On my way back I had a stay at Indore which was utilized in every sense by paying a visit to Mandav Garh .
For all those who think this night bird hasn’t seen the morning sun ever - here’s the proof for the contrary. A snapshot before sun was up and gleaming.
We entered the city through the Delhi Darwaza without bothering to stop at the ruins of the Hoshang Shah tomb.
Our first stop was Jahaj Mahal . Legend says Sultan Ghias-ud-din Khilji had 1600 wives and he kept all of them here. There was a special place for the rebellious queens too. They were imprisoned in a Mahal which now serves as the administrative block for the entire Jahaj mahal !!
Adjacent to the Jahaj Mahal is the Hindola Mahal. It derives its name from the architecture genius. The walls have a wider girth towards the bottom giving the palace a swing like look. This was supposed to be the auditorium of sorts where the queens performed [for the Sultaan I guess] and separate chamber where performers put up shows for the queens.
There’s a unique hot water mechanism so that the queens could bathe in hot water as well. The palace resembles a ship of olden days and used to be surrounded by the two lakes which are sadly almost bereft of water!
Jami Masjid
Jami Masjid was built during the Ghauri Dynasty. It is said to be one of their finest architectural accomplishment. There are several small domes installed on the roof which are supposed to echo and forward the voice from one end of the Masjid to the other end.
Hoshang Shah’s tomb
The tomb is a white marble awe inspiring architectural delight. Some ancient documents claim that Shah Jahan sent his craftsmen to study the tomb and it served as an inspiration for Taj Mahal.
Asharfi Mahal
The green colored fruit which can be seen in the photograph is a kind of Tamarind found in Mandav and near by areas, quite a favorite amongst locals and tourists alike famous for its tangy sour taste!
Rani Rupamati’s Pavillion
It is said that Baz Bahadur fell in love with a pretty maiden later named Rani Rupamati whose voice drew him to her like a bee to honey. He offered to marry her but she refused saying she couldn’t stay in a city where she couldn't access the holy water of river Narmada. An elaborate underground system of canals was then constructed to fulfill Rani Rupamati’s wish. Legend says that Rani Rupamati committed suicide by consuming poison after Baj Bahadur was killed in a battle!!
Baj Bahadur's Tomb
The lake that stretches infront of the MP tourism resort.