After the end of the Mughal-Maratha conflict in 1707, for the next couple of decades, the victorious Maratha empire expanded northwards, taking over central of India. The very brave and accomplished Peshwa(Prime Minister) Baji Rao help create multiple kingdoms and fiefdoms under Maratha Empire, mainly the Shinde in Ujjain, Holkars in Indore, Gaekwads in Baroda, by wreaking havoc on the disintegrating Mughal Empire. Peshwa Baji Rao was an outstanding cavalry leader and is believed to have never lost any battle.
The father of Scindia Clan, Ranoji Rao Shinde was made the king of Ujjain, in the mid 18th Century. He was succeeded by his son Mahadji Rao Shinde, the ruler during the earlier sited times of Ganna Beghum. Mahadji ruled from Ujjain and during his time Scindias became an influential power in central India and an important confederate of the Maratha Empire. Mahadji was succeeded by Daulat Rao Scindia who ruled during the onset of 19th Century. This was the time the British had become extremely powerful and was gaining full control of the country. After the defeat of the allied Maratha states by the British in the Third Anglo-Maratha War of 1818, Daulatrao Scindia was forced to accept local autonomy as a princely state within British India and to give up Ajmer to the British. In 1810 Daulta Rao pitched a camp near Gwalior, that place came to be known as Lashkar (meaning army). He later moved to this place with his adminstration, and Lashkar thus became the center of (then) new town Gwalior.
After the death of Daulatrao in 1824, Maharani Baiza Bai ruled the region, saving it from the British power, till the adopted child Jankoji Rao took over the charge. Jankoji died in 1843, and his widow Tarabai Raje scindia successfully maintained the position and adopted a child from close lineage named Jayajirao.
The "Chhatri Maidan" in Gwalior has the chhatris (cenotaphs) built for Jankoji Rao Shinde, JayajiRao Scindia and some of their family members.
Constructed in 1843 for the newly departed Maharaja Janakoji Scindia, sculptures and carvings in this finely detailed Chhatri depict the lifestyle of king.There are little stone elephants each bejeweled and covered with unique silk canopy, plodding in a line around the platform to symbolize the power of maharaja, and the door is guarded by two solemn soldiers in full Maratha regalia. Numerous panels outside depict the life of Krishna while inside the chhatri are painted frescoes of princesses and court dancers, as well as life size marble effigies of maharaja and his three wives.
The larger chhatri, built in ? to commemorate Maharaja Jayaji Rao Scindia, is on similar pattern as that of the smaller chhatri built earlier. It is remarkable for the intricate outside paneling with interwoven flowers. The interior is a large hall traditionally used for musical recital.
This chhatri also has a few other chhatris of some family members. (find details).
Unfortunately, these beautiful chhatris are literally going to dogs. Scindias have not given them to the Archeaological Department of India, neither are they maintaining it properly. The families of the caretakers use them for their daily activities. For example, they have put nails into the building and set up clothes line for their use.
Verry naice
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