Gujari Mahal

About Gujari Mahal

Gujari Mahal was built by Man Singh in the 15th century for his favourite wife, Mrignayani. The palace itself is now in ruins, but it has been given a second purpose: it holds an archaeological museum, and that is what visitors come inside for.

The collection showcases sculptures, statues and other remains, the earliest of them dating back to the 1st and 2nd century BC. The combination is unusual, since the building on the outside is later than much of what it now contains.

What is here

The sculpture collection

The galleries hold stone sculpture, statues and architectural fragments, with the oldest pieces going back to the 1st and 2nd century BC. Much of it came from sites around the region, so the museum is a useful way to place Gwalior in a longer history than the fort alone suggests.

The ruined palace

Enough of Man Singh's palace for Mrignayani survives to read the plan and the scale, even though it is a ruin. Looking at the structure as architecture rather than as a museum shell is worth a few minutes on the way in or out.

Planning your visit

Gujari Mahal stands at the foot of the fort hill, which makes it an easy addition to a fort visit.

• Allow about an hour for the museum.
• Visit it before or after the fort, since it is at the base.
• Check museum timings and the weekly closing day in advance.
• Photography inside museums is often restricted, so ask first.

Best time to visit

October to March is the best season in Gwalior generally. The museum itself is indoors, so it also makes a sensible stop in the hot months or in the rain when the open fort is less comfortable.