Monuments In India

Raja Mahal

Mahal is a well constructed building located in Orchha district of Madhya Pradesh in India. The construction of this Mahal was started by Raja Rudra Pratap but due to his death the completion could not be done.  His son also continued the job but he died in between.  Finally, the construction work and fortification completed by Orchha King Madhukar Shah. The construction work started in 1531 and completed after a long time.  According to some historians, it took 18 years to complete.  This Mahal is just 16 kilometers away from Jhansi.

Architecture

This Mahal is a mixture of Mughal and Rajput style of architecture. Interiors of the Mahal have been designed in Islamic style of whereas exterior portion is in Hindu Architecture.  Amazing stone lattice work on the Mahal attracts visitors till date.  Civil engineering of that period was not less than the modern technology. This Mahal is designed in square shape and further portioned in two courtyards.  Complete Mahal building is multi storied and four levels are erected over one end while other three portions are five storied.  In the main Raj Mahal, carvings are not much and simplicity has been maintained all over the building.  Interior portions are not much carved like other monuments of India.  Though, in the outer portion of courtyard, some carvings have been made with the help of Mortar. There is Diwan-E-Aam and Diwan-E-Khas is constructed inside the Mahal where the King used to conduct meetings with highly recognized personalities and courtiers.  On the walls of the Mahal, small holes are created through which, the strict vigil was maintained. Inside Diwan-E-Aam, there are well decorated walls and pillars stating their construction story till date.  Middle portion of the Mahal is constructed in safest style.  On every storey, there is a supporting platform of enough width to start next storey construction. The top most storey of the Mahal is not wider that 1300 sqft.  The terrace maintained in all the stories of the Mahal is wide enough supported with the boundary wall. Outer walls of this Mahal are plain and without any carving.

Attractions

Some other places are of tourist interest located near this Mahal.

Jahangir Mahal

This Mahal was constructed by Mughal Emperor Saleem in 1598.  This Mahal was constructed after Saleem defeated Vir Singh Bundela of Orchha. From this Mahal, Mughal administered their empire and made important strategies against Bundelas. This Mahal was also used as a fort by Mughals during their reign in India.

Bir Singh Bridge

Bir Singh Bridge is the oldest bridge which is being used.  This bridge was constructed before 150 years of London Bridge.

Sheesh Mahal

This palace was constructed in the mid of 18th century by Udait Singh, the ruler of Orchha of that time.  The Mahal was constructed as residence of the royal family.  In this Mahal, various mirror clips have been constructed making multiple images of the person inside.  At that time huge stone bath tub was used in the bathroom of this Mahal. Presently the palace is being maintained by MPTDC (Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation).

How to Reach

Orchha is located in plain and hence no trouble is faced in transportation.  Any means can be adopted to reach this palace.

By Air

To access this palace, Gwalior is the nearest airport located at 116 kilometers from Orchha. Cities like Delhi Khajuraho, Mumbai, and Agra are well connected with regular flights to this airport.  Gwalior airport is equipped with all amenities.

By Rail

Jhansi is the nearest railway station located at 16 kilometers from Orchha.  This station is on the main route and all the major trains passes through this station.  This junction can be used to move to any part of India.

By Road

State Transport Corporation provides it bus services alongwith the other private tour operators from all over the state.  A/C, non- A/C and deluxe buses and taxies are available on affordable charges as all time.

Where to stay in Orchha

Some of the budget hotels in Orchha are as under:

Hotel Betwa

Betwa Retreat

Near Betwa River, Orchha district, Tikamgarh, Orchha – 472246

Hotel Sheesh

Sheesh Mahal

Fort Complex, Orchha

Hotel Test Shabnam

103, UV Orchha

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