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

Raja Mahal which is also termed as 'Raj Mahal' is the regal habitation of former rulers of Orchha. It is located in Tikamgarh area of Orchha in Madhya Pradesh. Raja Mahal was created in 17th century by king Madhukar Shah who was a holy ancestors of King Bir Singh Ju Deo, one of the rulers of Orchha.

Raja Mahal Architecture

Raja Mahal is a well specimen of Mughal architecture with distinctive stone work and multi-layered arcs at the entrance. The entire construction is rectangular structured which is additionally separated into two yards. The chief yard is surrounded by the palace itself, having four storeyed building at the end. The other three sides of the construction possesses five storeyed constructions. Raja Mahal's frontage is quite simple in design and is embodied with few attractive detailing. However, the inner portion of the palace has several superb portraits. The outer yard has certain attractive arches arranged in floral patterns which is designed in lime plaster.

In Raja Mahal, there are two key constructions namely 'The Hall of Private Audience' and 'The Hall of Public Audience'. The designs of both halls are impressive. The palace possesses an individual chamber for the king along with a rectangular temple which provides an impressive view of the statue preserved within it. The ceiling of the chambers of Raja Mahal is decorated in subtle manner. Some of the elucidating sights of the portraits used in Raja Mahal are from ambitious Ramayana, catching the splendour and beauty of Bundela courtyard. Raja Mahal also has a system by which regular light fall over by sloping slides.

The most prevalent characteristic of Raja Mahal is two vast crowned towers. These towers along with the external grounds are bravely designed with mural portraits. These portraits are based on various spiritual themes. The interior of Raja Mahal is wrinkled with fragments of glasses which are coated in the ceilings and walls. There is a segment named 'Sheesh Mahal' in Raja Mahal which delivered housing facilities and is decorated with pre-eminent balconies. Its diverse bases are intersected through proportionate paths. Sheesh Mahal also has rectangular yards created in Mughal architectural style. This specific portion of Raja Mahal was used by the queens.

Raja Mahal History

The construction of Raja Mahal was begun in 15th century through the supremacy of King Rudra Pratap. He died in the year 1531, thereby leaving the construction process of the palace unfinished. After his demise, his son Bharti Chand took over the responsibility of finishing the construction of the palace. However, during his lifespan, King Bharti Chand was able to finish the front side construction along with the main portion of Raja Mahal. After his death, again the construction of the palace remained incomplete. In the end, Madhukar Shah, another king of Orchha provided the ultimate touch to the completion of Raja Mahal. Apart from finishing the palace, Madhukar Shah also added other notable memorials in Raja Mahal. At present, Raja Mahal becomes an archaeological museum.

Raja Mahal Tourism Importance

Based on exclusive Mughal architecture, Raja Mahal is regarded as a great place for tourism. The palace is well maintained by the government in order to keep it attractive for tourists. The beautiful carvings of the palace are quite delightful for visitors to view and cannot be observed in other heritage sites of India. The architecture of Raja Mahal has certain rich and lovely paintings which demonstrate religious sights and portraits of ancient life. Thus, it is definitely a must visiting place for travellers.