The elvated plateau is a scene of the most enchanting variety. Constrsting with undulating tracts shaded by trees, are dark pools nestling in the hollows and large lakes glistening in the sunshine, while rocky ravines alternate with sloping swards, the entire effect being almost unreal in its beauty. and to complete the illusion, a thousand feet below are spread vast plains of the Narbada, the delicate opalescent tints of which provide an entrancing background to the whole. On many of the prominent positions within the broken surface of this magic landscape..... crowning the heights, are arcaded pavilions and pillared kiosks, turrets and cupolas.

Mandu is a celebration in stone of life and joy , of the love of the poer-price Baz Bahadur for hisbeautiful consort, Rani Roopmati. The balladeers of Malwa still sing of the romance of these royal lovers, and high up on the crest of a hill, Roopmati's pavilion still gazes down at Baz Bahadur's palace, a magnificent expression of Afghan architecture.

Perched along the Vindhyan ranges at an altitude of 2,000 feet, Mandu, with, with its natural defences, was originally the fort-capital of the Parmar rulers of Malwa. Towards the end of the 13th centuary, it came under the sway of the sultans of Malwa, the first of whom renamed it Shadiabad-the city of Joy, and indeed, the pervading spirit of Mandu was of gaiety; and its rulers built exquisite palaces like the Jahaz and Hindola Mahals, ornamental canals, baths and pavilions, as graceful and refined as those times of peace and plenty.

Each of Mandu's structures is an architectural gem; some are outstanding like the massive Jami Masjid and Hoshang Shah's Tomb, which provided inspirition for the masterbuilders of the Taj Mahal centuries later. Under Mughal rule Mandu was a pleasure resort, its lakes and palaces the scenes of splendid and extravagant festivities. And the glory of Mandu lives on, in its palaces and mosques, in legends and songs, chronicled for posterity.

CITYSIGHTS:


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 owrk of remarkable delicacy and proticoed 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 centre, 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, Mahmud Shah Khilji, this palace of gold coins, facing the Jami Masjid, was conceived as an academic institution (madrassa) for young boys, and sundry cells still remain in a fair state of preservation. In the same complesx he built a swven-storeyed tower to celebrated his victory over Rana Khumba of Mewar; of which only one storey has survived. also in ruins is the 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 terrave, Jahaz Mahal is an imaginative recreation in stone of a royal pleasure craft. Viewed on moonlit nights from the adjoining Taveli Mahal, the silhouette of the building, with the tiny domes and turrets of the pavilion gracefully perched on the terrace, presents an unforgettable spectacle.

Hindola Mahal: An audience hall also belonging to Ghiyas-ud-din's regin, it derives the name of 'Swinging Palace' from its sloping sidewalls. Superb and innovative techniques are also evident in its ornamental facade, delicate trellis work in sandstone and beautifully moulded columns.

To the west of Hindola Mahal there are several unidentified buildings which still bear traces of their past grandeur. 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.

Rewa Kund Group:

Rewa Kund: A reservior 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 Nimar plains far below.

Nilkanth: This sacred Shiva shrine is sited ina magnificent setting, at the very edge of steep gorge. In its tree-shaded courtyard, a sacred pond is fed by a stream, and piligrims still gather to worship here.

Nilkanth Mahal: Belonging to the Mughal era 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.

ACCESS:
By Air: The nearest airport is at Indore, 100 km away, connected to Mumbai, Delhi, Gwalior and Bhopal.
By Rail: Convenient railheads are Ratlam (124 km) on the Mumbai-Delhi main line and Indore (99 km).
By Road: Regular bus services connected Mandu with Indore, Dhar, Mhow, Ratlam, Ujjain and Bhopal.

Best Season: July to March, with the monsoon months being the best.

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