By Abhishek Choudhury (10 th June, 2008)
Madhya Pradesh, the land of red soil also known as Bundelkhand is dotted
with various fortress that are mute witnesses to legends of love, betrayal
and heroic deeds. The stunning ruins of Orchha is magnificent relics of
erstwhile rulers. The grand Orchha fortress, palaces and temples in midst of
sparkling Betwa and sun drenched green of the dhak forests displays the
power and glory of Rajput rulers. The most of the Orchha palaces and
fortress were made in a mixture of Mughal and Rajput architecture.
Orchha is a beautiful place, discovered by Bundela ruler Rudra Pratap in
the year 1501-31 while hunting in the dense forests of Orchha. He was so
enchanted with the beauty of the place that he shifted his capital from
Kundar to Orchha. Rudra Pratap had held well against the Lodi Sultans but
with the Mughals having gained entry. After the death of Rudra Pratap, the
throne left to his sons Bharati Chand and Madhukar Shah. Soon after their
shift, Emperor Akbar, after annexing Gwalior, turned to Bundelkhand. The
Orchha tough terrain with thick forest and without open pathways was
difficult to penetrate. The Mughal with the coalition of Kachhawhas of
Narwar won the battle. Finally, the Madhukar Shah and his army forced to
surrender to the Mughal general Sadiq Khan. But Madhukar Shas refused to bow
don before Mughal court. Madhukar Shah died at the age of eighty in the
Narwar forests, while retreating from an engagement with the imperial
troops.
Orchha showcases many Rajput and Mughal monuments. The majestic Raj Mahal
of Orchha still enliven the spirit of the Bundela. The Talbehat fort
overlooks a lake and the Chaturbhuj temple of Orchha built by Madhukar Shah.
Under the rule of Bir Singh who was a patron of Mughals, built some amazing
monuments. Lakshmi Narayan temple, the Datia fortress palace, dharmasalas
and irrigation tanks are all credited to Bir Singh. But the most fascinating
one is Jehangir Mahal. Jehangir Mahal is the assimilation of Bundelkhand and
Mughal architecture.
The square shaped palace is a sprawling construction, 220 feet on each
side. The facade is richly decorated, with imposing arcades and large fluted
domes and sandstone walls adorned with designs and geometric patterns. The
entrance portal, flanked by sculpted elephants and embroidered with cusped
arches, leads to a spacious interior.
Related Guide Links
Ujjain
Gwalior
Khajuraho
Bandhavgarh National Park
Kanha National Park
