Fort Gwalior, gezien van het oosten c. 1900

K.H. Mawal captured Fort Gwalior from the east, presenting us with an image dominated by the formidable structure rising above the landscape. The fort, a symbol of power and resilience, immediately evokes images of other fortified places throughout history, such as the citadels of ancient Greece or the medieval castles of Europe. Note the road leading directly to the fort. This is a visual element that directs our gaze, symbolizing not only physical access but also the path of historical and cultural influence. This pathway reminds me of the roads in Roman Empire maps, each one acting as conduits for trade, military campaigns, and the transmission of ideas. Consider how the concept of a 'way' is universal across cultures. In some, like in certain Eastern philosophies, the 'way' is a path to enlightenment and self-discovery. Here, the 'way' to the fort may evoke complex emotions. The fort is a refuge, but also a place of potential conflict. In this photo, memory, ambition, and fear come together to stir our collective unconscious.