Mandu is called city of Joy due to its presence of architectural gems, lakes & monuments.
For millennia, love stories in India have been revered as the ultimate ideal, something people dream of having or long to experience. To meet this demand, the country has given birth to iconic love stories in films like Veer-Zaara, Mughal-e-Azam, 96 and Shershah, which portrays the real-life romance of Captain Vikram Batra and Dimple. Folktales such as Shirin-Farhad and Laila-Majnu, along with numerous television shows, continue to fuel this passion. Even in our ancient mythologies, love stories like Nala-Damyanti and Ruru-Priyamvada from the Mahabharata have been etched into our collective consciousness. These timeless tales of love continue to captivate and inspire hearts across Indian society.
Some of India’s best-known monuments are also born from poignant love stories. The best example, in the world perhaps, is the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, which was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Similarly, Rani ki Vav in Patan, Gujarat, was constructed by Queen Udaymati, the wife of 11th-century Chalukya King Bhimdeva I, as a tribute to her late husband. These monuments, filled with love, stand as timeless symbols and continue to inspire awe and admiration.
A similar tale unfolded in Mandu, a small town in Madhya Pradesh, that is the backdrop of the tragic love story of Rani Roopmati and Baz Bahadur, the Sultan of Malwa. Captivated by Rani Roopmati’s beauty and enchanting voice, Baz Bahadur fell in love with her and made her his queen. Their love story continues to echo throughout the town.
Nestled in the Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh, Mandavgarh, commonly known as Mandu, is a city of historic ruins adorned with Indo-Islamic architecture. Once called Shadiabad, or ‘City of Joy’, Mandu is dotted with serene lakes, ponds, grand palaces, and ancient monuments that echo its vibrant past.
But the star attraction here is built around the romance of Baz Bahadur and Roopmati. This romance is reflected in a sandstone structure established on a cliff overlooking Nimar valley- Rani Roopmati pavilion.
Roopmati’s Pavilion
Perched atop a hill, Roopmati’s Pavilion stands as a testament to a love that defied time. Blending Afghan and Rajput architectural influences, this monument, once an army outpost, became the cherished retreat of Rani Roopmati. From here, she would gaze upon the Narmada River, losing herself in its endless flow, while her melodies, carried by the wind, would reach Baz Bahadur’s palace below. Designed with remarkable acoustics, the pavilion allowed her voice to travel, ensuring that her beloved could always hear her song.
But love, like the most delicate of melodies, is fleeting. When Mandu fell to Adham Khan’s Mughal forces, Rani Roopmati chose death over dishonour, drinking poison to protect her dignity. With her passing, the music that once filled the hills fell silent, marking the tragic end of a love story between a king and his songbird, one that still lingers in the ruins of Mandu.
Baz bahadur palace
Near Roopmati’s Pavilion stands the palace of Baz Bahadur. Situated east of Rewa Kund, the palace boasts spacious courtyards, intricate carvings and elegant arches, a testament to the craftsmanship of its time. A blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture, its grand entrance is reached by 40 broad steps, leading to towering arches that welcome visitors into this twin-storeyed marvel.
Set amidst lush greenery, this palace became dear to the king, not just for its beauty but for the memories it held. It was here that he cherished his love for Roopmati, the gifted singer who would visit the nearby kund or pond, echoing the love they shared.
Mandu- City Of joy
Though French author Dominique Lapierre termed Kolkata as the ‘City of Joy’ in his famous eponymous novel, in Madhya Pradesh, the title has been held by Mandu, largely due to the presence of its architectural gems, lakes, and monuments.
For instance, resembling a grand ship, Jahaz Mahal stands as a striking example of architectural brilliance. Built by Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din Khilji, this two-storeyed palace was designed as a pleasure retreat and a luxurious residence for royal women. Perched on a narrow strip of land between Munj Talao and Kapur Talao, it appears to float gracefully on water, living up to its name, Jahaz, a ship.
Another palace that invokes joy among people is Hindola Mahal, a monument that echoes with the laughter of a bygone era, stands with its distinctive sloping walls, giving it the name Swinging Palace. Built in the late 15th century, this structure blends Afghan and Islamic architectural styles, featuring a T-shaped layout, intricate carvings, and grand arches. Once a private audience hall, it was a space where the royal family and select courtiers gathered, surrounded by the elegance of its unique design.
Tucked near Jahaz Mahal and Hindola Mahal, in the corner, lies a 15th-century stepwell Champa Baoli, built by the Malwa Sultanate. More than just a water source, it provided a cool retreat during the hot summers. Its water, believed to carry the sweet scent of champa or jasmine flowers, flowed into the nearby Hammam, a royal bathhouse. Designed like a Turkish bath, the Hammam with its underground rooms and water channels, offered the royals a place to relax. Hence in many ways, this small town has its own version of a Roman Bath, which is hidden within its historic walls.
Hence looking at these ruins, Mandu is more than just a collection of historic structures; it is a city where love, grandeur, and tragedy intertwine. From the timeless romance of Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati to the architectural wonders that still stand tall, every monument has a story to tell. As visitors walk through its pathways, they don’t just witness history, they step into a world where love, art, and heritage still whisper through time. Mandu is not just a destination; it is an experience that stays with visitors long after they leave.