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The 45 km parapet of walls that encircle Mandu are punctuated by
12 gateways. Most notable of these is Delhi Darwaza, the main entrance
to the fortress city, for which the approach is through a series
of gateways well fortified with walled enclosures and strengthened
by bastions such as the Alamgir
and Bhangi Darwaza, through which the present road passes. Rampol
Darwaza, jehangir Gate and Tarapur Gate are some of the other main
gateways.
The Central Group
Hoshang Shah's Tomb :
India's first marble edifice is one of the most refined examples
of Afghan architecture.
Its unique features are the magnificently proportioned dome, marble
lattice work of remarkable delicacy and porticoed courts and towers
to mark the four corners of the rectangle. Shah Jehan sent four
of his great architects to study the design of and draw inspiration
from the tomb. Among them was Ustad Hamid who was also associated
with the construction of the Taj Mahal.
Jami masjid :
Inspired by the great mosque of Damascus, the jami Masjid was conceived
on a grand scale, with a high plinth and a huge domed porch projecting
in the center, the background dominated by similar imposing domes
with the intervening space filled up by innumerable domes. One is
struck by the hugeness of the building's proportions and the stern
simplicity of its construction. The great court of the mosque is
enclosed on all sides by huge colonnades with a rich and pleasing
variety in the arrangement of arches, pillars, number of bays, and
in the rows of domes above.
Ashrafi
Mahal :
Built by Hoshang Shah's successor, Mahamud Shah Khilji, this palace
of gold coins, facing the Jami Masjid, was conceived as an academic
institution (madrasa) for yound boys, and sundry cells still remain
in a fair state of preservation. In the same complex he built a
seven - storeyed tower to celebrate his victory over Rana Khumba
of Mewar ; of which only one storey has survived. Also in ruins
is thee tomb which was intended to be the largest structure of Mandu,
but which collapsed due to hasty and faulty construction.
The Royal Enclave
Jahaz Mahal :
This 120-metre - long ship palace built between the two artificial
lakes, Munj Talao and kapur Talao is an elegant two - storeyed palace.
Probably it was built by Sultan Ghiyas - ud - din Khilji for his
large harem. With its open pavilions, balconies overhanging the
water and open terrace, Jahaz Mahal is an imaginative recreation
in stone of a royal pleasure craft. Viewed on moonlit nights from
the adjoining Taveli Mahal, the the silhouette of the building.
With the tiny domes and turrets of the paviion gracefully perched
on the terrace, presents an unforgettable spectacle.
Hindola Mahal : An
audience hall also belonging to Ghiyas - ud-din's reign, it derives
the name of Swinging Palace from its sloping sidewalls. Superb and
innovative techniques are also evident in its ornamental façade,
delicated trellis work.
To the west of Hindola Mahal there are several unidentified buildings
which still bear traces of their past grander. Amidst these is an
elaborately constructed well called Champa Baoli which is connected
with underground vaulted rooms where arrangements for cold and hot
water were made.
Other places of interest in this enclave are Dilwar Khan's Mosque,
the Nahar Jharokha (Tiger balcony), Taveli Mahal, the two large
wells called the Ujali (bright) and Andheri (dark) Baolis and Gada
Shah's Shop and house, all worth a visit.
Rewa Kund Group
Rewa Kund
A reservoir built by Baz Bahadur with an aqueduct to provide Roopmati's
palace with water. Today the pool is reserved as a sacred spot.
Baz Bahadur's Palace :
Built by Baz Bahadur in the early 16th century, the palace's unique
features are its spacious courtyard surrounded by halls and high
terraces which afford a superb view of the surrounding countryside.
Roopmati's Pavilion :
The pavilion was originally built as an army observation post. From
its hilltop perch, this graceful structure with its two pavilions
was a retreat of the lovely queen, from where she could see Baz
Bahadur's Palace and the Narmada flowing through the Nirmar plains
far below.
Other Monuments
There are other monuments in Mandu which do not fall in any group
but which merit special attention.
Nilkanth Mahal :
Belonging to the Mughalera and close to the Nilkanth shrine, this
palace was constructed by the Mughal governor, Shah Badgah Khan,
for Emperor Akbar's Hindu wife. On the walls here are some inscriptions
of the time of Akbar, referring to the futility of earthly pomp
and glory.
Hathi Mahal, Darya Khan's Tomb, Dai ka Mahal, Dai ki Chhotti Behan
ka Mahal, Malik Muhith's Mosque and Jali Mahal are some of Mandu's
other fascinatin monuments. There is also the Echo Point, the Delphic
Oracle of Mandu. A shout from here reverberates far below and is
heard clearly back. The Lohani Caves and Temple ruins, not far from
the royal enclave area, also merit a visit due to their association
with Mandu's history and monuments. Sunset Point, in front of the
caves, affords a panoramic view of the surrounding coutryside.
Alamgir
and Bhangi Darwaza, through which the present road passes. Rampol
Darwaza, jehangir Gate and Tarapur Gate are some of the other main
gateways.
Ashrafi
Mahal :
An
audience hall also belonging to Ghiyas - ud-din's reign, it derives
the name of Swinging Palace from its sloping sidewalls. Superb and
innovative techniques are also evident in its ornamental façade,
delicated trellis work.
