History: The Hoshang Shah Tomb, constructed during the reign of Hoshang Shah who ascended to the throne in 1405 AD after his uncle, Dilawar Khan, established the Malwa Sultanate. Hoshang Shah had shifted his capital from Dhar to Mandu, developing it to great heights and splendor by constructing several buildings. The construction of his tomb began during his lifetime, making it one of the earliest marble structures in India. Unfortunately, Hoshang Shah passed away in 1435 AD before the completion of his mausoleum. However, his son Mahmud Shah continued the project, ensuring its completion in 1440 AD. The Hoshang Shah Tomb thus stands as a tribute to the legacy of Hoshang Shah and the architectural ingenuity of the craftsmen of that era.
Architecture: Shah Jahan had sent his architects to derive inspiration from some of the designs of Tomb of Hoshang Shah for the Taj Mahal. The sarcophagus of Hoshang Shah, carved in the form of a casket with receding bands, stands at the centre of a square enclosure surmounted by a large central dome with a small domed turret at each corner. This being the first building of marble in India, Hoshangshah’s Tomb is the most improved example of the Afgani architecture. The chief specialties of the tomb include the extremely balanced structure & proportional tomb, extra ordinary and worth seeing construction of the fine nets of marble; four towers to exhibit the four corners and the umbrella like terrace. That is why, Mughal ruler Shah Jahan sent his four famous architects to study and understand the structure of this tomb. One of these architects Ustad Hamid, later on attended the construction of Taj Mahal.
The architecture of the Hoshang Shah Tomb exemplifies the fusion of Persian and Indian architectural styles. The mausoleum is built entirely of white marble, a material that lends it an ethereal beauty and grandeur. Its symmetrical layout, intricate carvings, and ornate dome showcase the meticulous craftsmanship of the artisans of that time. One of the most striking features of the tomb is its dome, which served as an architectural inspiration for later Mughal structures, including the iconic Taj Mahal. The dome rises gracefully above the mausoleum, adorned with intricate patterns and geometric designs that create a mesmerizing effect. Surrounding the central dome are smaller domed pavilions, adding to the architectural harmony of the structure. The interior of the tomb is equally impressive, with intricate latticework, marble screens, and Quranic inscriptions adorning the walls. The cenotaph of Hoshang Shah rests in the center of the chamber, flanked by smaller graves believed to belong to his family members.
Location: Perched atop a rocky plateau, Mandu offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, making it a popular destination for tourists and history enthusiasts alike. The Hoshang Shah Tomb is situated within the Mandu Fort complex, which encompasses a vast array of historic monuments, palaces, and gardens dating back to the medieval period.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the Tomb of Hoshang Shah and Mandu is during the winter months, from October to March, when the weather is mild and pleasant. The temperature during these months is conducive to exploring the outdoor attractions of Mandu, including the fort complex and its surrounding gardens. Additionally, the winter months coincide with various cultural festivals and events, offering visitors a chance to experience the vibrant traditions of the region.
How to Reach: Mandu is well-connected to major cities in Madhya Pradesh and neighboring states by road and rail. The nearest railway stations to Mandu are in Ratlam & Indore. For those traveling by air, the nearest airport is Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport in Indore, located around 100 kilometers from Mandu. From Indore and Ratlam, visitors can hire taxis or take buses to reach Mandu. Once in Mandu, the Tomb of Hoshang Shah is easily accessible by road. Visitors can hire local transportation, such as taxis or auto-rickshaws, to reach the tomb from the main town center.