Credit:All In One Parmar
Mandu is a gem in the tourism industry of Madhya Pradesh. Mandu, known for its rich heritage and historical significance, holds many monuments that tell the story of the past. One such group of monuments that catches the attention of visitors is the Sagar Talao group of monuments.
Overview of Sagar Talao
Sagar Talao is the focal point of the Sagar Talab group of monuments. The monument includes the Aghyat Mahal, Dai Ka Mahal, Caravan Sarai, Dai Ki Choti Behan, and Malik Mugith’s house. All these monuments surround the banks of Sagar Talab from the northern, eastern, and southern banks.
The largest lake in the entire citadel of Mandu is bordered by many popular monuments on its southern, eastern, and northern banks. The perennial water supply to the lake makes this place scenic, especially during the monsoon. To enjoy the scenic place, boating is arranged by MP Tourism here.
Each monument has its own history that tells about the history of the region.
Malik Mugith’s house
This is the first monument that you will come across in this group of monuments. It’s a mosque that was constructed by Malik Mughith, the father of Mahamud Khilji. The central courts were held inside the mosque. What makes this mosque unique is the use of columns built from Hindu temples. But now, in dilapidated condition, its crumbling ceilings are reinforced with beams to preserve these historical monuments for future generations.
Caravan Sarai
During ancient times, Sarai was built as an accommodation for merchants and people who came for trade from far lands. Similarly, Caravan Sarai, a dilapidated set of identical caravans, is at a further distance from Malik Mugith’s house. Accommodation for the merchants is done in the halls with vaulted ceilings. These surround a spacious open courtyard in the Sarai. To store goods, special rooms were designed at the end of the courtyard.
Two other monuments that are worth visiting in this group are Dai Ka Mahal and Dai Ki Choti Behen. Dai ki Choti Behen is a mausoleum with a small mosque. An echo point on the banks of Sagar Talav is a point where you can hear echoes because of the deep and wooded valley below. It’s an excellent place to visit.
How to Reach Sagar Talao
The Sagar Talab group of monuments is located 2 km from Mandu. It falls in the way of the Roopmati Pavillion.