Photos

View of Sheesh Mahal (on the left with blue and green tiles) and Jahangir Mahal from the top of Raj Mahal.

Sheesh Mahal, or the Palace of Mirrors, was built during the early 18th century by the local Raja, Udait Singh. This is long after the golden period of Orchha. After India's independence this property was inherited by the state government and converted into a hotel.

Jahangir Mahal was built Bir Singh Deo in the 17th century. Bir Singh was a friend of Salim (name of Mughal Emperor Jahangir when he was still a prince). Salim had rebelled against his father the Mughal Emperor Akbar. During this time Akbar tried to capture Bir Singh and Bir Singh took refuge with Salim. Later, in retaliation, Bir Singh decapitated Akbar's general Abul Fazl while he was passing through the region and sent his head to Salim. An enraged Akbar captured Orchha and drove away the then king Raja Ram Chand, Bir Singh's elder brother. When Jahangir ascended the throne at Delhi, Orchha was given back to Bir Singh. Bir Singh made this palace as a expression of gratitude. Emperor Jahangir visited Orchha and stayed here for one day. Built is Indo-Islamic architecture, this palace is one of the main attractions for tourist at Orchha. The main entrance of the palace in on the East. Two stone elephants flank the stairway at the entrance, holding bells in their trunks to announce the arrival of the Raja. This three storey building has apartments topped with domes and has hanging balconies. There is also an undergroud section where the army can be housed.

Orchha is a small town in Tikamgarh district of Madhya Pradesh state, India. Orchha lies on the Betwa River, in the Bundelkhand region of northern Madhya Pradesh about 17km from Jhansi. Orchha was the capital of Bundela Kings.