Credit: Vaghela
Overview
Ashrafi Mahal is an architectural marvel in the village group or the central group of monuments in Mandu. Built during the reign of Mahmud Khilji, the successor of Hosang Shah, it was initially built as a madrasa or Islamic school of learning. As you walk on the terrace, long corridors along with rows of cells are cornered by four towers. It has the appearance of a school building.
History and Architecture
Later, the madras was transformed into a terrace that stood 27 feet tall, where the mausoleum of Mahmud Khilji was constructed. A grand flight of steps approaching the terrace was placed on top of a portico, with loggias on both sides. Only a few portions of the mausoleum remain, but it is believed that the square-shaped hall of 65 was covered by an immense dome. Intricate carvings look beautiful on these doorways and windows. Monument elegance becomes more beautiful when patterns are chosen for inlaid stones and friezes of blue and yellow glaze.
There are many monuments that lie inside the Ashrafi Mahal; the Tomb of Victory is one of them. It was erected by Mahamud Khan in 1443 during his victory over Rana Kumbha of Mewar. Tower replaced the turnout from the northeast corner of the madrasa building. Building from red sandstone, only one storey remains today. It was believed that there were 198 spiral staircases that led to the top.
There is an interesting story behind the name Ashrafi. Once Ghiyasuddin Khilji, who had 1500 queens, was surrounded by problems. All her queens started gaining weight, and in order to reduce it, he came up with an interesting solution. He asked the students to use the staircase of the victory pillar up and down regularly. He will give the number of coins based on the number of steps the queen climbed every day
The architectural marvel, from its origin as a madrasa to the construction of the royal mausoleum and the Tower of Victory, has a rich and fascinating story. If you are visiting Mandu, then Asharfi Mahal should not be missed.
Best Time to visit Ashrafi Mahal
The best to visit the Ashrafai Mahal is during the Moonson. During this time the place looks greener and more colorful.
Location of Ashrafi Mahal
Its located 500 m from the mandu bus stand that is well connected to other parts of Madhya Pradesh