Orchha was founded in 16th century AD by the Bundela Rajput chief, Rudra Pratap Singh, who became the first King of Orchha, (1501-1531) and also built the Fort of Orchha.
Jahangir Mahal in Orchha, located at a distance of about 18 km
from Jhansi is one of the most admired and impressionable palaces.
Situated in the fort complex of the Tikamgarh district of Orchha, this
17th century monument was built by the King Vir Singh Deo in honour of
the Mughal prince, Jahangir.
The King of Bundela, Maharaja Vir Singh was an ally of Prince Salem (later known as Emperor Jahangir) long before they became rulers. The eldest son of Mughal Emperor Akbar, Prince Salem, had a difference in opinion with his father. It was his weakness in the matter of the heart and especially his alliance with Anarkali, which riled Akbar to no end. Abul Fazl, one of the Navratnas (Nine Jewels) of Akbar’s court, thrived on this rift between father and son and suggested that Akbar disown Prince Salem as an heir to the throne. After learning of this, Prince Salem revolted against his father and Akbar decided to send Abul Fazl to fight the rebellion.
The King of Bundela, Maharaja Vir Singh was an ally of Prince Salem (later known as Emperor Jahangir) long before they became rulers. The eldest son of Mughal Emperor Akbar, Prince Salem, had a difference in opinion with his father. It was his weakness in the matter of the heart and especially his alliance with Anarkali, which riled Akbar to no end. Abul Fazl, one of the Navratnas (Nine Jewels) of Akbar’s court, thrived on this rift between father and son and suggested that Akbar disown Prince Salem as an heir to the throne. After learning of this, Prince Salem revolted against his father and Akbar decided to send Abul Fazl to fight the rebellion.
Abul Fazl began a march to meet Salem’s army in Agra, but to get there
he had to first cross the empire of King Vir Singh. On learning of the
approach of the army, Vir Singh decided to help his friend and gathered
his men to fight against the Mughal troops, conquering and defeating
them in 1602. Vir Singh chopped off Abul Fazl’s head and presented it to
Prince Salem as a sign of his loyalty and friendship. Three years later
when Akbar died and Prince Salem, who came to be known as Emperor
Jahangir decided to return the favour and gave the whole Bundelkhand
region to Vir Singh. Jahangir also came to attend Vir Singh’s coronation
to the throne, and to honour this visit, Vir Singh had the Jahangir
Mahal built, to receive the emperor when he came to visit him.
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| Jahangir Mahal of Orchha |
In Orchha, the Jahangir Mahal
is built on a rectangular base and is relieved by a circular tower at
each corner surmounted by a dome, while two lines of graceful balconies
supported on brackets mark the central storeys. The roof is crowned by
eight large fluted domes, with smaller domes between them, connected by
an ornamental balustrade.
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| Beautiful hanging balconies of Jahangir Mahal of Orchha |
The Jahangir Mahal is considered to be a
singularly beautiful specimen of Mughal
architecture. Jahangir Mahal, overlooking the Betwa River is a three storied
structure, built in the Indo-Islamic architectural style, with over 100
rooms, and several courtyards, hanging balconies, porches and domes. The
entrance facing the east is an elaborate and traditional gateway with
the front walls lined with turquoise tiles. There are two stone
elephants with hanging bells on the sides of the entrance, which in
earlier times used to mark the entrance of the King and the palace has
several windows and airy balconies making the palace very open and airy.