Orchha Fort Complex: History, Architecture & Monuments of Madhya Pradesh’s Hidden Gem
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| Orchha Fort, Raja Mahal and bridge Source @ Wikipedia |
The palaces, forts and temples of Orchha make the city of Madhya Pradesh a historical city. An excellent piece of medieval architecture and royal heritage, the Orchha Fort Complex is located on the shores of the Betwa River. The royal palaces, palaces, temples and memorials in this fort complex represent a unique blend of history and art. Orchha Fort is the pride of the Bundela dynasty as well as a living relic of what can be termed as a perfect blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture.
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| Raja Mahal @ source Wikipedia |
Location
Orchha Fort is a complex of forts along the river Betwa in Tikamgarh district of Madhya Pradesh. This historical site is a tourist attraction site today and is located approximately 15 km away from the city of Jhansi.
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| Palaces in the Orchha Fort complex Source @ Wikipedia |
The history of the Orchha Fort Complex is allied with the Bundela dynasty. The fort was started in 1531 when the Bundela ruler, Rudra Pratap Singh made Orchha his capital. His successors later added other palaces, temples and buildings to the fort. Madhukar Shah (1554-1592) constructed palaces and promoted religious and cultural life. Under his successor Bir Singh Dev (1605-1627 AD) the fort of Orchha was in its greatest glory. Because of his strong friendship with Emperor Jahangir, he had the Jahangir Mahal constructed in memory of his entry into Orchha. Even though the Mughal influence grew later the fort of Orchha enjoys particular place in history due to its strategic importance, royal architecture and art. To date, this fort remains a priceless source of the political, cultural and architectural history of medieval India.
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| Jahangir Mahal, Orchha. source @ Wikipedia |
The primary building and construction.
The Orchha Fort complex is a complex of palaces, temples and buildings which are unique specimens of medieval architecture. Every building can be traced and characterised. Some of the more noteworthy buildings are: The Raj Mahal Raja Madhukar Shah was the one who constructed the palace. There are wonderful frescoes on the inner walls with stories of Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas. Here the palace and home of the royal family would be maintained. The Sheesh Mahal At one time Sheesh Mahal used to be the guest house of the royal palace. Essentially, there are great numbers of tiny mirrors on the walls and ceilings of the interior decorated in glasswork. These candelabra mirrors brought the light of a candle into the palace. It is being utilized as a hotel. The Jahangir Mahal The Jahangir Mahal is one of the most popular monuments of Orchha. Bir Singh Dev had it constructed to meet the Mughal emperor Jahangir. The three-story palace is a perfect combination between Rajput and Mughal architecture. This great strategic palace has huge balconies, lavish windows and domes. Other structures Other structures of significance in the Orchha Fort complex include the Ram Raja Temple, Chaturbhuj Temple, Laxminarayan Temple as well as several chhatris.
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| Paintings in Raja Mahal source @ Wikipedia |
Magical scenes in the arms of the fort.
Once the fort gates are closed, the light and sound show starts each night and reveals the intriguing history and culture of Orchha. This spectacular show is a must see and would put some magic in your tour. The timings are as follows: Summer Showtime (English): 7:45 PM to 8.30 pm. Summer Showtime (Hindi): 8:45pm to 9.45 PM. Winter Showtime (English): 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm. Winter Showtime (Hindi): 7: 45 PM to 8.30 PM.
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| Photo source @India Cine Hub |
Conclusion
The Orchha Fort Complex is not only a fort but a living historical record of the history, art and architecture of medieval India. The mix of the splendid heritage of the Bundela rulers, the grandeur of the royal palaces, the religious importance of the temples and the Mughal-Rajput architectural style make this fort special. The frescoes of Raj Mahal, the lightening of the Sheesh Mahal and the architectural style of Jahangir Mahal continues to intrigue.
India Cine Hub – Fort Complex, Orchha
