Jahaz Mahal is a historic fort located in the Mandav area in the Dhar district of Mandu, Madhya Pradesh. Jahaz Mahal is a very famous tourist destination of Mandav, hence it is also known as Mandav’s Fort and Mandu Mahal. Mandu Mahal is a symbol of the immortal love of Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati. The fort of Mandu is shaped like a ship, which has been built between two man-made ponds in ancient times. Jahaz Mahal is also known as “Hidola Mahal” because of its teddy walls. The first Islamic Sultan to rule this fort was Hoshangshah Ghori who ruled here during 1406-1435. The attractive structure and historical significance of the Mandu fort attract tourists, while its location on the banks of the Narmada River adds to its charm.
The ancient name of Mandav city was Mandavgarh, which was known as the world’s largest fort city. Every year thousands of tourists from all over the world come here to visit the Mandu Ship Palace. Rani Roopmati Mahal, Hindaula Mahal, Hoshangshah’s Tomb etc. are the major attractions in Mandu. If you want to visit Mandu Fort and get more information about it, then definitely read this article of ours –
Table of Contents
1. History of Mandu Fort
The history of Mandu fort (Jhaj Mahal) is believed to be from around 10th century when Raja Bhoj established Mandu as a fort. According to Raja Bhoj, Mandu was considered to be the safest place. In 1304, the Muslim rulers of Delhi conquered Mandu by defeating Raja Bhoj. Subsequently, the city of Mandu was named the City of Happiness by the Sultans of Malwa in the 13th century. In 1526, Bahadur Shah of Gujarat had established his suzerainty over the fort (Jhaj Mahal) of Mandu. Mandu was ruled by many kings but Baj Bahadur became the only independent ruler who retained his authority over Mandu for the longest time.
2. Structure of Mandu Mahal
The structure of Mandu Mahal looks like a ship floating in a pond. Mandu Fort is an attractive structure built in the middle of the pond. The ship-like 100 meter long structure looks like a huge (huge) ship standing in the water when seen from a distance. The beautiful structure of Mandu is made on sight. There are 12 gates to enter Mandu city which is spread over an area of 45 kms. Which is the main door among them. Its main door is known as Delhi Darwaja and other doors are called Ram Gopal Darwaja, Jehangir Darwaja and Tarapur Darwaja. It is said that these doors are located on a curved turn, so the speed of elephants used to slow down as soon as they came here. These doors were built during the year 1405 to 1407.
3. Jahaz Mahal opening and closing time
Jahaz Mahal is open for tourists from 6 am to 7 pm. If you want to visit Jahaz Mahal Mandu well, then it is very important to have at least 2 hours with you.
4. Entry Fee of Mandu Mahal
- For Indian: Rs.5 per person
- For Foreign National: Rs.100 per person
- For Video Camera : 25
5. Who built the fort of Mandu
The famous fort of Mandu was built by Raja Baz Bahadur in the memory of his queen Rani Roopmati in the 16th century.
6. For whom Mandav is famous
Mandav city is famous for its famous forts. The most attractive fort of Mandav is the palace of Rani Roopmati which was built by Baz Bahadur. Mandu Fort Palace is associated with the story of the immortal love of Raja Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati. Apart from this fort, there are many such attractive places in Mandu which is the reason for Mandu’s fame.
7. Famous tourist places to visit around Jahaz Mahal Mandu
To roam around Jahaz Mahal Mandu, you will find many historical and attractive tourist places of Mandu city, which remain the main center of tourist attraction. You can go for sightseeing in these beautiful places.
7.1 Rani Rupmati Pavilion
Rani Roopmati’s Mandav is the most attractive fort of Mandu. This palace is known for the love story of Rani Roopmati and Raja Baj Bahadur of Mandu. It was told by ancient historians that Rani Roopmati was a very beautiful woman and was also a Hindu singer. Fascinated by Rani Roopmati, Baj Bahadur married her. It is believed that Rani Roopmati did not drink even a sip of water after visiting Narmada river. This was the main reason why Baj Bahadur built this palace on the banks of the Narmada River from where the queen could see the Narmada River. Rani Roopmati Mahal is a beautiful structure of pavilions made of sandstone.
7.2 Baz Bahadur Palace
Baz Bahadur Mahal was built by Raja Baz Bahadur in the 16th century. Baz Bahadur Mahal is one of the most attractive and scenic places in Mandu. Baz Bahadur Mahal is very famous for its beautiful courtyards with high ceilings and large halls. Baz Bahadur Mahal is situated below the Rani Roopmati palace which can be easily seen from Rani Roopmati’s pavilion. Islamic style is not seen in this palace of Mandu’s last independent leader Baj Bahadur, but it is a palace designed in Rajasthani style.
7.3 Jahaz Mahal
Jahaz Mahal is a very amazing palace of Mandu. This palace was built by Mandu Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din Khilji. Jahaz Mahal is built between two ponds, which looks like a ship floating in water. Jahaz Mahal is also known as Ship Palace. Due to its amazing structure, Jahaz Mahal has become one of the famous sightseeing places of Mandu where tourists come every year.
7.4 Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid is also known as the tomb of Hoshangshah Ghori. The construction of Jama Masjid was started by Hoshangshah Gauri who was the first Islamic Sultan of Mandu. But the credit for completing the construction work of this mosque goes to Mohammad Khilji. This mosque made of beautiful red stones remains the center of attraction of Mandu even today.
7.5 Hindola Mahal
Hindola Mahal is very attractive and popular tourist place of Mandu which was constructed by sandstone. The construction of Hindola Mahal began during the reign of Hoshangshah and was completed during the reign of Ghiyas-al-ud-din. Because of the curved walls of Hindola Mahal, this palace is called Hindola Mahal or Jhula Mahal. There are many worth seeing figures around the palace.
7.6 Rewa Kund
Rewa Kund is the Kund of Mandu which can surprise the tourists. The Rewa Kund built by Raja Baz Bahadur is located below Rani Roopmati Mahal. Rani Roopmati Mandap palace used to get water supply from Rewa Kund only.
7.7 Ashrafi Mahal
Ashrafi Mahal is one of the popular places in Mandu which was built by Mahmud Shah Khilji. Ashrafi Mahal was built with the aim of promoting education so that education could be spread among the people of Mandu. The architecture of this palace was worth seeing but now this palace is completely damaged. This palace, which is seen in the form of ruins, is still counted among the popular places.
7.8 Jain Temple
The Jain Temple is an attractive tourist destination counted among the ancient Jain pilgrimages of Mandu. Gold, silver and marble idols of famous Jain Tirthankaras are installed in the Jain temple. A historical museum is also located in the Jain temple named Theme Park Ask Jain Museum. The Jain temple attracts tourists due to its location on top of the mountains.
7.9 Shri Chaturbhuj Ram Temple
Shri Chaturbhuj Ram Mandir is located in Mandu, which is the only temple in the world in which the idol of Lord Ram with four arms is installed. This is the reason why it is among the most visited places in the world. Shri Chaturbhuj Ram Mandir was built by Madhukar Shah in the 17th century.
7.10 Tomb of Hoshangshah
Hoshangshah’s Tomb is a very attractive place in Mandu which houses the tomb of the famous Sultan Hoshangshah. Inspired by this mausoleum, Shah Jahan got the Taj Mahal built. The Hoshangshah tomb is made of marble. It has a half-moon crown-like structure at the top of the tomb, which is made in the Afghani style.
8. Best time to visit Mandu Fort
If you want to know the exact time to visit Mandu Fort, then let us tell you that the best time to visit Mandu Fort is between the months of October to March. Because the weather remains pleasant and favorable during the time, in which you can easily travel to Mandu in a pleasant environment.
9. Famous food of Mandu
Mainly Poha, Dal-Bafale, Dal-Bati and Malpua are very popular dishes in the famous food of Mandu. Tourists will get to see more vegetarian dishes in Mandu.
10. Where to stay near Mandu Fort – Jahaz Mahal
After visiting Mandu Fort and major tourist places here, if you are looking for an accommodation here, then let us tell you that you will easily find hotels from low-budget to high-budget in Mandu. You can stay in guest houses and luxury hotels as per your budget.
- Malwa Resort
- Mandu Sarai
- Jahajmahal Hotel Mandu
- Hotel Shivani Resort
- Government Rest House Mandu
11. How to reach Mandu
Tourists can choose any of the flight, train and bus to visit Mandu Fort. So let us know how to reach Mandu by flight, train and road –
11.1 How to reach Mandu by flight
If you have chosen the air route to go to Mandu Fort, then let us tell you that the nearest airport to Mandu is Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport, which is located in Indore city. The distance from Mandu to Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport is approximately 96 kms. You can easily reach Mandu from this airport through any local means.
11.2 How to reach Mandu by train
If you have chosen the railway route to go to Mandu Fort, then let us tell you that Mandu does not have its own railway station. But the nearest railway station to Mandu is Ratlam Railway Station, which is situated at a distance of about 130 kilometers from Mandu. From Ratlam, you can easily reach Mandu through any bus or taxi.
11.3 How to reach Mandu by road
Mandu is well connected by road to all major cities of India. You can easily reach Mandu via road by bus or any other means.
In this article, you have come to know the history of Mandu fort and the information related to its journey. How did you like this article of ours? Do tell us by commenting.
