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{{Use Indian English|date=June 2017}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2017}}
<!-- See [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Indian cities]] for details -->{{Infobox settlement
<!-- See [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Indian cities]] for details -->{{Infobox settlement
| name                   = Orchha
| name                     = Orchha
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| photo1a = Chaturbhuj Temple, Orchha.jpg
| photo1a = Chaturbhuj Temple, Orchha.jpg
| photo1b = Facade of Jahangir Mahal.jpg
| photo1b = Facade of Jahangir Mahal.jpg
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| size = 300
| size = 300
}}
}}
| image_alt               =  
| image_alt               =  
| image_caption           = (clockwise from top) [[Chaturbhuj Temple (Orchha)|Chaturbhuj Temple]], [[Jahangir Mahal, Orchha|Jahangir Mahal]], Raja Mahal, Lakshmi Temple
| image_caption           = (clockwise from top) [[Chaturbhuj Temple (Orchha)|Chaturbhuj Temple]], [[Jahangir Mahal, Orchha|Jahangir Mahal]], Raja Mahal, Lakshmi Temple
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| coordinates             = {{coord|25.35|N|78.64|E|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates             = {{coord|25.35|N|78.64|E|display=inline,title}}
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| subdivision_name       = India
| subdivision_name         = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1       = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_type1       = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1       = [[Madhya Pradesh]]
| subdivision_name1       = [[Madhya Pradesh]]
| subdivision_type2       = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_type2       = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name2       = [[Niwari district|Niwari]]
| subdivision_name2       = [[Niwari district|Niwari]]
| established_title       = <!-- Established -->
| established_title       = <!-- Established -->
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| elevation_m             = 552
| elevation_m             = 552
| population_total       = 8501
| population_total         = 8501
| population_as_of       = 2001
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| demographics1_title1   = Official
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| demographics1_info1     = [[Hindi language|Hindi]]
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| utc_offset1             = +5:30
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| postal_code_type       = <!-- [[Postal Index Number|PIN]] -->
| postal_code_type         = <!-- [[Postal Index Number|PIN]] -->
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| area_code_type         = Telephone code
| area_code_type           = Telephone code
| area_code               = 07680
| area_code               = 07680
| registration_plate     = MP-36
| registration_plate       = MP-36
| website                 = www.ramrajatempleorchha.com
| website                 = www.ramrajatempleorchha.com
| footnotes               =  
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}}


'''Orchha''' (or Urchha) is a town in Niwari district of [[Madhya Pradesh]] state, [[India]]. The town was established by [[Rudra Pratap Singh]] some time after 1501, as the seat of [[Orcha State|an eponymous]] former [[princely state]] of covering parts of central & north India, in the [[Bundelkhand]] region.<ref name=EB1911>{{cite EB1911 |wstitle=Orchha |volume=20 |page=170}}</ref> Orchha lies on the [[Betwa River]], 80&nbsp;km from [[Tikamgarh]] & 15&nbsp;km from [[Jhansi]] in [[Uttar Pradesh]].<ref name=or>{{cite web |title=Orchha |url=http://tikamgarh.nic.in/tourism.htm |publisher= niwari district ] website }} It is included in the UNESCO world heritage cities list in 2020.
'''Orchha''' is a [[town]], near city of [[Niwari, Madhya Pradesh|Niwari]] in [[Niwari district]] of [[Madhya Pradesh]] state, [[India]]. The town was established by rajput ruler [[Rudra Pratap Singh]] some time after 1501, as the seat of [[Orcha State|an eponymous]] former [[princely state]] of covering parts of central & north India, in the [[Bundelkhand]] region.<ref name=EB1911>{{cite EB1911 |wstitle=Orchha |volume=20 |page=170}}</ref> Orchha lies on the [[Betwa River]], 80&nbsp;km from [[Tikamgarh]] & 15&nbsp;km from [[Jhansi]] in [[Uttar Pradesh]].<ref name=or>{{cite web |title=Orchha |url=http://tikamgarh.nic.in/tourism.htm |publisher=niwari district ] website |access-date=17 February 2015 |archive-date=18 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718190603/http://tikamgarh.nic.in/tourism.htm |url-status=live }} It is included in the UNESCO world heritage cities list in 2020.</ref>
</ref>
 
[[File:The capture of Orchha by imperial forces (October 1635).jpg|thumb|The Mughal Army led by Prince [[Aurangzeb]], Syed Khan-i-Jahan, Abdullah Khan Bahadur Firuz Jang and Khan Dauran enter Orchha.]]


==History==
==History==
{{Main|Orchha State}}
{{Main|Orchha State}}
Orchha was founded in 1531 (the 16th century AD)<ref>[http://tikamgarh.nic.in/tourism.htm Orchha] [[Tikamgarh district]] Official website.</ref> by the [[Bundela]] [[Rajput]] chief, Rudra Pratap Singh,<ref name="sen2">{{Cite book |last=Sen |first=Sailendra |title=A Textbook of Medieval Indian History |publisher=Primus Books |year=2013 |isbn=978-9-38060-734-4 |pages=187}}</ref> who became the first King of Orchha, (r. 1501-1531) and also built the Fort of Orchha.<ref>[http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/apac/photocoll/m/019pho000430s21u00011000.html Mausoleum of Raja Rudra Pratap], [[British Library]].</ref> The [[Chaturbhuj Temple (Orchha)|Chaturbhuj Temple]] was built during the reign of [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] emperor [[Akbar]], by the queen of Orchha, Ganesh Kunwar (गणेश कुँवर),<ref>[http://www.collectbritain.co.uk/personalisation/object.cfm?uid=019PHO0000050S2U00134000 Orchha] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207053923/http://www.collectbritain.co.uk/personalisation/object.cfm?uid=019PHO0000050S2U00134000 |date=7 February 2009 }} British Library.</ref> while ''Raj Mandir'' was built by  'Raja Madhukar Shah' during his reign, 1554 to 1591.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uq.net.au/~zzhsoszy/ips/o/orchha.html|title=UQconnect, The University of Queensland|access-date=23 July 2016}}</ref><ref>[http://www.collectbritain.co.uk/personalisation/object.cfm?uid=019PHO0000002S4U00056000 Raj Mandir] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112035021/http://www.collectbritain.co.uk/personalisation/object.cfm?uid=019PHO0000002S4U00056000 |date=12 January 2012 }} [[British Library]].</ref>
Orchha was founded in 1531 (the 16th century AD)<ref>[http://tikamgarh.nic.in/tourism.htm Orchha] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718190603/http://tikamgarh.nic.in/tourism.htm |date=18 July 2019 }} [[Tikamgarh district]] Official website.</ref> by the [[Bundela]] chief, Rudra Pratap Singh,<ref name="sen2">{{Cite book |last=Sen |first=Sailendra |title=A Textbook of Medieval Indian History |publisher=Primus Books |year=2013 |isbn=978-9-38060-734-4 |pages=187}}</ref> who became the first King of Orchha, (r. 1501–1531) and also built the Fort of Orchha.<ref>[http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/apac/photocoll/m/019pho000430s21u00011000.html Mausoleum of Raja Rudra Pratap] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718182955/http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/apac/photocoll/m/019pho000430s21u00011000.html |date=18 July 2021 }}, [[British Library]].</ref> The [[Chaturbhuj Temple (Orchha)|Chaturbhuj Temple]] was built by the queen of Orchha, Ganesh Kunwar (गणेश कुँवर),<ref>[http://www.collectbritain.co.uk/personalisation/object.cfm?uid=019PHO0000050S2U00134000 Orchha] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207053923/http://www.collectbritain.co.uk/personalisation/object.cfm?uid=019PHO0000050S2U00134000 |date=7 February 2009 }} British Library.</ref> while ''Raj Mandir'' was built by  'Raja Madhukar Shah' during his reign, 1554 to 1591. Orchha was captured by imperial forces of the [[Mughal Army]] led by Prince [[Aurangzeb]] in October 1635.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uq.net.au/~zzhsoszy/ips/o/orchha.html|title=UQconnect, The University of Queensland|access-date=23 July 2016|archive-date=21 January 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040121140739/http://www.uq.net.au/~zzhsoszy/ips/o/orchha.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[http://www.collectbritain.co.uk/personalisation/object.cfm?uid=019PHO0000002S4U00056000 Raj Mandir] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112035021/http://www.collectbritain.co.uk/personalisation/object.cfm?uid=019PHO0000002S4U00056000 |date=12 January 2012 }} [[British Library]].</ref>
<gallery mode="nolines" widths="220" perrow="3">
<gallery mode="nolines" widths="220" perrow="3">
File:Ram Raja Temple, Orchha, Madhya Pradesh, India.jpg|[[Ram Raja Temple]]
File:Ram Raja Temple, Orchha, Madhya Pradesh, India.jpg|[[Ram Raja Temple]]
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File:Purana Mandir.jpg|Purana Mandir
File:Purana Mandir.jpg|Purana Mandir
File:Orchha Fort and Bridge.jpg|[[Orchha Fort complex]]
File:Orchha Fort and Bridge.jpg|[[Orchha Fort complex]]
[[File:The capture of Orchha by imperial forces (October 1635).jpg|thumb|The Invader Mughal Army led by Cruel [[Aurangzeb]], Syed Khan-i-Jahan, Abdullah Khan Bahadur Firuz Jang and Khan Dauran enter Orchha.]]
</gallery>
</gallery>
==Story about king Rama (Ram Raja) temple==
Lord Rama is regarded as the King of Orchha. Orchha is the only place in India other than Ayodhya, where lord Rama is also the King of the town. The story behind this goes like this: In 16th century, king Madhukar shah of Orchha was a devotee of Lord Krishna whereas his wife queen Kunwar Ganesh was a devotee of Lord Rama. There were always disputes due to this difference. Once king challenged the queen that if Rama really exists then bring him to Orchha. Queen went to ayodhya and prayed for 21 days with rigorous penance to lord Rama. At last Rama appeared before her in his child form and agreed to go with her with three conditions: first that he will be the only king of Orchha, there will be no other king. Second that wherever he is placed once he will remain there only and third that he will go at a particular time and with some monks. Queen accepted the conditions and thus Rama (statue representing Rama himself) was brought to Orchha. Since then Rama is the only king in Orchha. Even in the present times Rama is regarded as the only king and the guard of honour is given to him by the police every day at the [[Ram Raja Temple]]. No other VIP or minister or official behaves like a ruler when they visit Orchha. This aspect makes Orchha a unique place for devotees of lord Rama.<ref>{{cite news |title=अयोध्या के श्रीराम का ओरछा से क्या है नाता, जानें 600 साल पुराना इतिहास |url=https://www.aajtak.in/religion/story/ayodhya-ram-temple-bhoomi-pujan-orchha-raja-madhukar-shah-history-1105630-2020-07-29 |access-date=23 February 2023 |work=आज तक |agency=Aaj Tak |issue=29 July 2020 |publisher=Aaj Tak |date=29 July 2020 |language=hi |archive-date=23 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223111719/https://www.aajtak.in/religion/story/ayodhya-ram-temple-bhoomi-pujan-orchha-raja-madhukar-shah-history-1105630-2020-07-29 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Ram Raja Mandir: ओरछा के राम राजा मंदिर में दर्शन का समय बदला, सुबह 9 और शाम 7 बजे खुलेंगे मंदिर के पट |url=https://www.amarujala.com/photo-gallery/madhya-pradesh/ram-raja-mandir-darshan-timings-changed-devotees-will-be-able-to-have-darshan-at-9-am-and-7-pm?pageId=3 |access-date=23 February 2023 |work=Amar Ujala |agency=Amar Ujala |issue=10 October 2022 |publisher=Amar Ujala |date=10 October 2022 |language=hi |archive-date=23 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223112034/https://www.amarujala.com/photo-gallery/madhya-pradesh/ram-raja-mandir-darshan-timings-changed-devotees-will-be-able-to-have-darshan-at-9-am-and-7-pm?pageId=3 |url-status=live }}</ref>


==Places of tourist interest==
==Places of tourist interest==
[[File:View of Raja Mahal from Jahangir Mahal with Ram Raja Temple and Chaturbhuj Temple in the background, Tikamgarh.jpg|center|thumb|696x696px|<center>View of Raja Mahal from [[Jahangir Mahal]] with Ram Raja Temple and [[Chaturbhuj Temple (Orchha)|Chaturbhuj Temple]] in the background.</center>]]
[[File:View of Raja Mahal from Jahangir Mahal with Ram Raja Temple and Chaturbhuj Temple in the background, Tikamgarh.jpg|center|thumb|696x696px|{{center|View of Raja Mahal from [[Jahangir Mahal]] with Ram Raja Temple and [[Chaturbhuj Temple (Orchha)|Chaturbhuj Temple]] in the background.}}]]
On a seasonal island on the bank of the [[Betwa River]], which has been surrounded by a battlement wall, stands a huge palace-fort. The fort consists of several connected buildings erected at different times, the most noteworthy of which is the ''Raja Mahal''.
On a seasonal island on the bank of the [[Betwa River]], which has been surrounded by a battlement wall, stands a huge palace-fort. The fort consists of several connected buildings erected at different times, the most noteworthy of which is the ''Raja Mahal''.


[[File:Old temple, Orchha.jpg|right|thumb|[[Chaturbhuj Temple (Orchha)|Chaturbhuj Temple]] at Orchha, is noted for having one of the [[List of tallest Gopurams#Tallest Vimana|tallest Vimana]] among [[Hindu temple]]s standing at 344 feet.]]
[[File:Old temple, Orchha.jpg|right|thumb|[[Chaturbhuj Temple (Orchha)|Chaturbhuj Temple]] at Orchha, is noted for having one of the [[List of tallest Gopurams#Tallest Vimana|tallest Vimana]] among [[Hindu temple]]s standing at 344 feet.]]
The [[Ram Raja Temple]] is built on a square base and has an almost entirely plain exterior, relieved by projecting windows and a line of delicate domes along the summit. 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. The Jahangir Mahal is considered to be a singularly beautiful specimen of [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] architecture.<ref name=EB1911/> A point worth mentioning here is that the mother of Jahangir, Mariam-uz-Zamani, was a Rajput princess. It is with this in mind that the Rajput king of Orchha had built the Jahangir Mahal. There is a spectacular light and sound show in the evening hours in the Jahangir Mahal. The show displays the history of the city of Orchha and the [[Jahangir Mahal]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mptourism.com/dest/orchha.html|title=Madhya Pradesh Destinations|access-date=23 July 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990222021409/http://www.mptourism.com/dest/orchha.html|archive-date=22 February 1999|df=dmy-all}}</ref> [[Chaturbhuj Temple (Orchha)|Chaturbhuj Temple]] is an old temple from the 9th century, and is noted for having one of the [[List of tallest Gopurams#Tallest Vimana|tallest Vimana]] among [[Hindu temple]]s standing at 344 feet.
The [[Ram Raja Temple]] is built on a square base and has an almost entirely plain exterior, relieved by projecting windows and a line of delicate domes along the summit. 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. The Jahangir Mahal is considered to be a singularly beautiful specimen of [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] architecture.<ref name=EB1911/> A point worth mentioning here is that the mother of Jahangir, Mariam-uz-Zamani, was a Rajput princess. It is with this in mind that the Rajput king of Orchha had built the Jahangir Mahal. There is a spectacular light and sound show in the evening hours in the Jahangir Mahal. The show displays the history of the city of Orchha and the [[Jahangir Mahal]]. [[Chaturbhuj Temple (Orchha)|Chaturbhuj Temple]] is an old temple from the 9th century, and is noted for having one of the [[List of tallest Gopurams#Tallest Vimana|tallest Vimana]] among [[Hindu temple]]s standing at 344 feet.
 
[[File:Sadhu of Orchha.jpg|thumb|[[Sadhu]] of Orchha]]
The Uth Khana (Camel Shelter) where the King's camels were stationed is right next to the fort and is a must-see. Tourists can also climb on the roof of the Uth Khana and get a fantastic view of Orchha town. The ruins behind the fort complex are an even greater sight. It makes a tourist travel back in time and is an integral part of a visit to Orchha. It houses the residences of various military officers, ministers (housing, roads), gunpowder factory, etc.
The Uth Khana (Camel Shelter) where the King's camels were stationed is right next to the fort and is a must-see. Tourists can also climb on the roof of the Uth Khana and get a fantastic view of Orchha town. The ruins behind the fort complex are an even greater sight. It makes a tourist travel back in time and is an integral part of a visit to Orchha. It houses the residences of various military officers, ministers (housing, roads), gunpowder factory, etc.


Numerous [[cenotaph]]s or [[chhatri]]s dot the vicinity of the fort and the Betwa river. Elsewhere about the town there is an unusual variety of temples and tombs, including the Chaturbhuj temple, which is built on a vast platform of stone.<ref name=EB1911/> The more unguarded and neglected of these buildings are popular hangouts for tropical bees, wasps, and other such excitable stinging creatures.
Numerous [[cenotaph]]s or [[chhatri]]s dot the vicinity of the fort and the Betwa river. Elsewhere about the town there is an unusual variety of temples and tombs, including the Chaturbhuj temple, which is built on a vast platform of stone.<ref name=EB1911/> The more unguarded and neglected of these buildings are popular hangouts for tropical bees, wasps, and other such excitable stinging creatures.


In 2006, Orchha's buildings were being documented by the LIK Team of [[IIT Roorkee]], India.<ref>[http://likiitr06.googlepages.com/home.html Mission Orchha] [[Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee]]</ref>
In 2006, Orchha's buildings were being documented by the LIK Team of [[IIT Roorkee]], India.<ref>[http://likiitr06.googlepages.com/home.html Mission Orchha] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080917055253/http://likiitr06.googlepages.com/home.html |date=17 September 2008 }} [[Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee]]</ref>


A community radio station, [[Radio Bundelkhand]] was launched in Orchha on 23 October 2008. It is an initiative of the [[Development Alternatives Group]]. The radio station broadcasts daily programs in the [[Bundeli]] dialect and devotes significant amount of its broadcast time to local issues, culture, education and the rich tradition of Bundeli folk music. The station is available on 90.4&nbsp;MHz.
A community radio station, [[Radio Bundelkhand]] was launched in Orchha on 23 October 2008. It is an initiative of the [[Development Alternatives Group]]. The radio station broadcasts daily programs in the [[Bundeli]] dialect and devotes significant amount of its broadcast time to local issues, culture, education and the rich tradition of Bundeli folk music. The station is available on 90.4&nbsp;MHz.
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Nearest Airport to Orchha is [[Gwalior Airport]].
Nearest Airport to Orchha is [[Gwalior Airport]].


Orchha is 250&nbsp;km and 4 hours drive from [[Kanpur Airport]] which is well connected with other metropolitan cities in India.
Orchha is 170&nbsp;km&nbsp;km and 3 hours drive from [[Khajuraho Airport]] which is well connected with other metropolitan cities in India.


Orchha Railway station is Jhansi-[[Manikpur, Uttar Pradesh|Manikpur]] section of the [[North Central Railways]]. 15&nbsp;km from [[Jhansi]] in Uttar Pradesh, Orchha also lies close to another popular tourist destination, [[Khajuraho]].
Orchha Railway station is Jhansi-[[Manikpur, Uttar Pradesh|Manikpur]] section of the [[North Central Railways]]. 15&nbsp;km from [[Jhansi]] in Uttar Pradesh, Orchha also lies close to another popular tourist destination, [[Khajuraho]].
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==See also==
==See also==
*[[Orchha Fort complex]]
*[[Orchha Fort complex]]
*Cafe NoMads Orchha <br /><nowiki>https://maps.app.goo.gl/hpmf6BMCgad13GsS9</nowiki>
*


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|Orchha}}
 
{{wikiquote}}
 
*[http://likiitr06.googlepages.com/home.html Documentation of orchha buildings by IIT Roorkee]
*[http://likiitr06.googlepages.com/home.html Documentation of orchha buildings by IIT Roorkee]
*[http://www.uq.net.au/%7Ezzhsoszy/ips/o/orchha.html Genealogy of the ruling chiefs of Orchha]
*[http://www.uq.net.au/%7Ezzhsoszy/ips/o/orchha.html Genealogy of the ruling chiefs of Orchha]
* {{Wikivoyage-inline|Orchha}}
*  
*[http://www.esquilax.com/scrapbook/india/Orchha/index.html Travelogue and photos of Orchha]
*[http://www.esquilax.com/scrapbook/india/Orchha/index.html Travelogue and photos of Orchha]
*[https://lifeonweekends.com/2017/01/18/7218/ Orchha: the erstwhile capital of Bundelkhand]
*[https://lifeonweekends.com/2017/01/18/7218/ Orchha: the erstwhile capital of Bundelkhand]

Latest revision as of 07:10, 22 July 2023

Orchha
Town
(clockwise from top) Chaturbhuj Temple, Jahangir Mahal, Raja Mahal, Lakshmi Temple
Orchha is located in Madhya Pradesh
Orchha
Orchha
Orchha is located in India
Orchha
Orchha
Coordinates: 25°21′N 78°38′E / 25.35°N 78.64°E / 25.35; 78.64
Country India
StateMadhya Pradesh
DistrictNiwari
Elevation
552 m (1,811 ft)
Population
 (2001)
 • Total8,501
Languages
 • OfficialHindi
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
Telephone code07680
Vehicle registrationMP-36
Websitewww.ramrajatempleorchha.com

Orchha is a town, near city of Niwari in Niwari district of Madhya Pradesh state, India. The town was established by rajput ruler Rudra Pratap Singh some time after 1501, as the seat of an eponymous former princely state of covering parts of central & north India, in the Bundelkhand region.[1] Orchha lies on the Betwa River, 80 km from Tikamgarh & 15 km from Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh.[2]

The Mughal Army led by Prince Aurangzeb, Syed Khan-i-Jahan, Abdullah Khan Bahadur Firuz Jang and Khan Dauran enter Orchha.

History[edit | edit source]

Main article: Orchha State

Orchha was founded in 1531 (the 16th century AD)[3] by the Bundela chief, Rudra Pratap Singh,[4] who became the first King of Orchha, (r. 1501–1531) and also built the Fort of Orchha.[5] The Chaturbhuj Temple was built by the queen of Orchha, Ganesh Kunwar (गणेश कुँवर),[6] while Raj Mandir was built by 'Raja Madhukar Shah' during his reign, 1554 to 1591. Orchha was captured by imperial forces of the Mughal Army led by Prince Aurangzeb in October 1635.[7][8]

Story about king Rama (Ram Raja) temple[edit | edit source]

Lord Rama is regarded as the King of Orchha. Orchha is the only place in India other than Ayodhya, where lord Rama is also the King of the town. The story behind this goes like this: In 16th century, king Madhukar shah of Orchha was a devotee of Lord Krishna whereas his wife queen Kunwar Ganesh was a devotee of Lord Rama. There were always disputes due to this difference. Once king challenged the queen that if Rama really exists then bring him to Orchha. Queen went to ayodhya and prayed for 21 days with rigorous penance to lord Rama. At last Rama appeared before her in his child form and agreed to go with her with three conditions: first that he will be the only king of Orchha, there will be no other king. Second that wherever he is placed once he will remain there only and third that he will go at a particular time and with some monks. Queen accepted the conditions and thus Rama (statue representing Rama himself) was brought to Orchha. Since then Rama is the only king in Orchha. Even in the present times Rama is regarded as the only king and the guard of honour is given to him by the police every day at the Ram Raja Temple. No other VIP or minister or official behaves like a ruler when they visit Orchha. This aspect makes Orchha a unique place for devotees of lord Rama.[9][10]

Places of tourist interest[edit | edit source]

View of Raja Mahal from Jahangir Mahal with Ram Raja Temple and Chaturbhuj Temple in the background.

On a seasonal island on the bank of the Betwa River, which has been surrounded by a battlement wall, stands a huge palace-fort. The fort consists of several connected buildings erected at different times, the most noteworthy of which is the Raja Mahal.

Chaturbhuj Temple at Orchha, is noted for having one of the tallest Vimana among Hindu temples standing at 344 feet.

The Ram Raja Temple is built on a square base and has an almost entirely plain exterior, relieved by projecting windows and a line of delicate domes along the summit. 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. The Jahangir Mahal is considered to be a singularly beautiful specimen of Mughal architecture.[1] A point worth mentioning here is that the mother of Jahangir, Mariam-uz-Zamani, was a Rajput princess. It is with this in mind that the Rajput king of Orchha had built the Jahangir Mahal. There is a spectacular light and sound show in the evening hours in the Jahangir Mahal. The show displays the history of the city of Orchha and the Jahangir Mahal. Chaturbhuj Temple is an old temple from the 9th century, and is noted for having one of the tallest Vimana among Hindu temples standing at 344 feet.

Sadhu of Orchha

The Uth Khana (Camel Shelter) where the King's camels were stationed is right next to the fort and is a must-see. Tourists can also climb on the roof of the Uth Khana and get a fantastic view of Orchha town. The ruins behind the fort complex are an even greater sight. It makes a tourist travel back in time and is an integral part of a visit to Orchha. It houses the residences of various military officers, ministers (housing, roads), gunpowder factory, etc.

Numerous cenotaphs or chhatris dot the vicinity of the fort and the Betwa river. Elsewhere about the town there is an unusual variety of temples and tombs, including the Chaturbhuj temple, which is built on a vast platform of stone.[1] The more unguarded and neglected of these buildings are popular hangouts for tropical bees, wasps, and other such excitable stinging creatures.

In 2006, Orchha's buildings were being documented by the LIK Team of IIT Roorkee, India.[11]

A community radio station, Radio Bundelkhand was launched in Orchha on 23 October 2008. It is an initiative of the Development Alternatives Group. The radio station broadcasts daily programs in the Bundeli dialect and devotes significant amount of its broadcast time to local issues, culture, education and the rich tradition of Bundeli folk music. The station is available on 90.4 MHz.

Demographics[edit | edit source]

As of 2001 India census,[12] Orchha had a population of 8501. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Orchha has an average literacy rate of 54%, lower than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 64%, and female literacy is 42%, 18% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Accessibility[edit | edit source]

Nearest Airport to Orchha is Gwalior Airport.

Orchha is 170 km km and 3 hours drive from Khajuraho Airport which is well connected with other metropolitan cities in India.

Orchha Railway station is Jhansi-Manikpur section of the North Central Railways. 15 km from Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh, Orchha also lies close to another popular tourist destination, Khajuraho.

Tourists who wish to visit Orchha from Khajuraho can catch the morning express which leaves at around 8 or 9 AM. Alternatively, they could also avail the afternoon express which leaves at around 12 or 1 PM. The train journey from Khajuraho is 5 hours and they will ideally have to get off at Jhansi and grab an autorickshaw or Tuk Tuk for Orchha (costs INR 400). However, if the train halts at Orchha, they can also get off at the Orchha station and grab an autorickshaw to the temple complex.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Orchha" . Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 20 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 170.
  2. ↑ "Orchha". niwari district ] website. Archived from the original on 18 July 2019. Retrieved 17 February 2015. It is included in the UNESCO world heritage cities list in 2020.
  3. ↑ Orchha Archived 18 July 2019 at the Wayback Machine Tikamgarh district Official website.
  4. ↑ Sen, Sailendra (2013). A Textbook of Medieval Indian History. Primus Books. p. 187. ISBN 978-9-38060-734-4.
  5. ↑ Mausoleum of Raja Rudra Pratap Archived 18 July 2021 at the Wayback Machine, British Library.
  6. ↑ Orchha Archived 7 February 2009 at the Wayback Machine British Library.
  7. ↑ "UQconnect, The University of Queensland". Archived from the original on 21 January 2004. Retrieved 23 July 2016.
  8. ↑ Raj Mandir Archived 12 January 2012 at the Wayback Machine British Library.
  9. ↑ "अयोध्या के श्रीराम का ओरछा से क्या है नाता, जानें 600 साल पुराना इतिहास". आज तक (in हिन्दी). No. 29 July 2020. Aaj Tak. Aaj Tak. 29 July 2020. Archived from the original on 23 February 2023. Retrieved 23 February 2023.
  10. ↑ "Ram Raja Mandir: ओरछा के राम राजा मंदिर में दर्शन का समय बदला, सुबह 9 और शाम 7 बजे खुलेंगे मंदिर के पट". Amar Ujala (in हिन्दी). No. 10 October 2022. Amar Ujala. Amar Ujala. 10 October 2022. Archived from the original on 23 February 2023. Retrieved 23 February 2023.
  11. ↑ Mission Orchha Archived 17 September 2008 at the Wayback Machine Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee
  12. ↑ "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 16 June 2004. Retrieved 1 November 2008.

External links[edit | edit source]

Pictures
  • View of Orchha from LakshmiNarayan temple
    View of Orchha from LakshmiNarayan temple
  • Orchha palace mural
    Orchha palace mural
  • Orchha LakshmiNarayan Temple ceiling portraying Europeans
    Orchha LakshmiNarayan Temple ceiling portraying Europeans
  • Orchha Lakshminarayana Temple: Englishmen
    Orchha Lakshminarayana Temple: Englishmen

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