A Hidden Gem of Bundela Architecture- The Orchha Town India
Orchha India
Orchha or Urchha is a town in the Niwari district of Madhya Pradesh state, India. Orchha lies on the Betwa River, 80 km from Tikamgarh & 15 km from Jhansi. the town of Orchha was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela chief Rudra Pratap Singh, who became the first King of Orchha. His son Bharti Chand initiated the shifting of capital from Garh Kunder to Orchha, as the site was a better place to fortify against growing Mughal pressure. The most striking feature of Orchha is its skyline which is punctuated by the domes and shikhara. Bundela’s style of architecture reached its peak under Bir Singh Deo’s reign and it is a striking blend of Rajput architecture and Mughal designs. The Orchha Palace fort is heavily fortified with over 15 rounded bastions and three entrances.
The fort complex consists of several connected structures that were erected over a period of time. The most remarkable among them are the Raja Mahal, Jehangir Mahal, and Rai Parveen Mahal. River Betwa splits into seven channels, called the Satdhara. Legend says that this is in honor of the seven erstwhile Chiefs of Orchha.
Geology Around Orchha India
Regionally the area forms a small part of the Bundelkhand massif. The massif is mostly granite which has been dated by radioactive means and proved to be older than 2500 M.Y. in age. River Betwa splits into seven channels, called the Satdhara. Legend says that this is in honor of the seven erstwhile Chiefs of Orchha.
Orchha India Tour
Orchha is known for Celebrating a blend of Bundelkhand and Mughal influences, it is one of the finest off-beat travel destinations in India. Nestled beside the Betwa River, these palaces and temples were made in the 16th and 17th centuries and still narrate the historical tales through their magnificent architecture. The structures are known for their mesmerizing beauty and for their intelligent engineering. The word Orchha or Urchha means ‘hidden’. The reason for this naming is the Tughlaqs Dynasty. Tughlaqs Dynasty rose to power in the 15th century and the Bundelkhand Kings wanted to retreat from them. Established in 1501 by Maharaja Rudra Pratap Singh, Orchha has witnessed tough times with the Mughal Dynasty also.
Chattris Or Cenotaph
In the River Betwa at Kanchana Ghat, the spectacular chattris or cenotaphs are constructed in memory of the Maharajas of Orchha. Built in a single compound, they are 14 in number. All the chhatris bear a resemblance to one another. These are three-storied buildings with windows constructed on elevated platforms. The Chattri of Bir Singh Deo which is nearest to the river stands out with massive pillars and excellence. These Chhatris are best observed from the Betwa River by a raft ride.
Raja Mahal
Raja Mahal is Built in the early 16th century and is the oldest among them. It was used as a residence for the Kings and Queens till the latter half of the 18th century CE. The Raja Mahal consists of two courtyards. The rooms, halls, and the verandah of the Mahal behold the most beautiful murals in earthy tones. They are themed around mythological stories, day-to-day life, hunting scenes, flora, and fauna inspired by their natural surroundings. The openings of the rooms are adorned with meticulous latticework (jali) work.
Jahangir Mahal
Jahangir Mahal was built by Bir Singh Deo exclusively for Jehangir. Actually, Jahangir was the guest of the Maharaja for one night. It was built as a symbol of warm reception to the emperor. The carved entrance of the palace is flanked by elephants placed in jharokhas. The outer wall holds traces of lapis lazuli and turquoise that had once adorned the palace. The most striking feature of the palace is sculptures carved on the brackets, and rooms with painted murals. The huge square courtyard of the structure houses a water tank and a central fountain, with four small fountains in each corner. The roof like the Raja Mahal comprises eight domed pavilions, Which adds to the beauty of the structure.
Rai Praveen mahal
Rai Parveen Mahal is dedicated to Rai Parveen, a beautiful courtesan, poet, and musician at the court of Raja Indrajeet. The palace houses beautiful paintings mostly in grey and black colors. The paintings in the second story show the different dance mudras of Rai Parveen with her slaves. Rai Praveen was also an inspiration for the famous Brajbhasha Poet Keshavdas’ poetry. In the evening soirees that were presided by Raja Indrajit, Keshavdas would recite a verse from his famous Rasikapriya to which Parveen danced and the audience applauded.
Ram Raja Mandir
Ram Raja Mandir was initially a fort that was later converted into a temple. It houses a unique idol of Lord Rama. As per legends, Rani Ganesh Kunwar the wife of Madhukar Shah is said to have brought the statue from the Saryu river of Ayodhya. This idol was to be installed at the Chaturbhuj Temple. Ram Raja Mandir is the only temple in India where Lord Rama is worshipped as a king.
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Chaturbhuj Temple
Chaturbhuj Temple is the Main Attraction of the landscape of Orchha India. It is an imposing structure built on a massive plinth and accessed by a steep flight of steps. The temple is surmounted by six spires of varying heights. The temple provides a spectacular view of the palace and houses the idols of Radha and Krishna.
Laxmi Narayan Temple
Lakshmi Narayan Temple was built by Bir Singh Deo and then renovated by king Prithvi Singh. The structure is a fusion of a fort and a temple. The slots for cannons and the bastions give it a distinctive fort-like appearance. The interiors of the temple are adorned with beautiful murals featuring mythological depictions and historic events such as the famous battle of Jhansi.
Gates or Darwaza
Marking the limits of the city in every direction are many fortified Gates or Darwaza- on the Jhansi Road, the Bhanderi Darwaza was equipped with guardrooms and weaponry, and there are the Chanderi Darwaza, Gundrei Darwaza, Hathi Darwaza as well as a Pramukh Dwar, the main entrance into the city from the north.
The best things to do in Orchha India
a small town Orcha, the grand history and monuments of this place make it a must-visit for tourists.
Boating and rafting in the Betwa river
Adventure activities can have a good time in Orchha India. Visitors can experience river rafting and boating in the Betwa river. Rafting in Betwa starts from the boat club, for which tickets can obtain from MP Tourism. A single raft takes approximately one to six people. Visitors can go with family or friends and have a great time here.
Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary
Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary offers an ideal breakaway to tourists visiting the historic attractions in Orchha. Perched along the banks of the river Betwa, Orchha Sanctuary is the most quaint scenic wildlife sanctuary, and wandering around this place is an amazing experience. A safari in this sanctuary promises an exquisite ride through the forest housing more than 200 bird species. Spread across an area of around 46 sq km, the sanctuary, is home to rare varieties of plants and birds. It was established in the year 1994 and has attracted wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers since. Some of the popular species that one can spot here include tiger, langur, panther, sloth bear, jackal, blue bull, and monkey. The sanctuary lies at a distance of 1 km from the chattris or cenotaphs and 2 km from the Orchha Fort, thus visitors can club a visit to all 3 sites.
Stay at Royal Sheesh Mahal
Sheesh, Mahal is a royal accommodation that was built by King Udait Singh. The Sheesh Mahal has the Raja Mahal and Jahangir Mahal on either side of the Sheesh Mahal. It consists of a huge dining hall with impressive walls and high ceilings. The upper floor provides a picturesque view of the city. To experience the feeling of royalty, you can visit the Sheesh Mahal.
Best time to Reach Orchha India
The best time to visit this quaint town Orccha India is from September to February when the Temperature levels will be calm and make the travel very pleasant. All the monuments can be covered on foot and that is the best way to know the hidden secrets of Orchha town. Reaching Orchha is possible either via road or by train to Jhansi.
Source- Theculturaltrip.com, Researchgate.org, India.com, Timesofindia.com
