Orchha is an extremely rich region endowed with diverse natural and cultural heritage that later developed as an important religious center. Orchha was the centre to Bundeli art, architecture and culture that flourished between the 16 and 18 centuries A.D. Its strategic location and unique land features gave Orchha a special position. The brave Bundelas displayed unique craft manship and served as patrons of regional culture, who moved their capital to Orchha. They not only built huge palaces and temples, but also adorned the walls of these palaces and temple with beautiful paintings. The murals of Orchha gave rise to a new style of painting, which is known as the Bundeli style. These paintings are an amalgamation of Rajput and Mughal styles with some regional idioms that shows the zenith of wall paintings in Central India especially in the Bundelkhand region. These paintings are an integral part of the architectural and cultural heritage of the area. They mostly depict the scenes from Hindu mythologies along with the other themes like nature, modern war, domestic lifestyle, court scenes etc.
The fortified medieval city of Orchha has seven fortified walls around the settlement with three massive gateways. The ruins of these defense structures and walls mostly portrays the journey of four centuries, and majority of them were built during the reign of Maharaja Bharti Chandra. There are provisions of the bastions which is called as 'Mahabahu' and 'Bahu', according to the shape and size of the structure. The palaces, temples, cenotaphs and gateways located in Orchha have been divided into two major groups: Inner Citadel Monuments and Outside Citadel Monuments.
The Bundeli folklores throw a welcome light on the various historical events of the Bundela dynasty. These folklores are the finest source to recreate the regional history substantiated by literary sources and archaeological evidences of the area. The popular legends include the conversation between Maharaja Madhukar Shah and his queen Ganesh Kunwari, detailing of the arrival of Lord Ram in Orchha and the legend associated with Hardaul.
Keeping in mind the curiosity of tourists, both Indian and foreign. visiting Orchha, to know about the history and archaeological heritage, this book is being published. The historic ensemble of Orchha includes in the tentative list of world Heritage Monuments of UNESCO. This book is prepared by Dr. Ramesh Yadav, Archaeological Officer and assisted by Dr. Rajesh Kumar, a Young Archaeologist. I hope, this book will provide important information to the students and researchers of these subjects as well as visitors by highlighting various aspects of the history and archaeology of Orchha.
Orchha (25 18° N and 78 28 E) is one of the important pilgrim centers of India and a major tourist destination in the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh. It is located about 15 km from Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh) in Niwari district. The majestic monumental heritage of Orchha has been built by the Bundela rulers between the 16 and 18 century. The Bundelas. who initially migrated from Varanasi to Garh Kundar (central India), later on shifted to Orchha They were valiant soldiers, great builders and patrons of regional art and architecture? The royal family of Orchha built many splendid palaces and fortresses, which were subsequently ruled by various dynasties in Bundelkhand. The capital city of Orchha was fortified along the left bank of river Betwa in 16 century, which was surrounded by a dense forest called Tungarandya.
History of Orchha The historicity of this place goes back to prehistoric times as stone artefacts were recovered from several places. The stone artefacts throw a welcome light on the life and activities of the primitive man. The stone artifacts such as handaxes, cleavers, scrappers, tortoise core, flakes, cores etc. are made on quartzite and sandstone material, locally available. In subsequent periods, the development from hunting-gathering period to settled life is evident from the sites discovered in the surrounding areas. According to mythological references, Yadu, the son of Yayati got the present Bundelkhand region by way of inheritance. The descendents of Yadu came to be known as Haihaya and Yadavas. According to the Puranic description Kasu, the king of Chedi had two sons named Uparichar and Aer. The kingdom was divided between both and Aer got the western parts of the Chedi, who founded a city named after him, known as Aerikena (Present Eran of the Sagar District). Further, the descendants of Yadavas founded the Chedi kingdom, not far from it.
During the Mahajanapada period, the present Bundelkhand region was converted into their stronghold by Chedi kingdom. Aerikena became the capital city of the Chedi. Subsequently, the branches of Chedi were established in Kalinga by Kharvela and in Deccan by Trikuta. At the time of Mauryas and Sungas, Chedi Mahajanapada was part of Magadha Empire. The boundaries of Chedi kingdom also changed during the reign of Satvahana, Naga, Kushana, Saka-Kshtrapa and Vakataka. When Samudragupta was conquering the area of present Betwa valley, the area was under the rule of the mighty Vakatakas. The Guptas, with a view to widening their empire, established the matrimonial alliance with the Vakatakas. Eran was an important centre of Samudragupta's territory, where he defeated the Abhirs. This territory (Chedi kingdom) was called Ahirwara. After the Guptas, Kalchuris of Mahishmati subjugated the area and established their sovereignty in Bundelkhand. They called themselves as Kalinjaradhipati.
In the 9th century A.D., the area witnessed the rise of Chandela's power, who founded Jaijabhukti kingdom. Prior to the Chandelas, the area around Orchha was directly under the control of Pratihara Empire. Therefore, it was highly affected at the time of "tripartite struggle" between the Pratithara, Pala and Rashtrakutas. The Pratiharas were patrons of art and architecture in north and central parts of India. In Bundelkhand region, Surya temples at Umari and Madakhera, are excellent gifts of the Pratiharas.
After the fall of the Pratihara Empire, the area came under the sway of the Chandelas and a good number of step-wells, large ponds and temples were built by them. The area of Bundelkhand under the Chandela was blessed with prosperity and political stability. The important centers of the Chandelas were Mahoba, Ajaygarh, Kalinjar and Khajuraho. During the 12th century A.D., Orchha was ruled by Sani Rajputs. Hansraj Sani was widely popular in the area. In Mahoba chapter of Prathviraj Raso, Chandvardai mentions about the defeat of Hansraj Sani, ruler of Orchha by Malkhan, the chief of Parmardidev Chandella. Malkhan captured the fort of Orchha in Vikram Samvat 1235 (1178 A.D.).
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