Jahaz Mahal

Jahaz Mahal or the ship palace was built by Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din-Khilji to maintain his large Harem (place where the ladies of rulers lived). This palace is in shape of a ship and is locate between Munj Talao and Kapur Talao (pond).The balconies hanging over the water and the open terraces appears as a royal pleasure craft. In fact hidden motif of building this palace might have been to carve out a pleasure ship from stone. In the moon light the sight of this structure as viewed from Taveli Mahal is unforgettable. The spectacular silhouette of the domes and turrets perched on terrace is sight to cherish life long. Jahaz Mahal is a double storied structure which is which represents the grace of royalty which decorated this place in the past. This palace is 120 meter long and 15 meter wide

The Four gateways constructed in 35 BC are the best from of Buddhist expression one can find any where in the world. Gateways or Torans as they are called are covered with explicit carving which depict scenes from the life Buddha and the the Jatakas, the stories relating to Buddha and his earlier births. At this stage Buddha was not represented directly but symbols were used to portray him-- The lotus represents his birth, the tree his enlightenment, the wheel, derived from the title of his first sermon, the footprints and throw symbolizing his presence. The carvings on the Torans are done with inspired imagery which in harmony with the surrounding figures balance the solidity of massive stupas.
The Western Gate : This gate has depictions of the seven incarnations of Buddha. The six incarnations before becoming the Buddha is called the Manushi Buddha. The architraves is supported by the dwarfs. One of the pillars shows Buddha resisting the temptation of Mara. while the demons are fleeing the angles cheer Buddha. On the bottom Architraves the colourful stories of the Chhadanta Jataka are also carved with the intense care. Pot bellied dwarfs support the architraves on this gate.
The Eastern Gate : The pillars of this gate depicts story of the great departure of Prince Gautama. The pillar shows vividly the moments when the Gautama was leaving his fathers a place in search of Enlightenment. It also depicts the dream which Gautama's mother had before his birth. on the pillar Buddha is shown as riderless horse. Also on the architraves are hanging images of Yakshi which is one of the best known images from Sanchi.
The Southern Gate : This gate is a representation of scenes from the life of Ashoka and Buddha's Birth. There is another representation of the Great Departure. This oldest of the three gates and is very rich in the carvings.
The Northern Gate : This gate is crowned by the wheel of law and depicts the miracles which took place during the life of Buddha. Though the wheel is broken the northern gate is the most well preserved gates of all the four. The architraves of this gate is supported by elephants facing four directions, the gap between the architraves is filled by more horses and elephants