Jahaz Mahal – a stunning architectural marvel, has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mandu, Madhya Pradesh. Situated in a short strip of land between KapurTalao and MunjTalao is Jahaz Mahal renowned for its unique design. The structure, approximately 110 meters tall and 15 meters wide, features a sturdy exterior with an eastward entrance and recessed arches. About six arched windows are shielded by an overhanging cornice that is supported continuously by stone brackets. This is how the palace gained its name: it seems as floating architecture when viewed from the water’s surface.
Historic buildings provide as a window into the past. One of the most well-known structures that has entirely changed and altered Mandu tourism is the ManduJahaz Mahal. The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board puts in a lot of effort to bring in a great crowd to this area. During the reign of Mandu Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din Khilji, the palace was constructed. The ManduJahaz Mahal was constructed in the latter half of the 15th century to provide accommodations for the women of the royal alliance. This is just another reason for how Mandu’s architecture captures the splendor of its medieval past.
Jahaz means “ship,” and Mahal means “palace,” which perfectly reflects the allure of the historic building. A pond encircles the Mahal, and the palace appears to be floating on the water because to the palace’s reflection over it.
The ManduJahaz Mahal is a three-story building with strong exterior walls that is rectangular in design.This palace’s magnificent interior, which features three enormous halls, is well recognized. The corridor, which is made up of rooms at either end, is connected to these halls. The secret hallways with curtains and arched openings were ideal for maintaining privacy because women were valued and held a significant position in society at the time. A passageway with tiny chambers at each end connects the palace’s halls. The palace’s façade and interior both offer breathtaking views of fountains and cascades.
This palace’s interior design and architecture will captivate you. This place’s interior lighting is quite amazing, and its engineering is regarded as one of the most distinctive buildings from bygone eras. The palace’s architecture, which combines elements of Afghan, Hindu, Mesopotamian, and Mughal styles, gives the impression of a powerful ship.
The inbuilt exactness and superb detailing adhere to an acoustic water supply pattern with great care. Because of the way the balconies are constructed, the ManduJahaz Mahal fully emanates sound and any voice. The intricate wall carvings are rather striking to behold.
Jahaz Mahal features an inventive water supply; in addition to the enormous water tanks, the palace building itself has a few wells which served as a significant cooling source. This is the most exquisite part of the palace. There are two pools in the palace area one on the rooftop and one on the ground level. These locations offer plenty of seats and the ideal setting for relaxing on a nice evening or in the scorching sun. Both of the pools are filled with rainwater and are accessible to the general public.
The Jahaz Palace is surrounded by amazing natural beauty, yet not much has survived the passage of time. While Jahaz Mahal has undergone renovations over the years, it remains a captivating and historically significant landmark.
The palace was rumored to include a heated pool in addition to many other amazing features, however these buildings deteriorated with time. When designing a building, the architect considered a few factors. The window openings, site layout, architectural elements, wind direction, and water features were all expertly positioned. This location is a must-visit even if you are not a fan of history and tradition because of these architectural intricacies.
Accessibility:
Mandu is well-connected with most of the surrounding cities. The nearest railway station is Indore (94 km) and the nearest airport is AhilyabaiHolkar Airport (94 km). The best time to visit Mandu is during the winter for a more pleasant experience.