Baz Bahadur"s Palace is one of the most attractive sights in Mandu. Its name Baz Bahadur has been derived from the name of ruler Baz Bahadur who was fond of music and art. Baz Bahadur"s palace is located on the slopes of a hill in Mandu in the midst of natural scenery. Surrounded with greenery this palace still narrates the story of Rani Roopmati and Baz Bahadur who was the Sultan of Malwa during 1555 to 1562. Situated at the outskirts of Mandu this palace attracts a large number of tourists towards its splendid architecture and interesting legends that narrate the love story of Rani Roopmati of Malwa and singer prince of Malwa Baz Bahadur.
The unique features of Baz Bahadur palace are its spacious courtyards surrounded by halls and high terraces, which afford a superb view of the surrounding countryside. The palace lies just below the Roopmati"s Pavilion and has high terraces and large halls. It has been built in the traditional Afghan architectural style and is a reminder of the tragic love story of Rani Roopmati and Baz Bahadur. During his rule, Mandu was at its peak. The Palace is located on hill slope with scenic surrounding. It is about 95 kms west of Indore city and easily accessible by road. Baz Bahadur palace is an interesting blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture and style. This palace was actually built far before Baz Bahadur came into power. Inscription at the palace entrance gate describes its construction to Sultan Nasiruddin Shah in 1508-09 AD.
Architecture of the Baz Bahadur Palace
The main gateway to the palace is approached by 40 broad steps with landings in intervals. The passage through gateway has the rooms for guards which is having vaulted ceiling. This passage has arched designs on both the ends which give it an artistic look and it leads to the outer court of the palace. This outer court can also be reached by main doorway. On main part of the palace there is an open court which is having beautiful fountain in middle. All four sides have halls and rooms. These halls are used for different purpose like meetings with public, meetings with administrative officers etc. In the north of the Baz Bahadur palace, there is an octagonal pavilion with arches which overlooks a garden area where marks of history can still be seen. There are steps that lead to spacious terrace with boundaries which offers a breathtaking view of Roopmati Pavilion in foreground and beautiful countryside view.
History of the Baz Bahadur Palace
Mandu became a hill fort in the 6th century but it was not until the 10th century that it gained prominence under the Paramara dynasty. Most of the surviving architecture was built between 1401 and 1531 when the city was the thriving capital of the Sultans of Malwa. They renamed the fort "Shadiabad" and built palaces, mosques and tombs beside gardens and lakes within its walls. After the fall of the Malwa Sultanate, Daulat Khan ruled Mandu as Sultan Baz Bahadur from 1555 until 1561 when he was deposed by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. The Palace of Baz Bahadur stands on a hill above the sacred tank Rewa Kund, contained in the royal enclosure in southern Mandu. It was built in 1509, before Baz Bahadur came to power, but was occupied by him.
Legends of Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati
Overall Baz Bahadur"s Palace and the Rani Roopmati`s pavilion are mainly known for the legends. The legend of their love story is still remembered by all the visitors. One day Sultan Baz Bahadur while hunting fell instantly in love with a beautiful shepherdess Roopmati by her exceptional beauty and captivating voice. Roopmati married Sultan with a condition to construct a palace for her which would be within the sight of River Narmada. Sultan constructed the famous Rewa Kund reservoir of Mandu.
While Baz Bahadur spent his major time on Rani Roopmati and music, he paid little attention towards the army and security of his territory. When the Emperor of Mughal Dynasty, Akbar sent Adham Khan to capture Mandu in 1561 Baz Bahadur`s army faced terrible defeat in front of the superior Mughal army. This showed the weakness of the Musical king who fled to Chittor leaving behind his beloved. To avoid enemy`s attack Rani decided to commit suicide by taking poison. After her death Baz Bahadur came back to Mandu and settled in Rani Roopmati`s Pavilion which was built on her honour. He shifted to the pavilion so that he could remember his beloved.
Connectivity to Baz Bahadur Palace
Mandu is just 95 kms west of Indore city. Nearest airport is Devi Ahilya Bai Airport which is also commonly known as Indore Airport. The nearest railway station is Indore junction. From Indore to Mandu one can also visit by bus or other public carrier service.
Best Time to Visit
Baz Bahadur palace in Mandu is open for visitors from sunrise to sunset. Similarly other Mandu monuments can also be visited in same time duration. These monuments remain open for tourists in all the seasons. Here most of the tourist arrival is experienced from October to April as it is the best time to visit North India and Central India. During this time most of the festivals falls and climatic condition also remains good. The tourists visit this area not only to enjoy its scenic beauty but also to witness the love story of the Sultan and Rani.
