Teli Ka Temple

   Teli ka Mandir (oilman's temple) dates to the Prathihara occupation of the fort in the 9^th century, making it the earliest temple in Gwalior. This 25m tall temple has a peculiar mixture of a Dravidian roof like the early temples of the south, with Indo-Aryan sculptures decorating the rest of the temple. The elaborate doorway has the figure of a flying Garuda, the half man half eagle vahana or vehicle of Lord Vishnu to whom this temple is dedicated. The Islamic rulers, who lived in the fort for over 200 years had a high rate of tolerance and permitted these and other Hindu shrines to be preserved for posterity. However, during British rule, the British garrison paid scant respect to the ancient Hindu buildings, intentionally putting this temple to use as a soda-water factory and coffee shop