Mahal (palace)

Mahal, meaning "a mansion or a palace", though it may also refer to "living quarters for a set of people". It is an Indian word which derives from the Persian word mahal, deriving from the Arabic word mahall which in turn is derived from ḥall ‘stopping place, abode’. A place of destination would therefore be referred to as "mahal anuzul". A place of recreation would be referred to as "mahal anunzul". The term máhal to refer to a place was also adopted in Hindi for example Panch Mahals and Jungle Mahals. The word developed its meaning for palace as in opposition to that of a jhopri or a "dilapidated house" as a neologism.

Both Muslim and Hindu rulers built many Mahals in India.

Notable mahals

 * Aina Mahal
 * Hawa Mahal
 * Hindola Mahal
 * Jahangir Mahal
 * Jahangiri Mahal named after Emperor Jahangir
 * Jahaz Mahal
 * Jal Mahal
 * Lal Mahal
 * Lalitha Mahal
 * Noor Mahal
 * Panch Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri
 * Pari Mahal
 * Prag Mahal
 * Shah Jahani Mahal a part of the Agra Fort named after Emperor Shah Jahan
 * Sheesh Mahal a palace used by the Imperial Mughal Family
 * Taj Mahal, Agra
 * Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal
 * Zafar Mahal