Monuments of Mandu

Contents: Preface. 1. Geography and Topography of Mandu. 2. Historical background. 3. The monuments. 4. Architectural Features of Monuments. 5. Epilogue. Appendix. Plates and figures. Layout Plan of Monuments of Mandu.

Mandu the "City of Joy" though in its ruins state of preservation of monuments, breaths an atmosphere of romance and mystery. It was the pleasure retreat of the succeeding sultans of Malwa and Emperor Jahangir. The relics are associated with the names of Nurjhan, the beautiful consort of Jahangir and Rupmati whose romance with Baz Bahadur, the last Malwa King; is a legend as depicted in the "Lady of the Lotus".

Prior to the advent of Muslims, an indigenous temple architecture was deeply. rooted in Mandu. This architecture was influenced by the various dynasties ruling over Malwa. Among these Paramaras of Malwa were the paramount rulers of Mandu. They were great builders of temples.

The conquest of India by Muslims made an effective and distinct impact on the indigenous cultural activities of India. This resulted in-corporation of New Style of architecture. The new modes and new principles of construction were also evolved which reflected expansion of the religions and social adherents of Islam on Indian soil.

This monograph is a detailed study of the monuments of Mandu and contains chapters dealing with the geography and topography of the region. A detailed chapter is devoted for the historical back drop. A separate section gives a detailed account of art architecture of monuments. The style of arches, domes are the main issues discussed in details in this book.