Hindola Mahal – It Was Designed By An Artist Who Designed The Warangal Fort Too

HINDOLA MAHAL

AT

DHAR

Hindola Mahal in Mandu is a popular historical monuments and tourist attractions during Mandu sightseeing. Its english translation is "Swinging Palace". It is a "T" shaped building use as open air theater or audience hall. It derives its name from its sloping, buttressed walls. This sloping wall is in 77°angle which gives an impression as if building is swinging.

It is believed to be constructed during rule of Hoshang Shah in year 1425 as Durbar Hall but later modified and added to its current look by Ghiyasuddin Khilji reign in last of 15th century. It is one of the first set of monuments that appears while entering into Mandu, coming from Indore through Delhi Darwaza. 

Hindola Mahal is a "T" shaped building where its head is north direction facing.

It is part of royal palace complex which includes other popular buildings like Jahaz Mahal, Tawili Mahal, Munj Talao, Nahar Jharokha etc. In terms of architecture, it is marked different from other Mandu monuments due to its extreme simplicity in style of construction but well-proportioned. It has bordering Munj Talao to the north which is a cluster of ruined monuments.

We can find same kind of architecture in historical buildings in other parts of India like in Fort of Warangal which is located in Andhra Pradesh state in South India and seems to have been designed by same artist.

The Hindola Mahal explores its architectural simplicity with minimal ornamentation and stands out boldly through massive inclined slopes. These elements make the Hindola Mahal a unique example of the Malwa style. In addition, the pointed arches on the building’s interior show how Malwa architecture was inspired by the Delhi styles.

The Architecture of Hindola Mahal is unique with innovative construction and superb technique which invites thousands of tourists every year. It was constructed with sand stone with beautifully carved columns. In the western part of the Hindola Mahal there are few monuments whose identities are not yet unveiled.

Entrance Fee

Rs.5 (Indian)

Rs.100 (Foreigner)

Rs.25 (Video Camera)

Timings 6 am to 7 pm

By Air

Nearest airport for reaching Hindola Mahal is in Indore about 100 kms away. It is a well connected airport. After reaching Indore Airport, one can do further journey by road using bus service or taxi service.

By Train

Nearest railway station for reaching Hindola Mahal is in Indore city and known as Indore Junction. It is well connected with important tourist destinations and cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Agra, Jaipur, Bhopal, Jabalpur, Varanasi etc.

By Bus

Hindola mahal in Mandu is easily accessible by road from rest of the India. Its nearby cities are Indore and Dhar. It is easily accessible by single drive from Vadodara, Bhopal, Ahmedabad, Jalgaon etc.