Jiwaji Rao Scindia who succeeded his father Madho Rao Scindia in 1925 was the last king of Gwalior, as the country became Sovereign and all princely states became part of the Republic of India. He practically ruled for a very short period of time as he was just 9 years old when he became the ruler, and then later the state was amalgamated to the nation, shortly 1947. In this short duration, that also saw the second world war, he carried the Scindia legacy forward, and worked for the betterment of his people.
He opened multiple schools and colleges, including the first medical and engineering colleges, brought many democratic processes further and made many administrative reforms as well.
The annual Trade Fair held at Gwalior, had by now grown leaps and bounds. Jiwaji Rao Scindia built permanent pavilions with paved roads over an area spread in more than 100 acres, including parks and other amenities, for traders and shops who would come from all over the country. Over the decades, it has become the biggest fair of Madhya Pradesh running for more than a century now, and, indeed, one of the most colorful fairs of the whole India. It starts in the second week of January and continues until February.
During this time, around 1925, another festival started being organized in Gwalior, that gained immense regard and adulation. That is the Tansen Music Festival, held every year around early December for few days, when the weather becomes quite nice in Gwalior. Every year, classical maestros from Hindustani as well as Carnatic disciplines, come to this festival of music to pay homage to the most revered legend of Indian Classical Music. The festival is held right next to the tomb of Muhammad Gaus and Tansen and people come and listen to the wonderful music all night long.
Chhatri Lawns Gate
Chhatri - Jiwaji Rao Scindia
Chhatri - Vijaya Raje Scindia, wife of Jiwaji Rao Scindia
Chhatri under construction - Madhav Rao Scindia, son of Jiwaji Rao Scindia
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