Mandu

Location
Mandu, originally was the fort capital of the Parmar rulers of Malwa. And it is settled along the Vindhya ranges at an altitude of 2,000 feet. Towards the end of the 13th century, it came under the authority of the Sultans of Malwa. Since, they were the first rulers they named it Shadiabad - 'The City of Joy'. The rulers built exquisite palaces like the Jahaz and Hindola Mahals, ornamental canals, baths and pavilions, which were graceful and refined.

The palace of Baz Bahadur, is a striking example of Afghan architecture and pavilion of Rani Roopmati, placed strategically, overlooks the palace. Architecturally, Mandu represents the best in a provincial Islamic style, restrained and lacking in an elaborate external ornamentation

Each of Mandu's structures is an architectural gem; outstanding like the massive Jami Masjid and Hoshang Shah's tomb, which provided inspiration to the master builders of the Taj Mahal centuries later.

Geographical Location
The Mandu City is situated at an altitude of 2079 ft. and extends for 8 miles against the rugged backdrop of the Vindhya Range, dominating the plateau of Malwa to the north, and the valley of the Narmada River to the south. Mandu is located 98 km to the south of Indore, in the western part of Madhya Pradesh, on the Vindhya ranges.

History
Dilawar Khan who was governor of Malwa province under the Delhi sultanate, founded Mandu, and in 1401 declared himself Sultan of Malwa. The city reached its greatest splendour under Hoshang Shah (1405-1435). Sultan Mohammed Khalji (reigned 1436-69) expanded the state to include portions of Gujarat, Rajasthan, and the Deccan.

The authority of Malwa's sultans declined towards the end of the fifteenth century, and in the early 1500's the sultan sought the aid of the sultans of Gujarat to counter the growing power of the Rajputs, while the Rajputs sought the aid of the Sesodia Rajput kings of Mewar. Gujarat stormed Mandu in 1518 and 1531, and shortly thereafter the Malwa sultanate collapsed. The Mughal emperor Akbar captured Malwa in 1562, and made it a province of his empire. Emperor Jehangir enjoyed the beauty and climate of Mandu. Mandu was abandoned by the seventeenth century.

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