Travels in India (Tavernier) 11.9

11.9

Gwalior is a large town, ill-built like others, after the manner of India, and it is passed by a small river. It is built along the side of a mountain which lies to the west, and towards the top it is surrounded by walls with towers. There are in this enclosure several ponds formed by the rains, and what they cultivate there is sufficient to support the garrison ; this it is which causes this place to be esteemed one of the best in India. On the slope of the mountain which faces the northwest, Shah Jahan caused a pleasure-house to be built, from whence one sees all the town, and it is fit to serve as a fortress. Below this house there are to be seen several images in bas-relief, sculptured in the rock, all of which have the forms of demons, and there is one, among others, of an extraordinary height.