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The
45 km parapet of walls that embrace Mandu are marked
by 12 gateways. Amongst these, the most famous of
these is Delhi Darwaza, which
serves as the main entrance to this city. The approach
is through a series of gateways, armed with walled
enclosures and bastions, such as the
Alangir and Bhangi Darwaza.
Some of the other gateways are the
Rampol Darwaza, Jehangir Gate and Tarapur Gate.
The Central group of ancient monuments include
Hoshang Shah's Tomb, India's first marble edifice
and one of the supreme examples of Afghan architecture.
The impressive dome, the intricate marble lattice
work, the porticoed courts are some of the memorable
features of this ancient structure. It is said that
Shah Jahan sent some of his renowned architects
to study the design of the tomb, and to use it as
a role model for other such structures. Among them
was Ustad Hamid, the architect, who was closely
associated with the conception of the Taj Mahal.
The famous Jami Masjid
of Mandu, was inspired by the mosque of Damascus.The
sheer hugeness of the structure coupled with a stark
simplcity of design, is really overwhelming. The
mosque's court is encircled on all sides by massive
columns, complemented by arches and pillars. The
Ashrafi Mahal, 'palace of gold
coins', built by Hoshang Shah's successor, Mahmud
Shah Khilji, was conceived as an academic institution
for young boys. To commemorate his victory over
Rana Khumba of Mewar, Mahmud Shah also added a seven
- storeyed tower, of which only one storey has survived.
The Rewa Kund group of monuments
is of deep historical interest, which deal with
the legendary, poignant love story of Rani Roopmati
and Baz Bahadur. The Rewa Kund is a reservoir built
by Baz Bahadur, equipped with an aqueduct to supply
Roopmati's palace with water. Today, the site is
revered as a holy spot. Baz Bahadur's Palace was
constructed in the early 6th century, and is notable
for its spacious courtyard fringed with halls, and
high terraces which give a terrific view of the
lovely surroundings. Rani Roopmati's Pavilion was
built as an army observation post. It served a more
romantic purpose as Roopmati's retreat. From this
picturesque pavilion perched on a hilltop, the queen
could gaze at her paramour's palace, and also at
the Narmada flowing by, below.
The Nilkanth shrine dedicated
to Lord Shiva, is mounted in an awesome setting
- at the very edge of a dramatically steep gorge.
A pond deemed sacred flowing in its courtyard, fed
by a stream, this temple is still an active site
of worship. Near the Nilkanth shrine is the Nilkanth
Mahal, belonging to the Mughal era. It was constructed
by Shah Badgah, a Mughal governor, for Emperor Akbar's
Hindu wife, Jodhabai. The walls sport some inscriptions
dating back to Akbar's times, referring to the futility
of human vanity.
The Royal Enclave comprises
of the famous Jahaz Mahal and Hindola Mahal. The
Jahaz Mahal, a 120 metre long 'ship palace' lies
between two manmade lakes, Munj Talab and Kapur
Talab. This two - storeyed palace was in all probability
built by Sultan Ghiyas - ud - din Khilji for his
large harem. Built to resemble a royal cruiser,
as it were, the palace with its open terrace and
pavilions, offers a mesmerising spectacle on moonlit
nights, from the neighbouring Taveli Mahal. The
Hindola Mahal, an audience hall derives its name
'Swinging Palace' from its sloping sidewalls. Its
ornate facade, also, boasts of innovative styles
of design, with beautiful columns and intricate
trellis work. To the west of the Hindola Mahal,
are many unidentified structures which, nevertheless,
heighten the presence of the glorious past. Amongst
these, is an ancient well, Champa Baoli, which is
connected with underground vaulted rooms, wherein
arrangements for hot and cold water were made. Other
interesting sites falling in this group, are Dilawar
Khan's mosque, the Nahar Jharokha (tiger balcony),
Taveli Mahal, and two huge wells namely the Ujali
(bright), and Andheri (dark) Baolis.
Some of Mandu's other attractions include Hathi
Mahal, Darya
Khan's Tomb, Dai ka Mahal, Dai ki Chotti Behan ka
Mahal, Jalil Mahal and Malik Mughith's Mosque. Another
tourist attraction is the Echo Point. A shout from
here reveberates down below, and echoes back clearly.
Near the royal enclave are the
Lohani caves and ruins, which have direct association
with Mandu's history. Sunset Point here provides
a breathtaking spectacle of the surroundings.
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