Information on Hindola Mahal (Dhar, Madhya Pradesh) - History & Architecture

Hindola Mahal is located in the Royal Enclave group of monuments in the Mandu village in the district of Dhar, in the state of Madhya Pradesh in Central India. The Hindola Mahal means the "Swinging Palace". This particular palace has a large meeting hall. It is one of the most sought after tourist destination in the ruined city visited by foreign and domestic tourists. Hindola Mahal was built in a grand manner by Hushang Shah, most probably around A.D. 1425 as just a Durbar hall.

Hindola Mahal Architecture

The walls of Hindola Mahal are inordinately much thick and more slope like those of a British castle. The actual slope of nearly 77 degrees largely gives a swinging direct appearance to the building structure, hence the name was given. The entire master plan of the building structure is 'T' shaped. According to the historians, upright stem actually being the primary hall that was initially built and later the cross bar hall is a transverse portion which was added. The building structure was supposed probably to have the zenana place. The Main Hall represents as an Oblong building with 110' X 60' and 35' high. On the other hand, each of the long sided particularly has six sunken arches with a doorway just below and a large window above. It is to be remembered that the short side has three such similar arches. Moreover, the central one is considered as the main entrance.

It is to be remembered that the interior of the large hall comes with the measurement of 881/2' X 24 1/2' and 32' high with just five transverse strongly pointed arches that are largely supporting the flat roof. On the other hand, the flat roof is largely rested on timber beams whose perfect sockets are still visible to the visitors. The Transverse Building has two storeys and has similar dimensions as the primary hall. It has oriel windows of artistic design with less formal style. This building has a retiring room.

Hindola Mahal History

Historians strongly believe that the Hindola Mahal was constructed during the reign of Ghiyas al-Din at the end of the 15th century or during the reign of Hoshang Shah about 1425 C.E. It is one of the significant building structures in the royal palace complex at Mandu that comprises of the Nahar Jharokha, the Jahaz Mahal and the Tawili Mahal. This particular palace might have been largely used as an audience chamber in those days. It is largely believed that many important events and happening took place in the Palace in front of the large audience. It is one of the important Palaces in Madhya Pradesh. The Mandu village is also known as Mandavgad. It is an ancient ruined city that is largely visited by domestic and foreign tourists.

Hindola Mahal Tourism Importance

Tourists can feel the medieval period experience while visiting the Hindola Mahal. The interior and exterior of this palace will really make its visitors be in spellbound. The architectural beauty of this palace and its surround building structure is unique in several aspects. Other places that can be visited in and around Hindola Mahal are The Darwazas/Gates, Jahaz Mehal/Ship Palace, Hoshang Shah's Tomb, Jami Masjid, Rewa Kund, Roopmati's Pavilion, Baz Bahadur's Palace. A day is largely required to visit all these places of historical and architectural importance in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Tourists can visit these places throughout the year without any hesitation regarding climatic conditions prevailing in this region.