Rani Roopmati’s Pavilion
Mandu, Madhya Pradesh, 15th Century
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No one is quite sure who the beautiful Roopmati was. Some believe her to be the daughter of a zamindar, others say that she came from a family of nomads or courtesans. Legend has it that her skin was so clear and transparent that when she ate something you could literally see it inside her body. Wonder if the diamond powder she supposedly consumed to kill herself after Baaz Bahadur fled before the Mughal army also showed from outside!
– Ananda Swaroop
The building itself is believed to have constructed earlier than Roopmati’s time. The tales of the region entail that Rani Roopmati would travel every day from her palace nearby to these pavilions to get the view or darshan of the River Narmada. The building seemed to have been built in three distinct phases.
– Surabhi Sharman
Chhatris or pavilions are the ideal architectural form for the Indian climate. They enable an enjoyment of the outdoors, but provide shelter when needed. This one is the perfect place to catch the cooling breeze as well as the beautiful view!
– Swapna Liddle
The Mughal intervention in the Malwa began during the reign of Akbar. His general, Adham Khan attacked Mandu in 1561, when Baz Bahadur was ruling Malwa. This episode in Mandu’s history is enmeshed with the legendary romance of Rani Roopmati and Baz Bahadur. The story goes that one day while hunting, Baz Bahadur chanced upon a beautiful woman, singing as she bathed in the Narmada River. Bewitched by her grace, the Sultan took her to Mandu, and began to spend all his time in pursuit of love, leaving his kingdom vulnerable to attack. When Adham Khan attacked, Baz Bahadur, unable to defend his city, fled for his life while leaving Roopmati to her faith. As the Mughal army went to claim her, she swallowed poison and committed suicide. Meanwhile, Baz Bahadur, after seeking shelter in several kingdoms and being repeatedly defeated, ultimately joined the service of Akbar. Despite the fact that the Mughals came to rule over the city thereafter, the love story of Baz Bahadur continued to concoct and blossom in the region, gradually entangling with the architectural and spatial history of Mandu as well.
– Shikha Dwivedi