The
visit to this Jahaz Mahal at Mandu, in Madhya Pradesh, was a part of “Magnificent
Madhya Pradesh Yatra - Bhopal / Indore / Mandu / Maheswar / Ujjain”, from Nov
23 to Nov 29, 2025, organised by Mantra Yathra. Thanks to Mr Balaji
Davey and his team of Mantra
Yatra (website), for the excellent
arrangement and personal care.
JAHAZ-MAHAL/(SHIP
PALACE)
It is a monument,
noted for its romantic beauty, standing lengthwise in a narrow strip of land
between the water of the Munja and Kapur tanks. The palace resembles a ship. It
was probably built by the pleasure-loving sultan Ghiyas-Ud-Din (1469-1500 CE)
for his large harem.
THE ROYAL PALACE
This area, known as the Royal Palace has
comprises several structural ruins lying in such a confused mass that no
idea can now be formed of their original layout or plan. From the splendour of
their ruins, however, it can be said for certain that these were once the
luxurious retreats of the Sultans of Malwa. Among the ruins is a well called
Champa-Baodi and a vaulted room, known as "Tahkhana", which is
almost on a level with the water of the Munj-Talao. At a short distance from
the well is the hammam or hot bath, in the ceiling of which beautiful stars were
cut for light. From the hammam, one has to pass through the ruins of the palace.
The existing remains of the structure show only a pair of halls with vaulted
ceilings. Its main facades were built of marble adorned with panels and
medallions of blue and yellow tiles, some of which bear kufi inscription.
HINDOLA MAHAL
With its side-walls
sloping majestically as if swinging. This palace has been rightly titled as Hindola-Mahal
or the swinging palace. It was probably constructed by Ghiyas-Ud-Din (1469-1500 CE)
as an audience hall. The T-shaped projection at the north end was built later.
The projection had an upper storey for the use of the ladies, access to which
was gained by two different passages.
CHAMPA BAODI
Located to the north-west of Jahaz Mahal. It
is a large well which is supposedly having water smelling like champak flower,
hence it got the name of Champa. The baodi is octagonal in plan while circular at
the top and contains underground rooms, Tehkhana, to provide a cool retreat in
summers. One can approach the base of the baodi through a subterranean passage
communicating with these rooms, which are on the level of Munja Talao. Adjacent
to this well are situated hammams or baths having cold and hot water
arrangements. These hamamas have openings in the shape of stars in their roof for
light and ventilation. The baodi was built in the 14th - 15th CE.
HAMMAM
This Royal Hammam, or hot bath, of Turkish
style was used by royal persons. Its ceiling is decorated with beautiful stars that have been cut for light, giving the appearance of twinkling stars, shining in the
sky around the full moon, even in the daytime. This type of depiction is
also seen in the Raisen fort.
LOCATION
OF THE MONUMENT: CLICK HERE
---
OM SHIVVAYA NAMA ---
No comments:
Post a Comment