Beautiful city of Orchha.

The magical city of Orchha is a relatively unknown town in middle of the India 16 Km from Historical city of Jhansi. Interestingly name Jhansi comes from jjain-si or Shadow like, remark given in context to Orchha the former capital of bundelas.

Its a bumpy ride to Orchha and as one enters the town through Ganesh Dwar he has no clue where this small road leads to. before you know you have passes this small ordinary looking town and come across a small crossing. here you’ll see a majestic Palace The Raja Mahal.

Raja Mahal

Raja Mahal is the oldest structure in Orchha. it was built by Madhukar Shah (1554-1592) though the construction was started by his Grandfather Rudra Pratap Singh (1501 - 1530). it differs from most palaces of north india by complete absence of domes. Intresting the structure looks only a couple of stories high while actually it has five floors.

The architecture of this palace is a blend of Rajput and Mughal styles. there is darbar-i-aam for meeting ordinary countrymen and darbar-i-khas to have private audience with the king. The Mahal saw its golden age in the reign of Madhukar shah who did most of the construction in orchha. The queen’s room has a great view of gigantic Chaturbhuj Temple.

Jahangir Mahal

Jahangir mahal is the most admired structure of orchha. Jahangir mahal has 236 chambers laid around a vast central central courtyard. the approach doesn’t seem that great as you normally enter the palace from it’s rear through the servants quarters. This narrow passage leads to a vast central courtyard its 34 x 34 meter and has a central tank which used to house a fountain with a gold spout. this palace has lot of resemblance with Jodha Bai’s house in Fatehpur sikri. There is a small unique V shape on the south wall called Gavaksh. Such balconies used to adorned the ladies chambers which now have been converted to museum.

A the main entrance is on the other side with the door beingprotected by two elephants.

the name of the palace is still a mystery as history says that Jahangir stayed there only for a day. the construction was started at the time of Akbar the palace wascompleted by Bir Singh and he must have named it after his patron king.

Chhattries

These cenotaphs stand hauntingly on the bank of Betwa river.

There are total of 14 cenotaphs that date from 16th to 18th century. they look like temples made on elevated square platform.

Madhukar Shah's Chhattri seen below was made by his son. Madhukar was famous for his strong religious convections in Mughal court it was punishable to wear a tilak. Yet when Madhukar was invited in Akbar's court he rebelliously wore a big tilak on his forehead and impressed Akbar with his courage. He welcomed him personally to his court, Madhukar became a hero amongst his people and henceforth "Madhukar Shahi Tilak"became regular of all bundelas. we remember seeing it on paintings of Rani of jahnsi.