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Orcha
had the distribution of being the capital o f
one of the largest and most powerful kingdoms of Central
India. It was founded in the 16th Century by the Bundela
chieftain Rudra Pratap. Dotting the landscape are numerous
shrines, memorials and palaces each contributing to the legend
that is Orchha. It is characterized by its delicate chattaris
and trellis work, which impart it charms of unusual beauty and
architectural richness.
How
to get there
Air
Nearest
airport is Gwalior (120 km)
Rail
Nearest
railhead is Jhansi (19 km)
Road
Orchha
lies on the Jhansi - Khajuraho road, Regular bus services
connect Orchha with Jhansi.
In
and around
Bundela
school of painting
Complementing the noble proportions of their exteriors are
interiors which represent the finest flowering of the Bundela
school of painting. Strewn around the area are little shrines
and memorials, each with its own poignant history, each
contributing to the nostalgic beauty is Orcha.
Jehangir
Mahal
Built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo in the 17th century to
commemorate the visit of Emperor Jehangir to Orcha. Its strong
lines are counterbalanced by delicate chhatries and trellis
work, the whole conveying an effect of extraordinary richness.
Raj
Mahal
Situated to the right of the quadrangle, this palace was built
by Madhukar Shah, the deeply religious predecessor of Bir
Singh Ju Deo. The plain exteriors, crowned by chhatries, give
way to interiors with exquisite murals, boldly colourful, on a
variety of religious themes.
Raj
Praveen Mahal
Poetess and musician, Rai Praveen was the beautiful paramour
of Raja Inramani (1672 - 76). The Palace built for her is a
low, two storied brick structure, designed to match the height
of the trees in the surroundings.
Chaturbhuj
Temple
Built upon a massive stone platform and reached by a steep
flight of steps, the temple was specially constructed to
enshrine the image of Ram that remained in the Ram Raja
Temple.
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