Rai Praveen Mahal, Orchha

The fort was built following the founding of the Orchha State in 1501 AD by Rudra Pratap Singh (r. 1501–1531), a Bundela rajput.[1] The palaces and temples within the fort complex were built over a period of time by successive Maharajas of the Orchha State. Of these, the Raja Mandir or Raja Mahal was built by Madhukar Shah who ruled from 1554 to 1591. Jahangir Mahal and Sawan Bhadon Mahal were built during the reign of Vir Singh Deo (r. 1605–1627).[5][2][6] The features of "pepper pots and domes"[7] seen in the fort complex are believed to have inspired Lutyens in the architecture of the structures which he built in New Delhi.[7]

MonumentsEdit



Palaces in the Orchha Fort complex

The fort complex, accessed from an arched causeway, leads to a large gateway followed by a large quadrangular open space which is surrounded by palaces such as Raja Mahal or Raja Mandir, Sheesh Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, a temple, gardens and pavilions. The fort walls have battlements, which have ornamentation.[3] Notable architectural features seen in the fort complex consist of projected balconies, open flat areas and decorated latticed windows.[1][2]

Small is beautiful! A small Palace made in 1572 by King Indrajit Singh for courtesan, singer & dancer Rai Praveen. Location is historic & beautiful.

The fort complex is located in the Tikamgarh district of Madhya Pradesh in the erstwhile state of Orchha. The fort complex is within an island formed by the confluence of the Betwa River and Jamni River in Orchha town. Approach to the complex from the eastern part of the market in the town is through a multiple arched bridge with 14 arches built in granite stones.

Orchha town is approximately 80 kilometres (50 mi) away from Tikamgarh town, which is the district headquarters of the district of the same name. Jhansi town is 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) away. Orchha is a railway station of the Central Railway on the Jhansi-Manikpur section.

History

The fort was built following the founding of the Orchha State in 1501 AD by Rudra Pratap Singh (r. 1501–1531), a Bundela rajput.  The palaces and temples within the fort complex were built over a period of time by successive Maharajas of the Orchha State. Of these, the Raja Mandir or Raja Mahal was built by Madhukar Shah who ruled from 1554 to 1591. Jahangir Mahal and Sawan Bhadon Mahal were built during the reign of Vir Singh Deo (r. 1605–1627).  The features of "pepper pots and domes" seen in the fort complex are believed to have inspired Lutyens in the architecture of the structures which he built in New Delhi.

Monuments

Palaces in the Orchha Fort complex

The fort complex, accessed from an arched causeway, leads to a large gateway followed by a large quadrangular open space which is surrounded by palaces such as Raja Mahal or Raja Mandir, Sheesh Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, a temple, gardens and pavilions. The fort walls have battlements, which have ornamentation. Notable architectural features seen in the fort complex consist of projected balconies, open flat areas and decorated latticed windows.

Rani Praveen Mahal located near Jahangir Mahal Orchha Fort complex Orchha Madhya Pradesh India.The Mahal was built in honour of the Nightingale of Orchha, This is a double storied brick building and was built by Raja Indra Mani in mind 1670. It's second floor is decorated with sculptures in Indian dance poses.

History is afire with stories of uncelebrated love that was perceived as immoral in society and the defiant courtesan has found portrayal through various celluloid depictions as a manifestation of unrequited love.

The Rai Praveen Mahal in Orccha is a silent testament to the valour courage and sublime artistry of this extremely talented courtesan in the court of King Indrajit who won a lot of hearts for her artistic skills as for her beauty. Rumours have it that she was King Indrajit's paramour and such was her popularity and fame that stories of her beauty and rich artistry reached the ears of the Imperial Mughal emperor Akbar who summoned her rather rudely to his court. However, not wanting to be disloyal to King Indrajit who was too meek to stand up for her against Akbar, Rai Praveen politely declined and this won her deferential respect from Akbar who went onto relocate her in a special palace complex replete with lush gardens boasting of exotic flowering plants and shrubs and herbs in a sprawling campus with other architectural structures and palaces, among which was one palace dedicated to her.

Another striking feature about Rai Praveen Mahal is the gardens which are pruned and shaped creatively into many artistic shapes and this has been a tradition since the inception of the monumental structure. Situated in Orccha in Madhya Pradesh, the Rai Praveen mahal is still a magnificently resounding visual delight. Visit the magnificent Rai Praveen Mahal and prepare to be mesmerized by the terrific legend associated with this lavishly palatial structure that has withstood the test of time. Presently the palace itself is rendered beyond visibility at first but can be accessed behind the Jahangir Mahal and you need to approach it by climbing down a flight of stairs and through the camel stables.

Rai Praveen Mahal was built by Indrajeet Singh in 1729 for his renowned dancer Rai Praveen known for her enchanting beauty She was also a good poetess.
This two storeyed palace has exquisite paintings of dance.
Akbar who was enamored by Parveen’s beauty had ordered to be his courtesan. But Parveen composed a couplet which stated her status as an already used woman not fit for an emperor.
Akbar sent her back to Orccha with complete dignity & honor

Amazing environment. The garden besides is an engineering marvel. It has a medium sized gorge which has windows just adjacent to the kings palace which act as a great source of ventilation. Also unlike the main palace it has life sized paintings from the 17th century on the 2nd floor.

This beautiful palace what I have seen and heard of her life I was very impressed. Our guide Sanjay Yadab was amazing . he told us about everything what he knows.