Nestled in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh, Mandu is an exquisite display of architectural brilliance. This captivating city holds a profound significance as a testament to the timeless love shared between Prince Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati. Additionally, it boasts the distinction of housing India's oldest erected monument. Mandu's ancient remnants offer a glimpse into a rich history and heritage, leaving visitors mesmerized by its beauty. Palaces, monuments, and expansive lawns grace this captivating place, transporting you back to the regal era of kings and queens. The old palaces, carefully preserved in their ancient splendor, evoke a sense of stepping into an age-old fairytale. The charm of Mandu is truly enchanting, with every corner narrating a story of its glorious past.
This majestic building was constructed due to the captivating beauty and allure of Rani Rupmati, an exceptionally talented Hindu singer who had captured the heart of Baz Bahadur. Driven by his love for her, Baz Bahadur utilized his influence and riches to create this splendid piece of architecture, a testament to his affection. Its location on the banks of the river Narmada holds a special significance, as Rani Rupmati held such profound admiration for the river that she wouldn't even drink water without gazing upon the Narmada. Even today, this place remains immaculately pristine, preserving the ambiance of yesteryears, as if frozen in time.
Constructed during the reign of Mandu Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din Khilji, who was reputed to have as many as 15,000 women as his consorts, Jahaz Mahal was built in the second half of the 15th century to accommodate the royal harem's women. The name itself is symbolic, with 'Jahaz' meaning a ship and 'Mahal' denoting a palace – a fitting representation of the structure. Surrounded by tranquil pond water, it appears to gently float above the water's surface, creating a mesmerizing sight.
This grand red-stone mosque commands attention from several kilometers away, thanks to the awe-inspiring architectural techniques employed by Hoshang Shah. Seeking inspiration from the 'Omayyed Mosque' in Damascus, Syria, Hoshang Shah embarked on the construction of this magnificent monument. Regrettably, Hoshang Shah could not witness the completion of his ambitious project, as it took a lengthy 49 years to finish and was accomplished under the reign of Mohammed Khilji. Despite its unassuming simplicity, the mosque is hailed as one of the most remarkable and extensive examples of Afghan architecture in India. Its sheer size and artistic beauty leave visitors in awe, a testament to the skill and vision of its creators.
According to legend, this splendid architectural marvel was built for Baz Bahadur, the final independent ruler of Mandu, even before he ascended to power in the year 1509. Remarkably, this structure not only showcases Islamic architectural influences but also proudly exhibits designs inspired by Rajasthani trends. The fusion of these two distinct styles adds a unique and captivating charm to the edifice, making it a true masterpiece of architectural artistry.
Madhya Pradesh
Indore
One must-try local delicacy in Mandu is the Poha. Every cafe and restaurant serves poha in its unique style. Mandu is primarily a vegetarian town so finding non-vegetarian cuisine here is hard to find.
Hindi is widely spoken in Mandu but tourists can communicate with locals in English.
You can commute internally in Mandu by chartering a taxi or rickshaw.
Mandu can be visited throughout the year but to avoid hot weather conditions tourists can visit around October to March.
