Magical Madhya Pradesh #Lockdown

Jami Masjid, Mandu
Started by Hushang Shah and finished by Mahmud in A.D. 1440.

The mosque remains quiet and tranquil as the mosque is not a historical monument only. The mosque was once a place for thousands of worshipers is now nothing but bears the history. The gigantic area depicts the capacity of accommodating an ample amount of worshipers. There are small chambers which were used for various reasons. The domes that are place are the trademark of Afghan architecture. There are two main entrances that invites tourist to explore the wonderful creation which stands high in prestige and honor of Ghauri dynasty.
Being raised on a high plinth, this enables the front side of the basement to contain a series of arcaded chambers to be used as a serai.

Solo biking
November 2019
#Lockdown

Rani Roopmati Pavilion, Mandu
Afghan architecture in sandstone.

Among the plethora of monuments that dot the landscape of the historical city of Mandu in Madhya Pradesh, is the Roopmati Pavilion, an ode to love. The sandstone structure is perched regally on the edge of a 365m precipice overlooking the Nimar Valley and to the south of the Baz Bahadur Palace. It stands as testimony to the legendary tragic love story of Baz Bahadur, the mid-16th century Sultan of Mandu, a great musician, and his queen, Rani Roopmati, a singer of repute.

We traverse a broad, winding pathway to come upon a flight of stairs that brings us to the 16th century monument. The 72m high fort, Roopmati Pavilion, the southern-most monument in the city, is a magnificent expression of Afghan architecture in sandstone. It is evident that the monument underwent construction in phases during different time periods. The original design, sans pavilions, was built as an observation post for the royal army as a low, large hall with a pair of rooms on each side and a heavy sloping base. A symbol of their undying love, it was later transformed into the abode of Roopmati with a western side extension along the plinth. It was extended so as to enable the queen, who fervently worshipped the Narmada, to see the river and perform religious rites without stepping out of
However, it is the pavilions on the terrace of the original block that we access via spiral stairs, a later addition, which lends the structure its distinctive allure. The square-based pavilions are crowned with hemispherical domes that are fluted on the interior and exterior. We are treated to a visual delight as we climb a flight of steps to reach the pavilion top. Nature's enchantment leaves us mesmerised as lush forests, plateaus, valleys and vast stretches of far away hills stretch before us
A look by Chitra Ramaswamy.

Solo biking
Dec. 2019

Maheshwar Ghat, Maheshwar