Information on Koshak Mahal (Ashoknagar, Madhya Pradesh) - History & Architecture

The Koshak Mahal is located in the ancient town of Chanderi, in the district of Ashoknagar, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, in Central India. It is an important historical and architectural monument of this particular region. It was constructed by Mahmud Khilji of Malwa. According to the local legends and historians, he passed through this small town in the year 1445. He officially ordered that the Mahal be grandly built at that point of time. He initially mater planned for a seven storied palace but only two storeys were completed in a successfully manner during his lifetime.

Koshak Mahal Architecture

The architecture of Mandu has a lot of resemblance to the architecture styles and patterns of the Koshak Mahal located in Chanderi. Into four equal parts, this grand palace is equally divided with a lot of perfection. It largely reflects tradition architectural skills and talents of that period of time in that region. This attractive palace bears a very good imposing look for local and foreign visitors. It is to be remembered that parts of it are currently ruined status. Visitors can witness a perfect blend of Hindu and Islamic unique architecture in this palace. It is a spacious palace with better ventilation and best royal comfort levels. Its interior and exterior designs are really unique in all aspects. The flooring and ceiling are made in a special pattern of this particular region. The Islamic architectural styles and patterns can be witnessed in this particular palace in a grand manner. It is believed that large numbers of local and foreign artisans who are skilled and talented were used in the construction activities. It largely reflect the traditional and religious significance in this grand building structure.

Koshak Mahal History

As the historians and local legends, the city of Chanderi is described in the religious documents belonging to the 11th century. It is a significant center in the trade routes of Central part of India. It was very near to the arterial path to the medieval ports of Gujarat in the Arabian Sea. It was directly connected with the other part of Central India and Deccan, Mewar plus Malwa. In 1030, Chanderi is mentioned by the Persian scholar named Alberuni. Ghiyas ud din Balban in a successful manner captured the Chanderi in 1251, for Nasir ud din Mahmud who was the Sultan of Delhi. Sultan Mahmud I Khilji of Malwa also captured the Chanderi after several months of siege in 1438.

On the other hand, Medini Rai who was a successful rebellious minister of Sultan Mahmud II of Malwa grandly received Chanderi as special gift from Rana Sangha of Mewar after he successfully captured the city in 1520. Later, the Mughal Emperor named Babur captured the town from Medini Rai. In 1540, it directly passed on to the hand of Sher Shah Suri plus under the immediate governorship of Shujaat Khan. It is to be remembered that in the subah of Malwa, Akbar, the Mughal Emperor made the town a sarkar in a successful manner. In 1586, the Bundela Rajputs captured the town successfully plus it was held largely by Ram Sab who is a son of Raja Madhukar of Orchha.

Koshak Mahal Tourism Importance

The Koshak Mahal of Chanderi largely attracts local and foreign tourists. It gives them the great experience of the medieval period related grand structure build for safe and royal residential purpose with a lot of perfection. It is the right destination for understand the glorious periods of this particular region.