A lost old town
India is a country full of romantic ruins, forts and abandoned cities, and often the most memorable moments of a trip to India have spent exploring one of these places, absorbing the atmosphere of a past era. Located 100 km south of Indore in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Mândû was the capital of a Muslim state of the North India between 1401 and 1561. He has been abandoned for more than 400 years and is now the place of a small village and an area of agricultural fields.
Wikimedia – Muk.khan
Coming from Indore by bus, you can see the first signs of the old city like the few Muslim tombs (square structures with domes similar to those of Taj Mahal ) planted in the middle of the wheat fields. Then you pass a massive door to enter the city walls. A few kilometers further, the bus leaves you next to the huge mosque Jâmi-masjid (1454).
The magnificent palaces, tombs, mosques and monuments of Mândû are divided into three groups main: the Enclave Royale , Village group , and Rewa Kund group . Tickets for each group cost just over 100 rupees (1.20€) for foreigners and 5 rupees for Indians. There are also other small ruins, free to visit, and scattered throughout the region.
Wikimedia – Adityabansal
The largest and most impressive group is by far that of the Royal Enclave , a collection of palaces built by various sovereigns around three basins. The highest point is the palace at several levels Jahaz Mahal (Palais des ships), which was apparently used to house the important harem of the Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din-Khilji women. It is all the more beautiful illuminated by the light of the moon.
Wikimedia – AMAN UTTAMCHANDANI
Located more in the center, in the heart of the market of Mândû, the Village group consists of a mosque which is considered the most beautiful example of Afghan architecture in India, and tomb of Hoshang Shah (both were a source of inspiration for the construction of the centuries later of the Taj Mahal), as well as the Ashrafi Mahal with its Islamic columns worked in detail.
Wikimedia – Hitarth
The Rewa Kund group is four kilometres south, and is composed of Baz Bahadur Palace and Rupmati Pavilion . This ideal place to admire the spectacular sunset overlooking the valley below. It is famous for the legendary and tragic romantic story between the sovereign of Mândû, Baz Bahadur, who had to flee Akbar’s troops who were advancing, and the beautiful Hindu singer Rupmati.
Flickr – sheetalsaini
Mândû is a peaceful place to relax and its sites are even better to explore by bike, which can easily be rented. Take three or four days to walk around and see everything (if you have time).
How do I go to Mândû?
Mândû is located about two hours drive southwest of Indore, on greatly improved roads. The best way to get there is to rent a car with driver of Indore (not waste time in Indore, it is not an attractive city). However, it is also possible to take a bus to Dhar Then another bus to Mândû. Indore is easily accessible by domestic flight to India, and by train.
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