Architectural Marvels of Medieval India

Mandu City: An Architectural Marvel

• Mandu’s architecture is characterised by Indian functionalism. It is typically devoid of emotion and ornamentation. The mosques at Mandu are Arabian in design, with no minarets, and their hypostyle (having a roof supported by pillars) worship halls and cloisters encircling a courtyard are constructed in a continuous and uniform manner
• Mandu, also known as Mandavgarh, is a walled town built by the Parmara monarchs in the 6th century. It was previously renowned as the “City of Joy.” The town developed and rose to importance underneath the reign of the then-rulers in the 10th and 11th centuries. However, the village is now in ruins and radiates a distinct aura of mystery and unique beauty
• The town has been ruled by numerous rulers, including Hindus, Mughals, and Afghans, giving it a distinct architectural character. In Mandu, you’ll find several ancient ruins and monuments that are a wonderful blend of Indo-Islamic architecture. There are other buildings and patterns in the Afghan architectural style

Mandu City:

• It’s sixty miles south of Indore, at a height of over 2000 feet, with views of the Malwa Plateau to the north and the Narmada Valley to the south
• Mandu’s provincial style architecture is very similar to Imperial Delhi’s structures
• Its natural defences enticed Parmara Rajputs, Afghans, and Mughals to settle there
• It was the capital of the Ghauri Dynasty (1401–1561) and was founded by Hoshang Shah
• It was linked to Sultan Baz Bahadur and Rani Rupmati’s courtship
• During the monsoon season, the Mughals used it for entertainment
• It’s an excellent example of environmental adaptation in architecture

Various structures:

The Royal Enclave in the city, built around two artificial lakes, had the most comprehensive and picturesque complex of buildings, a cluster of palaces and attendant structures, both official and residential.

Hindola Mahal:

• It was the Sultan’s audience hall. With its disproportionately huge buttresses supporting the walls, it resembles a railway viaduct bridge. The use of batter to create the illusion of swaying (Hindola) walls was quite successful

Fig: Hindola Mahal

Jahaz Mahal:

• It’s a two-story palace with open pavilions, balconies overhanging the lake, and a terrace situated between two reservoirs. Sultan Ghiyasuddin Khilji may have used it as a harem and a pleasure resort when he built it. The Jahaz Mahal in Mandu is noted for its sophisticated rainwater storage tank, which not only collected rainwater but also created a relaxing atmosphere around the palace. Ghiyasuddin Khilji constructed Jahaz Mahal primarily to accommodate his harem’s 15000 women

Rani Rupmati’s Double pavilion:

• Perched on the southern embankments, it had a beautiful view of the Narmada valley. Rani Roopmati’s Double pavilion flows along the Narmada River. It was a military surveillance station, after all. Rani Roopmati, Baaz Bahadur’s love interest, lived here and is claimed to have stared at Baaz Bahadur’s Palace, which was located below, as well as the Narmada River

Baz Bahadur’s palace:

• It had a wide courtyard ringed with halls and terraces. This 16th-century building, designed by Baz Bahadur, is known for its vast courtyards surrounded by massive rooms and lofty terraces. It may be seen from Roopmati’s Pavilion, which is located below it

Hoshang Shah’s tomb:

• With a stunning dome, marble jali work, porticos, courtyards, and towers, it is a magnificent structure. It is a strong example of Afghan architecture, yet the latticework, carved brackets, and toranas give it a softer tone

The Jama Masjid of Mandu:

• The majority is a modest construction with wide courtyards and impressive gateways, built on the ruins of Hindu temples. It was constructed on a huge scale to accommodate Friday prayers

Hindola Mahal:

• The Hindola Mahal, which literally means “Swing Palace,” is a sandstone edifice with slanting side walls that give the sense of swinging. It’s a historic engineering masterpiece that bears witness to the town’s illustrious history

Conclusion

The city is built on a hill that rises 633 metres above sea level and is surrounded by beautiful natural landscape that is best observed during the rainy season. This is most likely why the city, encased within its fortifications, was dubbed ‘The City of Joy’ by the Muslim rulers Shadibad during its heyday.