GWALIOR, GUALTOR, or GUALIAIt, is the name of a strong fortress of Hindostan, in the district of Gohud, and province of Agra. This fort stands on a hill about 1 mile long, 300 yards wide at its greatest breadth, and 342 feet high at its north end. The sides of this hill are nearly per pendicula•, and a stone parapet is carried all the way round close to the brow of it. At the north end of the hill, and near the middle of the fort, are two remarkable pyramidal buildings of redstone, in the ancient Hindon stile of archi tecture. The only gate to this fort is at the northern ex tremity of the east side, from which there is an ascent to the top of the rock by several flights of steps. The gar rison is supplied with excellent water, from several natu ral cavities in the rock ; and' about half way up the rock, on the outside, there arc many artificial excavations, contain ing the figures of men and animals carved out of the solid rock. • The town is situated on the east side of the hill. It is large and populous, and contains many good stone houses. The stone is obtained from the neighbouring hills, which surround the fort like an amphitheatre, at the distance of from one to four miles. They chiefly consist of schistus, with apparemly a large portion of iron, and their surface is rugged, and nearly destitute of vegetation. The small ri ver Soonrica rises to the eastward of the town, and beyond it is the tomb of Mahommed Ghous, a learned man ; it is a handsome stone building, with a cupola covered with blue enamel. Within the inclosure of this monument is another tomb erected to the memory of Tan-Sein, a great musician. The leaves of the tree which overshadows this tomb, are supposed by the vulgar to give great melody to the voice when chewed. About 700 yards from the northern extre
mity of the fort, is a conical hill, having on its summit two high pillars joined by an arch, which is supposed to be of very ancient workmanship.
The town of Gwalior carries on a considerable trade in cloth with Chanderi, and also in indigo. About 14 miles from Gwalior, on the road to Narwar, is a mine of iron, near the village of Beerch, which is worked to advantage.
Gwalior'was always considered by the natives as impreg nable, till it was taken by escalade by Major Popham, on the 3d August, 1780. In the time of the Mogul govern ment, it was a state prison, where the obnoxious members of the family were secured, and a large collection of lions, tigers, and wild beasts, was kept here for their amuse ment. It was appropriated to the same purpose by Mada jee Sindia, who, on account of its security, also made it a grand depot for artillery and military stores.
When the Mogul empire was dismembered, this fort came into the possession of the Ranah of Gohud, from whom it was taken by the Mahrattas. After the British took it in 1780, it was given up to the Ranah. Sindia in vested the fort, and after a siege of many months, he suc ceeded in taking it by corrupting part of the garrison. In 1804, it was ceded to the British ; but, by the treaty of 1805, it came into the possession of Dowlet Row Sindia. Dis tance from Agra 80 miles ; from Delhi 197 ; and from Cal cutta 480. East Long. 78° 14`, and North Lat. 26° 16'. See Hamilton's Gazetteer.