Mandu, Madhya Pradesh

ManduorMandavgadis an ancient city in the present-dayMandavarea of theDhar district. It is located in theMalwaandNimarregion of westernMadhya Pradesh, India, at 35 km fromDharcity. In the 11th century, Mandu was the sub division of the Tarangagadh or Taranga kingdom.This fortress town on a rocky outcrop about 100 km (62 mi) fromIndoreis celebrated for itsarchitecture.
An inscription discovered from Talanpur (around 100 km from Mandu) states that a merchant named Chandra Simha installed a statue in a temple ofParshvanathalocated in the Mandapa Durg.While "Durg" means "Fort", the word "Mandu" is  aPrakritcorruption of "mandapa", meaning "hall, temple".The inscription is dated 612VS(555 CE), which indicates that Mandu was a flourishing town in 6th century.
Mandu gained prominence in 10th and 11th century under theParamaras. The town of Mandu, situated at an elevation of 633 metres (2,079 feet), is perched on theVindhya Rangeextending for 13 km (8.1 mi) while overlooking the plateau of Malwa to the north and the valley of theNarmada Riverto the south which acted as natural defences for the fort-capital the Paramaras. As "Mandapa-Durga", Mandu is mentioned as the royal residence in the inscriptions of the Paramara kings starting fromJayavarman II. It is possible that Jayavarman or his predecessorJaitugimoved from the traditional Paramara capitalDharato Mandu, because of attacks from the neighbouring kingdoms.Balban, the general of theDelhi's SultanNasir-ud-din, had reached the northern frontier of the Paramara territory by this time. Around the same time, the Paramaras also faced attacks from theYadavaemperor Krishna ofDevgiriand theVaghelaking Visaladeva ofGujarat. Compared to Dhara, which is located in the plains, the hilly area of Mandu would have offered a better defensive position.
In 1305, the MuslimSultan of DelhiAlauddin Khaljicaptured Malwa, the Paramara territory.Ayn al-Mulk Multani, the newly appointed Governor of Malwa, was sent to expel the Paramara kingMahalakadevafrom Mandu and cleanse that place from "the odour of infidelity". With the help of a spy, Multani's forces found a way to enter the fort secretly. Mahalakadeva was killed while attempting to flee, on 24 November 1305.
WhenTimurcaptured Delhi in 1401, the Afghan Dilawar Khan, governor of Malwa, set up his own little kingdom and the Ghuri dynasty was established.His son,Hoshang Shah, shifted the capital fromDharto Mandu and raised it to its greatest splendour. His son and third and last ruler of Ghuri dynasty, Mohammed, ruled for just one year till his poisoning by the militaristic Mohammed Khalji.
Mohammed Khalji established theKhalji dynasty of Malwa(1436-1531) and went on to rule for the next 33 years. However, it was under his reign that the Malwa Sultanate reached its greatest height.He was succeeded by his son,Ghiyas-ud-din, in 1469 and ruled for the next 31 years.He had a large harem and built the Jahaz Mahal for housing the women, numbering thousands.Ghiyas-ud-din was poisoned at age 80, by Nasir-ud-din, his son.In 1526, Mahmud II the sixth Khalji ruler made no resistance against the invadingBahadur Shah of Gujaratwho conquered Mandu 28 March 1531. In 1530 Humayun, the second Mughal Emperor, succeeded Babur. Babur had established the Mughal dynasty. Humayun had two major rivals: Bahadur Shah of Gujarat andSher Shah Suri. Humayun was engaged in a war with Sher Shah Suri when he learned of an imminent attack by Bahadur Shah of Gujarat who was being aided by the Portuguese. With an unusual swiftness Humayun attacked and defeated Bahadur Shah. Thus in 1534 Mandu came underHumayun's rule and he ordered large scale massacre of prisoners there.Humayun fancied Mandu so he relaxed here for a brief, peaceful interlude.Humayun lost the kingdom to Mallu Khan, an officer of the Khalji dynasty. Ten more years of feuds and invasions followed and in the endBaz Bahaduremerged on top.
By this time Humayun had been defeated by Sher Shah Suri and had fled India. Sher Shah Suri died in 1545 and his sonIslam Shahdied in 1553. Islam Shah's 12-year-old son Feroz Khan became the king but was killed byAdil Shah Suriwithin 3 days. Adil Shah appointedHemu, also known as 'Hemof Army and Prime Minister.Hemuhad a rapid rise during Sur regime. A grain supplier to Sher Shah Suri's army and then Chief of Intelligence or Daroga-i-Chowki (Superintendent of Post) under Islam Shah, he became the Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Afghan Army (Sher Shah Suri's army) under the reign of Adil Shah Suri. Adil Shah Suri was an incompetent ruler and many rebellions occurred against his rule. Hemu was sent to quell these rebellions. During this period Hemu attacked Mandu also and Baz Bahadur ran away from Mandu. Hemu appointed his own Governor here. During this period Humayun had returned to India and in 1555 was again the emperor. In 1556 Humayun died after falling while descending a staircase.
Hemu was in Bengal at the time and sensing an opportunity attacked Mughals. Soon Agra, Bihar, Eastern UP, Madhya Pradesh were all won and on 6 October 1556, he won Delhi, defeating Akbar's forces, and had his coronation atPurana Quila, the next day. Akbar defeated and killed Hemu in the secondBattle of Panipaton 7 November 1556. In 1561,Akbar's army led byAdham Khanand Pir Muhammad Khan attackedMalwaand defeated Baz Bahadur in the battle ofSarangpuron 29 March 1561. One of the reasons for Adham Khan's attack seems to be his love for RaniRoopmati. Rani Roopmati poisoned herself to death on hearing the news of fall of Mandu. Baz Bahadur fledtoKhandesh. Akbar, soon recalled Adham Khan and made over command to Pir Muhammad. Pir Muhammad attacked Khandesh and proceeded up toBurhanpurbut he was defeated by a coalition of three powers:Miran Mubarak Shah IIofKhandesh, Tufal Khan ofBerarand Baz Bahadur. Pir Muhammad died while retreating. The confederate army pursued the Mughals and drove them out of Malwa. Baz Bahadur regained his kingdom for a short period. In 1562, Akbar sent another army led by Abdullah Khan, an Uzbeg which finally defeated Baz Bahadur. He fled toChittor. Baz Bahadur remained a fugitive at a number of courts till he surrendered in November, 1570 to Akbar atNagaur. He joined Akbar's service.
After Akbar added Mandu to the Mughal empire, it kept a considerable degree of independence, until taken by theMarathasin 1732 byPeshwaBaji Rao I. The capital of Malwa was then shifted back toDharbyMarathasunder MaharajaPawar, re-establishing Hindu rule.
Mandu, due to its strategic position and natural defences, was an important place with a rich and varied history. It was an important military outpost and its military past can be gauged by the circuit of the battlemented wall, which is nearly 37 km (23 mi) and is punctuated by 12 gateways. The wall encloses a large number of palaces, mosques, Jain temples of 14th century and other buildings. The oldest mosque dates from 1405; the finest is theJama Masjidor great mosque, a notable example ofPashtunarchitecture. The marble-domed tomb of this ruler is also magnificent
Some of the notable places, listed in South to North direction are:
Roopmati's PavilionA large sandstone structure originally built as an army observation post it is known today as Roopmati's Pavilion. Rani Roopmati - the love interest of Baaz Bahadur lived here and is said to have gazed at the Baz Bahadur's Palace - situated below and also atNarmada river, flowing through the Nimar plains far below, a river which the queen revered.
Baz Bahadur's PalaceBuilt by Baz Bahadur, this 16th-century structure is famous for its large courtyards encompassed by large halls and high terraces.
It is situated below Roopmati's Pavilion and can be seen from the pavilion.
Rewa KundA reservoir constructed by Baz Bahadur for the purpose of supplying water to Rani Roopmati's Pavilion.
The reservoir is situated below the pavilion and hence is considered an architectural marvel.
Darya Khan's Tomb complex
Darya Khan was a minister in the court of Mahmud Khalji II, and his tomb lies in a walled complex along with another tomb, a mosque, a pond, and an inn. At the centre of the complex is the massive sandstone tomb of Darya Khan. Hathi Paga Mahal or Elephant Leg Palace is located on the south-eastern side of the Darya Khan Complex, and is crowned with a massive dome.
Shri Mandavagadh Teerth
Shri Mandavagadh Teerth is dedicated to LordSuparshvanatha. It belongs to Shwetambar sect of Jainism. The temple has been attractively constructed and looks exquisite. It underwent expansion in 14th century. The idol of Lord Suparshvanath is believed to be much older. The idol is white in complexion and is 91.54 cm (3 feet) in height. It is seated in apadmansanaposture. Apart from this in this same fort there is a fine temple of smaller size of Lord Shantinath. Ruins of many temples and idols can be seen here. As per a reference once there were almost 700 Jain temples here.
Jami MasjidInspired by thegreat mosque of Damascus, this enormous structure is striking in both its simplicity and architectural style-with large courtyards and grand entrances. At the front of Jaami Mosque, there are ruins of Asharfi Palace. There is a seven-story winning memorial at the north-east of the palace, and also a fascinating Ram Temple nearby, which was built by Maharani Sakarwar Bai Pawar in 1769 CE.
Hoshang Shah's TombIndia's first marble structure, it is one of the most refined examples of Afghan architecture.
Its unique features include the beautifully proportioned dome, intricate marble lattice work and porticoed courts and towers. It served as a template for the construction ofTaj Mahal.
Jahaz Mahal/Ship PalaceSituated between two artificial lakes, this two-storied architectural marvel is so named as it appears as a ship floating in water. Built by Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din-Khalji, it served as a harem for the sultan. This is The Water Palace shown in Fisher's Drawing Room Scrap Book, 1832, from a painting byCopley Fieldingtogether with a poetical illustration byLetitia Elizabeth Landon.Apart from the enthralling architecture, Jahaz Mahal is also a significant venue for the vibrant colours of the Mandu festival. With a series of adventure activities, music shows, lights, and balloon festivals that happen every year in the winter season. Along with a colourful celebration, the sound and light show at the Jahaz Mahal is another interesting event that holds the eyes of every tourist.
Hindola MahalHindola Mahal - meaning Swing palace is so named due to its sloping side walls.
TheHindola Mahalmight have been constructed during the reign of Hushang Shah about 1425 C.E. but may date to the end of the 15th century during the reign of Ghiyas al-Din.It is one of a set buildings making up the royal palace complex at Mandu, which consists of the Jahaz Mahal, the Hindola Mahal, the Taveli Mahal, and the Nahar Jharokha.The Hindola Mahal may have been used as an audience chamber.
The Darwazas (Gates)
The wall encompassing Mandu has 12 majordarwazasor gates. The present road, through which Mandu is reached passes through many of these. Also encountered are smaller gateways built to provide protection to the above-mentioned 12 gates.
Songarh/ Sonergarh Fort:The fort was once an impregnable citadel and part of the historic hillfort of Mandu, now in ruins, which stands in a spectacular, naturally-defended position on a plateau of the Vindhya hills surrounded by a ravine. The citadel is separated from the main hill by a narrow neck of land.
The nearest airport is Indore.
This a lovely gorge on the way to the fort from Dhar. In monsoon, one can see a lovely waterfalls cascading from the rocks.
Sagar Talab is a beautiful man made lake inside the fort.