Hathi Pool, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh India

The Hathi Pool or the Hathi Pol Gate also known as the ‘Hathiya Paur’ or the ‘Elephant Gate’ receives its appellation from the fact that it is so colossal in its stature that even the enormous elephants could easily pass through it. The Hathi Pool comprises the principal entrance of the Gwalior Fort and leads to the Man Mandir Palace of Maharaja Man Singh Tomar. The Hathi Pool Gate being the last of the conglomeration of seven gates of Gwalior Fort can be accessed only after passing through the initial six entryways. In earlier times a life sized effigy of a gigantic elephant used to adorn the Hathi Pool Gate. Placed towards the south-east corner of the Man Mandir Palace the Hathi Pool Gate constructed out of stone is embellished with impressive cylindrical towers and aureate semi spherical cupolas. These globular domes supported by intricately carved pillars are interlinked with ornamental parapets.