August 28, 2017 TnH Global 0

MANDU – A Royal Legacy of Parmars, Sultans and Mughals

Mandu, a city lying 100 km from Indore is the medieval magic of Madhya Pradesh. Famously associated with the legends of Rani Roopmati and Baz Bahadur, the city is an architectural gem, mainly reflecting Afghan architecture. The royal love legend is documented in the folk songs of Malwa sung by the balladeers. High upon the crest of a hill, Roopmati’s pavallion still gazes down at Bazadur’s palace.

Due to its strategic importance of being situated at an altitude of 2000 feet, Mandu due to its natural defenses was originally the fort-capital of the Parmar rulers of Malwa. It was re-named ‘Shadiyabad’ meaning city of joy by the Sultans of Malwa in late 13th Century. Jahaz Mahal, Hindola Mahal, baths and canals are the reminiscences of this phase of Mandu’s past.

The fabulous five in Mandu:-

Hoshang Shah’s Tomb - This is India’s first marble structure, its beautifully proportioned dome, intricate lattice work lending it its identity. Shah Jahan sent four of his great architects to study the structure and draw inspiration from it. It is said that one of them Ustad Hamid, was later associated with the construction of Taj Mahal.

Jami Masjid – The hugeness of the structure lends it uniqueness. Its inspiration was drawn from the great mosque of Damascus and was conceived on a grand scale. Its background is dominated by similar imposing domes . The structure of the mosque is surrounded by colonnades.

Asharfi Mahal - This structure was conceived as an academic institute by Mahmud Shah Khilji who was Hoshang Shah’s successor. A seven storey structure in the same premises was also constructed by him to celebrate the victory of Rana Khumba of Mewar.

Jahaz Mahal- Built between two artificial lakes, Munj Talab and Kapur Talab, Mandu is famous for this palace known as Jahaz Mahal. This is a grand reflection of a medieval pleasure resort with its open pavilions, and balconies over hanging the water. On Moonlit nights lend it an out of the world beauty when the silhouette of the building reflects in water.

Hindola Mahal- Its sloping sidewalls have lent it the name ‘Swinging Palace’, which was constructed as an audience hall. Innovative techniques are reflected in the making of its ornamental façade, delicate trellis work in sandstone and its uniquely molded columns. An elaborately constructed well, Champa Baoli which is connected with underground vaulted rooms is also seen by the side of Hindola Mahal. It is known to have arrangements for hot and cold water.

Darwazas- Mandu is encircled by a 45 km parapet wall with 12 gateways. Delhi Darwaza is the main entrance of the fortress city, for which the approach is through a series of gateways. Other places of interest near these monuments are Dilawar Khan’s mosque, the Nahar Jharoka, Taveli Mahal, and Ujali & Andheri Baolis.

Mandu which is synonymous with the love stories of Baz Bahadur and Roopmati has many architectural witnesses for the love of this royal pair. One such is the Rewa Kund which was an aqueduct to provide Roopmati’s palace with water. Over the time this spot has gained religious sanctity. Baz Bahadur’s palace, built in 16th century is another of such reminiscence of the royal romance and still another is Roopmati’s pavilion. The pavilion was originally built as an army observation post. However it also became the favourite retreat of queen Roopmati as it offered a view of the Baz Bahadur’s palace and the river Narmada flowing through the Nimar plains far below.

Fort of Dhar- On way to Mandu lies the Fort built by the Parmars, one of the earliest rulers of this region. Sheesh Mahal, inside the Fort, Kharbuja Mahal, Vishram Bhavan, Madan ki Sarai, Kothari Sarai, Karva Sarai, Roza ki Dargah and the other monuments deserve a visit.

How to reach here: The nearest airport is Indore (100km away), connected to Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Pune and Nagpur while the nearest railheads are at Ratlam (124km) on the Mumbai-Delhi main line and Indore.Best time to visit Mandu is July to March with the monsoons being the best.