Mandav, also known as Mando is one of the most attractive tourist places near Indore.

Mandav is a town in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh. It is situated in the Vindhyanchal Range at 2,000 feet above sea level. 

Mandav is 100km from Indore, the nearest airport.

This place shows the love of the poet prince Baz Bahadur, for his beloved companion Rani Roopmati.

Mandav is known from the Paramara period 8th century A.D.

Later it was under the Mughal rule, they called it ‘Shadiabad- The city of joy. 

The monuments are an exquisite mixture of the Hindu and Afghan style of architecture.

Some of the places to visit in the city.

Jahaz Mahal and Hindola Mahal

This enlarged building measuring 110 meters in length and only 15 meters in-breath is built during the reign of Ghiyathuddin Khalji (1469 – 1500).

This palace is named as Jahaz Mahal or ship palace because it stands with the two water bodies on either side of it, Munj Talao on the west and the Kapur Talao on the east. This gives it a ship-like structure.

It is a double-storeyed tower to a height of 9.7 meters. The ground floor of the palace has three large halls. Each of the halls has balconies over to look at the Munj Talao.

The western side of central houses a large balcony, a domical ceiling. It offers mesmerizing views of the Munj Talao extending up to the Royal Palace in the south and Jal Mahal in the southeast.

At the far northern end of the ground floor of Jahaz Mahal, a couple of steps descends to a large swimming pool shaped like a blooming flower.

At the northern end of the terrace of the Jahaz Mahal, which too houses a similar pool but much smaller in size. The northern end of the terrace provides a bird’s eye view of the lower pool.

The terrace provides great views of the Royal Complex in the northern part of the Citadel of Mandu. 

On the east are great views of Kapur Talao, with the Taveli Mahal on its southern side. On the west us Munj Talao with the Royal Palace to the north and the Jal Mahal on the northeast.

Hindola Mahal means “swinging palace” is a great tourist attraction place in Mandu. It is built in 1425 C.E. during the rule of Hoshang Shah. It was later modified in the 15th century under the rule of Ghiyasuddin Khilji.

The T-shaped building with a transverse projection towards the north has sloping walls which give it the name Hindola Mahal.

The Darbar halls of Ghiyasuddin Khilji can be seen in the palace, which is also known as the royal court of the sultan.

The Mahal was constructed from sandstone with exquisitely carved columns with the provision of hot and cold water connected with the rooms situated underground.

Palace of Roopmati and Bazbahadur

Bazbahadur palace which reveals the love story of poet Roopmati and king Bazbahadur. It was built in 1509.

The palace has a huge courtyard, large halls, and a terrace that offers mesmerizing views from it.

Roopmati Mahal lies to the south of Bazbahadur’s palace. Bazbahdur got fascinated by the melodious voice of Roopmati and offered to marry her. She agreed to marry on a condition that she would stay in such a place from where she would be able to view the palace of Bazbahadur as well as flowing Narmada because she used to pay homage to the river before having her food.

hence Roopmati Mahal was built undee the reign of Bazbahadur for his beloved wife.  

It provides the view of the Bazbahadur Mahal and the River Narmada as a slivery shimmering line in the Nimar plains.

Bazbahadur was later defeated in a battle and fled from the battlefield. Roopmati committed suicide after consuming poison. The balladeers of Malwa still tell you their story.

Hoshang Shah’s Tomb

It is said to be an inspiration for the Taj Mahal, it is built of white marble in its entirety. It is also said that this was the first marble structure of India. The elegant structure embraces Afghan art and architecture along with intricate lattice work and a well constructed dome. Hoshang Shah, being a dominant figure and a daredevil of his time, definitely ensured that he was laid down in style.