To read the previous blog on Day:6 Indore & Mandu, click here.
Day 7: Mandu (Part 1)
After an enriching day in Mandu, we were excited to dive deeper into the rich history and architectural marvels of this ancient town. Our day began at the lovely MPT Malwa Resort, where the aroma of a delicious breakfast spread greeted us as we stepped into the dining area. The calm atmosphere of the resort made it the perfect starting point for a day full of exploration.
We started the day with a hearty breakfast at the MPT Malwa Resort. The breakfast spread was a mix of traditional Indian and continental options, perfect for fueling up before a busy day of sightseeing. The view from the breakfast table, overlooking the lush greenery and the rolling hills, was a gentle reminder of how peaceful and beautiful Mandu is.
Ujala Baodi
Our first stop was Ujala Baodi, an ancient stepwell located a short drive away from the resort. The intricacy of the architecture and the way the water is channeled through the series of steps is a testament to the engineering brilliance of that era. The serene atmosphere made it a great spot to reflect on the quiet genius of the people who designed it. The structure itself has a quiet charm, its weathered walls telling stories of centuries gone by.
Gada Shah’s Shop
From Ujala Baodi, we headed to Gada Shah’s Shop. This historic site is often seen as a symbol of Mandu’s vibrant trade and commerce during the medieval period. The small shop, still intact, gives a unique peek into how markets operated in the region back in the day. Though small, it’s a reminder of the ancient town’s significance as a trading hub.
Champa Baodi
Champa Baodi, located within the royal complex, served dual purposes — not only was it essential for water conservation, but it also acted as a strategic escape route during enemy attacks. In times of danger, royal women would dive into the well and use hidden passages leading to underground chambers, from which they could discreetly exit the palace grounds.
At first glance, Champa Baodi appears to be just another water reservoir when seen from above. However, descending through the concealed pathways reveals a fascinating, three-level subterranean structure that remains naturally cool. The underground chambers are laid out like a labyrinth and lie at the same level as the nearby Munj Talab. A corridor links these chambers to a pavilion (Mandap) in the western corner. The walls are arched, with built-in shelves, and a staircase leads all the way to the lowest level.
When constructing Champa Baodi, thoughtful attention was given to light and ventilation. Mica was embedded in the walls to reflect light and keep the space illuminated. For ventilation, the architecture was designed so that fresh air continuously flowed from Munj Talab through the Mandap and out through the well’s opening, maintaining a pleasant temperature even during the peak of summer.
Hindola mahal
Hindola Mahal, or the “Swing Palace,” gets its name from its sloping side walls that resemble the motion of a swing. While it is believed to have been built during the reign of Hushang Shah around 1425 CE, some scholars suggest it may have been constructed later, towards the end of the 15th century under Ghiyas al-Din’s rule. It forms a part of the royal palace complex at Mandu, which includes the Jahaz Mahal, Taveli Mahal, and Nahar Jharokha. The Hindola Mahal is thought to have functioned as an audience hall.
Hoshang Shah Tomb
The tomb of Hoshang Shah is regarded as India’s first marble mausoleum, dating back to the 15th century. At the time of its construction, it was widely admired for its grandeur and architectural brilliance. In fact, before building the Taj Mahal, Emperor Shah Jahan sent his architect, Ustad Hamid, along with a team, to study its design and craftsmanship — much of which reflects the Afghan architectural style. This historic monument remains one of Mandu’s proudest landmarks.
The central sarcophagus, designed like a casket with receding bands and a mihrab at the top, is a highlight of the structure. Elements of Hindu architecture can be seen in the detailing of the pillars and brackets. Visitors enter through a square-shaped porch with artistically arched openings on three sides that support the elegant marble dome above. Although the porch faces north, the actual entrance to the tomb lies to the south, marked by a finely proportioned doorway adorned with understated yet graceful ornamentation. Beneath the dome, besides Hoshang Shah’s tomb, lie several other graves, three of which are also made of marble.
Jami Mosque, Mandu.
The Jami Masjid is the oldest, largest, and most striking monument in Mandav. Its construction began during the reign of Hoshang Shah and was later expanded and completed by Mahmud Khilji in 1454. Elevated on a platform 4.6 meters above the ground, the mosque is admired for its architectural grace and understated elegance. One of its most remarkable features is the dome design — four large domes and originally 160 smaller ones adorned the structure. However, an earthquake in 1838 destroyed many of the smaller domes, leaving only 80 intact.
The grand entrance gate reflects a beautiful blend of Hindu and Pathan architectural styles, symbolizing the city’s rich cultural legacy. The design of the mosque is said to have been inspired by the famed Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, Syria. Visitors ascend a flight of 30 steps to enter the mosque, where the true magnificence of the interiors unfolds. The interior boasts 25 arches — 12 on the southern side and 13 on the northern — along with intricately carved stone grills that allow natural light and ventilation. The spacious prayer hall features a royal throne for the Imam, accessible by an 11-step staircase. In the northern section, there are two separate entrances, one of which was designated for the Sultan. The entire structure is built using stone and lime, and notably, the mosque does not have any minarets. Nearby chambers were reserved for royal women and guests.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Jami Masjid is also significant for its engineering brilliance. It was built with precision and high standards, ensuring durability and structural strength. One of its standout features is its acoustics — even without amplification, voices can be clearly heard throughout the space. Today, the mosque continues to impress with its timeless beauty and architectural excellence.
Ashrafi Mahal: The Palace of Gold
Ashrafi Mahal, or the “Palace of the Gold Coin,” was constructed opposite the Jami Masjid in Mandu, with its grand staircase mirroring that of the mosque. Built during the early reign of Mahmud I, the first ruler of the Khalji dynasty in Mandu, the complex comprises three separate structures erected over time. Spanning a square area of 320 feet on each side, the first phase of construction was a madrassa — a series of rooms arranged around a central courtyard, with a tower at each corner. Some of the original double-arched corridors with uniquely designed vaulted ceilings still survive on the ground floor. Later, the courtyard was filled to create a 27-foot-high terrace meant to support a royal mausoleum, accessible by an imposing flight of stairs that led to a pillared portico with flanking loggias. Though only fragments of the mausoleum remain, records indicate it was a square chamber, 65 feet wide, once crowned by a massive dome and adorned with white marble walls, intricately carved doors and windows, and decorative stone inlays with blue and yellow glazed friezes. The final addition to the complex was the Tower of Victory, erected by Mahmud I in 1443 to celebrate his triumph over the Rana of Chitor. Replacing a turret from the original madrassa, the red sandstone tower rose in seven tiers to 150 feet, featuring marble string courses, ornamental balconies, and inlaid marble decorations. However, the structure — built hastily with roughly finished rubble and prioritizing surface embellishments over structural integrity — has largely collapsed, with only the basement still intact.
To read the next blog on Day 07: Mandu (Part 2), click here.
