Gwalior

Now a busy commercial city in Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior traces its history back to a legend: the hermit saint Gwalipa cured a chieftain named Suraj Sen of leprosy. On the hermit's advice, Suraj Sen founded his city here and named it for his benefactor. The city changed hands numerous times, and each dynasty left its mark. Gwalior was also the home of the classical singer Tansen, one of the Nine Jewels (ministers) of Akbar's court, whom many regard as the founder of North Indian classical music. The annual Tansen Music Festival, held here in late November or early December, is one of the best in India.