Orchha : Architectural Grandeur Of The Numerous Monuments And Temples
The erstwhile capital of Bundelkhand, Orchha, was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela Rajput chieftain, Rudra Pratap
. Orchha translates to mean hidden. The significance of the word comes from the fact that the Bundelkhand Rajas retreated here after being banished out of Delhi by the Tughlaqs in the 15th century. The architectural grandeur of the numerous palaces, monuments and temples serve as a testimony to the rich cultural heritage of the Bundela rulers.The main attraction of Orchha is the Orchha Fort complex, located on an island in River Betwa. This complex consists of several monuments, the most remarkable of which are the Jehangir Mahal and the Raj Mahal. The former was built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo in the 17th century to commemorate the visit of Emperor Jehangir to Orchha. The strong lines of the various storeys of the palace are offset by exquisite chhatris and delicate trellis work, the entire structure conveying an effect of extraordinary richness.
The Raj Mahal Palace, built in the 17th century by Madhukar Shah, the predecessor of Bir Singh Ju Deo, has an almost entirely unadorned exterior, relieved by projecting windows and a line of delicate chhatris along the apex. These plain exteriors give way to an interior with beautiful murals, brightly coloured on a variety of religious themes, bringing the walls and ceilings to life. The banks of the Betwa river are dotted with 14 cenotaphs (temples constructed as memorials) of various Bundela kings.
The Ram Raja Mandir is an enormous square temple with a simple exterior coloured with pink and yellow. This is the only temple where Ram is revered as a king. Other historical temples of Orchha include the Chaturbhuj Temple and the Laxminarayan Temple. While the interior of the Chaturbhuj Temple is chastely plain, that of the Laxminarayan temple is vibrantly painted with bright murals.
Any trip to Orchha, Madhya Pradesh would not be complete without a visit to Phool bagh (A garden with fountains), and to Sunder Mahal (a small palace, now almost in ruins).
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