STATE PROTECTED MONUMENTS OF DHAR AND MANDU

Dhar Fort
Built of red stone the fort is situated on the hill to north Dhar city. As mentioned in the diary ( Rojnamcha) of emperor Jehangir the fort was built by Mohammad Tughlak in 1344 A.D. On his way to Devgiri he used to make a stopover at Shish Mahal. The eldest son of Shahajehan, Dara Shikoh took shelter in this fort. In 1732 A.D. the rulers of Panwar dynasty captured this fort situated on a rectangular hillock. The construction of this strong and imposing fort could become possible due to solid muram and black stone of this hillock. The main entrance to thefort was built to the west. The construction plan of the fort suggests that it was built following the injunctions of Samarangan Sutradhar. The important monuments in this fort include Kharbuja Mahal , Shish Mahal and other buildings.
Kharbua Mahal, Dhar
		This palace was built in  16th century. It is called Kharbuja Mahal because of its musk melon shape. During the rule of the Panwars it was the royal place of queens. During the Maratha struggle the wife of Rghunath Rao, Anandi Bai took shelter here. She gave birth to Peshwa Bajirao II in this palace.
Shiva Temple, Jamali (Dhar)
This temple was built at a high platform near a small rivulet below the hilly slope. The plan consists of mandap, antaral and grbha-griha. But the mandap is in a state of ruins. This is a Pancharathi temple surrounded by Bhadrarathas from all sides, which are decorated with leaf patterns. On its Parikrama Path the idols of Chamunda, Natraj and Andhakasur Vadh are installed. From the point of view of art the temple can be assigned to the fag end of 10th century.
Baijnath Temple , Badnawar
Built in 12th century A.D. the temple has features of Bhumij and Khajuraho styles. The portion from the adhishthana (plinth) to jangha ( middle part) is built in Bhumij style while the upper portion is in Khajuraho style. An antaral ( vestibule) and bhagnamandap are based on four pillars in front of the temple built on the two-storeyed portion. A Shivlanga is installed on a Jaladhari made of black basalt in the garbha- griha. .
Chhappan Mahal, Mandu
		This monument was built by the Sultan of Mandu in 16th century. Situated on a high platform it is , if fact , a mausoleum. The interior of the monument is octagonal and is decorated with dark blue colour. Its top has a dome. To the west there are rooms with long courtyards. The monument is built in Pathan style.
Chaturbhuj Temple, Amjhera
This temple was built by the rulers of Amjhera. The ground plan consists of a mukhmandap, ardhmandap, antaral ( vestibule) and a garbha-griha. The garbh-griha is in Nagar style and the top of the mandap is dome shaped. Going by the style the temple was built in 18th century A.D.
Balleshwar Temple, Un ( Khargone)
		This temple was built by a ruler named Ballal in 13th century A.D. According to an inscription engraved on the exterior wall of the vestibule section, Ballal was the son of Malavraj Dharadhipati Udayaditya Parmar. The east-facing temple has a garbha-griha and an antaral and the mandap is now gone. Its vertical plan consists of the plinth and top section. The garbha-griha of the temple is square. This Pancharatha style temple is built on a Tarkanukriti foundation.