Palace in Orchha
The palace in Orchha is considered the main historical landmark of the city-fort Orchha. Inside the walls of the fort there is a palace complex consisting of the Raj Mahal Palace, Jahangir Mahal Palace and Shish Mahal Palace. The complex is located between two rivers, to get into it, you need to cross an old brick bridge.
History of creation
Orchha was founded in the 16th century on the Betwa River and later became the main city of the Bundenlkhand principality. The city flourished in the 17th century, until the uprising against the rule of the Mughals. Shah Jahan brutally suppressed him. The Raja left Orchha. Gradually, the city began to fall into disrepair, turning from the capital into an ordinary provincial settlement. Many buildings were abandoned, but the Palace in Orchha retained its former grandeur.
One of the landmark complexes, the Raj Mahal Palace, is a fortified residence of the rajah. The outer walls look like fortress walls, blind, with narrow loopholes. The Raj Mahal is famous for its magnificent wall paintings. Picturesque vivid scenes of Indian mythology, reincarnations of the god Vishnu, hunting, celebrations with dancers, musicians and magicians attract the interest and admiration of tourists. Later, images of the British were added to some of the walls.
The palace was built by Maharaja Madhukar Shah in 1591. The building in the Palace in Orchha is made in the Indo-Saracenic architectural style, popular in that era. The palace is divided into the Maharaja's chambers and the women's part. Each half has its own courtyard. Arched galleries with balconies, turrets and domes are arranged around the perimeter of the courtyard from above. The palace is not well preserved. It is said that there are dungeons under the palace, but tourists are not allowed to enter there.
There is a small museum on the lower floor of the palace. Camel stalls are set up behind.
Main attractions
The Jahangir Mahal Palace was built by the ruler of Orchha, Bir Singh Deo, at the beginning of the 17th century, especially for the arrival of the great Mughal emperor Jahangir. The construction of the Palace in Orchha lasted for more than 20 years. When the emperor arrived, Bir Singh presented him with a palace. Jahangir spent only one night there.
The grandiose structure in the Palace in Orchha, which has 5 tiers, is decorated with numerous towers, gazebos, terraces and galleries. From its height, there is a wonderful view of the surroundings and the park, and the cenotaphs (tombstones) of the imperial family on the riverbank are clearly visible. Tourists compare the decoration of the palace with a fairy tale or a computer game about the Prince of Persia.
The Shish Mahal was considered the palace of the maharaja's wife, and in some guidebooks it is called the "bedroom of the rajah." It currently houses a hotel with the same name, offering its services at fairly high prices.
A light and music show is regularly held at the Raj Mahal Palace. It is a radio performance, during which the palace arches are effectively illuminated. The theme of the play is the historical past, where the Palace in Orchha occupies a separate place.
