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.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh attractions

1. Badalgarh Gate

0.03 MILES

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

2. Gwalior Gate

0.05 MILES

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.

3. Ganesh Gate

0.09 MILES

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

4. Hindu Temple

0.17 MILES

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

5. Lakshman Gate

0.19 MILES

Probably dating from the 14th century, this is the fourth gate you pass through on the way up to Gwalior Fort from the east side.

6. Chaturbhuj Mandir

0.21 MILES

You’ll pass a 9th-century Vishnu shrine known as the Chaturbhuj Mandir before reaching the fourth gate on the eastern approach to Gwalior Fort.

7. State Protected Monuments

0.24 MILES

Just north of the Man Singh Palace is the entrance to the ruins of the Vikram Mahal, Karan Mahal and other dilapidated palaces in the north of the fort…

8. Man Singh Palace

0.28 MILES

This imperial-style palace, built by Tomar ruler Man Singh between 1486 and 1516, is definitely one of India's more quirkily decorated monuments: its…