Live
- Gold rates in Hyderabad slashes, check the rates on 04 May, 2024
- Gold rates in Visakhapatnam slashes, check the rates on 04 May, 2024
- China lunar probe to pick samples from far side of moon
- Rains likely from May 7 in Telangana, maximum temperature to prevail till then
- Vijayawada: Kesineni Nani vows to continue development works
- Disappointment strikes fans with ‘Baahubali: Crown Of Blood’ trailer
- Akshay Kumar finishes filming for Manchu Vishnu’s ‘Kannappa’
- CBSE class 10, 12 results after May 20
- This sensational heroine in talks for ‘Tillu Cube’
- Vasantha Sirisha's Election Campaign Gains Momentum in Mylavaram Town
Khush Mahal, Tughlaq Empire's surviving monumental gem
Highlights
There is also a staircase which runs till the top of the fort. We climbed the uneven stairs on the staircase and reached the roof of the Royal Hall.
Warangal being the capital of the once mighty Kakatiya Dynasty is a history aficionado’s dream. The city has long been celebrated for its superlative fort. However there lies a marvelous piece of architecture distinct from any other monument in the region in the form of a Royal Hall known as the Khush Mahal.
The Khush Mahal is the sole surviving monumental gem of the mighty Tughlaq Empire in South India. The structure carries many typical Islamic architectural designs signifying its designers, whether it be in the form of its arched doorways or sloping walls.
The Khush Mahal calmly rests on the outskirts of the city within Warangal fort’s crumbling walls. We passed through the outer walls of the ancient city, and kept heading South. We spotted the building from a distance were just left in awe by its massive size and its distinctiveness. We head straight towards it however we weren’t allowed in as we had to take the entry ticket from the citadel of the fort.
A citadel entry ticket includes access to the Khush Mahal as well. Khush Mahal was constructed on a place which is suggested by many historians as the old palatial complex of the Kakatiya rulers. There are very few historical structures that have survived in Warangal, this is one of the lucky ones to stand the test of time. There is a huge mystery behind what was the actual purpose of the Mahal, the most probable of all the suppositions is that it was an audience hall.
It was built in the 14th century by the Tughlaq Dynasty after their victory over the Kakatiya Empire. It has sloping walls which resemble Tughlaq Architecture, similar to the Mausoleum of Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq in Delhi. Later on, after the fall of the Tughlaq Empire, the Mahal was used by the Qutb Shahi Dynasty’s Governor of Warangal – Shitab Khan. There is an interesting story behind Shitab Khan, legend has it that he started from the ranks of being a foot soldier to a governor of one of the wealthiest provinces in the Kingdom.
We came back with our ticket and proceeded towards the massive arched doorway of the Royal Hall. The structure is built completely out of granite, what shocked us was the texture of the granite is still smooth. The sloping walls were carved with such finesse that uneven finishes were heard to spot on a massive granite structure.
But unfortunately once inside, the Mahal does not meet its expectations. After entering it seems that hardly any importance is being given towards preserving it. The mortar was decaying, the walls darkened and the doors succumbing to heat and rain. Currently broken fragments from the citadel are place inside the hall.
.jpg)
There is also a staircase which runs till the top of the fort. We climbed the uneven stairs on the staircase and reached the roof of the Royal Hall. From there we got a stunning view of the ostentatious Warangal fort. The rooftop seems so delicate that I felt that I met actually end up leaving many cracks on the rooftop after standing on it.
A thing I noticed when I visited Warangal was that there were many tourists who came to see the citadel of the fort but not a single person visited the Khush Mahal which is only about a minute’s walk from the citadel. It was almost like we had the entire Khush Mahal for ourselves.
Nonetheless, Khush Mahal stands as a mute testimony to a different past of the ancient city. A visit to the absolutely awe-inspiring hall and the breathtaking view from its rooftop is a must for any visitor to the Warangal Fort.
Next Story
ADVERTISEMENT
