The Best Of Mandu Forts To Explore On Your Next Trip To MP

This architectural wonder has several ancient monuments and ruins that reveal the Indo-Islamic architectural touch with a dash of Afghani patterns in some edifices and monuments. As per UNESCO, there are around 61 monuments in Mandu Forts including a fort wall in Mandu Madhya Pradesh which are declared of national importance. Mandu or Mandavgad Forts in MP are estimated to have been founded in 6 Century CE. Munjadeva founded it and at that time the region was ruled by the Rajput Clan. Mandu in Madhya Pradesh was under Rajupts until the 14th Century when Muslim invaders conquered it followed by Mughals and then Marathas. Not only the huge edifices but also the walls and the mountain ranges tell the history of Mandu Forts.

History Of Mandu Forts

The History of Mandu Forts dates back to the 9th century when it was established under the Paramara Dynasty of Rajputs. Mandu in Madhya Pradesh gained prominence in the 10th and 11th centuries under the rule of the Paramara Dynasty of Rajputs. Later King Jaitugi moved the capital of the Paramara Dynasty to Mandu from Dhara. 

By the 12th century, the Sultan of Delhi Alauddin Khilji conquered Malwa which was later governed by Ayn-Al-Mulk Multani. It was later governed by the Ghuri Dynasty under Hoshang Shah. 

Mandu in Madhya Pradesh was then ruled by the Khailji Dynasty of Malwa established by Mohammed Khalji followed by the Sur Dynasty, the Mughal Dynasty, and lastly by the Maratha Empire. It was re-established under Hindu rule. Mandu Forts are now taken care of by the Government of Madhya Pradesh.

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Architecture Of Mandu Or Mandavgad Forts In MP

The  Mandu Or Mandavgad Forts in MP are largely influenced by Indo-Islamic architecture because the rule on the land was under the Islamic dynasty for a long time. The battlemented walls circumference of around 37 km which once had Temples with golden shrines, mosques, tombs, lakes, etc. The Mandu Fort has an architectural history of over a millennium now.

In Mandu Forts, the notable work of Jami Masjid Pashtun architecture is a mesmerizing sight. You can also get awestruck by the Afghani architecture at Ashrafi Mahal.

How To Reach Mandu

By Road

Mandu in Madhya Pradesh is well linked by road to other cities in Madhya Pradesh. Several state-run buses are directly connected to Mandu. You can also hire a private taxi to reach Mandu Forts.

By Rail

Mandu in Madhya Pradesh doesn’t have a Railway station. The nearest railway station to Mandu Forts is Ratlam. It is 124 km from Mandu in Madhya Pradesh.

By Air

Mandu in Madhya Pradesh doesn’t have an airport. The nearest Airport is in Indore, named Ahilyabai Holkar Airport which is around 99 km from Mandu Forts in Madhya Pradesh. The airport has well-connected flights to other states.

Significant Monuments In Mandu Or Mandavgad Forts In MP

1. Lohani Caves

While excavating the debris from the pool in front of the caves the archaeologists found around 80 statues of Hindu gods and goddesses which are now kept in the local museum. To the south of the cave stands a massive pillar which is about 5 meters tall. A waterfall near the cave makes the place beautiful.

2. Dilawar Khan’s Mosque

The courtyard in the centre is encompassed by arcades and rows of columns on the upper ceiling. The ceiling, gates, and the column of the prayer hall of the mosque are inspired by Hindu architecture. 

There is a balcony called Nahar Jharokha or the Tiger Balcony at the southern end of the mosque.

3. Jami Masjid

The masjid has three major domes with 54 smaller domes, a courtyard, and a colonnade of pillared halls. The entire mosque is around 7,725 square meters. This building is inspired by Afghani architecture.  The prayer hall is full of arches and the central altar is decorated with the verses of the Quran. It is one of the famous monuments in Mandu Forts. 

4. Hindola Mahal

Hindola Mahal is a T-shaped building that was an audience hall or an open theatre.

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5. Jahaz Mahal

There are two estimated reasons why Jahaz Mahal was built. One reason was to provide tourists from Afghanistan, Arabia, Iran, Iraq, etc accommodation services in the form of an inn. 

The second estimation is that it was built as a retreat for the emperors and their families as during summer months Delhi’s heat was unbearable. 

6. Baz-Bahadur Palace

This marvellous architecture is a blend of Rajput and Mughal style architecture. The main entrance gateway has around 40 broad steps. This two-story palace consists of a courtyard and rooms on all four sides.

7. Rupmati’s Pavilion

It was constructed on the bank of River Narmada because Rupmati never used to drink water unless she took the darshan of River Narmada. The Kund was made near the pavilion with Narmada water. It was also known as Rewa Kund.

Rupmati used to come near the Rewa Kund every morning to worship the Narmada River. Among other Mandu Forts Rupmati’s Pavilion is the famous and historical romance between Rani Rupmati and Sultan Baz-Bahadur. 

Best Time To Visit Mandu

Monsoon can also be one of the best times to visit Mandu with occasional rainfall which keeps the climate cool compared to summer.

Restaurants In Mandu

1. Hotel Fun N Food
2. Shivani Restaurant
3. Malwa Resort
4. Gurukripa Restaurant
5. Jahaz Mahal Canteen
6. Shri Dadaji Restaurant
7. Hotel Rajnandini

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Hotels In Mandu

Following are some of the hotels in Mandu

1. MPT Malwa Resort
2. Malwa Retreat Mandu
3. Mandav Heritage Resort
4. Hotel Fun n Food
5. Dino Adventure Park & Resort
6. TGI Jahaj Mahal Resort
7. Mandav Hill Resort & Film City
8. Hotel VirasatRobin Hood Camp
9. Jahaj Mahal Hotel

Frequently Asked Questions