Jahaj Mahal
The splendid architecture of Jahaz Mahal occupies an expense in the Mandu region of Madhya Pradesh. It was built during the reign of Mandu Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din Khilji, who is believed to have as many as 15,000 women as his consorts. To accommodate the women belonging to the royal consortium, Jahaz Mahal was built in the second half of the 15th century. Jahaz Mahal best captures the medieval history of Mundu. Here 'Jahaz' refers to a ship and 'Mahal' refers to a palace, which is a reflection of the edifice itself. Surrounded by pond water, it seems to be floating gently above the surface of the water.
The architecture and structure of Jahaaz Mahal are both awe-inspiring and marvelous in terms of their engineering. Emulating the appearance of a mighty ship, the palace is an amalgam of Afghan, Mughal, Hindu, and Mesopotamian architectural styles. It was built with meticulous precision that followed acoustic water supply patterns, subtly reflecting the pond that lies overlooking the palace. The balconies are constructed in a way that amplifies sound such that reverberates through the entire body of Jahaz Mahal. The intricate carvings, precise engineering design, and pristine beauty along with its proximity to other tourist attractions such as Roopmati's Pavilion, Baz Bahadur's Palace, Hindola Mahal, Jain Temple, and Jami Masjid make it one of the most important tourist spots in the city.
History of Jahaz Mahal
The history of Jahaz Mahal is closely related to the rich history of Mandu itself. The main purpose behind building this imposing building was to comfortably accommodate all of the 15,000 women of Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din Khilji's royal women.The harem was constructed in such a manner that it shielded the women from the eyes of the common man, but at the same time gave them full autonomy over their freedom. Here, the Sultan's consorts enjoyed a life of luxuries and pleasures. However, Jahaz Mahal lost its original splendour after Ghiyas-ud-din Khilji's death. The last royal visit to the palace was paid by Mughal emperor Jahangir and his favourite wife Nur Jahan in 1617, who described the experience as " a wonderful assembly".
Architecture of Jahaz Mahal
The magnificent architecture of this palace has made it one of the most visited places in Mandu. Jahaz Mahal, Mandu is located in a narrow strip of land between Kapur talao and Munj Talao. The structure is around 110 meters in height and around 15 meters in width. The structures stand strong with an entrance from the east which further connects the main entrance that has recessed arches.
There are around 6 arched openings protected with an overhanging cornice with the continuous support of stone brackets. This is how the palace got its name because on looking at the surface of the water, the palace gives the view of floating architecture. Here are some of the amazing details about this structure: The Mandu Jahaz Mahal is rectangular and it’s a three feet talk structure with thick walls.
The superb interior of this palace is well known with three huge halls. These halls have a connection with the corridor and it consists of rooms at either end of the corridor.These halls and rooms were used in the olden days to house women from the royal harem.
The women held an important place and were considered precious at that time, so the hidden halls with curtains and arched openings were perfect to protect privacy.The halls of the palace are connected by a corridor with small rooms at the end. The interior and exterior of the palace give an incredible view of cascades and fountains.
Sound and Light Show at Jahaz Mahal
As a traveler in Madhya Pradesh, it is always recommended not to miss the 'Light and Sound Shows' at the historical monuments. Among the numerous architectures, Jahaz Mahal, Mandu provides the most extravagant experience showcasing the history and its associated monuments. Being home to some exquisite examples of Mughal architecture, this light and sound show takes you to the medieval era.
