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The Darwazas
The 45 km parapet of walls that encircle Mandu are punctuated by 12
gateways. Most notable of these is Delhi Darwaza, the main entrance to
the fortress city, for which the approach is through a series of
gateways well fortified with walled enclosures and strengthened by
bastions such as the Alamgir and Bhangi Darwaza, through which the
present road passes. Rampol Darwaza, Jehangir Gate and Tarapur Gate are
some of the other main gateways.
The Royal
Enclave
 Jahaz
Mahal
This 120 mt long "ship palace" built between the two artificial lakes,
Munj Talao and Kapur Talao is an elegant two storeyed palace. Probably
it was built by Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din-Khilji for his large harem. With
its open pavilions, balconies overhanging the water and open terrace,
Jahaz Mahal is an imaginative recreation in stone of a royal pleasure
craft. Viewed on moonlit nights from the adjoining Taveli Mahal, the
silhouette of the building, with the tiny domes and turrets of the
pavilion gracefully perched on the terrace, presents an unforgettable
spectacle.
 Hindola
Mahal
An audience hall, also belonging to Ghiyas-ud-din's reign, it derives
its name of "swinging palace" from its sloping sidewalls. Superb and
innovative techniques are also evident in its ornamental facade,
delicate trellis work in sand-stone and beautifully moulded columns.
To the West of Hindola
Mahal there are several unidentified buildings which still bear traces
of their past grandeur. Amidst these is an elaborately constructed well
called Champa Baoli which is connected with underground vaulted rooms
where arrangements for cold and hot water were made.
Other places of interest
in this enclave are Dilawar Khan's Mosque, the Nahar Jharokha (tiger
balcony), Taveli Mahal, the two large wells called the Ujali (bright)
and Andheri (dark) Baolis and Gada Shah's Shop and House, all worth a
visit.
The Central Group
 Hoshang
Shah's Tomb
India's first marble edifice, it is one of the most refined examples of
Afghan architecture. Its unique features are the magnificently
proportioned dome, marble lattice work of remarkable delicacy and
porticoed courts and towers to mark the four corners of the rectangle.
Shah Jehan sent four of his great architects to study the design of and
draw inspiration from the Tomb. Among them was Ustad Hamid, who was also
associated with the construction of Taj Mahal.
 Jami
Masjid
Inspired by the great mosque of Damascus, the Jami Masjid was conceived
on a grand scale, with a high plinth and a huge domed porch projecting
in the centre, the background dominated by similar imposing domes with
the intervening space filled up by innumerable domes. One is struck by
the huge proportions and the stern simplicity of its construction. The
great court of the mosque is enclosed on all sides by huge colonnades
with a rich and pleasing variety in the arrangement of arches, pillars,
number of bays, and in the rows of domes above.
Rewa Kund Group
 Rewa
Kund
A reservoir, built by Baz Bahadur with an aqueduct to provide Roopmati's
palace with water. Today, the pool is revered as a sacred spot.
 Baz
Bahadur's Palace
Built by Baz Bahadur in the early 16th century, the palace's unique
features are its spacious courtyards surrounded by halls and high
terraces which afford a superb view of the surrounding countryside.
 Roopmati's
Pavilion
The pavilion was originally built as an army observation post. From its
hilltop perch, this graceful structure with its two pavilions was a
retreat of the lovely queen, from where she could see Baz Bahadur's
palace and the Narmada flowing through the Nimar plains far below.
Other Monuments
There are other monuments in Mandu which do not fall in any group but
which merit special attention.
Nilkanth
This sacred Shiva shrine is sited in a magnificent setting, at the very
edge of a steep gorge. In its tree- shaded courtyard, a sacred pond is
fed by a stream, and pilgrims still gather to worship here.
Nilkanth Mahal
Belonging to the Mughal era and close to the Nilkanth shrine, this
palace was constructed by the Mughal governor, Shah Badgah Khan for
Emperor Akbar's Hindu wife. On the walls here are some inscriptions of
the time of Akbar referring to the futility of earthly pomp and glory.
Hathi Mahal, Darya Khan's Tomb, Dai ka Mahal, Dai ki Chhotti Behan Ka
Mahal, Malik Mughit's Mosque and
Jali Mahal are some of the other fascinating
monuments. There is also the Echo Point, the
'Delphic Oracle' of Mandu. A shout from here reverberates far below and
is heard clearly back. The Lohani Caves and
Temple Ruins, not far from the royal enclave area
also merit a visit due to their association with Mandu's history and
monuments. Sunset Point, in front of the caves
affords a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.
 "The
elevated plateau is a scene of the most enchanting variety. Contrasting
with undulating tracts shaded by trees, are dark pools nestling in the
hollows and larger lakes glistening in the sunshine, while rocky ravines
alternate with sloping swards, the entire effect being almost unreal in
its beauty. And to complete the illusion, a thousand feet below are
spread vast plains of the Narmada, the delicate opalescent tints of
which.... provide an entrancing background to the whole. On many of the
prominent positions within the broken surface of this magic
landscape.... crowning the heights, are arcaded pavilions and pillared
kiosks, turrets and cupolas..."
Percy Brown:
Indian Architecture (The Islamic Period).
 Ashrafi
Mahal
Built by Hoshang Shah's successor, Mahmud Shah Khilji, this "palace of
gold coins" facing the Jami Masjid, was conceived as an academic
institution (madrassa) for young boys, and sundry cells still remain in
a fair state of preservation. In the same complex he built a seven
storeyed tower to celebrate his victory over Rana Khumba of Mewar; of
which only one storey has survived. Also in the ruins is the tomb which
was intended to be the largest structure of Mandu, but which collapsed
due to hasty and faulty construction.
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