Mandu

Mandu

This small town in the state of Madhya Pradesh has a history dating back to the 6^th century when it was a fortresses city thriving in business and culture. Then started the story, as elsewhere in the country since ages, of wars, destruction, conquests, betrayals, assassinations, and ruthlessness of rulers.

The Mandu we know today has in the backdrop a love story of a ruler – Baz Bahadur, and a commoner - Roopmati. The bonding factor was music, poetry, and associated cultural activities. Whether Roopmati was a shepherdess or a princess; whether she married him to become a queen or remained a companion to him in their pursuit of music and poetry, will always remain a matter of debate. However, the lore goes that Roopmati’s voice can be heard singing during nights on certain dates near her pavilion in the ruins of Mandu.

My guide categorically told me that Roopmati was never married to Baz Bahadur. "How could she be, she was the daughter of holy Narmada".

That’s how legends go with myths or myths go with legends.

Here goes some pics by my camera:

The Jahaz Mahal - The palace in the shape of a ship.

                                         (The main palace and attraction in Mandu)

           

                     Domes and Arches of the Jami masjid

Hoshang Shah's tomb

Roopmati's Pavilion

Hindola - the swing

INDORE
Since Indore was the base from where I stayed during my travels, I visited the Rajwada as well. It has magnificent halls and corridors with chandelliers. 








(I visited in Dec 2015)