The Glory of Gwalior

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Bundelkhand has, since time immemorial, been a region replete with tales of romance, valour, adventurers, kings, queens and dynasties. This area has not only attracted the attention of foreign invaders but also of the innumerable tourists, adventurers, archaeologists and historians. Monuments both religious and secular in nature are quite awe-inspiring. Places like Orchha, Datia, Jhansi, Chanderi, Shivpuri, Gwalior have got long history behind them. This book is a humble attempt to throw a new light about these archaeological marvels. Students of history and tourists will equally enjoy the reading of this book. This land has still remained unexplored and unwritten despite being a subject of innumerable folk songs and folklores. Artists, musicians, poets and warriors of this romantic region has inspired so many generations. Flora and fauna has been at haven of wildlife and similarly its rivers, forests and mountains have been subject of so many historical and fictional treaties. We hope this book showcases all these topics in lucid detail.

The main aim is to acquaint and guide the visitors of the rich history and architecture of Gwalior and the region surrounding it which is indeed the supreme glory of Bundelkhand with a long history and matchless architectural splendour. The work has been very well illustrated with numerous ground plans of several forts. A good number of coloured photographs add to the pictorial value of the book.

Chob Singh Verma (b. 1952) obtained his Master's Degree (1973) from the Allahabad University. After a spell of teaching in Degree and Post-Graduate College for two years, joined P.C.S. in Uttar Pradesh.

As a hobby, he got deeply involved with the studies in Mughal history. A good number of his articles on varying historical topics have been published in Newspapers. He has already authored a scholarly volume "Monuments of Agra" (U.P. State Tourism Development Corporation, Lucknow). The Wonder that was Sikri (Rahul Publishing House, Delhi), "Mughal Romances" (Y.K. Publishers, Agra), "Splendour of Fatehpur Sikri" (Agam Kala Prakashan)

He has also been on Editorial Board of TRIRATNA: HERITAGE, GOVERNANCE AND EQUITY (Hon'ble Shri T.N. Chaturvedi Festschrift) in Five Volumes, published by Agam Kala Prakashan, Delhi.

An another important publication "Desert Triangle" is in Press from Prakash Book Company, New Delhi.

He has travelled widely in India, examining with almost an archacologist's keen eyes the historical sights of the medieval times.

The landmass comprising the areas occupied by Gwalior, Datia, Jhansi, Orchha, Chanderi and Shivpuri is a fascinating cultural mosaic. Fabulous forts and palaces and a dazzling tradition of music, arts, and crafts make it an enchanting region. This homeland of valiant Rajputs is popularly known as Bundelkhand vision of a resplendent part is easily evoked here mingling with myth, chivalrons history and regal splendour. This region with its majestic forts, forests and romantic monuments presents a living saga of Tomars and Bundelas and carts a fascinating spell on a visitor.

This book "Glory of Gwalior" is a humble effort to invite the reader, student of history and the tourist to savour some of the sights and share the moments of glorious history and tradition attached to this region. This is the tract of land where one encounters and also enjoys some of the most exquisite sculptures and architecture.

I feel great pleasure to acknowledge the debt owed to certain persons who have contributed towards the production of this book in different ways. Dr. Agam Prasad the publisher, who himself has got a keen and genuine insight in history, aroused my interest in Bundelkhand region and Gwalior and persuaded me to undertake this venture. He handed over to me a lot of relevant information material. He deserves my heart felt gratitude. I gratefully acknowledge the information rendered to my by numerous local guides, historians and professional photographers on my several visits to these monuments and sites.

I am particularly indebted to my wife Jaya Verma, sons Sandeep, Prateek and Pradeep who ungrudgingly bore with me which undertaking long and strenuous tours to these regions. Lastly, I would like to express my heart-felt thanks to my friend S. Paul, the renowned and veteran photographer of India and Beena Raman of M.P.T.D.C. for providing me certain photographs for the book.

Book's Contents and Sample Pages