Hathi Mahal

Hathi Mahal is a historic palace located in the fort city of Mandu in Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh. Situated within the Mandu Group of Monuments, it is known for its massive domed structure supported by pillars and arches that give an elephant-leg appearance, inspiring its name. Built during the Sultanate period, it exemplifies Afghan architectural style and forms part of Mandu's extensive heritage complex overlooking the Malwa plateau.

Visitors can expect a large domed palace structure with massive arches and pillars set within the walled fort city of Mandu. The site is a ruined but well-preserved heritage building surrounded by open grounds and other Sultanate-era monuments. Visitors can walk around the exterior and interior halls, view Afghan-style architecture, domes and massive supports, and take photographs of the historic complex and surrounding plateau landscape.

Hathi Mahal is part of the Mandu fort city which flourished under the Ghuri and Khalji Sultans of Malwa between the 15th and 16th centuries. The palace is attributed to the Sultanate period and is noted for its Afghan architectural style with large domes and massive pillars. It forms part of the Mandu Group of Monuments protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.

The palace represents the Afghan architectural heritage of the Malwa Sultanate and contributes to Mandu's cultural landscape known for its palaces, mosques and pavilions. Its name and distinctive pillar design reflect local architectural traditions and it remains an important heritage attraction within Madhya Pradesh's tourism circuit.