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

A walk through Mandu will leave you awe-struck, the way you used to be listening to stories from grandparents.

A treasure trove of magnificent ruins, Mandu is home to some exquisite examples of Mughal architecture. The city was invaded and ruled by a number of kings and emperors, as its strategic position on the Vindhya Range caught the attention of the Marathas, Mughals and Khikjis alike. The solitude of this citadel was coveted by rulers as it also served as the ideal outpost to make incursions into the Deccan or to ward off invading armies from the south. And its beauty captured the heart of every invading king. The Legend of Baz Bahadur & Rani Roopmati

The legend of Baz Bahadur and Roopmti remains a favorite with the balladeers of Malwa till date. The romance of these royal lovers has been the inspiration for many forms of art, including cinema. Baz Bahadur ruled Malwa from 1554 to 1562. It is said that he was of a romantic nature and gave up warfare to devote himself to music and poetry. One day, while returning from a hunting expedition, he came across Roopmati singing a melodious tune. He was smitten by the beautiful shepherdess and began composing ballads to serenade and woo her. She eventually relented to him, but laid a condition: that a palace be built from where she could view the Narmada and gaze at her king in his palace. Thus, Baz Bahadur commissioned a vantage point over the edge of a cliff for his beloved, Roopmati, which is now known as Roopmati’s Pavilion. It was so strategically placed that it fulfilled her desire and she agreed to be Baz Bahadur`s queen. The ruins of this inspiring testimony to love still remain in Mandu. The fortress city was eventually invaded by Akbar`s half-brother Adham Khan. Baz Bahadur was defeated and he fled from the city. Adham Khan, mesmerized by Roopmati`s beauty, made several advances towards her. Taken over by despair, Roopmati consumed poison and gave up her life. Today, the remains of her pavilion still overlook the Narmada below and the ruined palace of her ill-fated lover, Baz Bahadur.