Report final joy

Jyotsna Mishra
Landscape Architecture(MLA)
Jyotsna Mishra
Masters in Landscape Architecture
Guided by
Prof. Sandip Patil
Faculty of Architecture
May 2016
VISUALISING AND RECLAIMING
LANDSCAPE IN HISTORICAL
PERSPECTIVE
IN CASE GROUPS OF MONUMENTS, MANDU, MADHYA

Jyotsna Mishra
Dedicated to my passion of travelling.
“Not all those who wander are lost”
a line from the poem All that is gold does not glitter, written by J. R. R. Tolkien

Jyotsna Mishra
U N D E R T A K I N G
I, Jyotsna Mishra, the author of the dissertation titled Visualising and
reclaiming landscape in historical perspective in case groups of monuments,
Mandu, Madhya pradesh, hereby declare that this is an independent work of
mine,carried out towards partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of
Masters in Landscape Architecture at the Faculty of Architecture, CEPT University,
Ahmedabad. This work has not been submitted to any other institution for the
award of any degree/diploma.
Jyotsna Mishra Pa200514
Date: 13.05.2-16
Place: Ahmedabad
Disclaimer
This document describes work undertaken as part of the M.Arch degree in Landscape
Architecture at the Faculty of Architecture, CEPT University. All views and opinions
expressed therein remain the sole responsibility of the author, and do not necessarily
represent those of CEPT University, the Dissertation Guide(s), or the Dissertation
Committee.

Jyotsna Mishra
C E R T I F I C A T E
This is to certify that the dissertation titled Visualising and reclaiming landscape
in historical perspective in case groups of monuments, Mandu, Madhya pradesh
has been submitted by Jyotsna Mishra towards partial fulfilment of the require-
ments for the award of Masters in Landscape degree, in accordance with the
undertaking signed by the student on the previous page.
Prof. Sandip Patil
Guide:
Date:
Urvi Desai
Chair, Dissertation Committee, 2016
Date:

Jyotsna Mishra
Interactions between man and nature manifest themselves as cultural landscapes
- a natural landscape modified by a cultural group. There are however, instances in
history, where some of these interactions through events, built forms or likewise
modifications leave a lasting impact on the landscape of a region. What remains of
these built masses today forms the invaluable heritage. The landscape, owing to
its relationship with such buildings, gets defined as heritage landscape. However,
change in land use patterns, vegetation degradation, change in function of these
sites makes irreversible damage to the surrounding landscape and the buildings
are no longer part of the homogenous fabric. Thus, there arises an urgent need
to conserve these sites as such magnificent examples of architecture will not be
recreated with the same purpose and stature. This work aims at re-establishing
this connection between the landscape of a region and its tangible and intangible
heritage and creating a landscape ambience from the past through preservation
and conservation of the existing heritage elements and surrounding landscape.
India has a diverse string of such cultural sites embedded in its temples, forts,
caves, tombs, religious sites of pilgrims. The profession of architectural conserva-
tion is a well established field and the need to conserve and preserve monuments
as part of our urban cultural landscape is well recognized. However, what is less
realized is the fact that conservation of the landscape setting of these monuments
is equally important.
Based on Aldo Rossi‘s theory that the presence of monuments and large buildings
gives the city its character, as they embody the memory of the city, this thesis ad-
dresses the issue of conservation of the contiguous settings of a monument, as an
important part of conserving the monument.
The analysis is based on visual perception of landscape with overlay of various
other parameters. The proposal aims to design spaces through visual and spatial
configuration of elements, which invoke nostalgic feelings of a landscape reminis-
cent of the past era, yet catering to the modern day requirements of recreation.
Abstract

Jyotsna Mishra
I would like to express my special appreciation and thanks to my guide Profes-
sor Mr. Sandip Patil, you have been a tremendous mentor for me. I would like to
thank you for encouraging my research and for allowing me to grow as a land-
scape architect. Your advice on both research as well as on my career have been
priceless. I would also like to thank, Professor Deepa Maheshwari and professor
Jigna desai to give me valuable critics to evolve the best out of my design. A spe-
cial thanks to Professor Amita Sinha for guiding me to do documentation of the
region, and take special interest in conserving landscape in Mandu.
I also want to thank you my dearest class for making this thesis an enjoyable
moment, and for your brilliant comments and suggestions, thanks to you. I would
especially like to thank Parshava, Khusboo, Akash and Brijesh to help me get of
the panic mode and encourage me for all the reviews.
Thank you to be by my side always.
A special thanks to Parshava as its completely because of him that i would travel
to Mandu and fell in love with the monuments which inspired me to study it in
depth, hence the thesis came in existence.
A special thanks to my family. Words cannot express how grateful I am to my
Mom, Dad and Bro for all of the sacrifices that you’ve made on my behalf. Your
prayer for me was what sustained me thus far. I would also like to thank all of
my friends who supported me in writing, and incented me to strive towards my
goal. At the end I would like express appreciation to my best friend Dj who spent
sleepless nights together and was always my support in the moments when there
was no one to answer my queries.
Acknowledgements

Jyotsna Mishra
Contents
-Abstract
1 Thesis Proposal
1.1 Abstract..................................................................................................01
1.2 Thesis statement....................................................................................01
1.3 Introduction............................................................................................02
1.4 Site..........................................................................................................03
1.5 Need for intervention.............................................................................05
1.6 Hypothesis..............................................................................................06
1.7 Aim.........................................................................................................06
1.8 Objective................................................................................................07
1.9 Methedology..........................................................................................07
1.10 Scope and limitation.............................................................................07
1.11 Expected outcome................................................................................07
.
2 Historical Landscape
2.1 Urban Heritage.......................................................................................08
2.2 The need to conserve.............................................................................09
2.3 Setting of an Urban cultural Landscpe...................................................10
2.4 The collective memory of a place .........................................................10
2.5 Historical potrail of Mandu....................................................................11
3 Patterns of landscapes
3.1 Decoding patterns of Landscape............................................................12
4 Site
4.1 Introduction...........................................................................................13
4.1.1 Mandu today.......................................................................................13
4.1.2Mandu past..........................................................................................14
4.1.3Mandu- Early history............................................................................14
4.1.4 The Muslim avent................................................................................15
4.1.5 The Sultans of Mandu.........................................................................15
4.1.6 The Mughals........................................................................................17
4.2 Monuments of Mandu..........................................................................18
4.2.1 Royal group of Monuments................................................................18
4.2.2 Village group of Monuments..............................................................18
4.2.3 Dariya Khan group of Monuments......................................................19
4.2.4 Dai ka mahal group of Monuments....................................................20
4.2.5 Rewa kund and Baz bahadur Palace....................................................20
4.2.6 Nilkanth Mahadev...............................................................................21
5 Case Studies
5.1 Ankorwat, Combodia..............................................................................22
5.2 Bagh-e-babur, Kabul...............................................................................23
5.3 Mahabodhi temple complex, At bodh gaya, India..................................24
5.4 Sacred city of anuradhapura, Srilanka....................................................25
5.5 Comparision matrix................................................................................26

Jyotsna Mishra
6. Site analysis (Physical aspect)
6.1 Geology...................................................................................................28
6.2 Soil..........................................................................................................30
6.3 Hydrology................................................................................................31
6.4 Climate....................................................................................................33
6.5 Vegetation...............................................................................................35
6.6 Landforms...............................................................................................37
6.7 Circulation...............................................................................................37
6.8 Tourist interest points.............................................................................38
6.9 Tourist in Mandu.....................................................................................39
7. Site analysis (Historical aspect)
7.1 Chronological order.................................................................................41
7.2 Past use of Monuments..........................................................................42
8. Visual analysis
8.1 Jahaz mahal Complex..............................................................................44
8.2 Town group ans its environs....................................................................44
8.3 Dariya khan group of Monuments..........................................................44
8.4 Dai ka Mahal group.................................................................................45
8.5 Rewa kund group....................................................................................45
9. Restoration of the Historical Context of the plateau...................................47
10. Landscape narrative of Mandu
10.1 what is landscape narrative?...................................................................48
11. Site analysis of Royal enclave group of Monuments.................................50
12. Bibliography...............................................................................................62
Annexture- I
Annextute- II

Jyotsna Mishra
List of Figures
Fig. 1.4.1 Site...............................................................................................04
Fig. 1.4.2 View of Monuments at the Site...................................................04
Fig. 1.4.3 Viewsheds from Mandu...............................................................04
Fig. 1.4.4 Plan of Mandu..............................................................................05
Fig. 3.1.1 Ghats of Varanasi.........................................................................12
Fig. 3.1.2 Tree as public space.....................................................................12
Fig. 3.1.3 Well..............................................................................................12
Fig. 4.1.1 Proximity map of Mandu.............................................................14
Fig. 4.1.3.1 Map of Mandu..........................................................................15
Fig. 4.2.1. Tourism map of Mandu..............................................................16
Fig. 4.2.2 Major monuments of Mandu......................................................16
Fig. 4.2.1.1 Plan of Royal group of monuments..........................................18
Fig. 4.2.1.2 Views........................................................................................18
Fig. 4.2.2.1 Plan of Village group.................................................................18
Fig. 4.2.2.2 Monuments..............................................................................18
Fig. 4.2.2.4 Tomb of Hosang shah...............................................................19
Fig. 4.2.2.5 Ashrafi Mahal...........................................................................19
Fig. 4.2.3.1 Plan of Dariya khan group........................................................19
Fig. 4.2.3.2 Landscape around the monument...........................................19
Fig. 4.2.4.1 Dai ka mahal.............................................................................20
Fig. 4.2.4.2 Dai ki choti behen ka mahal.....................................................20
Fig. 4.2.6.1 Plan of Rewa kund....................................................................20
Fig. 4.2.6.2 View of Rewa kund...................................................................20
Fig. 5.1.1 Plan of Ankorwat.........................................................................22
Fig. 5.1.2 Views of Monument in Ankorwat................................................22
Fig. 5.2.1 Plan..............................................................................................23
Fig. 5.2.2 Views...........................................................................................23
Fig. 5.2.3 Restored landscape.....................................................................23
Fig. 5.3.1 Plan of Mahabodhi complex........................................................24
Fig. 5.3.2 Restored Landscape.....................................................................24
Fig. 5.4.1 Plan of Anuradhapuram...............................................................25
Fig. 5.4.2 View of Protected monuments....................................................25
Fig. 6.1.1 Geological map of India...............................................................28
Fig. 6.1.2 Schematic section of Mandu.......................................................28
Fig. 6.1.3 Geological map of Dhar...............................................................28
Fig. 6.1.4 Toposheet of Mandu...................................................................29
Fig. 6.2.1 Soil Map of Mandu......................................................................30
Fig. 6.2.2 Soil Map of M.P............................................................................30
Fig. 6.3.1 Catchment areas of Lakes............................................................32
Fig. 6.3.2 Major waterbodies in Mandu......................................................32
Fig. 6.5.1 Tropical deciduous teak forest in India........................................35
Fig. 6.5.2 Keyplan........................................................................................35
Fig. 6.5.3 Vegetation type near lal bangla...................................................36
Fig. 6.5.4 Vegetation type near rolling slopes.............................................36
Fig. 6.5.5 Vegetation type near steep slopes..............................................36
Fig. 6.5.6 Vegetation type near roopmati pavillion.....................................36
Fig. 6.5.7 Vegetation type near chisti khan palace.....................................36

Jyotsna Mishra
Fig. 6.5.8 Vegetation type on site................................................................36
Fig. 6.6.1 Landform typology.......................................................................37
Fig. 6.7.1 Circulation Map............................................................................37
Fig. 6.8.1 Map showing tourist interest points............................................38
Fig. 7.2.1 Royal enclave area.......................................................................42
Fig. 7.2.2 Town group..................................................................................42
Fig. 7.2.3 Dariya khan group.......................................................................42
Fig. 7.2.4 Dai ka mahal group......................................................................43
Fig. 7.2.5 Rewa kund group.........................................................................43
Fig. 8.1.1 Plan and section of Jahaz mahal..................................................44
Fig. 8.2.1 Plan to town group......................................................................44
Fig. 8.3.1 Plan and section of Dariya khan group........................................45
Fig. 8.4.1 Plan and section of Dai ka mahal group......................................45
Fig. 8.5.1 Plan section of Rewa kund group.................................................45
Fig. 10.1.1 Narrative of Mandu....................................................................50

Jyotsna Mishra
1. Thesis Proposal
1.1 Abstract
1.2 Thesis statement
Interactions between man and nature manifest themselves as cultural landscapes
- a natural landscape modified by a cultural group. There are however, instances in
history, where some of these interactions through events, built forms or likewise
modifications leave a lasting impact on the landscape of a region. What remains of
these built masses today forms the invaluable heritage. The landscape, owing to
its relationship with such buildings, gets defined as heritage landscape. However,
change in land use patterns, vegetation degradation, change in function of these
sites makes irreversible damage to the surrounding landscape and the buildings
are no longer part of the homogenous fabric. Thus, there arises an urgent need
to conserve these sites as such magnificent examples of architecture will not be
recreated with the same purpose and stature. This work aims at re-establishing
this connection between the landscape of a region and its tangible and intangible
heritage and creating a landscape ambience from the past through preservation
and conservation of the existing heritage elements and surrounding landscape.
India has a diverse string of such cultural sites embedded in its temples, forts,
caves, tombs, religious sites of pilgrims. The profession of architectural
conservation is a well established field and the need to conserve and preserve
monuments as part of our urban cultural landscape is well recognized. However,
what is less realized is the fact that conservation of the landscape setting of these
monuments is equally important.
Based on Aldo Rossi‘s theory that the presence of monuments and large buildings
gives the city its character, as they embody the memory of the city, this thesis
addresses the issue of conservation of the contiguous settings of a monument, as
an important part of conserving the monument.
The analysis is based on visual perception of landscape with overlay of various
other parameters. The proposal aims to design spaces through visual and spatial
configuration of elements, which invoke nostalgic feelings of a landscape remi-
niscent of the past era, yet catering to the modern day requirements of recreation.
In the absence of any archaeological data about the site, what approach can we
adopt for designing a cultural landscape?
Evolving a design based on factors to be studied, in case of Groups of monument
Mandu.
Page 1 of 62

Jyotsna Mishra
1.3 Introduction
Cultural Landscape is one of the strongest determinants of the ‘Sense of Place’,
yet it constitutes a largely unexplored realm when it comes to land-use planning.
Landscape is a living entity and represents a cultural continuum. Change is
inevitable and manifests itself as ‘layers’ over cultural Landscape. However, in this
change from traditional to the contemporary, one needs to assess those few and
uncluttered principles that governed the intangible meanings of the space result-
ing in its uniqueness.
Cultural landscapes are places in nature, which consist of evidences of human ex-
istence on land for survival from historic even from pre historic era which are often
expressed in terms of art, architecture, rituals and culture. These landscapes are
important in terms of the guidance that they have to offer as witnesses through
the understanding of the past, their responses to the natural surroundings and
many times the dwellings along with technologies that are found as innovations.
With time the functional usages of these sites have undergone a change due to the
influences of various other development forces. They are subjected to negligence
due to reasons like lack of awareness, change in land use and degradation of
natural resources.
Every city and every town, every street, every plaza and every building, tells us
something about us; our aspirations, our inspirations, our values, our cultures and
our ways of life are what these patterns and designs reflect and symbolize within
context. Acting as a medium of non-verbal expression, they embody in them sym-
bols and specific meanings that are either bold enough to be evident or subtle
enough to be deciphered over time. They stand testimony to what society was,
what society is and the political and economic powers that dictated and continue
to dictate their will (Lang, Desai, & Desai, 1997).
As cultures change the meaning of many of these urban patterns change,
consciously or subconsciously, to acquire new meanings. However, these urban
patterns and designs leave behind their mark on our world in the form of memo-
ries and symbols that give its inhabitants an identity, thus making these patterns
and design a part of our cultural heritage
(Lang, et al., 1997; Steinberg, 1996).
Today, the rapid pace of social, economic and global change is affecting every
sphere of life. Cities, historic centres and the cultural landscapes are also affected
by these changing forces.
While addressing the need for change may be through maintaining a link with the
past preceding it(Urbanism- Memories and new initiatives, 2006), which past we
choose and what memories from that past need to be conserved are questions
that continue to interest landscape architects, architects, planners and urban
designers.
The observation here is that though traditions change with time, what stands very
strong is that change is tradition(Urbanism- Memories and new initiatives, 2006).
The task of maintaining continuity with change becomes even more complex while
Page 2 of 62

Jyotsna Mishra
1.4 Site
Mandu a dramatic landscape of hills, hollows and lakes, littered with medieval
Islamic architecture, set a top a lost world- like plateau 360 mt. above the
surrounding Narmada valley. It is a place, which is more than aesthetic interest.
The one time capital of the kingdom of Malwa is sited on a virtually impregna-
ble table of volcanic basalt, part of a vast range of ancient lava flow that forced
itself through fissures in the earth millions of years ago. Geology created a perfect
fortress, ringed by steep slopes and ravines. The city was only feasible on high
plateau because of ingenious rainwater harvesting systems, exploiting the topog-
raphy to feed a network of lakes, cisterns and tanks to supply water during the
long dry season. Geology, topography, architecture and most crucial of all water,
all these elements give the cultural significance of Mandu.
According to a Sanskrit inscription of 555 A.D, the History of Mandu goes back to
the 6th century when it was a fortified city. It was later named Mandhavgarh in
the 10th or 11th century, by the rulers of the Parmara kingdom. In the year 1261,
even the capital of the Parmaras was transferred from Dhar to Mandu. Later still,
Page 3 of 62
The United States National Park Service identifies four types of treatments for
cultural landscape preservation; preservation, rehabilitation, restoration and
reconstruction. However, as may sometimes be the case, all the structures and
their gardens that once existed in the urban cultural landscape no longer exist.
According to the NPS system, if you do not have proof that it existed you cannot
reconstruct it to its historic authenticity(National Park Service, 2005). The National
policy for conservation in India has no such clause about the restoration of
landscape around a historically important built form.
Question that remains unanswered is: In the absence of any archaeological data
about the site, what approach can we adopt for designing a cultural landscape?
This is a design thesis that explores design ideas and responses for sites that
form an important part of the urban cultural landscape but have no historic data
recorded about what existed.
The objective of this thesis is to establish the relevance of memory in the urban
cultural landscape that helps nurture some form of identity to create meaningful
places. The assumption that this thesis makes is that there is ―substantial conti-
nuity between different cultures in their appropriateness of time and spaces
(Petruccioli). Different elements of the city and the urban fabric change a different
rates. Thus, despite the constant change that is taking place around us, some
essence of identity is retained (Urbanism- Memories and new initiatives, 2006).
designing in urban cultural landscapes. The urban cultural landscape is dotted
with numerous structures and monuments that need to be preserved.
The profession of architectural conservation is well established and the need to
conserve and preserve these monuments and structures is well recognized. How-
ever, what is less evident is the fact that conservation of the landscape is critical
to conserve the setting and backdrop of these monuments and structures(lamba,
2007).

Jyotsna Mishra Page 4 of 62
in 1305, the Parmars were captured by the Khiljis. Dilawar Khan, the Afghan ruler
of Malwa, renamed the place from Mandu to Shadiabad.
It was in the hands of Hoshan Shah (1405-35) that Mandu reached to heights of
glory. Under his rule, came up the magnificent buildings and structures of Mandu
which later went on to become the major tourist attractions of the city. The son of
Hoshan Shah, however, was on the throne for barely a year when he was poisoned
to death by Mohammad Shah, the next successor to the throne. After a reign of 33
years, full of ups and downs, feuds and skirmishes, his son, Ghiyas-ud-din took the
reins in the year 1469 and ruled for 31 years when his son poisoned him to death
in lust of the throne. However, he could rule for only 10 years, an unhappy one,
though, till Mandu went to the hands of Bahadur Shah of Gujarat in 1526.
Bahadur Shah was defeated by Humayun in 1534, but with the departure of
Humayun, the city slipped into the hands of an officer from the earlier dynasty.
Later on, Baz Bahadur seized the city of Mandu in 1554. However, he was also
scared off by the advent of the great emperor, Akbar. Then the History of Mandu
took a turn as it gradually passed on to the Marathas in 1732. At this point of time,
the capital city was reassigned to Dhar and Mandu almost remained uninhabited.
Owing to the long reigns of the Muslims in this part of the country, Mandu houses
several Islamic architectural specimens in the constructions. They were, however
erected by using stones salvaged from the destroyed Hindu temples.
Source: Google earth
Fig 1.4.1 Site
Source: www.fireflydaily.com
Fig 1.4.2 View of Monuments at the Site
Source: Google earth pro
Fig 1.4.3 Viewsheds from Mandu

integrity and ensure that these are cleared and presented in a seemly manner.”
Venice Chapter ICOMOS– 1964
The evolution or development of landscape is a continuous process and it
manifests itself in the form of regional patterns associated with vegetation, move-
ment routes, location of structures and settlements and land subdivision. A distinct
mark, though not comprehendible in isolation, is left by each phase in the history.
It is the need for preserving historical continuity that remains the most important
objective of regional conservation policies, done primarily for environmental ben-
efits, perpetuation of cultural traditions and aiding in proper interpretation of
heritage.
Intervention in the spaces of historic significance
“…The concept of a historic monument embraces not only the single architectural
work but also the urban or rural setting in which is found the evidence of a particu-
lar civilization, a significant development or a historic event…. The sites of monu-
ments must be the objects of special care in order to safeguard their
Why the study of historical landscapes is important?
Cultural landscapes tell the story of people, events and place through time,
offering a sense of continuity, a sense of the stream of time. They also offer a
cultural context setting for cultural heritage. ((ISOLA) 2011)
Heritage landscapes – a manifestation of culture and history Man has
co-existed with nature from the beginning of the human era. This intricate relation
has reflected on land since ages, leaving a trail of culture on landscapes wherever
this interaction reached its pinnacle of manifestation. Historic sites have always
been a testimony to this, present with an architectural response to the natural
environment of a geographic area.
1.5 Need for intervention
Source: Thesis author
Fig 1.4.4 Plan of Mandu

1.7 Aim
To develop methods for conservation and reclamation of historical landscape of
Mandu in absence of any archaeological data.
1.6 Hypothesis
Since, the cultural landscape have been going through a drastic change over years
due to the urbanization and increasing tourist destinations, which has been re-
cently identified. The increasing pressure at historical towns and cities are making
the towns should lose its cultural values. As we are moving towards globalization
the landscape in urban areas all look similar and which in turn makes us lose the
sense of place. Cultural landscape be hence preserved and enhanced. The group
of monuments in Mandu are mixture of many dynasty architecture and culture.
These need to be reclaimed and preserved so that tourist who visits the place ex-
periences a complete unique landscape.
Evaluation of landscape around historical precincts can be done in two ways.
Macro issues:
- Relation of the monument sites to the contemporary urban fabric, or identifiably
- Disturbed ‘setting’ as a result of natural and human
Micro issues:
- Absence of landscape leading to incomplete perception of the site
- Insensitive (out-of-context) landscape treatment
- Un thoughtful inclusion of infrastructure elements
- Poor micro-environment (absence of soft landscape)
Visual: Open space design helps in restoring and creating the desired visual
effects for proper perception of built elements as well as the enclosed space,
thereby giving meaning to the overall composition. The visual effects could
include accentuation, framing, emphasizing important lines, enclosing space,
forming backdrops or creating foreground for appreciation of an artifact.
Functional: Designed circulation, restoring the historical linkages, would enable
visitors to experience the complex in the desired manner, thus aiding in effective
interpretation.
Environmental: Environmental management ensures restoration of the natural
setting, thus enhancing the visual appearance of the historical ‘object’ under
consideration. Landscape development also plays a role in improving the micro-
environmental conditions.
At the diametrically opposite end lies the other scale of intervention, referring to
historic towns and urban areas, which are included as the following definition:
“… Cities, towns and historic centres or quarters, together with their natural and
man-made environment…. Beyond their role as historical documents, these areas
embody the values of traditional urban cultures.” Charter for the conservation of
historic towns and urban areas ICOMOS – 1987

Jyotsna Mishra
• Understanding historical landscapes
• Document the group of monuments.
• Identify the construction period of the monuments.
• Study data like paintings, old photographs if any to understand what possi-
bly could be
the landscape then around the monuments.
• Develop patterns and landscape languages which would be monument
specific.
• Proposal and guidelines
1.9 Methedology
1.10 Scope and limitations
Cultural landscapes encompass a broad spectrum of interpretations and studies.
Given the duration of the thesis, amongst the various other layers included in the
study of cultural landscapes, the study takes up primarily Visual and Spatial param-
eters as the preliminary baseline for analysis and proposals.
The study would be concentrated to the major group of monuments of Mandu,and
trace back its landscape in original form binding with the current urban scenario
of the city.
1.11 Expected outcome
Develop a technique derived from the historical studies to remake lost landscapes
around the monuments of Mandu.
• To relate the architecture and landscape of monuments.
• To derive symbols and forms used in the landscapes pertaining to various
dynasties, and decode its use.
• To evaluate the theories and principles which once existed in the society
which helps
to conserve the tangible and intangible values associated with landscape.
1.8 Objective
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Jyotsna Mishra
Heritage is the legacy of the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to our
future generations(World Heritage Center, 2009).
Tangible and non-tangible elements both contribute in making a urban heritage.
Tangible elements of urban heritage are:
Historic city centers:
Page8 of 62
2 Historical Landscapes
2.1 Urban Heritage
Eg.
City wall
Eg.
Monuments
Eg.
Religious buildings
Eg.
All these manifest themselves in visual presence and hence qualify as tangible
elements.
Untangible aspects of heritage are beliefs, customs, myths and festivals. They
play an important role along with the built fabric, all these help in giving a unique
character which stands as a testimony to local and national cultural heritage.
When memories manifest with the visual linkages of the city, towns and various
other urban settlements. The layer of memory within these urban patterns help
generate a memorable identity for the inhabitants and it also reflect the society
and how it has evolved with time. The symbolic meaning of these patterns in the
city gives it a sense of identity and belonginess to the time period.
It can also be seen as a result of interaction between people that help nurture
culture, and can simply be justified by the human need to function as a social
organism(Urbanism- Memories and new initiatives, 2006).
It can be established that Urban heritage is a shared resource which provides the
stability of ever changing way of how the city has connections with history and
symbols which still help us link back, thus raises the need to conserve.
Source: www.photonesta.com
Source:djdan18.blogspot.com

Jyotsna Mishra
2.2 The need for conservation
To strengthen and understand the case for conserving of urban heritage, we need
to take into account the fourth dimension of the urban patterns i.e. the temporal
dimension. Looking at the effect of changing fabric of the city,Aldo Rossi discusses
the idea of a city’s ‘collective
memory’, where urban form is a repository of culture from the past and for the
future. The fabric of the city has two main parts:
• The genral urban texture of the building which defines streets and collec-
tive spaces, which change with time
• Monuments which are large scale buildings which gives cities its identity
and character which wmbodies the “Memory” of the city.(Urbanism- Memories
and new initiatives, 2006).
This thesis focuses only on the latter issue only; monuments that dot
our urban landscape. Why it is important to conserve these monuments and their
settings?
UNESCO has initiated the idea of cultural heritage conservation. It manifested
itself in the form of the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World‟s
Cultural and Natural Heritage, in 1972. Even though, before that, in 1964, ICOMOS
had promoted the Venice Charter, the idea did not have a far reaching effect since
it focused on theconservation of historic monuments only(Steinberg, 1996).
The UNESCO convention considers the following as “cultural heritage”:
Monuments:
• architectural works,
• works of monumental sculpture and painting,
• elements or structures of an archaeological nature,
• inscriptions,
• cave dwellings and combinations of features which are of outstanding
universal value from the point of view of history, art or science;
Groups of buildings:
Groups of separate or connected buildings which, because of their architecture,
their homogeneity or their place in the landscape are of outstanding universal
value from the point of view of history, art or science;
Sites:
Works of man or the combined works of nature and man, and areas including
archaeological sites which are of outstanding universal value from the historical,
aesthetic, ethnological or anthropological point of view(World Heritage Center,
2009)
So it clearly states that the term “cultural heritage, includes a broad range of ele-
ments of both built and natural heritage. Urban heritage conservation is affected
by many factors like, political, cultural, social, economical and urbanization issuess.
For the purpose of this thesis, area conservation approach towards urban heritage
will be
studied in the context of Mandu, and the term cultural heritage will be used to refer
to the cultural heritage of sites.
Page 9 of 62

All the urban cultural landscapes posses a visual dynamic quality. The position
of the landscape changes with respect to the position of the viewer, making it
a landscape experience, an experience which helps the viewer to have insight
into the complexity of the urban heritage, its uses and its economical and social
distribution of the place at a larger context and the collective memory, symbols
and meanings behind the contextsof the pattern. The most important is an ex-
perience that lets the viewer view the elements of the landscape with refrence
to each other rather than in isolation: its very important to make the setting of
these elements. There has been a lot of work done for framing the policies and
guidelines to protect cultural asserts and value the conserved heritage resources.
While looking at conservation there can be two approaches to it :
Non-contiguous settings and contiguous settings.
Settings for heritage properties are sometimes at a distance from primary
resources and its defined boundaries. The more distant or non-contiguous
setting may be an area or a set of points where the views towards
the resources are framed and need to be protected (Osborne,2001).
As in the case of most heritage cities of the world, there are many historic mon-
uments that dot the urban cultural landscapes of the cities in India. Most of the
efforts by all the institution focuses at restoring the structure and very little or
no effeorts are put in developing their settings to enhance the landscape ex-
perience. Mandu is dotted with such monuments which has been restored by
Archeological Survey of India but the landscape enhancement is neglected.
All the monuments of Mandu are both non-contiguous and contiguous settings.
In order to protect the non-contiguous views from these monuments a set of
policies will be made on the basis of the analysis done. The thesis will look in more
detail to the contiguous settings of the Royal enclave group of monuments. These
monuments are inseprable from the history to which they testify and in the setting
they exist. Collectively all of these give rise to memory of the place- “Collective
memory”- (Osborne,2001).
2.3 Settings of an urban cultural landscape
2.4 The collective memory of a place
“We are already talking about architecture. Memories are built as a city is built’’
(Mike Crang, 2001).
Many text like “The Architecture of the City (1982)” states how shaping of space is
an instument for shaping the memory.
Eg. A shared space such as a street is filled with collective memory that can be seen
in the form of group identity, through varrious elements of Landscape( in urban
context) like benches, a place to gather or even a monument.
People remember a place as a mapping of certain features which stay in their
mind as buildings or any other physical form or it can be remembered as to what
you experience there as perception of the space. These things eventualy become
memory. All the images of one place together act as collective memory of a space.

2.5 Historical potrail of Mandu.
Jahangir the great mughal emperor has writen about Mandu’s natural beauty
and greatness that he has not seen any other place like Mandu especially in the
month of monsoons when the whole platue turns into the green carpet all over
with a magical misty feeling dotted with the contrasting Monuments. All the water
bodies on the platue are rainfed and man made. Jahaz mahal has been stategicaly
placed between the two huge man made waterbody to make it loook like a floating
ship which is anchered. All the waterbodies play an important role in the setting
of these monuments, as the platue has no other source of water and it is entierly
dependent on the rain water for all year round. The huge water bodies were made
to store water to meet the needs of all the monuments’ day to day activities in
past.
The appreciation of collective memory is a central aspect of urban landscape which
helps us do place making and help us shape the identity of the city. The most im-
portant is to make connections between identity and construct meaningfull plac-
es in the cultural heritage of the place.There is no inherent identity to places, says
Lynch. Identity is constructed by human behaviour in reaction to places (Osborne
2001).
Elements of landscape like monuments, parks, streets evoke a certain type of
memory which people associate to varrious activities. With the above literature of
collective memory of space we infer that collective memory of an urban landscape
can be divided in two major parts:
The memory from the past
The memory of current use.
Source: British lib.
Fig 2.5.1: Old pictures of Mandu

3.1 Decoding patterns of Landscape
To decode the symbolic meanings within the Cultural landscape that help rein-
force the sense of space and nurture some form of identity to help receate public
spaces in order to percive the history in contemporary context. India is one of the
fastest growing counrty in terms of urbanization and rapidly growing urban are-
as, which is leading to huge scale change in nature and built forms. Owing to the
diversity of the country the landscape is diverse and complex, as it changes with
people of the place.
Though not much of landscape have been decoded in India, Amita Sinha’s book on
Landscape of India gives a hint on the complex culture of India. The book fails to
give a complete picture as it only talks about Hindu and Buddhist landscapes found
in India where as it copletely
ignores the Islamic landscape or structure built which are an important part of the
multicultured landscapes. The symbols used in Mandu, of a certain pattern which
is followed can be used as a tool to link all the monuments and make it read as one.
It can also be diffeent symbols and patterns for different group of monuments as
all of them belong from different historical period. These symbols can be physical
or perceptual based on the findings done latter in the same report as per
analysis of varrious other facts.
Patterns are elements of a built language which binds people in a society. These
patterns are all interrelated and they exists at varrious scales in the city. Accord-
ing to Laurie olin, the landscape forms are derived out of patterns in nature and
designed landscapes are based on archetypal settings that are developed within a
perticular culture and region( Sinha,2006)
Right from the history of Indus valley civilization, the tree and water has been wor-
shiped. Thus, it is not surprising that all sacred landscape in India revolve around
trees and waterbodies. These elements have been used from history in form of
tree squares, ghats, wells etc.
3 Patterns of Landscape
In a village the tree is made into a public gathering spaces,the reason being in the
climate conditions like India, a tree gives shade and also creates a micro climate
in the heat, it indirectly acts as a focus point, which can be seen from a distance.
Looking at the case of Mandu and comparing all the monuments, I have come up
with different types of symbols and patterns which can be categorised as follows.
Patterns:
Comparing all group of monuments, the propotion of the inside to the outside
spaces has few inter- relations.Mostly the open spaces in the building forms a
squre which is replicable outside.
Source: www.loupiote.com
Fig 3.1.1 Ghats of Varanasi
Source: www.downtoearth.com
Fig 3.1.2 Tree as public space
Source: www.dollsofindia.com
Fig 3.1.3 Well

Jyotsna Mishra
According to a Sanskrit inscription of 555 A.D, the History of Mandu goes back to
the 6th century when it was a fortified city. It was later named Mandhavgarh in
the 10th or 11th
century, by the rulers of the Parmara kingdom. In the year 1261, even the capital
of the Parmaras was transferred from Dhar to Mandu. Later still, in 1305,
the Parmars were captured by the Khiljis. Dilawar Khan, the Afghan ruler of Malwa,
renamed the place from Mandu to Shadiabad.
It was in the hands of Hoshan Shah (1405-35) that Mandu reached to heights of
glory. Under his rule, came up the magnificent buildings and structures of Mandu
which later went on to become the major tourist attractions of the city. The son of
Hoshan Shah, however, was on the throne for barely a year when he was poisoned
to death by Mohammad Shah, the next
successor to the throne. After a reign of 33 years, full of ups and downs, feuds and
skirmishes, his son, Ghiyas-ud-din took the reins in the year 1469 and ruled for 31
years when his son poisoned him to death in lust of the throne. However, he could
rule for only 10 years, an unhappy one, though, till Mandu went to the hands of
Bahadur Shah of Gujarat in 1526.
Bahadur Shah was defeated by Humayun in 1534, but with the departure of
Humayun, the city slipped into the hands of an officer from the earlier dynasty.
Later on, Baz Bahadur seized the city of Mandu in 1554. However, he was also
scared off by the advent of the great emperor, Akbar. Then the History of Mandu
took a turn as it gradually passed on to the Marathas in 1732. At this point of time,
the capital city was reassigned to Dhar and Mandu almost remained uninhabited.
Owing to the long reigns of the Muslims in this part of the country, Mandu houses
several Islamic architectural specimens in the constructions. They were, however
erected by using stones salvaged from the destroyed Hindu temples.
The site of Mandavgadh, in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh was choosen for
study, which as a fortified city was historically and environmentaly rich, and
was important in Medieval India. Its importance for more than thousand years
made it a center of interaction between different cultures, religions and dynastic
ambitions. Today’s ruins reveal the synthesis between built and nature, that po-
traits power,glory and pleasure.
Presently mandu is a prominent tourist destination, well connected from Dhar-
40km, Indore-98 km. Nearest railway is Mhow. National Highway no.3 connecting
Mumbai- Agra passes near the plateau. The plateau is surrounded by the reserved
forest dotted with tribal villages. The other placess of tourist interest are Dhar-
ampuri, Maheshwar,Omkareshwar and Bhawangaja. However there is no tourist
route connecting them efficiently.
Mandu the historic fort in Dhar distric, central India, Situated in 22degree21’’ N
and 75degree 26” E, 40 km away from Dhar town on the summit of flat topped hill
in Vindhayan Range, 2079 feet above sea level.
This ancient city of the medieval India developed as a consequence of its to-
4.1.1 MANDU- today:
Page 13 of 62
4 Site
4.1 Introduction

Jyotsna Mishra
An important city of ancient and me-
dieval India, Mandav has developed
as a consequence of its topography
and location. Perched on an isolated
and inaccessible spur of the eastern
edge of the Malwa Plateau, it was an
excellent natural garrison. Its stra-
tegic situation ,commanding both
the rich Malwa plateau and the
productive Nimar Plains as well as its
proximity to military and trade
routes, contributed to its evolu-
tion. In addition to its political and
Page 14 of 62
Fig 4.1..1 Proximity map of Mandu, M.P
4.1.2 MANDU- past:
4.1.3 MANDU- Early history:
Although documented history of the early origins of the town is fragmentary,
its location and natural defenses must have attracted settlers from the earliest
times. Legend, quoted by both Abul Fazal and Jehangir, associated the founding
of Mandav with the mythical Paras or Philosopher’s Stone. The 6th century AD.
Mandu has evidences of Adinath images found in Dhar district which had inscrip-
tion from 555AD, which meand Mandu had its existing since then and also would
have settlement way before that. No historic data is available for next 3 centuries,
but by the 10th century Mandu emerged as part of the Kannauj based Gurjara
empire, and was probably an important border outpost . An inscription of 946AD
referring to the reign of kin Mahendrapala, speaks of general carrying out of the
affairs of the state in Mandu then Mandapika. Fortifications were, in all likelihood,
strengthened and the garrison enlarged to meet the kings. This would have led to
expansion of the civilian population of the city, which continued under the Para-
mara supremacy upto the mid 11th century. Mandav status was accentuated dur-
ing this period when the legendary Raja Bhoj(1010-1056) moved the Paramara
capital from Ujjain to Dhar. The city became the secondary defence to the capital.
It augmented importance and proximity to the new center of power stimulated
growth and prosperity. A contemporary literary refrence in the Sukritsagar of Rat-
namandangani, places the population of Mandav at 70000 and refers to 700 Jain
temples in the city, all crowned with Gold finials. Sculptured fins and inscriptions
indicate that thr were also several Hindu temples in this period. Bhojs person-
al involvement and patronage of scholasticism and the arts, specially music and
pography and location. Its strategic
placement commanding rich Malwa
plateau over looking Narmada valley
in productive Nirmar plains as well
as its proximity to its trade routes
contributed to its evolution.
tactical significance was, of course the natural beauty and delightful, mild climate
of Mandav.

Jyotsna Mishra
Muslim history in the region with the Iltumish’s conquest of Ujjain around 122.
However, according to Ferishta, the province acknowledged allagiance to the Sul-
tans of Delhi only from the time of Balban, (1265-87). In 1293 Jalaluddin khalji
ravaged the area but spared the town. Hindus continued to rule till ain ul mulk,
commander of Allauddin khilji, under instructions conqured Malwa and reduced
Mandav in 1305 unable to frontly gain the fortress, he entered through a secret
passage aided by the spy. Malwa came under Khalji from Delhi.
The transition began, Mandu was passed to Tughlaq’s . For next 130
years(1401-1531). The city was ruled by three Pathan dynasties.
Page 15 of 62
Fig 4.1.3.1 Map of Mandu, M.P
4.1.4 Muslim Avent
4.1.5 The Sultans of Mandu
Soon aftr the tuglak defeat by Timur in 1398, independence was declared by Dila-
war Khan Ghuri. He established the cadence of Mandu’s subsequent evolution of
Shadiabad(Mandu). During the rule of Dilawar khan Ghuri many monuments were
constructed on the platue. Hosang shah(1405-1435), the next ruler, moved the
capital from Dhar to Mandav because of the platue self defence and climate and
futher developments. He was succeded by Gujrat. Hosang shah initiated a period
of extensive construction creating a capital Mandu.
After the death of Hoshang Shah, Mahmud Khalji established a new dynasty in
1436. Constant war was with Mewa, Gujrat and Deccan. The kingdom acquired its
greatest extent during this time. It was Mahumad Khilji who transformed Mandav
theatre, led to an era of enormous creativity which transformed the Garrison town
into a center of art and learning. By this time Mandav was so prosperous that it
was plunged along with the flourishing cities of Ujjain and Dhar by the chaluka
King Someshwara- 1, after he defeated Bhoj. Although Paramara power was sub-
tantially reduced thereafter, Mandav stature was affected only Marginally. Sub-
sequent kings continued to rule from Dhar . It ultimately became a capital under
a descendent, Jayavaram(1256-61), an event referred to in copper plates found in
Nirmar.

into a capital of art and culture which was deeply influenced by Persian idiom,
also revived local Hindu and Jain tradition Rasamala inscribed to Mahmud Khilji
is an evidence to the same. He received ambassador from the Khalifa of Egypt,
around fifteenhundred woman were taught dance and other cultural aspect. He
gave woman empowerment, created city of woman who adminstered themselves.
In 1500, Ghiyasuddin was poisoned by his son Nasiruddin.
4.1.6 The Mughals
Mughals were firmly established by 1534. Humayun attacked Gujrat and followed
Bahadur Shah’s defeat. Humayun found the beauty of Mandu irresistable in mon-
soon. Under, Sher Shah Suri, Shujat Khan was appointed as the governer of Malwa
in 1542, his son was Baz Bahadur (1554-1562). Baz bahadur left behind the aura of
romance. He turned the music into major cultural of Mandu along with his lover
Rupmati. Adam Khan attacked Mandu on behalf of Akbar in 1561 Baz Bahadur
fled and its said Rupmati killed herself. Mandu was its peak of celebration during
Mughals. As the deline of Mughals, marathas, the Peshwa Baji Rao became the
governor of Malwa 1734. The city received no special attention under the early
marathas.
4.2 Monuments of Mandu
Source: government of M.P
Fig 4.2.1 Tourism map of Mandu, M.P
Fig 4.2.2 Major monuments of Mandu

4.2.1 Royal group of monuments:
These were named because the Royal family used to stay in these groups of Mon-
uments, it has many palaces and gathering spaces
Jahaz mahal
As the name suggests jahaz mahal is in between two manmade ponds, Munja talav
and kapur talav. It visually feels like a ship. It is around 121.9m in length and 9.7m
wide. Its beauty is seen in monsoon with lush green background and was build by
emperor Jahangir who was in love with Mandu and its natural setting.
The royal palaces
The palaces on the side of Munja Talav, which is currently in ruins. Previously used
as a retreat by Sultans of Malwa. The pavillion was used for lesiure by the royal
family, it is the prime attraction for tourist due to the setting of these monuments.
However due to the large dimension of these stuctures it is difficult to maintain
it. The quality of the place to walk and discover these monuments have not been
trapped fully. Surrounding landuse is agricuture.
4.2.2 Village group of monuments
These are the group of monuments found when we head towards south on the
main road. It is named such due to its location which is in the center of the village.
These monuments create a huge public plaza in the center which is currently used
by tourist in varrious ways.
Source: www.googlemaps.com
Fig 4.2.1.1 Plan of Royal group of monuments
Fig 4.2.2.1 Plan of Village group
Source: www.visitmandu.com
Fig 4.2.2.2 Monuments
Source: www.fireflydaily.com
Fig 4.2.1.2 View

Jami Masjid:
One of the most majestic building which was designed after the great mosque
of Damasous. Construction started by Hoshang Shah and it was completed by
Mahmud Kahlji in 1454 A.D. the west door leads to huge open court enclosed
on all the sides by huge colonades with domes above. There are all together 58
domes and varrious rows of column the prayer hall looks magnificent. The façade
of the plinth with arched openings into verandah was used by travelling merchants
to display all the products and it took a form of small bazzar.
Tomb of Hosang Shah
The construction of the tomb was started by Hosang Shah himself. The historical
importance of the tomb is high as it was first marble structure. The dome sits on
the square on 14.9m which transforms into octagon by arches. The collonade was
used for most of the ceremonial and social functions.
Ashrafi Mahal
It was built in the reign of Mahmud-1 in 1436-69 AD. It stands as a majestic
building to the east, this building earlier represented Madrasa in conjunction with
the Mosque. Later, it got converted into public hostel and much latter Nassir-ud-
din Shah made it a cemetry for Khalji.
4.2.3 Dariya Khan group of Monuments:
This group is on the way to rani rupmatis pavillion from the town. It is about 100m
off the main road. The cluster of monuments has one mosque, a Sarai. Tombs
and ruined structure around a edge of a pond. The backdrop of these monuments
are the hills and natural landscapes, many landmark trees like Rayan,Baobab and
mang are surrounding the monuments.
Fig 4.2.3.1 Plan of Dariya khan group
Fig 4.2.2.4Tomb of Hosang Shah
Fig 4.2.2.5 Ashrafi Mahal
Fig 4.2.3.2 Landscape around the monuments

4.2.4 Dai ka mahal group of monuments
Dai ka mahal
The mahal stands on the lofty basement with arched openings. In the middle of
the terrace is the tomb, towards the west is the mosque. Hindu temple ruins were
used for the construction.
Dai ki chotti behen ka mahal
It is located at south of sarai it is associated with the nurse and the princess of
Mandu. It looks like a tomb but is still called mahal, as it is belived to be house
after death.
4.2.5 Caravan sarai
Infront of the Malik mughithis mosque, it looks like an open court, rooms were
used as storage of goods and also provided accomodation. It was built around
1450 A.D. These group of five small and medium sized monuments are scattered
on the eastern side of the platue.
4.2.6 Rewa kund and Baz bahadur palace:
These are the fortified area towards the southern part of the plateau. These monu-
ments are situated in the flat terrain, thereafter the road climbs up to rani rupmati
pavillion.Rani roopmati mahal is visualy connected to Baz bahadur palaces. Rewa
kund is associated with religious activities like bathing, worshiping cattle etc. The
pond acts as a living monument with ruins of Baz bahadur palace. The Baz bahadur
palace was constructed by sultan Nasir Shah in 1508-09 A.D. The palace is dotted
with many native trees and mango orchards.
Fig 4.2.6.1 Plan of Rewa Kund
Source: www.sarsonkakhet.com
Fig 4.2.4.1 Dai ka mahal
Fig 4.2.6.2 View of rewa kund
Fig 4.2.4.2 Dai ki choti behan ka mahal

4.2.7 Nilkanth Mahadev.
The present structure was built on the shrine of Lord Shiva. The palce was earlier
a hunting place for the royals which got converted to th temple. The temple has
magnificant views of the valley.

Jyotsna Mishra
C A S E S T U D I E S

5 Case Studies
Four case studies were choosen to understand how varrious other monuments
have been restored and how they are interacting with the landscape. I have taken
projects of varrious scales for study to get enough knowledge on how to restore a
landscape setting.
Purpose of choosing the case study:
The site is scattered with various monuments all around, which is similar to the site
context of Mandu. the monuments have been taken over by various religion. The
landscape is not designed.
Description:
Angkor Wat is a temple complex in Cambodia and the largest religious monument
in the world, with site measuring 162.6 hectares.
It was originally constructed as a Hindu temple for the Khmer Empire, gradually
transforming into a Buddhist temple toward the end of the 12th century As the
best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant
religious center since its foundation. The temple is at the top of the high classical
style of Khmer architecture. It has become a symbol of Cambodia. It is designed
to represent Mount Meru, home of the devas in Hindu mythology: within a moat
and an outer wall 3.6 kilometres (2.2 mi) long are three rectangular galleries, each
raised above the next. At the centre of the temple stands a quincunx of towers.
Unlike most Angkorian temples, Angkor Wat is oriented to the west; scholars are
divided as to the significance of this.
Concept of Reclaimation:
The once planned landscape of Ankor wat, was left to natural restoration when
the city was abandoned, the current landscape of the place is not designed
completely, but its left the way it is, its the landscape around the monument which
gives it the sense of place and identity.
Inference:
landscapes which were not touched can be reclaimed naturally over a period of
time, in a larger context.
Source: www.tourismcambodia.com
Fig 5.1.1 PLan
Source: www.livescience.com
Fig 5.1.2 View

5.2 BAGH- E- BABUR, KABUL, AFGHANISTAN
Landscape of the site has been done based on the concepts of architectural style
of the Monuments, since there is no archaeological evidence of the lost landscape.
Description:
The original construction date of the gardens is unknown. When Babur captured
Kabul in 1504 from the Arguns he re-developed the site and used it as a guest
house for special occasions, especially during the summer seasons. Since Babur
had such a high rank, he would have been buried in a site that befitted him. The
garden where it is believed Babur requested to be buried in is known as Bagh-e
Babur. Mughul rulers saw this site as significant and aided in further development
of the site and other tombs in Kabul.
Bagh-e Babur is located on the slopes of Kuh-e Sher Darwaza, southwest of
the old city of Kabul. The garden is c. 11.5 ha large and arranged in 15 terraces
along a central axis in east west direction. From the top terrace, the visitor has a
magnificent vista over the garden and its perimeter wall, across the Kabul River
towards the snow covered mountains.
. Bagh-e Babur has changed drastically from the Mughul impression of the space to
the present. Throughout the years outside influences have shaped the use of the
site. rehabilitation of the garden and aid in the ‘revival of cultural identity.
Landscape and water works:
The landscape, predominantly defined through the terraces and the central
axes, still represents the original layout. The height and width of the terrace was
determined during the excavations through the discovery of the Mughal irrigation
system, traces of the water basins and channels in the central axis and on the
lateral fields. 19’h and 20’h century modifications were recorded and removed
(partly already during the 20th century). The reconstruction of the central axis
with a marble-lined water channel, cascades and basins with fountains is based
upon the archaeological findings, although slight modifications of the width of the
water channel were required in order to control the water flow.
Source: www.archnet.org
Fig 5.2.1 Plan
Source: www.bitlanders.com
Fig 5.2.3 Restored landscape
Source: www.gardenvisit.com
Fig 5.2.2 View

5.3 MAHABODHI TEMPLE COMPLEX AT, BODH GAYA, INDIA
Monumental landscape is designed in way to use the landscape in the circulation
around the temple. Many symbolic landscape elements have been used due to the
religious character of the site.
Description:
The Mahabodhi Temple Complex is one of the four holy sites related to the life of
the Lord Buddha, and particularly to the attainment of Enlightenment. The first
temple was built by Emperor Asoka in the 3rd century B.C., and the present temple
dates from the 5th or 6th centuries. It is one of the earliest Buddhist temples built
entirely in brick, still standing in India, from the late Gupta period. The Mahabodhi
Temple Complex, Bodh Gaya lies 115 km south of the state capital of Bihar, Patna
and 16 km from the district headquarters at Gaya, in Eastern India. It is one of
the four holy sites related to the life of the Lord Buddha, and particularly to the
attainment of Enlightenment. The property encompasses the greatest remains of
the 5th-6th century A.D in the Indian sub-continent belonging to this period of
antiquity. The property has a total area of 4.8600 ha. A seventh sacred place, the
Lotus Pond, is located outside the enclosure to the south. Both the temple area
and the Lotus Pond are surrounded by circulating passages at two or three levels
and the area of the ensemble is 5 m below the level of the surrounding land.
The landscape has been designed completely ignoring the history of the
surroundings, few elements have been incorporated to give the place identity of
the Buddhist temple like, use of bodhi tree and lotus pond in the temple com-
plex. The concept of the landscape revolve upon the use and user group of the
monuments.
Inference:
When less/ no archaeological evidence is available about the landscape of the
monuments we can derive few symbols or elements depending on paintings or
compare other monuments of the same ear and ruler in other part of the country.
Source: www.journeymart.com
Fig 5.3.2 Restored landscape
Fig 5.3.1 Plan of Mahabodhi Temple complex

5.4 SACRED CITY OF ANURADHAPURA,SRI LANKA
Similar, to the group of monuments of mandu, this is an ancient city which was
abandoned and has been restored few monument’s landscape has been reclaimed.
Description:
Anuradhapuram is a major city in Srilanka. It is capital city of north central prov-
ince. Anuradhapuram is one of the ancient capitals of Srilanka, which is famous
for its well preserved ruins of ancient civilization. It was the third capital of the
Kingdom of Rajarata, following the kingdom of tambapanni and Upatissa Nuwara.
It is belived that from 4th century B.C. until the beginning of 11th century A.D. it
was the capital of the Sinhalese. During this period it remained one of the most
stable and durable centers of political power and urban life in south asia. The an-
cient city, considered scared to the Buddhist world is today surrounded by monas-
teries covering a huge area of 40 square km.
landscapes have being restored as it was as per literature, like space near the lakes
and forest have been left as they were and as they grew with time, few monu-
ments have been designed keeping the user group which comes to visit the place.
Inference:
In case monuments are still in use for religious or tourist purpose the landscape
cannot be reclaimed by ignoring the user group visiting the place, rather landscape
can give direction of movement around the monument.
Fig 5.4.1 Plan of Anuradhapura (UNESCO)
Source: whc.unesco.org
Fig 5.4.2 View of protected monuments

Jyotsna Mishra
S I T E A N A L Y S I S

Jyotsna Mishra
6 Site analysis (Introduction)
Why is mandu so important as site:
It was an important city of Medieval India, Madav has developed as a consequence
of its topography and location. Perched on an isolated and inaccessible spur of the
eastern edge of the Malwa plateau. Its strategic situation, commanding both the
rich Malwa plateau and productive Nirmar plains as well as its proximity to military
and trade route. In addition to its political and tactical significance was of course
the natural beauty and delightful, mild climate of Mandav.
How do I generate traditionally accepted or appropriate activity pattern in the
precinct and around the monument?
The background:
An important city of ancient and medieval India, Mandav developed as a
consequence of its topography and location. Perched on an isolated and
inaccessible spur of the eastern edge of the Malwa plateau , it was an excellent
natural garrison. Its strategic situation, commanding both the rich malwa plateau
and the productive Nirmar plains, as well as its proximity to military and trade
routes, contributed to its evolution.
Most of the protected monuments of Mandav were built in the 14th and 15th
centuries under the patronage of the Malwa Sultans. These, together with some
widely scattered ruins are all that remains of the huge and prosperous medie-
val city. Existing styles, local as well as foreign, were molded by indigenous skills
and the cultivated aesthetics of the rulers to create a distinctive school with a
pronounced emphasis on structural beauty.
Today:
Apart from location in an area of historical, environmental and cultural
significance, the modern town of Mandav has no distinguishing character. None of
the diverse racial and cultural elements that once modulede its evolution. Survive
and today Mandav consists of a heterogeneous is of relative recent migrants.
Concern:
How do I generate traditionally accepted or appropriate activity pattern in the
prescient and around the monuments ?
Aim:
To communicate the History.
Objectives:
To restore the culture and natural environments in the precinct, mainly by
harmonizing the build environment with nature, as also weaving together the hu-
man activity.
To protect the ecology of the place.
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Jyotsna Mishra
Determinants:
History of the plateau
Architectural qualities
Clustering of the monuments and their positions
Cultural past
Activity pattern then the purpose
Natural beauty
Topographical variations- the setting/ location linkages.
The extent of the precinct.
Activities taking place presently.
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6 Site analysis (Physical aspect)
6.1 Geology
The concerned area of study lies in the peninsular region of India’s geological
mapping. In this area of study the lower Cretaceous and Upper Eocene beds are
not seen.
The decan trap is essentially a basic rock of basaltic composition. It is dark coloured
compact and impervious in nature.
The trap shows well developed columnar jointing caused by tensile stresses, which
is the result of contraction due to cooling.
Step like topography.
Inference:
The deccan trap is impervious in nature, which gives rise to a number of surface
water bodies.
Decomposition of trap gives rise to black cotton soil which is also basic in nature.
Dense vegetation in the valley due to accumulation of soil due to erosion.
The density of vegetation decreases with an increase in altitude due to decrease
in soil cover.
Source: www.mapsofindia.com
Fig 6.1.1 Geological map of India
Source: government of M.P
Fig 6.1.2 Schematic section of Mandu
Source: Government of M.P
Fig 6.1.3 Geological map of Dhar

Jyotsna Mishra
Source: Government of M.P
Fig 6.1.4 Topo sheet of Mandu
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6.2 Soil
Soil cover depends upon the topography of a particular area. The soil found on
Mandu is black cotton soil owing to the basic geological formation of Mandu,
which is black trap.The disintegration of rocks give rise to such types of soil, which
are usually hard and compact. Teak is found to occur in areas where the top soil is
not very thick.
The vegetation depends upon the soil depth, sparse vegetation indicates deep soil
with exposed bed rock at places. Very good vegetation cover indicates deep black
soils. In valleys, and drainage channels, very deep soil is seen where the slopes are
also gentler.
The ridges show shallow soil cover due to steep slopes.
Fig 6.2.1 Soil map of Mandu
Fig 6.2.2 Soil map of M.P
Soil map is prepared on the basis of the existing
type of vegetation cover and indicates the depth
of the soil around the plateau, which varies from
90cm to 200cm. The sparse vegetation indicates
the depth of soil with exposed bedrock at places.
Verygood vegetation cover indicates deep black
soils. In the valley, and drainage channels, very
deep soil is seen where the slopes are also gen-
tler.

Jyotsna Mishra
6.3 Hydrology ( Regional)
The entire Dhar division lies in the catchment of the chambal river in the North
east and Narmada in the south. The northwestern part is drained in Mahi. The
watershed between the Narmada and Chambal is marked by the northern edge of
Vindhychal range.
Mandu is perched along the Vindhyan and malwa ranges, at an attitude of 600m,
with Dhar district to its north. The Narmada flows along the Southern boundary of
the district in a rift valley from East to West.
The river cut deep gorges and carvens across Songarh hill. The reasons of these
rivers cutting hill to a depth out of proportion to the surrounding heights lies in the
fact that these hillocks are made of sandstone get rapidly worn away by mechan-
ical wear and tear.
Soil cover depends upon the topography of a particular area. The soil found on
Mandu is black cotton soil owing to the basic geological formation of Mandu,
which is black trap.The disintegration of rocks give rise to such types of soil, which
are usually hard and compact. Teak is found to occur in areas where the top soil is
not very thick.
The vegetation depends upon the soil depth, sparse vegetation indicates deep soil
with exposed bed rock at places. Very good vegetation cover indicates deep black
soils. In valleys, and drainage channels, very deep soil is seen where the slopes are
also gentler.
The ridges show shallow soil cover due to steep slopes.
Page 31 of 62
Fig 6.3.1 Hydrology map of M.P

6.3.1 Hydrology (Mandu)
Mandu receives 1400 1525mm rainfall annually.
Most of the water fall in the valleys due to the topography of the place.
Mandu plateau is dotted with several manmade and natural lakes. Some of them
can be traced back into history e.g. Kapur and munja talav, Lamba talav, Andheri
and Ujala Boadi, Sagar talav, Rewa kund and Songarh talav of these water body
some were associated with monuments while others were large water reservoirs.
Almost all monuments had their own water reservoir to help fulfill their water
demands.
Lakes are mostly along the roadside or foothills.
Most of the water bodies are seasonal with exception like sagar talav, rewa kund,
andheri and ujala baodi.
Villages rely on the water bodies for irrigation while drinking water is obtained
only from wells.
Source: GIS
Fig 6.3.1 Cathment areas of varrious lakes
Fig 6.3.2 Major water bodies in Mandu

6.4 Climate
Climate of Mandu is equitable and mild. The nights being cooler even in summer.
The Nirmar tract:
The area falling below the ghats is typical of Central India, with extremes of
climate. There are these distinct climate seasons in the area.
Cold weather:
Cold season sets from November and lasts till the month of Feb. This is generally
bright and cloudless with showers of rain in the earliest part of the season, i.e.
extremely beneficial to the rabi crop. Sometimes extreme cold is accompanied by
bitter cold winds and hail storm.
Summer
Summer heat starts from the beginning of march to the end of june. The summer
are extremely hot and dry , The platue however has Mild climate during summer.
Rainy season:
Monsoon is from middle June and continues till the end of September. The average
rainfall is 800-1500mm
Temperature Data analysis:
The temperatures are highest on average in May, at around 32.5 °C. The lowest
average temperatures in the year occur in January, when it is around 17.5 °C.
The mean daily maximum temperature varies from 26.3 degree C in January to
39.7degree C during May i.e with a range of 13.4 degree C and annual of 31.76
degrees. Hottest month are April and May with the mean daily maximum tem-
perature over 37.8 degree C. After January the mean daily max. temperature ris-
es gradually till it reaches its peak in May and thereafter it falls of steadily upto
August , during the monsoon but again rises in September and October on the
break of rains.
The temperature falls down in November and December as the winter arrives.
Winter rains are rare. Temperature during the months of November to Feb. is low,
hence the detrimental affect of the draught. March is the drought period.
Source: http://en.climate-data.org/
Fig 6.4.1 Climate graph
Fig 6.4.2 Temperature graph

Jyotsna Mishra
Analysis of Rain data:
The least amount of rainfall occurs in November. The average in this month is 3
mm. The greatest amount of precipitation occurs in July, with an average of 299
mm.
Four months from November to February, the total mean rainfall is only 54.97 mm,
that is 5.53% of total annual temperature. As the water bodies collect water during
the monsoon season for the whole year. Summer season lasts for 3.5 months i.e.
from March to Mid June and is the driest period , 20.75mm. Most of the rain, light
showers and is usually lost as result of intense heat.
The variation in the precipitation between the driest and wettest months is 296
mm. The variation in temperatures throughout the year is 15.0 °C
Fig 6.4.3 Climate table
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6.5 Vegetation
Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests of India
According to Meher Homji(1977) the dry deciduous teak forest occur within the
limit of 700mm to 2000mm of the annual average precipitation with a dry season
of eight months.
Parent rock is essentially basic in the teak type.
Soil are basic, alluvial , black soil under the trap.
Structure:
The dry deciduous forest are three storied:
The upper canopy reaches a height of 15-25m
The under storey is 10-15m high
The undergrowth varies from 3m to 5m
A few herbs are rare grasses , Lianas are common in the dense forest.
only from wells. (Detailed tree list Ref. Plant list Annexture-I)
Fig6.5.1Tropical deciduous teak forest in India
Fig6.5.2 Key Plan
1. Vegetation type near Lal bangla
OBSERVATIONS
Tress not more than 5m heigh
Shrubs not more than 2m high
Signs of overgrazzing
INFERENCES
3rd Stage of Degradation
(as per G.S PURI )
Fig6.5.3 Vegetation type near Lal bangla
2. Vegetation type near Rolling slopes to
valley
OBSERVATIONS
Water stream passes by.
Biotic interference, cattle browsing
and tree cutting
INFERENCES
2nd Stage of Degradation
closed thicket
(as per G.S PURI )

Fig6.5.4 Vegetation type near rolling slopes
Fig6.5.5 Vegetation type near steep slopes
3. Vegetation type near steep slopes
OBSERVATIONS
Crown of trees dont meet
Tree layer is sparse and discontinuous
Undergrowth is thick
INFERENCES
1st Stage of Degradation
Scrub woodland
(as per G.S PURI )
Fig6.5.6 Vegetation type near rupmati pavillion
Fig6.5.7Vegetation type near chisti khans palace
4. Vegetation type near Rupmati pavillion
OBSERVATIONS
Exposed basaltic rock
Euclayptus cultivation
Sloping site
Grass cover degrading by grazing
INFERENCES
3rd Stage of Degradation
Scrub woodland
(as per G.S PURI )
5 Vegetation type near Chisti Khans Palace
OBSERVATIONS
Very thick ground cover
Flat land
Rocks visible
INFERENCES
2nd Stage of Degradation
closed thicket
(as per G.S PURI ) Source: Thesis author
Fig6.5.8 Vegetation
type on site

Jyotsna Mishra
6.6 Landform
6.7 Circulation
OBSERVATIONS
Mandu is surrounded by steep valleys on all side but on south is the vast nirmar
plains.
Mostly the site is flat, and few places are hill.
INFERENCES
Hills can serve as vantage points to connect the monuments visually.
Fig6.6.1Landform typology
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Jyotsna Mishra
OBSERVATIONS
Mandu is surrounded by steep valleys on all side but on south is the vast nirmar
plains.
Mostly the site is flat, and few places are hill.
INFERENCES
Hills can serve as vantage points to connect the monuments visually.
6.8 Tourist interest points
Fig6.8.1 Map showing tourist interest points
OBSERVATIONS
Royal enclave group of monuments are the most visited monuments.
All monuments visited are on the same road.
INFERENCES
Because of the lack of visual connectivity and monument importance many tourist
are not able to see all the places.
It doesnt lie in a tourism circuit so ppl dont spend much time.
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Jyotsna Mishra
6.9 Tourist in Mandu
India has varying kind of tourist places having special features. Mandu is important
from the tourist point of view due to the following reasons:
- Historical monuments and settlements
- Landscape of high visual quality due to its topography.
-
This place is famous for its topography. This place is famous for its around 10
centuries old fortified settlements which are architecturally of great importance
due to its uniqueness. The plateau has lakes, kunds, Bawadis spread throughout of
which rewa kund is of great religious significance. Landscape of high visual quality
and natural wilderness is of great importance due to its regional topographical
location.
Inference- The existing tourist profile :
Mandu has historically, religiously and topographically a very significant place in
the whole region. It being on the junction of four states i..e. Madhya Pradesh,
Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Gujarat is of utmost consideration while looking at
the tourist circuit of the Mandu.
Some of inference are as follows:
- More than 60% tourists are from Gujarat the domestic circuit, whereas
less than 2% is the contribution of international tourist circuit.
- The main tourist influx is in the after monsoon season i.e. in three months,
which in 40% of the total tourist influx.
- The tourists from Rajasthan and Gujarat mostly visit the place in the mon-
soon season when the topography of Mandu gives highly charged landscape with
the water features all around at their best. However the tourist figure decreases
before monsoon drastically as water scarcity and barren landscapes are not so
welcoming.
- The major influx of tourist is due to the pilgrims coming to Mandu, while
covering the other pilgrims like Ujjain,Maheshwar, Omkareshwar along the
Narmada river.
- Only majority of pilgrims come to this place before monsoon season and
that is also in private tourist vehicles that force them to leave immediately after
visiting the important places.
- The maximum places and monuments in Mandu although are of great im-
portance historically and architecturally, visually appealing but lacks awareness
and infrastructure.
Organizing the tourist circuit in Mandu:
It has been observed from the tourist profile that various kinds of tourists visit
Mandu for various purposes. Therefore, their duration of stay varies accordingly
from one day to one week depending upon the financial capacity and awareness.
The present tourist route has its own limitations in terms of exploring and visiting
various monuments.

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7 Site analysis (Historical aspect)
7.1 Chronological order.
CRONOLOGICAL CHART OF MANDU
Period, Ruler and Architectural examples 8TH- 13TH CENTURY :
Parmar Dynasty
- Architectural data scanty
- Hindu foundations used by Mohammedan buildings
- Munja Talab
- Temple ruins and Lohani Caves
- Ruins of Songarh
- Fortification
1401- 1405 :Dilawar Khan Ghori (Amid Shah Daud)
- Synthesis of Hindu- Moslem Style
- Adaptation of temple materials
- Dilwar Khan’s Mosque
- Tarapole Gate
1450 - 1432 :Alp Khan (Hoshang Shah)
- Jami Masjid (1st Phase)
- Hoshang Shah;s tomb (1st Phase)
- Delhi Darwaza
1432- 1436 :Muhammed Ghori
- Malik Mugith’s mosque
1436- 1469 :Mahmud Khilji
- Completion of Jami Masjid and Hoshang Shah’s tomb Asharfi Mahal and Victory
Column
1469- 1500 :Ghiyath-ud-din Khalji
- Jahaz Mahal with Palace complex
1500- 1510: Nasir-ud-din
- Palace near Rewa Kund, later accredited to Baz Bahadur
1510 - 1526: Sultan Mahmud II
- Gada shah’s shop, Darya khan’s Tomb and adjoining cluster,
- Dai ka mahal
1526-1534: Sultan of Gujrat
1534: Humayun’s Conquest
1536- 1542: Mallu Khan ruled as Sultan Qadir Shah
1542 - 1554: Shuja Khan, Governer of Sher Shah of Delhi
1555- 1561: Malik Bayazid ( Baz Bahadur)
- Reservoir of Rewa Kund
- Extension to Rupmati’s Pavillion
1562: Akbar established Mughal rule
- Repairs and additions to earlier edifices
Jahangir later ruled
- Numerous other new ones were built.

7.2 Past use of the monuments
ROYAL ENCLAVE AREA
PAST SCENARIO: AUTHENTICATED DATA
-King and queen’s palac
-Place for musician,artist and
events
PRESENT SCENARIO
-Tourist place
-Public space
-Hold many features of
architectural importance and
Scenic views
PAST SCENARIO: CONJECTURAL DATA
-Poetic beauty of nature
-Kitchen garden, royal gardens
and orchards.
TOWN GROUP
-Mosque and a college
Mosque used by travellers
-Space infront of Mosque used
as a market place.
PRESENT SCENARIO
-Most used space in the site
-Parking,Market,
-Public plazza , Used for
going to varrious monuments
-Strong site lines to view
many monuments around.
-A public place
-Later on became a market
place
DARIYA KHAN GROUP
-Has a tomb, mosque
and a pleasure garden
PRESENT SCENARIO
-Visited by limited no. of
tourist
-Protected monuments with
no landscaping done
-Settlements around
-Public gathering place
-Common area for
socio-cultural activities
-Major node of town
Source: www.fliker.com
Fig7.2.1 Royal enclave area
Source: www.sarsokhet.com
Fig7.2.2 Town group
Source: www.manduinfo.blogspot.com
Fig7.2.3 Dariya khan group

DAI KA MAHAL GROUP
-Place for members associated
with the royal family
-Had a sarai and a mosque
-Some parts had garden
PRESENT SCENARIO
-View of lake and vegetation
-On the main road to Rupmati
pavilion
-Settlements around
-Public gathering place
-Used by travellers
REWA KUND GROUP
-Private place
-Had gardens orchard etc
Countryside view
PRESENT SCENARIO
-Used as public area by locals
- Part of Baz bahadur palace
-Rupmati pavilion is hidden
in the dense green backdrop of
orchards.
-Had romantic environment
-Limited access to public
OBSERVATION:
- Many of the monuments have water feature, as water management techniques
- Few of them had gardens, which have lost their existence now.
- Landuse of buildings have changed as all are monuments and people visit it.
INFERENCE
- The gardens can be developed taking clues from the building which is mostly the
Mughal architecture as they introduced landscaping in India.
- Courtyards can be developed.
- Planting to be done not to empower buildings but to highlight them.
Source: www.shadowgalore.com
Fig7.2.4 Dai ka mahal group
Source: www.thinkingparticle.com
Fig7.2.5 Rewa kund group

Jyotsna Mishra
8 Visual analysis
8.1 JAHAZ MAHAL COMPLEX
LANDSCAPE CHARACTERS:
Vast, waterbodies, stones
No sense of enclosure
OBSERVATIONS:
Huge land mostly covered by lakes
Strong visual connection to other
monuments and settings
Monuments are overpowering the
view
INFERENCES:
Drainage patterns can be incorpo-
rated In landscape
Pleasure gardens and intimate
Spaces can be revived.
Less of vertical elements ease the visual connection between monuments
Fig8.1.1 Plan and section of Jahaz mahal complex
8.2 TOWN GROUP AND ITS ENVIRONS
Plaza , open space, meeting point
Busiest junction
OBSERVATIONS:
As the plinth of monuments are
high the Visual connectivity be-
tween monuments Is retained
even in the busy environment.
Both the monuments open inside
Two different material has been
used
INFERENCES:
Tombs can be typology of built form can be treated as us one landscape pattern
Landscape to provide segregation of space as it has settlements around.
Buffer space needed.
Fig8.2.1 Plan of town group
8.3 DARIYA KHAN GROUP OF MONUMENTS
Degraded, Scattered
OBSERVATIONS:
Monuments are at a distance from each other.
Presence of waterbody in implies, it had been a residential building.
Connectivity to the natural view.
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Jyotsna Mishra
INFERENCES:
All the monuments can be con-
nected with one landscape
Residential gardens
Water gardens
Enhance the connection with na-
ture.
Fig8.3.1 Plan and section of Dariya khan group
8.4 DAI KA MAHAL GROUP
Fig8.4.1 Plan and section of Dai ka mahal group
Sparse vegetation, orchard
OBSERVATIONS:
Monuments have a panorama view
of the long Sagar talav
It is visually connected to the mon-
uments on the other side due to
the horizontal feature of land-
scape. Surrounded by many water
bodies
INFERENCES:
Landscape interventions can help
read the group of monuments as
one By developing spaces around
them Not many tourist approach
the monument due to lack Of aes-
thetics.
8.5 REWA KUND GROUP
Orchards, plantation around lakes
OBSERVATIONS:
Reva kund is at the foot hill of rup-
mati pavilion.
The journey to the pavilion is full of
surprises as the Landscape winds
out slowly as the road leads up-
wards Visual connection is there
between monuments due to
elevation and also the tree height
is not more than monuments.
Fig8.5.1 Plan and section of Rewa kund group
Page 45 of 62

Jyotsna Mishra
D E S I G N P R O P O S A L
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Jyotsna Mishra
9. Restoration of the Historical Context of the plateau :
Mandu in past had a significant location in the surrounding regional context due
to its topography and its settings. One of the important things about the settings
of Monuments is the topographical consideration and their connectivity both
physical and visual. Each group had its own character and a unique function to
perform.These aspects were predominantly present when the Mandu plateau
experienced the height of prosperity and power. All together the history tells about
particular scenario that existed in the past.
Presently, the character that Mandu plains reflect is altogether different; the main
reason being the loss of prosperity and the decline of power. A feeling of isolation
prevails between the group of monuments and also the settlements. The character
that it had in the past is lost, hence loosing its serenity and importance.
So, to bring out the past, it was necessary to study the history of the places in de-
tail, specially considering the parameter of linkages of monuments, their sitting in
the surrounding environments. The character they possess and the spatial quality
they passed during the period.
Criteria’s considered for the past development in Mandu plateau.
Conclusion:
Certain guidelines are given to regulate the development to happen in Mandu to
restore the historical context. They are as follows:
- No development zone shall not allow any construction activity except
agriculture and low height sparse vegetation .
- Spare vegetation shall be of the native flora, low height, low density, in
patches and shall high visual porosity.
- Dense vegetation of shall be of native flora, high density, tall and with low
visual porosity and shall sustain lower stories of vegetation.
Master plan of Mandu
Concept: Heritage tourism
In order to preserve HERITAGE- Monuments of Past need to find an ‘ economical
use’ in the contemporary scenario to fulfill the needs of present day society.
The relevance of the monument can be religious or sentimental value or
educational significance.
In order to expose heritage to masses and let it be understood for development
of a positive attitude towards its conservation , the most effective tool is tourism.
Non negotiable factors while making the master plan is:
- All efforts are focused towads conserving the historical edifices, as the ‘
character’ of the place is based on historic monuments which are the prime reason
of making the place what it is today.
- NATURAL ENVIRONMENT is the key factor giving the area a “ SENSE OF
PLACE “ hence needs to be conserved. ( Ref to drawings for masterplan)
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Jyotsna Mishra
10 Landscape narrative of Mandu
10.1 What is a landscape narrative
Knowing how to read a landscape is the key to a competent analysis in landscape
architecture. The act of reading includes the people who live in the landscape.
Narratives are also there in landscape. They intersect wuth sites, accumulate as lay-
ers of history, organise sequences and in here in the materials and process of the
landscape.Invariousways,stories“takeplace”.Thetermlandscapenarrativedesig-
nates the interplay and mutual relationship that develops between landscapes and
narratives. To begin with, places configure narratives, Landscapes not only locates
or serves as background settings for stories, but it changes events and process that
are engenders stories. We know a place because we know its story. The plan below
is the way I as a designer want people who visit Mandu to perceive the story as.
Fig10.1.1 Narrative of Mandu (tourist as focus)
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Jyotsna Mishra
Policies for the Platue of Mandu:
ENVIRONMENT
- Protection from degradation of the existing forest
- Introduce Socio forestry
- Enhance and preserve the topographical distinct features that contribute
to visual character of the area.
Check the loss of fertile top soil during lean periods of agriculture. This can be
achived by planting suitable varieties of grasses on the barren feilds which can be
used as fodder and also protect soil errosion.
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE
- Encroachment of agricultural field on protected areas.
- Use the visual potential offered by agricultural fields
- Restoration of orchards: Historical mention of Mango orchards .
- Laws to regulate the proximity of the feilds to the monument, vegetation can be
used as buffer.
- Low height agriculture is the key to help connect monuments with aech other
visually, hence should be maintained.
DESIGNED LANDSCAPE
- Roadside Plantation (Visual factor/ Functional factor)
- Cycle path
- Lakes
- View points
Radside plantation:
- To provide a sense of direction
- Reinforce the approach to Historical site
- Framing Distant views
- Buffer against visual intrusion
- Micro climate control
LAKES
- Landuse around the lakes to accelerate the runoff, this would depend on
nature of surfaces generated along the catchment area.
- Siltation of the lake can be checked by providing chk dams.
- Vegetation policy must ensure that species planted around lakes have low
transpiration rate.
Cycle paths
- To be shaded and can also asc like a natural trail, use of planting to highlight
monuments or pause points.
HERITAGE CONSERVATION
- Landscape within the historical complex to be :
- Restoration of the setting in terms of physical and spatial organization
- Integrate the current scenario.
- Improve micro-environmental conditions in the monument complexes.
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Jyotsna Mishra
11 Site analysis of Royal enclave group of
Monuments
The most visited group of monuments.
Historical background:
ROYAL PALACE: residential quarters of the royal family
HINDOLA MAHAL: Hall of audience (Diwan-i-khas)
CHAMPA BAOLI: Subterranean bathing chambers attached to the palace
JAHAZ MAHAL: Pleasure palace and harem
DILAWAR KHAN’S MOSQUE: Earliest dated Moslem building at Mandu. Built in the
typical Indo-Islamic architecture style.
NAHAR JHAROKHA: Balcony used for the king to show himself to his subjects
GADA SHAH’S SHOP: Hall of audience (Darbar-i-am)
GADA SHAH’S PALACE: House of Rajput chief, Mendi Rai, later styled Gada Shah
TAVELIMAHAL: Stables and guard-house
ANDHERI AND UJALA BAOLI: Well for drinking water supply to the palace.
Present context:
-The complex stands as a protected monument under the ASI and is most popular
among visitors.
-While the Royal quarters and the Gada Shah’s palace and shop are badly in ruins,
most other buildings are in a fair state of preservation.
-The presence of a small tribal hamlet has resulted in conversion of all immedi-
Fig11.1 Site analysis
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