As soon as we hear the word “jahaz” (ship), our mind thinks of two things: an airplane and a water ship. But if I say “jahaz mahal” (ship palace), can there be a ship palace? Or can a palace be a ship?
The answer to this lies in this article.
Situated in Mandu, about 40 kilometers from a small district called Dhar in Madhya Pradesh, Jahaz Mahal is a palace that, when you look at it, feels like a beautiful painting framed against the backdrop of Mandu. Its beauty is extraordinary. The reason it is called Jahaz Mahal is its location between the Kapur and Munj Sagar ponds, giving the impression of a grand ship standing in the deep sea. During the rainy season, the beauty and craftsmanship of this place reach its peak, and that’s when the most tourists come to witness its splendor. Jahaz Mahal is one of the hidden and lesser-known yet magnificent heritages of Madhya Pradesh.
Historical Aspect:
It is said that this palace was built in the 15th century by Ghiyasuddin Khilji for his 15,000 queens. Its architecture is inspired by Hindu styles. There is an artistic and beautiful staircase here, designed to resemble the stairs of a ship, leading up to the upper floor. The entire structure appears to be shaped like a ship. This is the only building in Mandu whose walls were plastered. While other buildings in Mandu were constructed using lime, mortar, and stone dust, this structure was built by joining iron and stone.
(By Anjali Solanki)