halls and terraces that offer breathtaking views and has been attracting tourists from all over the world. One of the most visited places in Mandu,BazBahadur’s Palace is visible from Roopmati Pavilion.
The palace offers the other half of the love story between Roopmati and BazBahadur, a love that transcends religion and worldly ties. Although the walls of the palace show the effects of time and nature, while walking through the long corridors amidst the numerous pillars and arched entrances, the echoes of a resplendent past are heard throughout the palace.The gardens offer wonderful views and tranquil rest areas. Built in 1509, the palace has several halls in which BazBahadur held court between 1555 and 1561. The palace is an exemplary specimen of the art and architecture of the time.
Khilji Sultan Nasir-ud-Din constructed the palace between the year 1508-1509, for the last ruler of Mandu- King BazBahadur. The mix styled architecture that includes a glimpse of Mughal and Rajasthani aesthetics is a marvelous piece of art. The King became fond of this palace because of his eternal romance with the accomplished singer Roopmati who used to visit the nearby RewaKund. There are about 40 broad steps to reach the entrance of the Palace and this hilltop monument offers scenic views of the surrounding region.
Rani RoopmatiPavalion
Amongst the many monuments and palaces that adorn the historical city of Mandu famous for the legendary tragic love story of Prince BazBahadur and Roopmati is the Roopmati’s Pavilion, one of the most visited tourist attractions in Mandu. Perched atop a hillock on the southern side of the BazBahadur Palace, Rani RoopmatiPavillion is from where the queen would view the palace of her beloved, BazBahadur
Originally built as an army observation post, the structure later on took the shape of symbol of undying love between BazBahadur and Rani Roopmati. Lying to the south of BazBahadur’s Palace, Roopmati’s Pavilion was then a low and large hall with two rooms on each side and a thick sloping base. Later, the building was extended on the western side along the plinth and the most interesting additions were the square pavilions housing hemispherical domes.
The corridors in the basement of the Roopmati’sPavillion have a number of arched openings across their width. The western ledge contains a large reservoir in which rain water was collected during the monsoon through a channel running from the roof of the structure to the tank below. Also the sensational view of river Narmada flowing 305 meters below is a sight to behold.
Rani Roopmati’s Pavilion bears witness to the love story between Queen Roopmati and BazBahadur. It was on one of his hunting excursions that BazBahadur got attracted to the mellifluous tunes of Roopmati, then a simple Hindu peasant girl. Love blossomed among them and she was brought to Mandu by the sultan on the condition that she would stay in such a place as to be able to view her paramour’s palace as well as the flowing Narmada. Thus began the love story between the two, though it ended tragically due to the intrusion of Adham Khan, a general of Mughal Emperor Akbar, who was attracted by the beauty of Roopmati. However, the queen died a self inflicted slow poisoned death, unable to bear such mental trauma.
