IF WALLS COULD SPEAK
Outlook Traveller|February - March 2024
POETICALLY LOCATED IN THE HEART OF MP, MANDU IS A CITY THAT TELLS THE TALES OF MANY LOVES
ANTARAA CHATTERJEE
IF WALLS COULD SPEAK

HERE ARE CITIES THAT EPITOMISE LOVE, THERE ARE CITIES THAT inspire poets to write about love, and then there is Mandu. The small city, so steeped in its historical love story that it has now become its very identity. Mandavgarh, more popularly known as Mandu, lies poetically enough in the heart of Madhya Pradesh atop the Vindhya Range. This ancient city guards a trove of treasured stories in its walls, its stones and the memories of its people.

Mandu's historical roots trace back to the 6th century when it served as an outpost of the Gupta Empire. However, it rose to prominence during the 10th and 11th centuries under the Parmar rulers. The city's fate took a dramatic turn in the 14th century when it became the capital of the Malwa Sultanate, led by the illustrious Afghan ruler Dilawar Khan. Subsequently, Mandu became a melting pot of diverse cultures, weaving a rich legacy of Hindu and Afghan influences.

In Mandu, you don't get lost geographically; it's the history that takes you in. Entering the city through one of its seven gates, the gravel of the streets crunch beneath your feet as you make your way to the usual circuit of the famous monuments. Mandu is also a city of incredible acoustics with various structures and their many bricks carrying the past within. Each of them has their own story to tell, but one stands out above all the others.

THE MONUMENTAL LOVE

Mandu is perhaps best known for the poignant love story of Baz Bahadur, the last independent ruler of Mandu, and his beloved consort, Rani Roopmati. Their romance is immortalised in the architectural wonders that dot the city.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM OUTLOOK TRAVELLERView all
Can The Himalayas Outlast Tourism?
Outlook Traveller

Can The Himalayas Outlast Tourism?

Love The Himalayas, But Worried About Its Future? Hear From Three Experts On The Future Of The Region And How It Can Be Protected

time-read
4 mins  |
October - November 2024
EATING MINDFULLY
Outlook Traveller

EATING MINDFULLY

SUNITA NARAIN FROM THE CENTRE FOR SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT DISCUSSES HER NEW BOOK WHICH COMBINES THE JOYS OF EATING WITH CARE FOR THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE WHO TILL THEM

time-read
3 mins  |
October - November 2024
The Jewels Of Costa Rica
Outlook Traveller

The Jewels Of Costa Rica

A Long-time Birdwatcher Describes His Travels To The Lush Rainforests Of Costa Rica

time-read
6 mins  |
October - November 2024
WINGED WONDERS
Outlook Traveller

WINGED WONDERS

The story of migrating birds is the story of a promise to return, flying thousands of miles beset with dangers.

time-read
2 mins  |
October - November 2024
THE LOOMINARIES
Outlook Traveller

THE LOOMINARIES

THE ROLE OF THE GREAT REVIVALISTS WHO GAVE INDIA'S TEXTILES A NEW LEASE ON LIFE CANNOT BE STATED ENOUGH. WE TRACE THEIR CELEBRATED LEGACY

time-read
8 mins  |
October - November 2024
KEEPERS OF THE CRAFT
Outlook Traveller

KEEPERS OF THE CRAFT

FROM REVIVING TRADITIONAL WEAVES TO CONTEMPORISING THEM WITH MODERN SILHOUETTES, THESE DESIGNERS ARE COMMITTED TO KEEPING THE LOOM TURNING WITH A FRESH TAKE ON HERITAGE TEXTILES

time-read
8 mins  |
October - November 2024
SONGS OF THE SOIL
Outlook Traveller

SONGS OF THE SOIL

WITH INDIGENOUS TEXTILES FACING THE WRATH OF FAST FASHION AND CLIMATE CHANGE, INDIAN DESIGNERS ARE RALLYING TO REVIVE AND PRESERVE THESE PRECIOUS WEAVES

time-read
3 mins  |
October - November 2024
CRAFT CRUSADER
Outlook Traveller

CRAFT CRUSADER

THROUGH HER TEXTILE EXPLORATIONS ACROSS INDIA, DR PRITHA DASMAHAPATRA HAS BEEN PRESERVING ANCIENT CRAFTS, EMPOWERING ARTISANS, AND INSPIRING TRAVELLERS TO DISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF HYPERLOCAL EXPERIENCES

time-read
3 mins  |
October - November 2024
ON THE GRID
Outlook Traveller

ON THE GRID

THE VIBRANT MADRAS CHECKS, NATIVE TO SOUTHEASTERN INDIA, HAS NOT JUST TRANSCENDED BORDERS BUT ALSO TRADITIONS AND STYLES

time-read
4 mins  |
October - November 2024
GOLDEN SILK
Outlook Traveller

GOLDEN SILK

THE PROPERTIES THAT MAKE MUGA SILK UNIQUE COULD SEE IT BEING USED IN THE BIOFUELS AND MEDICINES OF THE FUTURE

time-read
2 mins  |
October - November 2024