Gwalior Fort

By iastoppers.com

India’s latest entry to the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Site

The exact date of Gwalior Fort's construction remains uncertain, with local legends dating it back to 3 CE by King Suraj Sen

Gwalior Fort, along with five other heritage sites from Madhya Pradesh, India, has been added to the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites

King Suraj Sen, supposedly cured of leprosy by Sage Gwalipa, named the fort in the sage's honor

The fort has seen various rulers, from the Kachchhapaghatas in the 10th century to the British Empire in the 19th century, showcasing a rich history of conquests and reigns

The Mughal Empire used the fort as a political prison, where notable figures like Guru Hargobind and Aurangzeb's brother were imprisoned or executed

Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, praised the fort as a ‘pear’ among fortresses in India due to its impressive structure

Inside its walls, the fort houses the 15th century Gujari Mahal, 11 Jain temples, and the Teli ka Mandir, blending different architectural styles

The Gwalior Fort has been a pivotal site through India's history, changing hands from the Tomars to the Scindia family of the Maratha Empire

The fort's Teli ka Mandir showcases a unique blend of northern and southern Indian architectural styles, signifying the cultural confluence

The inclusion of Gwalior Fort in the UNESCO tentative list highlights its importance as a monument of historical, cultural, and architectural significance in India