Information on Rai Praveen Mahal (Tikamgarh, Madhya Pradesh) - History & Architecture

Constructed in the year 1618, Rai Praveen Mahal is a popular historical palace of Orchha in Madhya Pradesh. It was created by King Indrajit Singh for the admiration of Rai Praveen who was also known as the 'Nightingle of Orchha'. Rai Praveen Mahal is also identified as 'Anand Mandal Bagh' and 'Rai Praveen Manika Bhavan'.

Rai Praveen Mahal Architecture

Rai Praveen Mahal is a three storeyed fort where the second floor is ornamented with the postures of Indian art. The palace possesses a main mansion along with small chambers. The chambers of the palace has fixed niches with big windows. The entire palace is occupied by lights and air. The walls of the main mansion of Rai Praveen Mahal bear several portraits of Rai Praveen, illustrating his various attitudes. The palace is united with a well maintained garden and divided into two parts. The garden is characterised by bushes and flowerbeds which is trimmed in very creative shapes. Quite visibly, the arts demonstrates the culture of Orchha which was in existence for numerous centuries. The key attraction of Rai Praveen Mahal is portraits of different dancing postures of Rai Praveen along with the posture of king Indrajit with riding a horse.

Rai Praveen Mahal is situated to the north side of Jahangir Mahal, another popular monument of Orchha. Between the two palaces there lies a 'royal bath' and an impressive eastern entrance. The entire palace is established in quite low position so that the height correspond with the nearby growing trees. Rai Praveen Mahal also accommodates a 'cannon foundry' named, 'Tope Khana' which was supposed to keep vigilance to the fort and to defend against any external threats from the foes of Orchha.

Rai Praveen Mahal History

Rai Praveen Mahal was created as a memory of Rai Praveen, the favourite courtesan of King Indrajit Singh. Rai Praveen was well recognised for her charming gorgeousness and excellence in poetry, music and dance. Rai Praveen performed dance in the paramour of King Indrajit Singh. Her reputation and attractiveness resulted to her to be fetched by Mughal ruler Akbar. Being infatuated by Rai Preveen, King Akbar summoned her to his palace. King Indrajit Singh was too weak to challenge the majestic summons by King Akbar. In the court of King Akbar, Rai Praveen entertained the king with her signing and dancing ability. She was also lured by the king in order to stay in the palace by disparaging to the king of Orchha. King Akbar requested her to leave the kingdom of king Indrajit. Rai Praveen was also tempted by the tremendous wealth of Akbar which he stated her were more appropriate for a woman with respect to her talent. However, she returned to the kingdom of Orchha by rejecting the proposal made by Mughal emperor. Touched by the loyalty of Rai Praveen, King Akbar decided to return her to Orchha with both, her self-respect and her kingdom integral. The palace, Rai Praveen Mahal is simply the appropriate memorial of the return and faithfulness of Rai Praveen along with her great talent and beauty.

Rai Praveen Mahal Tourism Importance

Rai Praveen Mahal is well maintained for the purpose of tourism. The interior and exterior of the place is quite stunning. Furthermore, one can enjoy the scenery of the area from the upper level of the palace. It is a key monument of 16th century where travellers can enjoy various constructions. Beyond the edge of Rai Praveen Mahal, there is also stunning view of river Betwa which makes the palace a significant place for tourism.