Heritage Gwalior - 11th to 14th Century - Period of Unrest

The Parihara dynasty, who made the great temples in Gwalior and around, lasted for only a few generations, for about 100 years, after which there was a series of attacks on the Fort by Turkish invaders. First, Mahmud of Ghazni attacked in early 11th Century, but could not succeed. This was followed in 12th Century by Qutubuddin Aibak, the first Turkish Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate, but he too lost the Fort in early 13th Century. It was recaptured by Iltutmish after a couple of decades. When Taimurlang invaded Delhi and created anarchy in the region, Narasingh Rao, a Hindu chieftain captured the fort.

When the long ruling Tomar dynasty in Delhi was defeated by Ghoris in late 12th Century, they shifted to a place called Esah in Chambal region, and became local rulers. Later, Veer Singh Dev from Tomar dynasty showed resentment for the Turk rulers in Delhi but was defeated. Under some treaty he had to move to Delhi and serve in the court of Sultan Mohammed Shah. After Sultan Mohammed Shah’s death, his son, Alauddin Sikandershah Humayun Khan, for some political move made Veer Singh Dev the administrator of the Gwalior Fort. When Veer Singh reached Gwalior with the court order of his appointment, the current administrator refused to give the Fort to Veer Singh. Veer Singh hatched a plot to kill him after poisoning him with deceit, and eventually won the Fort after a small battle. Very soon he declared himself an independent ruler of Gwalior. This made the then Sultan of Delhi, Nasiruddin Mohammed Tughlak, wage a battle against, which Veer Singh Dev won, and thus became the first ruler of Tomar Dynasty in the year 1325. The rule of  Tomar Dynasty over Gwalior, for next 150 years, can be considered the Golden Period for Gwalior. Tomars were brave, savvy, diplomat, had well organized army to keep their land safe and sovereign. They also were lovers of art and culture  and patronized and contributed to all forms.