQij dh vksj [kqyk ,dkUr LFkku Fkk] tgka ls og ueZnk unh dks uhps dh vksj fuekM+ osQ eSnku ls gksdj cgrs gq, ns[k ldrh FkhA

cM+s izkax.k osQ vklikl cus vkarfjd Hkkx lfgr dykRedrk ls ifjiw.kZ fpukbZ djosQ cukbZ xbZ ;g nks eaf”kyh bekjr lkaps esa <kys x, vyadj.kksa osQ lewgksa vkSj mRdhf.kZr nhokjxhjksa lfgr NksVs d{kksa ls f?kjh gSA bldk vkarfjd Hkkx iqjkrRo laxzgky; esa ifjofrZr gks x;k gS] ftlesa fgUnw o tSu f'kYidyk] vfHkys[kksa o fp=kÑfr;ksa dk mRÑ"V laxzg gSA blesa iznf'kZr o`{k nsoh 'kkyHkaftdk dh izfrek X;kjkliqj ls ykbZ xbZ gSA

4- t; foykl egy] Xokfy;j] eè; izns'k

t; foykl egy Xokfy;j osQ vusd izfl¼ egyksa esa ls ,d gSA ;g egkjktk t;kth jko }kjk 1872 ls 1874 bZloh osQ chp fufeZr ,d 'kkunkj egy gSA lu~ 1857 esa vk”kknh dh igyh yM+kbZ osQ i'pkr~] flafèk;k jktoa'k dks Xokfy;j 'kgj ij 'kklu djus dk fo'ks"kkfèkdkj izkIr gqvkA t; foykl egy esa ns'kh fo'ks"krkvksa lfgr rqLdu o dksfjafFk;kbZ okLrqdyk dh fefJr 'kSyh fn[kkbZ nsrh gSA

bl egy osQ izeq[k okLrqdkj ys- duZy lj ekbosQy fiQyksl us fizal vkWiQ osYl osQ vkxeu gsrq nks o"kZ esa gh bl iwjs egy dk fuekZ.k fd;k FkkA t; foykl egy dk izeq[k izos'k] nf{k.kh vxzHkkx osQ osQUnz osQ iwoZ o if'pe esa fLFkr Nrnkj }kj&eaMiksa ls gks dj gSA njckj gkWy 15 eh- × 85 eh- dk eki fy, gS] ftldh Nr 12 eh- ls Hkh vfèkd maQph gSA blesa ,d fo'kky nhikèkkjksa dk tksM+k gS] ftuesa ls izR;sd esa 248 fpjkx gSA budh maQpkbZ 42 iqQV o otu yxHkx 3 Vu gSA ;s fo'o osQ fo'kkyre nhikèkkjksa esa ls ,d gSaA egy esa lksus osQ jaxysi ;qDr dkap dk iQuhZpj rFkk vfrfFk;ksa dks is; vkfn nsus gsrq ,d pkanh dh f[kykSuk jsyxkM+h lfgr ,d fo'kky [kkus dh es”k] Hkkjrh; rFkk brkyoh f'kyIdkjksa dh dkjhxjh dh fefJr 'kSyh dks n'kkZrh gSA

orZeku esa] ;g egy flafèk;k ifjokj dk fuokl LFkku gSA bl egy osQ ,d Hkkx dks laxzgky; osQ :i esa ifjofrZr dj fn;k x;k gS] tks gesa 'kkldksa dh jktlh thou&'kSyh osQ ckjs esa crkrk gS vkSj chrs le; dh ;kn dks rk”kk djrk gSA

5- tgk¡xhj egy] vksjNk] eè; izns'k

cqansyk jktoa'k }kjk 16oha 'krkCnh bZloh esa 'kkflr] vksjNk vius 'kkunkj egyksa osQ fy, izfl¼ gSA buesa ls ,d gSµtgk¡xhj egy] ftls vksjNk osQ lqyrku jke flag osQ NksVs HkkbZ] chj flag nso }kjk 17oha 'krkCnh bZloh esa fufeZr fd;k x;kA eqxy lezkV vdcj dh e`R;q osQ i'pkr~ 1605 bZloh esa tgkaxhj }kjk chj flag nso dks vksjNk dk jkT; iznku fd;k x;k FkkA chj flag nso] vcqy iQ”ky dh e`R;q esa lgk;d FkkA mldh okLrqdykRed fo'ks"krk esa fgUnw o eqfLye 'kSyh dk feJ.k fn[kkbZ nsrk gSA

NTtksa ls ;qDr Nrfj;ksa rFkk vkB xqEcnksa ls vkPNkfnr ikap eaf”kyk tgk¡xhj egy csrok unh osQ fdukjs ij fLFkr gSA blosQ eq[; izos'k LFkku ij gkfFk;ksa dk ,d tksM+k ik'oZ esa gS vkSj bldk laiw.kZ <kapk cyqvk iRFkj ls mRdhf.kZr gSA nf{k.kh vxzHkkx esa ,d }kjekxZ lHkkx`g ls gksrs gq, ,d [kqys prq"dks.k dh vksj tkrk gS] ftlesa ,d osQUnzh; iQOokjk gS rFkk ftlosQ vklikl rhu eaf”kyksa dh iafDr esa O;ofLFkr dejs o NTts gSaA dejksa osQ lewgksa osQ chp lEioZQ] pkSM+h vksfj;ksa ls lajf{kr yVdrs NTtksa ls gksrs gq, ckgjh nhokjksa vkSj tkyh&dk;Z ls ;qDr vkoj.kksa ls lqlfTtr f[kM+fd;ksa osQ lekukUrj gSaA eqxy 'kSyh esa cuk, x, ckx dh ifjdYiuk pkj ckx osQ vkèkkj ij dh xbZ gS rFkk blesa O;ofLFkr :i ls fufeZr ckx o 'khry ugjs gSa] tks bl fp=k esa fn[kkbZ ugha iM+ jgs gSaA

6- dkfy;kng egy] mTtSu] eè; izns'k

ekyok osQ rhljs f[kyth lqyrku ulhj 'kkg us 15oha 'krkCnh bZloh esa mTtSu ls Ng ehy mÙkj esa dkfy;kng egy dk fuekZ.k fd;kA ;g egy f{kizk unh osQ ,d }hi ij fLFkr gSA

dkfy;kng egy esa ,d osQUnzh; lHkkxkj gS] ftlosQ pkjksa vksj ohfFkdk,a gSaA bl xzh"e lSjxkg dh mRÑ"V fo'ks"krk] lqUnj vkdkjksa esa cuh ugjksa ls gksdj unh osQ ty dk vusdkusd oqQ.Mksa esa igqap dj f'kYikRed ik"kk.kksa ij fxjuk gSA Ñf=ke tyizikr ,d irys iQyd ij iSQy tkrk gS] tgka ls ty okil f{kizk unh esa pyk tkrk gSA ty yxHkx 20 iqQV dh maQpkbZ ls fxjrk gSA bl iz.kkyh }kjk b±V&iRFkj dh fpukbZ;qDr pcwrjs ij cus d{kksa dks 'khry j[kk tkrk gSA

egy osQ fupys Hkkx esa jsok oqQ.M gS] ftldk ty lzksr ueZnk unh ls Fkk] tks ,d le; esa egy esa jgus okys yksxks dh vko';drkvksa dh iwfrZ djrk FkkA vkt Hkh bl oqQ.M dks yksxksa }kjk ifo=k ekuk tkrk gSA

11- iÂk egy] iÂk] eè; izns'k

ghjksa dh uxjh] iÂk ,d lqO;ofLFkr uxj gS] tgka ewyr% cqansy fuokl djrs FksA ,d vaxzsth okLrqdkj us 1886 bZloh esa #nz izrki flag osQ fy, iÂk egy dh ifjdYiuk dh FkhA

pkSM+h lhf<+;ksa osQ mRdh.kZ izdkjksa ls vafdr iafDr yach èkkfj;ksa ls ;qDr LraHkksa okys vxzHkkx] dksfjfFk;kbZ 'kh"kks±] f=kdks.kh; }kjekxks± vkSj vkPNkfnr xfy;kjs esa foLr`r ejxksy dk;Z dh vksj ys tkrh gSA ;|fi izeq[k :i ls ;g egy jkse dh okLrq 'kSyh esa cuk gS] fiQj Hkh blesa oqQN Hkkjrh; fo'ks"krk,a Hkh gSa] tSls ,oSQUFkl dh ifÙk;ksa osQ LFkku ij dksfjafFk;kbZ 'kh"kks± osQ vklikl dey dh ifÙk;ka ns[kh tk ldrh gSaA

egy osQ vxzHkkx rFkk ihNs osQ Hkkx esa ,d fof'k"V fo"kerk ns[kh tk ldrh gSA vkxs osQ Hkkx esa ;wjksih; vfrfFk;ksa dh vko';drkvksa dh iwfrZ djus osQ fy, ifjdfYir d{k gSa vkSj ihNs osQ Hkkx (vkUrfjd fp=k) esa ”kukuk] ifo=k oqQ.M] xzh"e e.Mi rFkk lsodksa osQ fuokl gSaA

12- jhok egy] jhok] eè; izns'k

jhok egy] tks izkphu uxj egy osQ uke ls Hkh izfl¼ gS] okLrqdyk dh n`f"V ls jktiwr rFkk eqxy 'kSyh dk lfEeJ.k gSA eqxyksa osQ vkfèkiR; esa ewyr% c?ksyk ljnkjksa }kjk 16oha 'krkCnh bZloh esa fufeZr bl egy esa njckj gkWy rFkk Lokxr lHkkxkj FksA ckn osQ o"kks± esa bl egy esa vU; vusd eafnj] izkax.k] Lukukxkj rFkk cgqr&ls lHkkxkj vkSj xfy;kjs cuk, x,A

njckj gkWy ,d fo'kky d{k gS] ftlesa 'kkgh 'kfDr rFkk oSHko dks iznf'kZr djrs vfo Üoluh; jaxhu dkap osQ dk;Z ls ;qDr lksus dk eqyEek p<+h nhokjsa gSaA Lokxr lHkkxkjksa esa xksykdkj yach èkkfj;ksa ,oa csy cwVksa lfgr LraHkksa dk fupyk fgLlk pkSdksj vkÑfr dk gSA LraHkksa osQ 'kh"kZ ij fufeZr rksj.k] nhi vkyksa ls lqlfTtr gSaA

13- xksfoUnx<+ egy] jhok] eè; izns'k

xksfoUnx<+ egy jhok uxj ls 24 fd-eh- dh nwjh ij gSA bls jktiwr 'kSyh esa jhok osQ j?kqjkt flag osQ fy, f'kdkjxkg osQ :i esa fufeZr fd;k x;k FkkA ;g egy dPN ouLifr rFkk taxy ls f?kjh >hy osQ fdukjs fLFkr gSA ftlosQ lkFk osQ vgkrs esa fo'kky pcwrjs ij ,d deykdkj esgjkc cukbZ xbZ gSA vkUrfjd fp=k esa vki dkBh egy ns[k ldrs gSaA

14- uflag nso egy] nfr;k] eè; izns'k

cqUnsy ljnkj] chj flag nso }kjk 1620 bZloh esa fufeZr u`flag nso egy] Hkkjr dh mRÑ"Vre bekjrksa esa ls ,d gSA ;g ikap eaf”kyk egy] 130 iqQV dh maQpkbZ fy, ,d pV~Vkuh n`';ka'k ij vofLFkr gSA

bl egy dh okLrq ;kstuk pkSdksj gS rFkk blesa ,d eaMi dks nwljs eaMi osQ lkFk tksM+us okys HkO; iqyksa rFkk NTtksa osQ izkpq;Z lfgr pkjks a dksuks a ij pkj ehukjsa cuh gSaA iwjk egy pkjks a rjiQ ls vksfj;ksa] rksj.k iFk] Nrfj;ksa vkSj xqEctksa lfgr ,d lesfdr ,dd osQ :i esa fufeZr gSA osQUnzh; eaMi esa jktlh d{k gSaA nf{k.kh vksj ls d.kZ lkxj >hy dk euksgkjh n`'; ns[kk tk ldrk gSA vkarfjd n`'; esa vki u`flag nso egy dk i`"BHkkx ns[k ldrs gSaA

15- vt;iky eafnj] vt;x<+ nqxZ] eè; izns'k

pUnsyksa }kjk 9oha 'krkCnh bZloh esa fufeZr vt;x<+ nqxZ xzsukbV osQ n`';ka'k ij cuk gqvk gSA ;g nqxZ osQnkj&ioZr ij jgus okys lar vt;iky osQ uke ls gSA th.kZ&'kh.kZ voLFkk esa gksus osQ ckotwn vkt Hkh vt;iky eafnj vR;ar fnypLi LFkku gSA vt;x<+ nqxZ osQ ifjlj esa foLrkfjr :i ls mRdhf.kZr iRFkjksa dh iafDr ij iafDr] èkhjs ls mQij dh vksj ozQe'k% de iryh gksrh nh[krh gSA nSoh; vkÑfr;ksa osQ mRdh.kZ fd, x, vusd lrh LraHk ;gka ns[ks tk ldrs gSaA

16- vlhjx<+ nqxZ] vlhjx<+] eè; izns'k

lriqM+k ioZrJs.kh osQ i`Fkd n`';ka'k ij fLFkr vlhjx<+ nqxZ dks yEch nwjh ls ns[kk tk ldrk gSA [k.Mok ls nf{k.k dh vksj 48 fd- eh- rFkk cqjgkuiqj ls 20 fd-eh- mÙkj ij j.kuhfrtU; :i ls fLFkr ;g nqxZ nf{k.k osQ izos'k}kj osQ :i esa Hkh tkuk tkrk gSA

,d pjokgs vlk vghj }kjk lu~ 1370 bZloh esa fufeZr ;g nqxZ Hkkjr osQ lokZfèkd iqjkus nqxks± esa ls ,d gSA nqxZ esa igqapus osQ nks eq[; jkLrs gSa µ if'peh rjiQ liZ oqQ.Myh okyk vkjksgh jkLrk vkSj nf{k.k&iwohZ rjiQ] lkr njoktksa ls jf{kr xksiuh; jkLrkA if'peh fgLlk iw.kZr% rhu nhokjksa }kjk lqjf{kr gSA lcls fupyh lqj{kk nhokj ey;x<+] chp dh dejx<+ rFkk lcls mQij dh nhokj vlhjx<+ dgykrh gSA

nqxZ dk lokZfèkd egRoiw.kZ LFkku izeq[k izos'k}kj osQ fudV gS] tgka xu VkWoj osQ uke ls izfl¼ ,d fo'kky cqtZ] nf{k.k&if'pe dh vksj dh lqj{kk O;oLFkk dks etcwrh nsus gsrq fufeZr fd;k x;k FkkA ;g uqdhys dksuksa okys vusd ijdksVksa ls ;qDr gSA bl VkWoj ij ckgjh lhf<+;ksa ls gksdj igqapk tk ldrk gS vkSj ,d uqdhys esgjkc okys }kjekxZ ls blesa izos'k fd;k tk ldrk gSA

17- èkkj nqxZ] èkkj] eè; izns'k

vius gh uke dh ewy jkT; dh jktèkkuh èkkj] egw ls 53 fd-eh- if'pe esa fLFkr gSA ?kwj 'kkld fnykoj [kku X+kkSjh osQ 'kkludky esa 15oha 'krkCnh bZloh esa] èkkj esa ijekj 'kkldksa dh rqyuk esa dgha vfèkd bekjrksa dk fuekZ.k gqvkA

10oha 'krkCnh bZloh osQ nkSjku jktk Hkkst izFke us èkkj dks jktèkkuh cukdj èkkj nqxZ dh uhao j[khA yky iRFkj ls cuk ;g nqxZ pkj }kjiFkksa lfgr ,d fdyscUn nhokj ls f?kjk gqvk gSA ;g nqxZ 24 xksy rFkk 2 pkSdksj ehukjksa ls vyaÑr gS rFkk ekyok esa baMks&bLykeh okLrqdyk dk ,d mRÑ"V mnkgj.k gSA ?kwj 'kkldksa }kjk fnYyh dh okLrqdyk esa ikbZ tkus okyh vusd fo'ks"krkvksa dk ;gka ij Hkh bLrseky fd;k x;k gS] tSls [kf.Mr fgUnw eafnjksa dh VwVh gqbZ nhokjksa dk iz;ksx] xksy'kh"kZ fdukjksa lfgr uqdhys rksj.k] rksj.k&ljny&dks"Bd la;kstu] ^vk¡èkh ukSdk* osQ vkdkj esa cqtZ] fijkfeMh Nr rFkk vU; vkyadkfjr vfHkizk;A

18- dk¯ytj nqxZ] dk¯ytj] eè; izns'k

dk¯ytj nqxZ] Hkkjr osQ izkphure nqxks± esa ls ,d gS rFkk cqUnsy[k.M vapy esa gSA ¯oè; ioZr Ük`a[kyk osQ vafre LoaQèk ij Hkwry ls 375 eh- dh maQpkbZ ij cuk ;g nqxZ] ckank ls 57 fdyksehVj dh nwjh ij gSA ewyr% dkfyatj ij pUnsyksa dk vkfèkiR; FkkA 11oha 'krkCnh bZloh esa bl ij vusd vkozQe.k gq, & 1019 bZloh esa egewn x”kuoh] 1202 bZloh esa oqQrqc&mn~&nhu ,scd] 1530 bZloh esa gqek;wa rFkk 1545 bZloh esa 'ksj'kkg us vkozQe.k fd;kA

iwoZ ls if'pe rd nks fdyksehVj rFkk mÙkj ls nf{k.k rd ,d fdyksehVj dh ifjfèk esa iSQys bl oxkZdkj nqxZ esa 45 eh- m¡Qps ijdksVs lfgr lkr izos'k }kj gSa] tks ,d 'kqHk la[;k ekuh tkrh gSA ;s gSa µ vkyexhj njok”kk] x.ks'k njok”kk] pk¡nh njok”kk] cqèk cnz njok”kk] guqeku njok”kk] yky njok”kk rFkk cM+k njok”kkA vkyexhj njok”ks ls x.ks'k njok”ks rd osQ <yku ;qDr rFkk iFkjhys ekxZ dks dkfI+kQj ?kkV dgk tkrk gSA osQoy cqèk cnz njok”ks rd lhf<+;ksa ls p<+dj igqapk tkrk gSA lHkh njok”kksa dh lqj{kk ehukjksa ;k iqyksa ls dh tkrh FkhA

19- veu flag egy] dkfyatj nqxZ] eè; izns'k

jktk veu flag dk egy] laiw.kZ dkfyatj nqxZ dks ty iznku djus okys fo'kky oqQ.M] dksB rhFkZ osQ fudV gSA bldk vgkrk pV~Vku ls dkVdj cuk;k x;k gS vkSj eksj osQ vkdkj osQ rksj.kksa dh lekukUrj iafDr;ksa ls f?kjk gqvk gSA ;gka cs'kdherh ik"kk.k vo'ks"kksa] tSls µ ysVs gq, f'ko] urZu x.ks'k ,oa uUnh cSyksa dh vkÑfr;ksa vkfn dks ns[kk tk ldrk gSA ;gka osQ vkUrfjd Hkkx ls lhf<+;ksa dh nks iafDr;ka Hkxoku f'ko dks lefiZr uhyoaQB eafnj dh vksj tkrh gSa] tks gesa chrs le; osQ xkSjo dh ;kn fnykrk gSA vgkrs esa vc Hkh guqeku th dh eq[kkÑfr okyh ,d fxjh gqbZ vkÑfr] ojkg osQ vorkj esa fo".kq] vknedn u`R; djrs x.ks'k vkfn [kf.Mr f'kYikÑfr;ka ns[kh tk ldrh gSaA

20- ujoj nqxZ (izkax.k)] Xokfy;j] eè; izns'k

ujoj nqxZ] HkwriwoZ Xokfy;j jkT; osQ rhu izeq[k fxfjnqxks± esa ls ,d gSA vU; nks nqxZ gSaµ Xokfy;j rFkk pUnsjh nqxZA Xokfy;j nqxZ osQ i'pkr~ ifjeki esa blh dk LFkku gSA dNokgk 'kkld bl izns'k osQ loZizFke o izeq[k 'kkld FksA bYrqrfe'k }kjk 13oha 'krkCnh bZloh osQ eè; esa ijkftr fd, tkus osQ i'pkr~ xqtZj&izfrgkj 'kkld Xokfy;j ls ujoj nqxZ esa LFkkukarfjr gks x,A ij tYn gh mudk LFkku ujoj osQ ;tiky jktoa'k osQ izorZd pgkM+ nso us ys fy;kA

Hkwry ls 120 eh- m¡QpkbZ ij foaè; ioZr Ük`a[kyk dh ,d likV f'k[kj ;qDr ,dkdh igkM+h ij ;g fxfjnqxZ gSA ;g nqxZ ,d izkÑfrd [kkbZ ls f?kjk gqvk gS] ftlosQ if'pe o mÙkj dh vksj flaèk unh cg jgh gSA ;g laiw.kZ vapy pkj Hkkxksa esa foHkDr gS % e>yksd µ eè; Hkkx_ nwYgk vgkrk µ if'peh Hkkx_ enkj vgkrk µ nf{k.k&iwohZ Hkkx rFkk xqtZj vgkrk µ nf{k.kh HkkxA

e>yksd esa vusd egy Fks] tks vc th.kZ&'kh.kZ voLFkk esa gSaA dNokgk 'kkldksa }kjk fufeZr ;s egy] if'pe dh vksj ls ,d fo'kky e”kcwr fdyscUn nhokj ls lajf{kr gSaA ;g nhokj bls 'ks"k fjgk;'kh {ks=k ls vyx djrh gSA izR;sd egy esa vgkrksa dh ,d Ük`a[kyk gS] ftlesa n'kZd lHkkxkj] flagklu d{k] eaMi] lqUnj ckxkfn ls ;qDr Lukukfn dh O;oLFkk fy, geke vkfn dks ns[kk tk ldrk gSA ;s egy jktiwr 'kSyh dh fHkfÙk fp=kÑfr;ksa rFkk dkap osQ tM+kmQ dk;Z ls izpqj :i ls vyaÑr FksA

21- ckny egy] pUnsjh] eè; izns'k

LorU=k :i ls fufeZr ckny egy }kj 50 iqQV maQpk rFkk 25 iqQV pkSM+k gSA blosQ nksuksa vksj nks 'kq.Mkdkj ehukjsa gSaA bu nks voyacksa osQ chp rksj.k iFk nks eaf”kyksa esa foHkkftr gSaA mQij dh eafty pkj lqlfTtr ik"kk.k vkoj.kksa ls Hkjiwj gSA uhps dh eaf”ky esa ,d rksj.k;qDr xfy;kjk gSA

bldk vuks[kk vyadj.k fnYyh] ekyok] jktiwrkuk rFkk xqtjkr ls xzg.k dh xbZ okLrqdykRed fo'ks"krkvksa osQ la;ksxkRed feJ.k dks izfrfcafcr djrk gSA

22- oqQ'kd egy] pUnsjh] eè; izns'k

ekyok osQ egewn 'kkg izFke }kjk 1445 bZloh esa fufeZr oqQ'kd egy] pUnsjh osQ izkphure Lekjdksa esa ls ,d gSA bl egy dh ewyr% lkr eaftysa Fkha] ftuesa ls vc osQoy pkj eaftysa gh 'ks"k gSaA bl egy dh okLrq ;kstuk oxkZdkj gS] ftlosQ gj rjiQ osQ eè; Hkkx ls izos'k fd;k tk ldrk gSA bldh nhokjsa ckgj ls likV gSa rFkk muesa fu;fer nwjh ij NTtksa ls ;qDr f[kM+fd;ka gSaA

vkUrfjd Hkkx esa] ledks.kksa ij nks rksj.k;qDr ikjxkeh xfy;kjs gSa] tks laiw.kZ {ks=k dks pkj prqFkk±'kksa esa foHkkftr djrs gSa] ftuosQ chp egy osQ lHkkxkj gSaA fuekZ.k dh ;gh ;kstuk mQij dh eaf”kyksa esa Hkh iz;ksx esa ykbZ xbZ gSa] ftuesa vUnj dh vksj rksj.k;qDr xfy;kjs rFkk ckgj dh vksj fLFkr NTtksa ls ;qDr f[kM+fd;ksa ls jks'kuh vkus dh O;oLFkk dh xbZ gSA

23- pUnsjh nqxZ] pUnsjh] eè; izns'k

,d le; esa psfn oa'k osQ jktk f'k'kqiky osQ vèkhu jgk pUnsjh nqxZ] vc th.kZ&'kh.kZ voLFkk esa gSA yackbZ esa ;g nqxZ 6 fd-eh- osQ {ks=k esa gS vkSj ;gka ls pUnsjh uxj dk fogaxe n`'; fn[kkbZ nsrk gSA

bl nqxZ osQ ikap njokts Fks µ iwoZ dh vksj rfy;k njoktk_ mÙkj dh vksj fnYyh njoktk_ if'pe dh vksj iQdhj o pax njoktk vkSj nf{k.k dh vksj [kwuh njoktkA orZeku esa bu esa ls osQoy rhu }kj gh lgh gkyr esa gSa µ fnYyh njoktk] I+kQdhj njoktk rFkk [kwuh njoktkA

pUnsjh nqxZ dh ,d izeq[k fo'ks"krk gS µ blosQ vkyksa ij ik;h tkus okyh 'kknwZy dh vkÑfrA fdys osQ vgkrs esa cuk, x, vusd cqtZ] tks pkSdlh cqtZ osQ :i esa dke vkrs FksA buesa ls vc osQoy rhu gh 'ks"k gSa µ mÙkj esa dey cqtZ] nf{k.k esa xnk cqtZ rFkk if'pe esa Hkn Hkn cqtZA

24- bUnkSj egy] bUnkSj] eè; izns'k

bUnkSj egy] ftls egkjktk eYgkj jko gksYdj f}rh; us cuok;k Fkk] twuk jtokM+k osQ uke ls Hkh tkuk tkrk gSA bl egy dh fo'ks"krk bldk lkr eaf”kyk }kjiFk gS] ftldh okLrqdyk esa izQkalhlh] eqxy rFkk ejkBk okLrq'kSyh dk feJ.k gSA bl m¡Qph vkSj HkO; bekjr osQ osQUnzh; }kjiFk osQ nksuksa vksj <yqok¡ d{k gSaA

bUnkSj dh ,sfrgkfld bekjr] twuk jtokM+k osQ vkl&ikl dk {ks=k vfr lqUnj gSA blosQ nkfguh rjiQ 1832 bZloh esa cuk xksiky eafnj gS] ftlesa ,d cM+k osQUnzh; lHkkxkj gS] tgka foLr`r :i ls vyaÑr Nr dks lgkjk fn, gq, xzsukbV osQ LraHk gSaA egy osQ vUnj ikfjokfjd nsork µ eYgkjh ekrZ.M dk eafnj gS rFkk egy osQ ml ikj lekt osQ xjhc oxZ osQ fy, vUu N=k uked èkekZFkZ LFkku gSA

1. Gwalior Fort, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

The fortress stands on a flat-topped, sheer-sided and isolated sandstone hill. The hill rises up to 300 ft. above the surrounding plains, and is long and narrow, measuring approximately 3 kms. from north to south and from 600 to 2800 ft., east to west. The sides of the hill are revetted so that the fort wall seems to grow out of the hillside.

Gwalior Fort, strategically located on the main north-south route through the sub-continent, is one of the most ancient forts of India. Its foundation was laid in the 3rd century A.D. During the 5th century A.D. under the reign of Mihirgula, one of the rulers of Hun dynasty, Sun Temple was erected in the premises of the fort. In 950 A.D., a Hindu dynasty was founded there by Suraj Pal. When this became extinct in 1129 A.D., it was followed by the Pratihara dynasty, which held the citadel until it was captured by the Delhi emperor Iltutmish in 1232 A.D. In 1398 A.D, Bir Singh Deo, a Tomar Rajput, took advantage of the turmoil caused by Timur’s invasion. He became the king of Gwalior and established the Tomar dynasty there. Man Singh who came to power in 1486 A.D., was the greatest of the Tomar ruler. After his death, his son Vikramaditya controlled Gwalior until 1518 A.D. Ibrahim Lodi successfully concluded a two year siege and won back the fortress for the Delhi Sultanate. The Mughals held the fort till the mid-18th century A.D. until the Marathas conquered it in 1754 A.D.

For the next 50 years, the fort was invaded by different dynasties till it was taken over by the Scindias. During this long and varied history, many buildings were erected in or below the fortress, including palaces and temples which include Man Singh Palace, Gujari Mahal, Saas-Bahu Temple and Teli ka Mandir. This huge hill-fort is surrounded by a wide deep moat called Suvarna-Rekha Nallah. Originally, the fortress had seven entrances, of which only five are there, they are Alamgir Gate, Hindola Gate, Ganesh Gate, Lakshman Gate and Elephant Gate.

2. Man Singh Palace (Inside view), Gwalior Fort, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

The Man Singh Palace which forms the entrance to the Gwalior Fort is a beautiful building with tiled and painted decoration of ducks, elephants and peacocks. The palace was built by Raja Man Singh between 1486 and 1516 A.D.

It is described as a remarkable and interesting example of Hindu architecture of the medieval India. It has two storeys above and two below the ground level in the eastern part of the palace. It is built on the edge of the cliff, with a series of towers and domed cupolas originally covered with gilt copper. In the interior, there are vast chambers - Man Mandir and Vikram Mandir, which were used as music halls, where behind the fine lattice-work screens, royal ladies used to learn music from the great masters of the day. These chambers are surrounded by several rooms with elaborately decorated ceilings.

The pillars of the gateways of Man Mandir are massive and a line of brackets support the corrugated eaves.

3. Gujari Mahal, Gwalior Fort, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

One of the marvels of the medieval architecture, Gujari Mahal is situated in the premises of the Gwalior Fort. It was built by Raja Man Singh in 1510 A.D. for his wife, Mrignayani.

Gujari Mahal, a two storey masonry building of the artistry with interior portion set around spacious courtyard, is surrounded by small rooms with carved brackets and bands of moulded ornaments. Its interior portion has been converted into an archaeological museum having outstanding collection of Hindu

Hoshang Shah succeeded him in 1405 A.D. and shifted the capital to Mandu permanently.

Hindola Mahal, built in 1425 A.D., is also known as Swinging Palace due to its sloping sidewalls. The tapering walls slope at approximately 77 degrees. The whole building is ‘T’ shaped with the oblong portion forming an audience hall and the cross-bar portion, the royal apartments. The audience hall is 110 ft. long, 60 ft. wide and 35 ft. high, with several arcades around a huge room framed with transverse arches and overlooked by a gallery. The royal apartments were built in two storeys with projected windows artistically designed which are enriched with an ornamental facade with delicate jali work in sandstone. The whole edifice gives an impression of massive solidity.

8. Jahaz Mahal, Mandu, Madhya Pradesh

Mahmud Khan Khalji, a Turk minister to Hoshang Shah’s son, poisoned him in 1436 A.D. and established the Khalji dynasty in Central India. He built Jahaz Mahal in late 15th century A.D. for his queens.

True to its name, Jahaz Mahal, situated between two artificial lakes, Munja Talao and Kapur Talao, resembles a ship from a distance. The whole edifice is massive and measures about 100 m. by 15 m.

It has an arcaded ground storey with a broad eave above and a wide flight of steps leading to a roof terrace. On the ground floor, there are three large halls with a beautiful bathing courtyard, luxurious fountain courts, while on the rooftop are pavilions, kiosks and cupolas. Its reflection in the Munja and Kapur Talao has a magical effect on the viewers. In the inset picture, one can see the back side view of Jahaz Mahal.

9. Ashrafi Mahal, Mandu, Madhya Pradesh

Ashrafi Mahal, built by Mahmud Khan Khalji in 15th century A.D., is situated just opposite the Jami Masjid. Originally conceived as a madrassa for Islamic scholars, it is now lying in ruins. Its walls were constructed of roughly prepared rubble as much attention was paid on its colourful surface treatment. The Persian art of glazing was borrowed from Multan and can be seen in this brilliantly coloured domed structure.

In 15th century A.D., a seven storeyed Tower of Victory was built by Mahmud Khan Khalji to commemmorate his victory over Rana Kumbha of Chittor, which has since collapsed.

In 1450 A.D., an imperial mausoleum was built upon the terrace of the madrassa. It was raised on a 27 ft. high plinth. A flight of steps lead to a pillared portico with loggias on each side topped by an immense dome. In the inset picture one can see the Jami Masjid.

10. Baz Bahadur Palace, Mandu, Madhya Pradesh

Baz Bahadur Palace, built in 1509 A.D., is a manifestation of the legendary tale of love of the poet-prince Baz Bahadur for his beautiful wife, Rani Roopmati.

Originally built as an army observation post, its unique features are its spacious open court with halls and rooms on all four sides. The Roopmati’s pavilion, open at the top was a retreat of the lovely queen, from where she could see the river Narmada flowing through the Nimar plains far below.

At the foot of the palace is Rewa Kund, a reservoir fed by river Narmada, fulfilling the needs of the people living in the palace. Till date, the pool is considered sacred by the people.

11. Panna Palace, Panna, Madhya Pradesh

Panna, the city of diamonds, originally inhabited by Bundelas, is a well-laid out city. In 1886 A.D., an English architect designed the Panna Palace for Rudra Pratap Singh.

A flight of wide steps delineated with carved parapets lead to the colonnaded facade, Corinthian capitals, pedimented doorways and a covered passageway enriched with elaborate scrollwork.

eè; izns'k osQ nqxZ rFkk egyForts and Palaces of Madhya Pradesh

and Jain sculptures, inscriptions and paintings. One of the statue kept there is of the tree goddess, Salabhanjika, brought from Gyraspur.

4. Jai Vilas Palace, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

One of the fabulous palaces in Gwalior is Jal Vilas Palace. It is a magnificent city palace built by Maharaja Jayaji Rao between 1872 and 1874 A.D. After the first war of independence in 1857 A.D., the Scindias had the privilege of holding sway over the town of Gwalior. The Jai Vilas Palace reflects a mixed style of architecture i.e. Tuscan and Corinthian along with indigenous features.

It’s chief architect Lt. Col. Sir Michael Filose, built the entire palace in a short span of two years for the forthcoming visit of Prince of Wales. The main entrances of Jai Vilas Palace are through covered porticos on the east and west of the centre of the South facade. The Durbar Hall measures 15 m. by 85 m. with the roof over 12 m. high. It has a pair of huge chandeliers with 248 candles apiece, each is 42 ft. high and weighs about 3 tons, one of the largest in the world. The glass furniture, with a lot of gold paint, and a huge dining table with a silver toy train used to serve drinks to the guests, reflect a synthesis of Italian and Indian craftsmanship.

At present, the palace is the residence of the Scindias. A portion of the palace has been converted into museum which indicates the royal lifestyle of the rulers and takes us back down the memory lane.

5. Jahangir Mahal, Orchha, Madhya Pradesh

Orchha, ruled by Bundelas in the 16th century A.D., is known for magnificent palaces. One of them is Jahangir Mahal built in the 17th century A.D. by Bir Singh Deo, younger brother of Ram Singh, Sultan of Orchha. Bir Singh Deo, instrumental in the death of Abu-I-Fazl, was awarded the kingship of Orchha by Jahangir in 1605 A.D., after the death of Akbar, the Mughal emperor. In his architectural feast, one can see the synthesis of Hindu and Muslim style of architecture.

Jahangir Mahal, built in five receding storeys surmounted by eight domes and covered balconies, stands along the banks of the Betwa river. A pair of elephants are flanked at the main entrance and the whole structure is carved of sandstone. A doorway in the southern facade leads through a hall to open quadrangle containing a central fountain around which are arranged the apartments and terraces in the three storey ranges. Lateral communication between the suites of rooms is through hanging balconies protected by wide eaves which run along the outer walls and windows decorated with jali-work screens.

The garden (not in the picture) is designed on the Char Bagh pattern with well laid out lawns and cool canals.

6. Kaliadeh Mahal, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

Kaliadeh Mahal, which is situated about six miles north of Ujjain city was built by Nasir Shah, the third Khalji Sultan of Malwa in 15th century A.D. The Kaliadeh Mahal is situated on an island of Kshipra river.

Kaliadeh Mahal has a central hall with galleries on all four sides. The remarkable feature of this summer resort is the system by which the water of the river is carried through decorated conduits into several tanks and then allowed to fall from a height of about 20 ft. over sculptured stone curtains. The artificial waterfall is spread into a thin sheet and falls back into the Kshipra river. In this way the chambers built on the masonry platform were kept cool.

7. Hindola Mahal, Mandu, Madhya Pradesh

The Tughlaq dynasty came to an end after. Timur’s invasion of Delhi in 1398 A.D. Taking advantage of the situation, in 1401 A.D., the Governor of Dhar, Dilawar Khan Ghori, originally from Afghanistan, declared himself as Sultan of Dhar. His son,

Although predominantly Roman in style, it has certain Indian features as well, for instance one can see lotus leaves instead of acanthus leaves round the Corinthian capitals.

A marked contrast can be seen between the front and rear section of the palace. In the front, there are rooms designed to meet the needs of European guests, and the rear section (inset) houses the zenana, sacred tank, summer pavilion and servant quarters.

12. Rewa Palace, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh

Rewa Palace also known as Old City Palace is a synthesis of Rajput and Mughal styles of architecture. Originally built by Baghela chiefs under the hegemony of Mughals in the 16th century A.D., it comprised of Durbar Hall and reception halls. In later years, many other temples, courtyards, bathing places and number of halls and passageways were added to the palace.

Durbar Hall is a vast hall with gilded walls and coloured glass work emanating imperial power and grandeur. The unique features of the reception halls are fluted columns, foliated plinths and capitals, cusped arches flanked by lamp-niches.

13. Govindgarh Palace, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh

Govindgarh Palace is at a distance of 24 kms. from Rewa city. It was built in Rajput style for Raghuraj Singh of Rewa as a hunting retreat. The palace situated on a lake, surrounded by mangroves and jungle, has an adjacent compound with an arch on a huge platform carved in the shape of a lotus. In the inset picture, one can see the Kathi Mahal.

14. Nrising Dev Palace, Datia, Madhya Pradesh

Nrising Dev Palace, built in 1620 A.D. by Bir Singh Deo, Bundela chief, is one of the finest buildings in India. The five storeyed palace, 130 ft. in height, stands on a rocky outcrop.

It is square in plan, with four corner towers having a profusion of balconies and elegant bridges linking one pavilion with the other pavilion. The whole palace is symmetrically built as a single integrated unit with domes and kiosks, arcades and eaves on every side. The central pavilion contains royal apartments. On the southern side, one can have a delightful view of Karna Sagar Lake. In the inset picture, one can see the backside view of Nrising Dev Palace.

15. Ajaipala Temple, Ajaigarh Fort, Madhya Pradesh

Ajaigarh fort, buiilt by Chandellas in the 9th century A.D. is perched on a granite outcrop. The fort is named after the sage Ajaipala who lived on Kedar parvat. Even today, Ajaipala temple, though now in ruins, is the most interesting place. Tier upon tier of elaborately carved stones, taper gently upwards and number of sati pillars engraved with divine motifs can be seen in the premises of Ajaigarh fort.

16. Asirgarh Fort, Asirgarh, Madhya Pradesh

Situated on an isolated outcrop of the Satpura range, Asirgarh Fort can be seen from a long distance. Strategically located 48 kms. south of Khandwa and 20 kms. north of Burhanpur. It is also regarded as an entrance gateway of Deccan.

Built by a herdsman, Asa Ahir, in 1370 A.D., it is one of the oldest forts of India. There are two main approaches to the fort–one on the 'western side, ascending in the shape of a serpentine, and second on the south-east, which used to be the secret passage at that time guarded by seven gates. The western side is well defended by three walls–the lower most defensive wall called Malaigarh, the middle one known as Kamargarh, and the top most wall is called the Asirgarh.

The most impressive site of the fort is near the main entrance where a massive bastion known as gun-tower (inset) was built to strengthen the line of defence on the south-west side. It is equipped with numerous parapet battlements with pointed tops. The top of this tower can be reached through the steps on the outside and entered through a pointed arch gateway.

17. Dhar Fort, Dhar, Madhya Pradesh

Dhar, the capital of the native State of that name, lies 53 kms. west of Mhow. During the reign of Dilawar Khan Ghori, a Ghurid ruler in 15th century. A.D., a number of building projects were carried out, contrary to the period when Dhar was under the suzerainty of the Paramaras.

In the 10th centrury A.D., it was the Paramar King Bhoja I who built it as the capital city and laid the foundation of the Dhar Fort. The fort built in red stone was encircled by a fortification wall with four gateways and embellished with 24 round and 2 square towers. It is a remarkable example of provincial Indo-Islamic architecture in Malwa. The Ghurid rulers borrowed several features from Delhi’s architecture particularly the use of battered walls of the dismantled Hindu temples, the pointed arch with spearhead fringe, the arch-lintel-bracket combination, the ‘boat-keel’ dome, pyramidal roof and other decorative motifs.

18. Kalinjar Fort, Kalinjar, Madhya Pradesh

Kalinjar Fort, reputed to be one of the oldest forts of India, lies in the Bundelkhand region. Built at a height of 375 m. from the ground level on the last spur of the Vindhya mountains, Kalinjar fort is at a distance of 57 km. from Banda. Originally the seat of Chandellas, in the 11th century A.D. it was invaded by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1019 A.D., Qutub-ud-Din Aibak in 1202 A.D., Humayun in 1530 A.D. and Sher Shah in 1545 A.D.

Expanded in a circumference of 2 km. from east to west and 1 km. from north to south, this square shaped fort with 45 m. high rampart has seven entrance gates, considered as the auspicious number. These are known as Alamgir Darwaza, Ganesh Darwaza, Chandi Darwaza, Budh Budr Darwaza, Hanuman Darwaza, Lal Darwaza and Bara Darwaza. The steep and stony route from Alamgir Darwaza to Ganesh Darwaza is called Kafir Ghat. Only Budh Budr Darwaza is approached by a flight of steps. All the gates are guarded by either towers or bridges.

19. Aman Singh’s Palace, Kalinjar Fort, Madhya Pradesh

Near the Koth Tirth, a large tank which supplied water to the whole fort, is King Aman Singh’s palace. Its courtyard is hewn out of the rock and surrounded by parallel rows of peacock arches. Here one can see several precious stone-relics — a reclining Shiva, a dancing Ganesha, Nandi Bulls etc. From its interiors, two flights of steps lead down to Neel Kanth Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva which reminds us of the glory of the past. Distorted sculptures can still be found in the premises — a toppled figure with the face of Hanuman, Vishnu in the incarnation of boar, lifesize dancing Ganesha etc.

20. Narwar Fort (Courtyards), Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

Narwar is one of the three main hill-forts of the erstwhile Gwalior State, the other two being Gwalior and Chanderi forts. In dimensions, it is next to Gwalior fort. The Kachhwahas were the first and foremost rulers of this region. Towards the middle of the 13th century A.D., Gurjara-Pratiharas, after being defeated by Iltutmish, shifted from Gwalior to Narwar. They were soon replaced by Chahada Deo, founder of the dynasty of Yajapalas of Narwar.

The hill fort is situated over an isolated flat-topped hill of Vindhyan range, 120 m. high from the ground level. It is

surrounded by a natural moat formed by the Sindh river flowing on its western and northern side. The entire region had been divided into four sectors — Majhloka, the middle portion; Dulha-Ahata, the western portion; Madar-Ahata, south eastern portion and Gurjar-Ahata, southern-most portion.

In the Majhloka, there were number of palaces which are in ruins now. These palaces built by Kachhwaha kings are protected on the western side by a massive fortified wall. It demarcates this from the rest of the inhabited area. Each palace comprises a series of courtyards having audience hall, throne-room, pavilions, hammams with bathing arrangements attached with pleasure gardens etc. The palaces were profusely decorated with glass inlay-work and wall paintings of Rajput style.

21. Badal Mahal, Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh

The Badal Mahal Gate, 50 ft.high and 25 ft. wide, stands unattached from other buildings. It has two tapering buttresses on either side, within these twin supports, the archway is divided into two storeys. The upper storey is filled with four decorative stone screens. The lower storey has an arched passage.

Its ornamentation reflects the unusual mixture of architectural features borrowed from Delhi, Malwa, Rajputana and even Gujarat.

22. Kushak Mahal, Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh

Kushak Mahal, built in 1445 A.D. by Mahmud Shah I of Malwa, is one of the earliest monuments of Chanderi. Originally a seven-storeyed palace of which only four exist now, it is square in plan with entrance in the middle of each side. Its walls, plain from exterior, have balconied windows at regular intervals.

In the interior, two arched passages cross at right angles, thereby dividing the whole area into four quadrants within which are located palace halls. The same pattern is carried on to the storeys above with arched passages from inside and light filters through the balconied windows on the outside.

23. Chanderi Fort, Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh

The Chanderi Fort, now in ruins, was once subjugated under the reign of Sisupala – the Chedi. It lies within a circuit of 6 km. lengthwise and offers a birds eye view of the city of Chanderi.

It has five gates – Taliya Darwaza on the east; Delhi Darwaza in the north; Faquir Darwaza and Changa Darwaza on the west; and Khuni Darwaza on the south. At present only three are in proper state which are Delhi Darwaza, Faquir Darwaza and Khuni Darwaza.One of the prominent features of Chanderi Fort is the Shardula motif found on the niches. Number of bastions, which served as watch towers were built in the premises of the fort of which only three are existing. They are Kamala burj in the north, Gada burj in the south and Bhad Bhad burj in the west.

24. Indore Palace, Indore, Madhya Pradesh

Indore Palace, also known as Juna Rajawada, was built by Maharaja Malhar Rao Holkar II. Its most distinguishing feature, a seven storeyed gateway, is a mixture of French, Mughal and Maratha style of architecture. The lofty and imposing structure as canted bays on either side of a central archway.

A landmark of Indore, Juna Rajawada has beautiful surroundings. To its right is Gopal Temple, built in 1832 A.D., with a large central hall having granite pillars supporting an elaborately decorated roof. Inside the palace is a temple of Malhari Martand, a family deity and across the palace is Anna Chatra, the charitable place for the poor sections of society.