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A Harem of 15000 Women?! You Must See the Jahaz Mahal in Mandu

Jahaz means Ship and Mahal means Palace; it was named as the Ship Palace because it was built on a land between two ponds.

By Akshatha Vinayak

The stories of womaniser Kings and Sultans are dotted in the history of India. Harems (ladies quarters) can be seen in many palace complexes. This shows the societal system and the no-restriction tag which applied to the royals of those times. The story of Jahaz Mahal in Mandu is a similar one.

Jahaz Mahal in Mandu

Jahaz Mahal
PC: Bernard Gagnon

Jahaz Mahal is one of the spell-binding architectures in Mandu Fort complex. It is not just a structure but a reminder of an extravagant royal life of Mandu. This palace was built during the reign of Ghiyaz-ud-din-Khilji to accommodate his 15000 concubines. Yes, what a pleasure-seeker he must have been?!

A Short History of Mandu

Initially, Mandu was the capital of Paramara Dynasty. Later, it came under Khilji Dynasty which made it a stronghold. Many invasions took place and adminitration of Mandu went to several other kingdoms. However, the monumental ruins mainly belong to the Khilji Dynasty.

Jahaz Mahal in Mandu

Jahaz Mahal
PC: Bernard Gagnon

Jahaz Mahal

There is an interesting fact behind the name of Jahaz Mahal. Yes, Jahaz means Ship and Mahal means Palace (the Ship Palace). Jahaz Mahal is located in the land between the two artificial lakes namely Munj Talao and Kapur Talao. At a distance, Jahaz Mahal looks like a ship sailing in the water. Hence, it was named as Jahaz Mahal.

Jahaz Mahal in Mandu

Bathing Place in Jahaz Mahal
PC: Bernard Gagnon

Other Attractions in Mandu Fort

Hindola Mahal, Rewa Kund, Baz Bahadur's Palace, Jami Masjid, Shri Mandavgadh Theerth and Roopmati Pavilion are some of the other prominent attractions in Mandu Fort.

Best Time to Visit Mandu

Mandu is a nice place for winter tourism; the months from October to March are the best time to visit Mandu.

Jahaz Mahal in Mandu

A distant view
PC: Varun Shiv Kapur

How to Reach Mandu

Mandu is around 93km from Indore and can be reached by bus.

By Bus: There are direct buses from Indore to Mandu. Otherwise, you can catch buses to Dhar and from their go to Mandu. It can also be reached from Maheshwar side.

Click: How to Reach Mandu

Jahaz Mahal is one among the popular palaces in Madhya Pradesh. Its construction and design reflects the architectural marvels of Khilji Dynasty. The Mandu or Mandavgadh fort ruins are truly a memorable architecture.

Read more about: palaces heritage madhya pradesh
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