Lohani Caves

Lohani Caves are ancient rock-cut caves located at the northern end of Mandu Fort near Lohani Gate in Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh. Excavated into the hillside overlooking the Nimar Valley, the caves consist of small cells and chambers believed to date to the 11th-12th century. Notable for their simple rock-cut architecture and historical association with ascetics before the Mandu Sultanate period, they are a quiet heritage attraction within the Mandu archaeological complex.

Visitors can expect a small complex of rock-cut caves and cells carved into the hillside just inside Lohani Gate at the northern entrance to Mandu Fort. The caves are simple, unadorned chambers and verandas with stone pillars and dark interiors overlooking the Nimar plains. The setting is quiet and relatively secluded compared to Mandu's palaces, with rocky terrain, steps and open views of the valley. There is no elaborate decoration; the experience is focused on exploring the historic rock-cut structures and enjoying the fort gateway surroundings.

Lohani Caves are believed to have been excavated in the 11th-12th century, predating the establishment of Mandu as the capital of the Malwa Sultanate in the 15th century. The caves consist of rock-cut cells and chambers traditionally associated with Shaivite ascetics and hermits. Later, during the Sultanate and Mughal periods, the area became part of the fortified northern gateway complex of Mandu, with Lohani Gate serving as a principal entrance to the fort city.

The caves represent an early example of rock-cut architecture in the Malwa region and illustrate the ascetic tradition that existed in Mandu before its development as an Islamic fort city. They are part of the Mandu Group of Monuments, which reflects the layered cultural history of the region.