Mandu Fort Complex

The Mandu Fort complex, located in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh, is an ancient fortress city perched on a rocky outcrop of the Vindhya Range at about 633 meters elevation. It has a long history dating back to at least the 6th century CE when it was known as Mandapa-Durga, meaning "hall fort."

The fort gained prominence under the Paramara dynasty in the 10th and 11th centuries and later became the capital of the Malwa Sultanate in the 15th century under rulers like Dilawar Khan and Hoshang Shah, who fortified it extensively. Mandu is celebrated for its impressive blend of Indo-Islamic architecture with Afghan and Hindu influences, featuring famous monuments such as the Hindola Mahal with its distinctive sloping walls, the Jahaz Mahal, and the romantic pavilion of Rani Roopmati.

The fort complex is naturally defended by steep ravines on most sides, making it strategically strong and historically significant. The site retains ruins of palaces, mosques, tombs, and several massive gates, enclosing a battlemented wall spanning about 37 kilometers. Though it fell into decline during later periods, Mandu remains a symbol of the cultural and architectural zenith of Malwa, protected today by the Archaeological Survey of India and admired for its scenic beauty and rich history.