Shahi Qila in Burhanpur in Madhya Pradesh

Saturday, April 1, 2017

Shahi Qila is a beautiful palace built by the Farooqui rulers in Burhanpur (Madhya Pradesh). It is currently in ruins. It is located very close to the River Tapti and Rajghat. It is on the Rajpura Road in Monin Pura, Burhanpur.

Shahi Qila premises in Burhanpur

Shahi Qila premises in Burhanpur

After visiting the Tomb of Shah Nawaz Khan, the rickshaw driver brought us here. Again this Palace is tagged on Google maps. As in the city premises one can walk to this place or come by a private mode of transport. Special rickshaw are available here. 

The good thing is that there is provision for food and water outside the fort premises. There are toilets in the fort premises. 

Shahi Qila in Burhanpur

Shahi Qila was the residence of Shah Jahan. 

There is a canon painted back placed near the fort premises. 

Information on Shahi Qila in Burhanpur

There is a entry fee to visit the fort premises. The fort premise is open from sunrise to sunset to the public. 

ASI has worked on this fort premises. The inside of the fort is nice and clean. They have re built gardens in the fort premises.
Most of the structures are completely in ruins. 

Cannon at Shahi Qila in Burhanpur

The fort offers a fantastic view of the Rajghat below. There are a couple of temples at the Rajghat. The River Tapti quietly flows near it. In the waters of the river Tapti, there is  a huge stone. It is painted white and it resembles a elephant. On the other side of the river are a couple of more historic monuments. One of them is Ahukhana. I am note sure of the names of the others, the rickshaw driver was not aware of them either. The monuments had tall Minarets next to them. 

The entire fort premises can be seen in 30 minutes time. 

Haman aka Royal bath at Shahi Qila in Burhanpur

One of the attractions of the palace is the Haman or the Royal Bath. It was built specially by Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz. The Haman is a dome shaped stucture. I was beautifully painted on the inside. It had a small bath tub in the middle. The intricate paintings in blue are worth seeing. 

Ceiling of Haman aka Royal Bath at Shahi Qila in Burhanpur

The rickshaw driver pointed at one of the paintings on the ceiling and said that it was the inspiration for the Taj Mahal. He also told us that the Taj Mahal was to be built here instead of Agra. Not sure how much of it is true. 

Our rickshaw driver cum guide also showed a roadway in the fort walls that leads one directly to Rajghat.

Temples at Rajghat near Shahi Qila in Burhanpur

Shah Jahan had seven wives and Mumtaz was his fourth wife. He built the Taj Mahal for her. I wonder what he built for the other wives. 

Fathima and Me at Shahi Qila premises in Burhanpur

Shahi Qila premises in Burhanpur

We then visited the Shahi Mosque. A wall and a Minaret is all that remains of it now.

Remains of Shahi Masjid in Shahi Qila premises in Burhanpur

The are a couple of other structures on the fort premises. Not sure of their names. 

Structures within Shahi Qila premises in Burhanpur

The fort cum palace was four storey tall. Access to the rooms within it is restricted. 

Structures within Shahi Qila premises in Burhanpur

Had a amazing time here, we then headed to see Raja Jai Singh Chhatri.