India

History of Gwalior Madhya Pradesh dates back to the ancient times. According to some modern research, implements of Palaeolithic age has been found in this region of the country. Many cave paintings have also been discovered in this area. Some pottery of the iron age has also been found in Gwalior. In the ancient text to Mahabharata a reference has been made about a place called Gopalkaksh. It has been described as the victory place of Bhima. According to some historians Gopalkaksh is Gopadri or Gopagiri, the old name of Gwalior. In the late period of 2nd century this city came under the influence of the Nagvans Clan. Bimnag, one of the important rulers of this dynasty shifted the capital from Vidisha to Paadmavati (modern Pawaya). Pawaya is situated at a distance of 68 km from Gwalior. An important fort and the Dhoomeshwar Mahadeo Temple are areas of interest in Pawaya.

The History of Gwalior Madhya Pradesh also mentions that in the 5th century the Gwalior Fort came into being during, the rule of Suraj Sen, the Kachhwaha Rajput prince. In the 10th century, Vrajdaman of the Kachapghat Rajvans took over Gwalior. In 1021 AD Mahmud of Gazni attacked Gwalior and Malik Bahauddin Tughluq, one of his lieutenants won it after an intense battle.

Around the 11th century Sallachan was given the charge of Gwalior fort. Later on Iitutmish was given the charge to man the fort by Qutbuddin Aibak. During later periods, various rulers of Slave and Tughlaq dynasty ruled in Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh.

According to the History of Gwalior Madhya Pradesh, the 14th century saw the Tomar clan coming into power taking advantage of the weak Islamic rulers. The most illustrious ruler of this dynesty was Man Singh who was instrumental in rebuilding the fort of Gwalior.

During the third battle of Panipat Gwalior came under the rule of Jat ruler Lokandra Singh. In 1761 Mahadji Scindia an able Scindia ruler regained Gwalior. His successor Dulat Rao shifted the capital from Ujjain to Gwalior. The soldiers of Morat Cantonment from this place took active part in the revolt of 1857.

In April 1948 Madhya Bharat State was formed after merging Indore, Gwalior, Malwa and other small states. The present state of Madhya Pradesh was formed after merging Madhya Bharat, Vindhya, Maha Kosal and Bhopal.