MOTI MAHAL @ OLD BHOPAL

Moti Mahal is a place mix of Indian and European architectures with its terrace boundaries having European coatings. Moti Mahal is the 3 storied with the beautiful archway on all three levels. Large windows with doorway on the first floor are lined up overlooking the lavish grounds, now called an “Iqbal Maidan”. Now the ground is use for political meetings and cultural programs. 

 

REWA KUND, MANDU

Rewa Kund is a reservoir that was constructed by Baz Bahadur in Mandu for the purpose of supplying water to Rani Roopmati's Pavilion. The reservoir is situated below the pavilion and hence is considered an interesting architectural structure.

HINDOLA MAHAL, MANDU

The Hindola Mahal (In English: “Swinging Palace”), is a large meeting hall, or durbar, in the ancient Indian city of Mandu, Madhya Pradesh. Today the Hindola Mahal is a tourist destination in the ruined city.

The Hindola Mahal might have been constructed during the reign of Hoshang Shah about 1425 C.E. but may date to the end of the 15th century during the reign of Ghiyas al-Din. It is one of a set buildings making up the royal palace complex at Mandu, which consists of the Jahaz Mahal, the Hindola Mahal, the Tawili Mahal, and the Nahar Jharokha. The Hindola Mahal may have been used as an audience chamber.

The palace attraction is a "T"- shaped building, with a main hall and a transverse projection at the North. There are six arched openings on both sides of the hall having windows on top, filled with beautiful tracery work providing path to light and air to come in. Side walls are further strengthened with massive slopes to counteract the force of the lofty arches which once supported the huge ceiling at the top. Its "T"- shaped projection was later added to provide a well-guarded approach for the king. The Interior of Hindola Mahal is planned like a cross formed by the main passage leading to the hall and by another passage crossing it at right angles in the mid passages. Mix of the materials used at different parts of the building suggests that the architectural additions are done at various intervals of time.

HOSHANG SHAH’S TOMB, MANDU

Hoshang Shah’s Tomb built in the 15th century (c 1440), this was the first tomb built entirely out of marble. The province of Malwa, in modern Madhya Pradesh, had as its capital the ancient Hindu city of Dhar, about 24 miles north of Mandu, till it was conquered by the Delhi Sultanate – by Ala-ud-din Khilji in 1305 A.D. - and a governor installed in place.

The tomb of Hoshang Shah was the inspiration for the Taj Mahal. Shah Jahan was so impressed with it, that he sent 4 of his architects to study the tomb. They left an inscription near the doorway, paying homage to the architects of the tomb.

This tomb considered as the first marble construction of Afghan culture in the Indian subcontinent region in earlier period. As with all conquests, among the first state buildings to come up were mosques, built with pillars taken from Hindu temples, very similar to the Qu’wwat-ul-Islam mosque at the Qutb, Delhi. Hoshang Shah, second King of Malwa, ruled for 27 years. His tomb is in Mandu, Madhya Pradesh. He had a fine eye for architecture. There are beautiful specimens of Muslim architecture in Mandu.

Location- Mandu, Madhya Pradesh, India.

Entrance Fee- Citizens of India Rs. 5/- per head
US $ 2 or Indian Rs. 100/- per head
(Free entry to children up to 15 years)

RAISEN FORT ( रायसेन किला )

Raisen is 23 kms from Bhopal, and is known for the Raisen fort and the Durgah of Raisen. Raisen fort is situated on the top of a hill with a few temples, palaces, a large water reservoir and numerous wells inside Raisen fort. The fort is about 800 years old. It is built on a hill and occupies the entire hilltop.There is a temple and mosque in the same complex of Raisen fort. Raisen fort had many domes inside, however, only two of them are left which are now abode of Bats.

Raisen is also known for the shrine of Hazrat Peer Fatehullah Shah Baba who was a well known Muslim Saint. The people in and around Raisen have great faith in the shrine and it is believed that the shrine can fulfill the desires of pilgrims. The origin of Raisen fort can be dated back to 1200 A.D. Raisen fort has been under the rules of various rulers.

History of Raisen Fort:

 

Raisen fort was under the control of Hindu rulers including Rajputs till 16th century. In 1543, the fort was captured by Sher Shah Suri and later by Nawab of Bhopal in 1760. Raisen fort was then under the control of princely state of Bhopal till Indian Independence (1747).

Way To Raisen Fort:

Raisen is well connected by roads to Bhopal, Vidisha, and Itarsi. Tourists can use Cab, Auto or Bus to travel to Raisen from Bhopal. Bhopal is connected with Sanchi through two routes, where one of the route passes through Raisen.