There are so many architectural masterpieces in Madhya Pradesh and one of such kind is the Roopmati Pavilion in Mandu Fort. The monument stands gracefully on the hills of Mandu and not as simple a construction of stone and mortar, but as a remnant of love, beauty and history. Roopmati and Baz Bahadur story has caught the attention of historians, travellers, and lovers of culture during centuries, thus making the Roopmati Pavilion a common women tourist destination in Mandu.
Introduction to Mandu Fort
The city of joy, better known Mandu, is found in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh. There is a decoration of the city with Afghan buildings, large palaces, enormous gates, mosques and pavilions. The core of it is the Mandu Fort, a huge citadel, which occupied 82 square kilometers, constructed in a strategically located place in the Vindhya ranges. The Roopmati Pavilion is the most celebrated of its numerous historical buildings, which is mostly due to romantic folklore surrounding it.
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Who Was Rani Roopmati?
Rani Roopmati was itself a magnificent youth of beauty and talent in music. Her beauty and alluring voice caught the attention of the last free-soil ruler, Sultan Baz Bahadur the 16 th century ruler of Malwa. They spent some love life together which even survived in the walls of Mandu though brief. When Roopmati assented to marry Baz Bahadur she made one stipulation that her house was always to overlook the holy river Narmada which she highly respected. It is due to this condition that we now have the architectural miracle that is Roopmati Pavilion.
Architectural Splendor of Roopmati Pavilion
In this case the structure was the Roopmati Pavilion that was originally constructed as a fort monitoring tower but was converted into a luxurious retreat of Rani Roopmati. It is also situated on top of the hill thus giving it not only military control but most impressive views.
Key Features of the Pavilion:
- High Design: The high tower is 365 meters above sea level, which gives a panoramic view of the Narmada valley and landscape around it.
- Doubled Bavilons: There are also two domed pavilion, typical of Afghan architecture.
- Terraces and Arches: Large terraces also ensured that Rani Roopmati could see the Narmada River and her desire came true.
- Identification to Baz Bahadur Palace: The pavilion is located near the Palace of Baz Bahadur that symbolizes their relations.
The Romance and Tragedy of Roopmati & Baz Bahadur
The love story between Roopmati and Baz Bahadur was not only courtly love affair, it was also love that was full of sorrow. In 1561, Mandu fell under the attack of Mughal army which was commanded by Adham Khan who was dispatched by Akbar the Emperor. Even his splendid daring was no match against the Mughal troops and Baz Bahadur fled the battlefield.
Rani Roopmati did not give in but she accepted return as a dignified death. She then took poison and killed herself thereby saving her honor. It was a fatal tragedy that gave life to their love that is now a legend in the India folklore.
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Cultural and Historical Significance
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The pavilion is the reminder of the love and other sacrifices that will remain colorful in love that provide some similarities to other love tales such as in Romeo and Juliet.
- It represents the blending of military and romantic architecture,?how a military strong point became an ode to love.
- The monument is still frequented by various historians, poets, writers and other travelers who get motivated by reading the stories.
Roopmati Pavilion Today
The Roopmati Pavilion is a day out destination loved by visitors today in Madhya Pradesh. It is under management of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and is in several places that can be visited. Tourists have the food to walk down its corridors, climb on to its domed pavilions, and have the same panorama views that once charmed Rani Roopmati. When in the monsoons, the greenery surrounding Mandu gets very lush, it further adds charm to this historical place and thus a paradise to a photographer.
Travel Tips for Visitors
- Peak Season: October to March (good weather).
- How to reach: Mandu is greatly connected either by Indore (assets like 100km) or Dhar.
- Opening Schedule: 8:00AM to 6:00PM (daily).
- Additional attractions also in the area would include: Baz Bahadur Palace, Jahaz Mahal, Hindola Mahal and Jami Masjid.
Conclusion
Roopmati Pavilion on Mandu fort is not just an historical monument, it is also a living legend with the heart pens ditty of love, devotion, and sacrifice. It continues to draw the attention of tourists all over around the world due to its captivation architecture in addition to the alluring legends. Visiting this pavilion is like travelling through its past where each stone serves to tell the timeless story of the love that always existed between Roopmati and Baz Bahadur. You can not leave out the Roopmati pavilion when you are exploring Madhya Pradesh in this combination of history and romance mixed with architecture.
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