(119 kms. from Gwalior 16 kms. from Jhansi) Orchha’s grandeur has
been captured in stone and frozen in time. A rich legacy to the ages
and on this medieval city the hand of time has rested lightly and
the palaces and temples built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th and
17th centuries retain much of their pristine perfection. Orchha was
founded in the 16th century by the Bundela Rajput chieftain Rudra
Pratap who chose this stretch of land along the river Betwa as an
ideal site for his capital.
Orchha was founded in 1531 and remained the capital of a powerful
Rajput kingdom until 1783 when nearby Tikamargah became the new
capital. Of the succeeding rulers the most notable was Raja Bir
Singh Deo who built the exquisite Jehangir Mahal. He ruled from
Orchha between 1605 and 1627 and built the Jhansi Fort.
Once the capital of Bundelas Orchha (hidden place) is now just a
village set among a wonderful complex of well-preserved palaces and
temples. The main palaces were protected inside fortified walls on
an island in the Betwa River. Orchha contains three palaces each
built by succeeding Maharajas in a similar style and combining to
form a complex as imposing as that at Udaipur.
Places of attraction
Jehangir Mahal: A palace crowned by graceful chhatris. This
is the most impressive of the three palaces. From here the view of
soaring temple spires and cenotaphs is spectacular. Complementing
the noble proportions of their exteriors are interiors which
represent the finest flowering of the Bundela School of Painting. In
Raj Mahal and Laxmi Narayan Temple vibrant murals encompassing a
variety of religious and secular themes bring the walls and ceilings
alive. Strewn around the area are little shrines and memorials each
with its own poignant history contributing to the nostalgic beauty
that is Orchha.
Orchha’s golden age was during the first half of the 17th century.
When Jehangir visited the city in 1606 a special palace the Jehangir
Mahal was constructed for him. There is a small archaeological
museum on the ground floor.
Raj Mahal: Situated to the right of the quadrangle this
palace was built in the 17th century by Madhukar Shah the deeply
religious predecessor of Bir Singh Deo. The plain exteriors crowned
by chhatris give way to interiors with exquisite murals boldly
colourful on a variety of religious themes. This palace is built
near a garden. The English narration sound effects and backing music
really bring the empty rooms to life. There are Sheesh Mahal
upstairs as well as good views of other palaces and temples from the
very top.
Rai Parveen Mahal: Poetess and musician Rai Parveen was the
beautiful paramour of Raja Indramani (1672-76) and was sent to Delhi
on the orders of the Emperor Akbar who was captivated by her. She so
impressed the Great Mughal with the purity of her love for Indramani
that he sent her back to Orchha. The Palace built for her is a low
two-storeyed brick structure designed to match the height of the
trees in the surrounding beautifully landscaped gardens of Anand
Mahal with its octagonal flowers beds and elaborate water supply
system. Skillfully carved niches allow light in to Mahal which has a
main hall and smaller chambers.
Chaturbhuj Temple: King Madhukar Shah built this for his
queen Kunwari upon a massive stone platform and reached by a steep
flight of steps the temple was specially constructed to enshrine the
image of Rama that remained in the Ram Raja Temple.Lotus
Emblems and other symbols of religious significance provide the
delicate exterior ornamentation. Within the sanctum is chastely
plain with high vaulted walls emphasizing its deep sancity.
Laxmi Narayan Temple: This 17th century temple is on a low
hill which incorporates elements of fort architecture. A flagstone
path links this temple with the Ram Raj Temple. The style is an
interesting synthesis of fort and temple moulds. The interiors
contain the most exquisite of Orchha;s wall paintings. Covering the
walls and ceilings of three halls these murals is vibrant
compositions and covers a variety of Spiritual and secular
subjects.They are in excellent state of preservation with the
colours retaining their vivid quality.
Ram Raja Temple: In the village just south of the crossroads
is the newly painted Ram Raja Temple which is in use. With its
soaring spires and palatial architecture this temple is surely one
of the most unusual in India. It is also the only place in the
country where Rama is worshipped as a King.
Dinman Hardaul’s Palace: Hardaul was the son of Bir Singh Ju
Deo and died to prove his innocence to his elder brother Jhujhar who
cast doubts on his relationship with his
(Jhujhar’s) consort.This saintly prince as after his martydrom
worshipped as a God and even today the village of Bundekhand
contains platform like shrines where Hardaul is worshipped.
Phool Bagh: Laid out as a formal garden with a row of
fountains and an 8-pillared pavilion which has a cool underground
apartment. This complex testifies to the refined aesthetic qualities
of the Bundelas. A Subterranean structure below was the cool summer
retreat of the Orchha Kings. Cooling was provided by an ingenious
system Chandan Katora a bowl-like structure from whose fountains
droplets of water filtered through to the roof simulating rainfall.
Sunder Mahal: This small palace almost in ruins today is
still a place of pilgrimage for Muslims. Dhurjban son of Jhujhar
embraced Islam when he wed a Muslim girl at Delhi. He spent the
later part of his life in prayer and meditation and came to be
revered as a saint.
Chhatris (Cenotaphs): There are 14 chhatris or memorial to
the rulers of Orchha grouped along the Kanchan Ghat of the river
Betwa. A few are well-preserved.
Shahid Smarak: Commemorates the great freedom fighter
Chandrashekar Azad who lived and worked in hiding in Orchha during
1926 and 1927. It houses a museum and library.
Other places worth seeing are the shrines of Siddh Baba Ka Sthan
Jugal Kishore Janki Mandir and the Hanuman Mandir at Ohharedwara.
Local festivals
Several annual events are celebrated including Ram Vivah ( Rama’s
marriage) in late November when colourful processions draw crowds
particularly as superbly trained horses perform extraordinary feats.
