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Orchha: A Tale of Bundela Dynasty in Madhya Pradesh

By Akshatha

Ancient India was known for the Rajas (Kings) and the architecture in their period. It was a time when kings used to show their royalty through the art and architecture of the dynasty.

Orchha is one such town which has many monuments and forms a major part of Madhya Pradesh tourism. It was created by the Bundela Rajput, Rudra Pratap Singh (the first King of Orchha). The town was the capital of Bundelkhand province.

The monuments of Orchha in Madhya Pradesh was built during 16th - 17th century. The fine architecture in this ancient town is intricate and enchanting.

Orchha, situated on the banks of river Betwa, is picturesque and rich in art. The design of each building, fort and temple just glow with aesthetic charm.

Raja Mahal and Chaturbhuj Temple are two of the earlier buildings in the Orchha fort complex. There are several buildings in the Orchha complex which have been built by different Bundela rulers.

The town is filled with cenotaphs (empty tombs) and temple spires which is a visual treat. As you enter, the town welcomes the visitors to a stream of ancient legacies. This heritage site is a must visit place under Madhya Pradesh tourism.

Let us take a tour around the ancient town of Orchha!

Cenotaphs on the banks of Betwa River

Cenotaphs on the banks of Betwa River

There are many Chhatris or Cenotaphs (empty tombs) built as a homage to various rulers of Orchha.
Photo Courtesy: Henry Flower

Raja Mahal

Raja Mahal

Raja Mahal was built by the Madhukar Shah in 17th century. Madhukar Shah is believed to be religious and there are many mural paintings on religious themes inside the palace.
Photo Courtesy: Arian Zwegers

Jehangir Mahal

Jehangir Mahal

It was built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo and it is a fine example of Mughal architecture.
Photo Courtesy: (WT-en) Jpkozura

Chaturbhuj Temple

Chaturbhuj Temple

Chaturbhuj Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the architecture is a blend of temple, palace and fort structures. It is one of the ancient temples in Orchha complex (9th C).
Photo Courtesy: Yann

Betwa River

Betwa River

The town of Orchha is built on the banks of the Betwa river and it adds to the beauty of this heritage site.
Photo Courtesy: Manuel Menal

Lakshmi Narayan Temple

Lakshmi Narayan Temple

The Lakshmi Narayan Temple is a unique architecture; a blend of fort and temple. The frescoes inside the temple are most amazing to see.
Photo Courtesy: Manuel Menal

Ram Raja Temple

Ram Raja Temple

Ram Raja Temple in Orchha is a famous one; here Lord Rama is worshipped as a king and the temple is inside a palace.
Photo Courtesy: Yann

Cenotaph of Bir Singh Ju Deo

Cenotaph of Bir Singh Ju Deo

One can find cenotaphs for each ruler of Orchha. This one is dedicated to Bir Singh Ju Deo who ruled from 1605 - 1627 AD.
Photo Courtesy: Dennis Jarvis

Mural Paintings

Mural Paintings

Mural painting inside Jehangir Mahal. Frescoes and mural paintings are a main part of the interiors of the buildings in Orchha complex.
Photo Courtesy: dalbera

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