March 2, 2012
Culture of Gwalior
Gwalior has a
rich cultural heritage. It is near Agra and a part of Bundelkhand. The city with its historical monuments (forts and
royal mansions) reflects a blend of Bundelkhand culture and Braj cultures. Bundelkhand
signifies a cultural region comprising of a larger part of Madhya Pradesh. Some part of it is even spread over Uttar Pradesh. The area was ruled by
the Chedi rulers and is known for its folk culture. Braj comprises some part of
the Uttar Pradesh State (Agra, Mathura, and Bharatpur). Braj culture is associated with Krishna cult. Gwalior comes under
Bundelkhand region. But, the present day culture has been a mixture of the Braj
and Bundelkhand culture. Hindi is the main spoken language here.
This fusion of culture could be seen
through the prevailing art and activities of the region. Folk dance and music
have been a part of Gwalior. Gwalior is the home for the Gwalior Gharana and
the Drupad Gharana of music. Tansen, one of the Nine Jewels who adorned the
Royal court of Akbar was buried here. He was a great singer. The tomb of Tansen
is a tourist spot in Gwalior. Another singer of much fame Baiju Bawra also
lived here during the Tomar rule.
Ahiri dance (practiced by the
followers of Krishna), Baredi dance of Bundelkhand, Saharia dance, Dul- Dul
Gori dance are some of the popular folk dances that is being practiced in
Gwalior. The area has given birth to two folk poets namely Jagnik and Ghag. Recently,
in 2005 a local sculptor named Aasutosh Panigrahi won international acclaim for
his mural design by the Guinness book of World records.
The cuisine of Gwalior is mainly a
mixture of Marathi and Mughal flavors. Morena Gajak (a sweet made of sesame
seeds and sugar), and Moong Dal ki Halwa are the main sweet dishes to be tried
in Gwalior.
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