Does history influence you and want to wander and reveal the history of different historical places in India? Have you ever been to Madhya Pradesh in India? The state is historically significant and gains the attention of visitors with its charming architecture.
If you ever visited Mandu in Madhya Pradesh, then don't forget to visit Ashrafi Mahal in Dhar District. This historical Mahal showcased a glimpse of history and incredible architecture to provide visitors with a blend of Afghan and Indian architectural themes.
In this blog, I'll guide you all about the Ashrafi Mahal, Mandu: How to reach, best time, and tips. This guide will be beneficial for you during your journey in Mandu.
History of Ashrafi Mahal
Ashrafi Mahal was built in the late 15th century during the rule of Mahmud Khilji for Madrassa in Madhya Pradesh. The Mahal is famous for its historical significance and sophisticated architecture.
Construction
Ashrafi Mahal was constructed during the reign of Mahmud Khilji because he had a great interest in historical architecture and arts. Firstly, the building was built to open a Madrassa. Still, lately, Mahmud Khilji turned this Madrassa construction and built this Mahal in memory of his ruling over the Rana of Mewar.
There are four minarets present on the four corners of the Mahal, which showcased that the building was built for a school.
Tomb of Queen Mahal-i-Jahan
The tomb of Queen Mahal-i-Jahan is also located in this Mahal, and it is said that she was one of the beloved queens of the king. In her remembrance, he built this Mahal as a token of love for her.
The Mahal has embellished art of Afghan and Indian culture, which is represented by the intricate designs of historical signs like domes, arches, or ornamental motifs. Its unique architectural designs showcase the magnificent craftsmanship of that era.
Origin of Name Ashrafi Mahal
According to the folklore, the Mahal comprised 198 stairs and was built on the order of Mahmud Khilji. When he saw that his queens were putting on weight, he did this thing and asked the queens to climb the stairs daily.
According to the number of stairs climbed by each queen daily, a gold coin called Ashrafi will be given to the queen by Mahmud Khilji. The reason was to decrease the weight of the queens suitably. Due to this folk, the tower was named Ashrafi Mahal, Mandu.
Nowadays, people who love historical essence and want to delve into the incredible artifacts of the Mahal are visiting it to get more knowledge about the edifice.
How to reach Ashrafi Mahal?
How to reach Ashrafi Mahal? To get to Ashrafi Mahal, first you need to travel to Madhya Pradesh, and then you will be heading towards the town of Mandu, where this royal Mahal is located. There are different ways to reach the destination that you can travel by air, by train or by road. Also, a local transport facility is available in the town of Mandu to provide visitors with convenience while traveling.
By Air
If you are interested in traveling to Mandu by air, then you should book your tickets to Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport, which is located in Indore. Indore is almost at a distance of 98 kilometers. After reaching the destination airport, you have to hire a taxi to cover the distance from the airport to Mandu.
By Train
If you love to travel by train, then you should book your seats at Ratlam Junction, which is at a distance of 124 kilometers. After reaching the Ratlam Junction, you have to book a taxi to get to the small town of Mandu.
By Road
If you want to travel by road, then you must have your vehicle to be convenient during the journey. Different routes are connected to the state of Madhya Pradesh in India via Bhopal, Indore, and Ujjain.
The best Time to Visit Ashrafi Mahal
If you are planning to visit Ashrafi Mahal, have you taken a look at the best time to visit this monument? If not, let me tell you about the best time to visit Ashrafi Mahal.
It would be best if you visited this incredible place in the winter season when the temperature is down; on the flip side, spring is also an amazing time to cherish the magnificence of the Mahal in Mandu. You must seek for the pleasant weather so, you can enjoy in the heart of the edifice.
Moreover, October to March is the best time for this historical trip because the temperature is between 15 to 25 degrees. Also, check the weather forecast to see if the sky will be clear at that time or not.
It would be best if you visited this zealous place when it is surrounded by lush greenery. It is also notable to visit Ashrafi Mahal when any cultural festivals are being conducted in the state so you can enjoy the charm of the state.
Tips for Visiting Ashrafi Mahal
When you are going to experience something new, you must keep a few things in mind. Similarly, you must follow some tips for visiting Ashrafi Mahal so you can enjoy the moment to the fullest.
- First of all, you should be dressed in comfortable clothing so you can easily handle your wear. Also, your footwear must be restful while walking in the Mahal.
- Next, you must have some eatables and water in your backpack while visiting the monument because you won't find any cafes or shops near the edifice.
- The most important thing is to respect the heritage of the Mahal by not defacing the historical architecture available there.
- You must have your phone charged and camera with you to capture the remarkable architecture of the Mahal. But beware of the restricted area for photography.
- If you are new to the place, then you must ask for an experienced guide who can help you visit everything in the edifice and provide you with the right information about everything.
- Before visiting the monument, you must check the entry timings of the Mahal.
Final Thoughts
I've made my efforts to explain everything about the Ashrafi Mahal, Mandu: How to reach, best and tips to you. This is a must-visit historical place that can freshen you up with its essence of history. The building is embellished with Afghan and Indian designs and has an eye-catching architecture for visitors. But don't visit this place in the summer because the scorching sunshine can hurt your health.
Keep the tips in mind while visiting this picture-perfect spot in Mandu.
