HINDOLA MAHAL, MANDU




The Hindola Mahal (In English: “Swinging Palace”), is a large meeting hall, or durbar, in the ancient Indian city of Mandu, Madhya Pradesh. Today the Hindola Mahal is a tourist destination in the ruined city.

The Hindola Mahal might have been constructed during the reign of Hoshang Shah about 1425 C.E. but may date to the end of the 15th century during the reign of Ghiyas al-Din. It is one of a set buildings making up the royal palace complex at Mandu, which consists of the Jahaz Mahal, the Hindola Mahal, the Tawili Mahal, and the Nahar Jharokha. The Hindola Mahal may have been used as an audience chamber.

The palace attraction is a "T"- shaped building, with a main hall and a transverse projection at the North. There are six arched openings on both sides of the hall having windows on top, filled with beautiful tracery work providing path to light and air to come in. Side walls are further strengthened with massive slopes to counteract the force of the lofty arches which once supported the huge ceiling at the top. Its "T"- shaped projection was later added to provide a well-guarded approach for the king. The Interior of Hindola Mahal is planned like a cross formed by the main passage leading to the hall and by another passage crossing it at right angles in the mid passages. Mix of the materials used at different parts of the building suggests that the architectural additions are done at various intervals of time.