Raj Mahal

Location    (inside Orchha Fort)

Rudra Pratap Singh, the Rajput king of Orchha, started the construction of the Raj Mahal during the 16th century. However, the work of completing the structure was eventually taken up by the successors of Rudra Pratap Singh, the most popular of whom was Madhukar Shah.

It is a square structure in which two wings have five floors on three sides and four floors on one side. The bedrooms of four queens are constructed to the right of the Private audience's hall. The Cabin of the emperor is at the front, at the same level as the Sanctum of the Chatturbhuj Mandir. The ceiling of the royal chamber has been delicately painted with vibrant colours. Many other paintings, illustrating scenes from Ramayana and the glory of Bundela Court are hung on the walls of the palace. Beautifully stone-carved grills give the palace a majestic royal look and the angle shaft allows natural air and light continuously flow through the rooms. There are parts of the palace which have been converted into a Heritage Hotel called Sheesh Mahal, open for the tourists to stay while they explore the sites of Orchha. The interior of the palace is decorated with fragments of mirrors and includes lavish royal accommodation. These marvellous architectures stand tall inside the Orchha fort complex and enthrall its visitors.    M P Tourism 

In several rooms of the 16th-century Raj Mahal, deities such as Brahma, Vishnu, the Buddha, Rama, Krishna, Sita and Ganesh, plus Orchha royalty, wrestle, hunt, fight, dance, sit and lie their way across walls and ceilings in vivid, colourful murals. The upper floors have great views across the town through their pretty jali (stone lattice) windows.    Lonely Planet 

Diwaan-e-Aam

Diwaan-e-Khas

Chaturbhuj Mandir, Ram Raja Mandir & LaxmiNarayan Mandir (far background)

Sheesh Mandir & Jehangir Mahal