The history of Madhya Pradesh is full of great dynasties and rulers. These rulers control the territory from the big forts and palaces. Many forts have not survived the test of time but many forts and palaces still exist in their full glory.
Forts and Palaces of Madhya Pradesh are an important part of the MPPSC syllabus under the heading Tourism sites in Madhya Pradesh.
In this topic, we will cover the major forts and Palaces of Madhya Pradesh and important information about them such as founder, location, special features, etc.
Forts in Madhya Pradesh
Dynasties such as Parmar, Chandela, Tomar, Bundela, Rajputs, Malwa Sultanate, Gonds, etc ruled the various parts of the state. They built strong and beautiful forts to govern territory, and protect themselves from attack. The famous forts in Madhya Pradesh are mentioned below.
Gwalior Fort
- It is called the ‘Gibraltar of the East’ and stands on a steep land of sandstone.
- It is a hill fort near Gwalior, built by King Suraj Sen during the 6th century AD to honor the saint Gwalipa. The saint cured the king suffering from leprosy disease.
- Major Dynasties ruled from here were - Kachchhapaghatas (10th century), Tomars (13th century), Lodi Dynasty, Mughal Empire, Maratha & Scindia (18th century).
- The fort remains one of India's most impregnable forts of country.
- Emperor Babur called it "the gem among the Forts of Hind" because of its majestic design.
Major Monuments inside the forts are
- Religious places inside the fort are Siddhachal Jain Temple Caves, Urvashi temple, Gopanchal Temple, Teli Temple, Garuda Monument, Sas-Bahu (Sahastrabahu) Temple, Gurudwara Data Bandi Chhod
- Gujri Palace, Man-Mandir Palace, etc.
GWALIOR FORT
Chander Fort
- location- Chanderi (Ashoknagar). On the hill, Southwest of Betwa River. Chanderi is also famous for its Chandei Sari & Handicrafts.
- The fort stands on a great bay of sandstone hills pierced by narrow passes and was of strategic importance,
Brief History
- The famous historical Figures associated with the fort are- Balban (Mamluk Dynasty), Sultan Mahmud Khilji of Malwa, Rana Sangha of Mewar, Medini Rai, Mughal Emperor Babur, Baiju Bawra, Sher Shah Suri, Shujaat Khan, Bundel King Ram Sab, and Sindhias of Gwalior
Important Monuments
- Kati Gathi
- Jain Temples, a gigantic black-painted statue of Shantinath (8th-9th Century AD)
- Varaha temple, attributed to the boar incarnation of Vishnu (5th century).
- Khilji Mosque,
- Naukhanda palace, Koshak Palace, Kila Kothi
- Jauhar (the act of self-immolation) Smarak
- Baiju Bawra Memorial
- Shahzadi ka Roza
- Kati Ghati
Architecture
- Chanderi fort is influenced by the Rajput style and Mughal Style of architecture.
- The heavy use of recycled temple columns, a trabeated style, and the small, domed kiosks found on a number of the buildings are indicative of the Rajput style.
- It has three entrance gates known as Hawa Paur, Khooni Darwaza, and Kati Ghati.
CHANDERI FORT
Ahilya Fort
- Location- Maheshwar, Khargone. On the banks of the Narmada River,
Brief History
- Some historians credit the Paramar rulers to build the fort, while others credit Akbar.
- Some even traced its origin to the Mauryan era (322-185 BC).
- As per recorded history, Malhar Rao Holkar became ruler of the fort in 1733 followed by Ahilya Bai Holkar, who reconstructed the fort.
Architecture
- The fort has high walls that overlook the Narmada river.
- There are five gates. Kamani Darwaza and Ahilya Dwar (earlier Gadi Darwaza) are mostly used.
- The royal palace, which is a wooden building commonly referred to as Rajwada.
AHILYA FORT
Asirgarh Fort
- Location- Burhanpur District. On the Satpura Mountain Ranges of Madhya Pradesh
- It is called ‘The Gateway of Deccan’.
Brief History
- The fort was built by Asa Ahir of the Ahir Kingdom.
- The fort was won by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1601
Architecture
- The architecture of the fort is an amalgamation of Islamic, Persian, Turkish, and Indian styles.
Monuments
- Gupteshwar Mahadev Mandir, Asir Masjid
ASIRGARH FORT
Bandhavgarh Fort
- Location- Inside Bandhavgarh National Park Umariya
- Evidence shows that the fort was built 20000 years ago.
Brief History
- As per myths It was associated with Laxman Brother of Lord Ram.
- Many dynasties have controlled the fort., The Mauryans (3rd century BC), Vakataka rulers (3rd- 5th century), the Sengars (5th century), and the Kalachuris (10th century).
- Baghel Dynasty took control In the 13th century, ruling from Bandhavgarh as their capital until 1617.
Monuments
- Shesh Saya- an 11-meter monolithic statue of Lord Vishnu (10th century)
- Statues of Vishnu’s Incarnation like Seven meters high statue of Narasimha, Varah (boar incarnation), the Matasya Incarnation, and the tortoise incarnation.
- The surrounding areas also have many Buddhist caves, ancient temples, inscriptions, etc.
BANDHAVGARH FORT
Vijay Raghavgarh Fort
- Location- Katni
- It was built by Thakur Prayagdas, son of Maihar King Bishan Singh in around 1826
- The fort was constructed using red sandstone.
Deogarh Fort
- Location- Chhindwara district.
- It was built by Gond Kingdom Rulers.
- It was under the control of Gonds, Mughals, Marathas, and Britishers during its lifetime.
- The fort has only 1 entrance gate, more than 30 bastions, and several wells & tanks.
- Important monuments including houses and murals on pillars, balconies, and walls.
Dhar Fort
- Location- Dhar District, Malwa Region
Brief History
- It was known as Dhar Giri Lilodyan during the time of King Bhojdev.
- When Alauddin Khalji attacked the fort in 1305. He renovated the fort and completed its fortification.
- It was related to Sultan Mahmud Tughlaq of Delhi who stayed here.
- It is the birthplace of Peshwa Bajirao II.
- Later in 1732 AD the Pawar dynasty captured the fort and used it as a royal palace.
- Dara Shikoh took refuge in this fort.
Architecture
- The fort was made from red sandstone.
- Its architecture is a unique blend of Hindu, Mughal, and Afghan styles.
DHAR FORT
Gohad Fort
- Location- Bhind District, on the banks of the Vaisali River.
- The construction of the Gohad fort was started by Jat ruler Rana Singhandev II. Later it was completed by Maharaja Bhim Singh Rana, Maharaja Chhatra Singh, and Maharaja Kirat Singh.
GOHAD FORT
Narsinghgarh Fort
- Location- Rajgarh District. It falls under the Narsinghgarh Wildlife sanctuary.
- It was built by Rajput chieftain Paras Ram, belonging to the Umat clan in 1681.
- The fort was used by the Rajputs, the Mughals, and the Marathas.
- It is also called 'Umatwara'.
- Important tourist locations are- Ram temple, the Jal Mandir, an artificial lake Paras Ram Sagar, natural caves with prehistoric paintings, Solah Khamba (Pillared Structure), the Haji Wali dargah and the Bada & Chhota Mahadev.
Raisen Fort
- Location- Raisen, On the Vindhya Ranges, 23 Kilometers from Bhopal.
- The fort is said to be over 800 years old built in the 13th century. It hosts a temple and a mosque.
- Famous tourist places inside the fort are- the shrine of Hazrat Peer Fatehullah Shah Baba, the Badal Mahal, Raja Rohini Mahal, Hawa Mahal, Jehangir Mahal, Dhobi Mahal, and Kachehari Mahal
- The Jehangir Mahal is adorned with diamond and lotus bud carvings on the walls.
- The Hawa Mahal is comprised of a large Rani lake used by royal ladies.
Hingalgarh Fort
- Location- Bhanpura tehsil of Mandsaur district.
- It was a strategically important fort for Pramar Rulers. It also served the Chandrawat rulers, Holkars.
- Local legend has it that Gotri Bhil was killed here and a memorial is built here for him.
- Famous tourist places are- Hinglaj Mata temple, Rama-Hanuman Temple, Darbar Kaksha (Kachhari), Rani Mahal, Shiva Temple, Fateh Burj, and Tirtham.
Mhow Fort
- Location- Indore
- It was built by the Maharaja Shivajirao Holkar of the Holkar Dynasty. It is comprised of many temples, forts, etc.
- Mhow Fort is also known as Kajligarh Fort. This fort was built in the Holkar Era.
Narvar Fort
- Location- Shivpuri, east of Kali Sindh river.
- It was built by Raja Nal ( hero of the Kalidasa’s Epic Drama Abhigyan Shakuntalam)
- This fort served the Kachhwaha Rajputs, Scindias, Mughals, Sultans of Malwa, and Marathas rulers.
- Influence of Mughal architecture is prevalent in the architecture of the fort.
- Important places within the fort are Phulwa Mahal, Chhip Mahal, Hawa Paur, Rani Mahal, Kacheri Mahal, Koriyon ki Haveli, Rani Damayanti Mahal, Rawa Parewa Mahal, Sunheri Mahal, Ram Janaki Temple, and others.
Islamnagar
- Location- Bhopal
- It was built by Dost Mohammad Khan in 1716 and renovated by Baji Ram, minister to Nawab Faiz Mohammad in 1736.
- It was used by the Mughals till 1727 and The Scindhias from 1806 to 1817.
- Famous tourist places- Chaman Mahal and Rani Mahal.
- It was built in Malwa-Mughal architectural style.
Mandsaur Fort (Dashpur Fort)
- Location- Mandsaur district.
- The fort was built by Allauddin Khilji.
- The monolith pillar at Mandsaur testify the victory of Yasodharman, a Jat King of Malwa.
- The fort served many dynasties like the Aulikaras dynasty, Gurjara Pratihara dynasty, Malwa Sultanate, and Maratha rulers.
- It has 12 gates. The most important is ‘Nadi Darwaza’.
Ajaygarh Fort
- Location- Panna, near Ken river.
- It was built by Bundela Rulers Ajaypal.
- The fort has five gates and is built of sandstone.
- Grand doorway called Kalinjar Darwaza is located inside this fort.
Garh Kunder Fort
- Location- Niwari
- It was built by Yashovarma Chandel (925–940 AD) after conquering western Bundelkhand.
- The fort has five stories built at the top of a hill.
Ginnorgarh Fort
- Location- Sehore, falls inside the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary.
- The fort was built by the Gond dynasty ruler. It was passed on to Dost Mohammad, Ruler of Bhopal.
Ater Fort
- Location- Bhind
- The construction of the fort was started by the Bhadauria king Badan Singh in 1644 and completed by Mansingh in 1668.
Madhavgarh Fort
- Location- Satna district, on the banks of Tons river.
- It was built by Maharaja Vishwanath Singh Judeo of Rewa princely state.
Palaces in Madhya Pradesh
The famous palaces of Madhya Pradesh are mentioned below.
Jaivilas Palace
- Location- Gwalior
- It was built by Maharaja Jayajirao Scindia.
- Architecture of the palace was Sir Michael Filose.
- The Palace is designed in Italian architecture with Baroque, with an influence of Rococo and Indo-Saracenic styles.
- It is the private residence of the Scindiya family.
- A section of the palace is turned into Museum known as Jai Vilas Palace Museum.
JAIVILAS PALACE
Major Tourist attraction
- The court hall and its chandelier
- The Silver train in the Banquet hall- to serve drinks to his dinner guests.
- The Silver Chariot
- The Persian Carpet- it took 12 years to prepare it.
- Akbar’s Zulfiqar Sword.
Palaces inside Gwalior Fort
The fort complex have many palaces such as
Man Mandir Palace
- It was built by the Tomar ruler Maharaja Man Singh in the 15th century for his queen, Mrignayani.
- The place is designed with Rajput Architecture. Walls are decorated with the use of styled tiles of turquoise, green, and yellow used extensively in a geometric pattern.
Karn mahal
It is a significant monument at Gwalior Fort built by the second king of the Tomar dynasty, Kirti Singh.
Vikram mahal
It is also known as the Vikram mandir, as it once hosted a temple of Shiva. It was built by Vikramaditya Singh, the elder son of Maharaja Mansingh.
Gujri Mahal
- It was built by Raja Man Singh for his Gujjar Queen, Mrignayani.
- It is a two-storeyed square building that was later converted into an Archaeological Museum.
- The antiquities in the museum date back to the 1st century A.D.
- The statue of Shalbhajika has been described as India's Venus de Milo.
Mandu Palaces Complex
Roopmati Pavilion, Jahaz Mahal, Jami Mosque, Hindola Mahal, etc are the part of Mandu palace complex.
Roopmati's Pavilion
- It was built as an army observation post.
- This palace was the living place of queen Roopmati.
- She can see Baz Bahadur's palace and the Narmada river from this palace.
Jahaz Mahal
- Jahaz Mahal is built on a narrow strip of land between Munj lake and Kapur lake that gives the impression of an anchored ship.
- It was built by Sultan Ghiyasuddin Khilji as a harem to accommodate all the 15000 women of Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din Khilji's royal women.
- Architecture- Combination of Afghan, Mughal, Hindu, and Mesopotamian architectural styles.
- The palace has six arched openings, three large halls on the ground floor, and a water channel
JAHAZ MAHAL
Hindola Mahal
- It is an audience hall. Hindola Mahal means the 'swinging palace' because it has sloping sidewalls.
- Superb and innovative techniques are also evident in its ornamental facade, delicate trellis work in sandstone, and beautifully molded columns.
- Hoshang Shah started the construction.
HINDOLA PALACE
Ashrafi Mahal
- It was built by Mahmud Shah Khilji successor of Hoshang Shah.
- Ashrafi mahal means 'Palace of Gold Coins'. It faces the Jami Masjid.
Baz Bahadur Palace
- The palace was built by Baz Bahadur in the early 16th century.
- It has a spacious courtyard surrounded by halls and high terraces.
Darwazas (Gateways)
- The complex has 12 gateways.
- Some of the gates are Delhi Darwaza (entrance of the fortress city), Alamgir Darwaza, Bhangi Darwaza, etc.
Nilkanth Mahal
- It is a Mughal period palace. It is situated close to the Nilkanth Shiva shrine.
- It was constructed by Shah Badgah Khan for Emperor Akbar's Hindu wife.
Datiya Palaces
- Location- Datiya District
- It is also called the Veer Singh Dev or Satkhanda or Govind or Purana Palace.
- It is called Satkhanda because its seven-storeyed palace was built in the Mughal and Rajput style of architecture.
- The palace was built to welcome the Mughal emperor Jahangir.
- The building, resembling the 'swastika' symbol, emphasizes a classic symmetrical plan.
- It hosts the Governor-General Lord Hastings in 1818, and Viceroy Lord Curzon in 1902.
DATIYA
Lal Bagh Palace
- Location- Indore
- The monument was built by the rulers of the Holkar Dynasty. The Construction began in 1886 under Tukoji Rao Holkar II.
- A section of the building is converted into a museum that hosts rare murals and Italian-style paintings and other antique artifacts belonging to the Holkars.
- The palace is encircled by a flower garden that has flowers of rare origin.
Palaces of Bhopal
Bhopal has many beautiful palaces. Major palaces are mentioned below.
Rani Kamlapati Palace
- The palace was built in 1722, for Queen Kamlapati, the widow of Nizam Shah Gond,
- It was located on the banks of Upper Lake in Bhopal.
- The palace is a blend of Mughal and modern architecture.
- The Archaeological Survey of India gives the site a ‘Monument of National Importance’ status.
Gohar Palace
- It is located near the Upper Lake in Bhopal,
- It was Built-in 1820 by Qudsia Begum, the first female ruler of Bhopal,
- The palace was designed in Indo-Islamic architectural style.
Shaukat Mahal
- It was built with Asian and Western architectural art with the predominance of Islamic architecture.,
- It was constructed during Sikander Begum's reign,
- Shaukat Mahal is towered by the Sadar Manzil, which was the hall of public audience,
Jehan Numa Palace
- It was built by Nawab Sultan Jehan Begum in the year 1890.
- Currently, the palace has been converted into a world-class Hotel.
Orchha palaces
Orchha was established by the Bundela rulers. They also built many palaces.
Jehangir Mahal
- Jahangir Mahal was built by the Bundela ruler, Veer Singh Deo in the 17th century.
- It was built to commemorate the first visit of Emperor Jahangir to Orchha.
- Two stone elephants are present at the entrance.
- The palace is in Indo-Islamic architecture. The domes have carvings of the Islamic style The brackets of the windows follow Jain architecture.
- The palace has three-story with beautiful balconies, Chhatris, and beautifully carved-topped domes.
JEHANGIR MAHAL
Raj Parveen Mahal
- It was built by King Indramani in the 17th century for his love Raj Parveen who was an exceptionally talented poetess and a musician.
- It has two floors high.
Sheesh, Mahal or Raj Mahal Palace
- The construction of the palace began by Rudra Pratap Singh, the Rajput king of Orchha, and concluded by Madhukar Shah.
- The palace also has the Chatturbhuj temple.
- Paintings on the wall illustrate the scenes from Ramayana and the valor of the Bundela kings.
- One section of the palace is converted into a Heritage Hotel called Sheesh Mahal.
Koshak Mahal (Chanderi)
- It was built by the Sultan of Malwa, Mehmood Shah Khilji, in 1445 to commemorate the victory of Mehmood Shah in the battle at Kalpi over Sultan Mehmood Sharki.
- The palace has four floors of similar size.
Madhav Palace
- Location- Shivpuri
- It served as the former residence of the royal Scindia Family.
- Architecture- Hindu style of architecture
- It has a temple of Lord Ganesha.
- Currently it is used as the training center of the Intelligence Bureau of the Indian Government
Palaces of Mandla
The region was ruled by Gond rulers. The palaces built by them are mentioned below.
Moti Mahal
- Moti Mahal was built by Gond King Hriday Shah king of Garh Mandala between 1651 to 1667.
- The palace is full of mazes, secret tunnels, and underground passages.
- Architecture- Mughal architecture.
Baghelin Palace
- Location- Mandala, located close to Narmada river.
- It is also called Begum Palace or Rani Chimni Mahal.
Madan Mahal (Jabalpur)
- The palace was built by the Gond king Madan Singh.
- The palace falls under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India.
- The Balancing Rock is situated nearby.
MADAN MAHAL
Rajbada Palace Indore
- The palace is built by the Holkar Dynasty rulers in 1776.
- The palace comprised beautiful gardens, fountains, an artificial waterfall, and many other sculptures of the 11th century.
- Architecture- blend of Maratha and Mughal influence.
