ARCHITECTURAL MARVELS OF MADHYA PRADESH!
- Nishita Chopra
- Feb 21, 2021
- 4 min read
Madhya Pradesh has undoubtedly proved to be a poolhouse in architectural monuments. Some of them, so rich in history that it remains untouched. While the local houses are typical mud homes, MP is famous for some of it's outstanding monuments and palaces that are striking attractions.
Vernacular Homes
Mudhouses with clay-tiled roofs are a common sight at MP. In the front of the house, family members engage in craftwork and the cattle shelters are built alongside the house. There are few windows present in rural homes. The smoke from the kitchen escapes through the gaps in the earthen tiled roofs and walls. Basic structural construction is executed for the construction of these homes. Such architecture is fast disappearing as now people are moving towards more stable and technologically sound homes.
Some of the most famous and prevailing cities, towns, and structures of Madhya Pradesh are discussed below.
Orchha
The town's meaning is The Hidden Place. It stands apt with the plethora of unexplored platforms, domes, and spires that rise out of this jungle. This town was established in 1501 by Maharaja Rudra Pratap Singh and is situated by the Betwa River.
The Jehangir Mahal is a must-visit in this town. It reflects the dynasty of Bundela Kings of the 10th and the 16th century. It is built in lime mortar and has a porous surface, making it suitable for all seasonal changes. This is a three-storey building featuring a fountain in the centre of the fort.
The battlement wall encompassing the fort wall of the town is lined with chhatris while elsewhere about the town, varied temples and tombs can be seen.
Sunsets turn the circling vultures to silhouettes as the Hindu devotees chant rhythmic incantations to Lord Rama, who they believe resides in Ram Raja Temple; and the whole town is turned dusky pinks and amber before being completely swallowed by the shadows of the encroaching jungle.
Khajuraho
Madhya Pradesh is also famous for its Khajuraho group of monuments. Khajuraho group of monuments is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in the Chhatarpur District. These temples have the most intricate carvings and elaborate sculptures. The most known one being the Kandariya Mahadev Temple. It is the largest and the most ornate temples of Khajuraho. It faces east and rises 117 ft above ground level. The temple is approached by a steep flight of steps. The architecture is based on five typical components of design which ends in a tower holding 84 small replicas of spires. This is where it is believed to be denoting Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva.
Datia
This is another walled city in Central India. The Datia Mahal in this town was made in 1614, built to mark Jehangir's visit. This palace boasts of an Indo-Islamic architecture blend, being the only one with this fusion in the north and central region. The palace holds a large courtyard, in the centre of which is a 40m high tower housing 440 rooms and various courtyards. Various naturally dyed paintings adorn the walls and ceilings of several rooms on the top three floors. Windows are done up in elegant stone latticework with each motif different from the other with ornate pillars and arches. Datia palace is known to be the best architectural marvels in Madhya Pradesh.
Sanchi
The Sanchi Stupa is one of the earliest examples of temple architecture. In the stupa premises, one can witness the evolution of the Gupta temple. The structure holds four gateways and showcases the life of Buddha through its intricate carvings. The stupas are surrounded by Toroanas, representing love, peace, trust and courage. The central chamber is a large hemispherical dome and different relics of Lord Buddha are placed inside. The stupa is surrounded by a large railing. UNESCO has awarded this site the World Heritage Site and the numerous pillars, stupas and the Ashoka Pillar has remained their primary focus for years.
Gwalior
Gwalior is known for its intricately carved palaces and temples.
The Jai Vilas Palace in Gwalior is the most popular and was built in the 19th century. Showcasing a combination of European Architecture in detail, it was made by Sir Michael Filose. The first storey depicts Tuscan style, the second shows Italian Doric and the third Corinthian architecture. The Durbar Hall is the main highlight of the structure.
The Gwalior Fort is also a popular underrated attraction of the city. It stands on a sandstone plateau overlooking the city and is approachable via a route lined with the sacred Jain temples.
Mandu
Mandu is an ancient city embraced by stone walls dotted with Darwaza and is known for its Afghan Architectural Heritage.
The Jahaz Mahal is a popular palace in this town. Other Landmark buildings include Hoshang Shah's Tomb, a domed marble mausoleum and Jami Masjid which has courtyards framed by colonnades.
The Jahaz Mahal is an imposing, centuries-old structure situated between two artificial lakes. The name comes from its appearance as a floating ship in the water. Built by Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din-Khalji, it served as his harem. This is a rectangular structure, with two floors and thick walls. The eastern side has a gothic arch for entry further secured by chajja and made on stone brackets. There are three huge halls inside the fort separated by corridors and flanked by small rooms at the end. The northern side of the palace leads to a huge bath holding broad steps leading inside. The palace is surrounded by pretty fountains and cascades.
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I have been to most of the places mentioned above. Nicely written !!