The ancient monument known as solah khamb stands quietly in Bihar Kotra village of Rajgarh district, Madhya Pradesh, near the scenic Chidikoh Bird Sanctuary and the historic town of Narsinghgarh. Though relatively lesser known, it represents a poignant chapter of late sixteenth-century Rajput valor and memorial architecture.
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| Solah Khambi facebook.com |
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| Solah Khambi facebook.com |
Tradition holds that Solah Khambi was erected by the widow of Raja Shyam Singh Khichi to commemorate his martyrdom in battle against a Mughal suba (provincial governor). Shyam Singh is believed to have ruled during the later decades of the 1500s and fell defending his territory. In an act of devotion and remembrance, his queen constructed a grand stone minar or memorial temple on a high hill near the village of Sanka. Despite its name—“Solah Khambi” meaning “sixteen pillars”—the monument reportedly consisted of fourteen intricately carved stone pillars raised on an elevated platform
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Architecturally, the structure was remarkable. The stone pillars were adorned with mythological figures, floral scrollwork, leafy motifs, and geometric patterns, reflecting the artistic vocabulary of late medieval Malwa-Rajput craftsmanship. The carvings indicate both religious symbolism and royal prestige. The monument’s commanding hilltop location enhanced its visibility and commemorative importance.
Local lore recounts that a jealous suba Jahiwali, angered by the monument’s growing fame, ordered it dismantled. Ironically, he was later killed in battle, and a mazar was constructed near the site, reportedly using stones from the demolished Solah Khambi. This blending of Rajput and later Islamic memorial traditions adds a layered historical dimension to the site.
Today, Solah Khambi survives in a fragmentary condition and faces conservation challenges. Reports of collapsing or dismantled pillars have raised concerns among heritage experts about preservation and protection. Despite its fragile state, the monument remains a hidden archaeological gem, valued for its artistic heritage, historical memory, and testimony to a queen’s tribute to sacrifice.
Madhya Pradesh State Gazetteers, Rajgarh District.
Archaeological Survey of India regional reports (Bhopal Circle).
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Local historical accounts documented by Rajgarh district administration.
