State Archaeological Museum

Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh

This museum is housed in the 15th-century Gujari Mahal palace, built by Man Singh for his favourite rani (queen), next to the Badalgarh Gate. The entrance is flanked by two 14th-century sardulas (mythological man-lion creatures) from the town of Sihoniya. Inside is a large collection of Hindu, Jain and Buddhist sculptures, including the famed Shal Bhanjika, a small but exceptionally well-carved 10th-century female figure from Gyaraspur (if this room is locked ask in the curator's office for the key).

Also look for the very fine late-Gupta sculpture of Varaha, Vishnu's boar avatar, towards the courtyard's far left corner.

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Nearby Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh attractions

1. Badalgarh Gate

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The second gate on the eastern approach to Gwalior Fort, named after Badal Singh, Man Singh’s uncle.

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From the east a series of gates punctuates the worn steps of the path leading up to the fort. You enter from Fort Rd by the Gwalior Gate, dating from 1660.

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The third of the surviving gates on the eastern approach to Gwalior Fort, built in the 15th century.

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A small four-pillared Hindu temple to the hermit Gwalipa, after whom both fort and town are named.

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