THE FORTS OF INDIA Built by titans and lit by the glory of fire, blood and love- the grandest sights in India. The Forts of India, stand as befitting 'monuments' to the pride, courage and chivalry of the rulers and people of India who relentlessly strove against invading armies to preserve their freedom and to keep alive their fait and their culture. GWALIOR The Gwalior Fort was built by a Rajput chieftain named Suraj Sen in gratitude to Gwalipa, an ascetic who cured him of Leprosy. Between 6th and 12th century AD the Fort changed hands from one dynasty to another, from Gurjar Pratihars to Kannod of Kuttbuddin.

The Fort remained in the hands of Muslim Kings of Delhi until 1438, when during the invasion of India by Timur, Beersingh Deo, a Tomar Rajput made himself master of Gwalior. Raja Mansingh, the greatest of the Tomars was a man of culture and refinement. He built the Mansingh Palace and the Gujri Mahal and a school of Music, where India's greatest musicians- Tansen, was a student. After the death of Mansingh in 1517 AD the Fort passed into the hands of Ibrahim Lodhi and subsequently to Babar. With the decline of the Mughal Empire, Gwalior passed into the hands of Maratha powers, represented by the Scindias. Like more other Forts, the Gwalior Fort is situated atop a hill, some 300 feet above the plains. The hill is 1,3/4 mile long and the breadth varies from 600 to 2200 feet. The enclosing wall is 30 feet high.

The main attractions within the gates are gigantic Jain sculptures carved along the rock face of the Fort, Man Mandir, Gujri Mahal, Sas Bahu Temple and Teli-ka-Mandir. Each of these monuments bear a distinct stamp of individuality and all are noted for the simplicity of style and rugged beauty of strength.

The Indian Posts & Telegraphs Department is happy to issue a set of four stamps on the Forts of India.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India