Scenes of Orcha, India

Orcha: Abandoned But Not Forgotten

Orcha is a small town between Jhansi and Khajuraho. It's claim to fame were rulers who managed to stay on friendly terms with the Mughals¹⁶ Mughals made India their homestead in the 16th Century and ruled for about 250 years. and produce marvelous palaces and temples.

On the outskirts of the city, along the river, presenting a thrilling site against the sky, are a group of Hindu temples which have been abandoned.

The palace-fort complex in Orcha is a 17th century structure. It contains three palaces or mahals. Jahangir Mahal is the most commanding of the palaces built by Bir Singh Deo to honor the Emperor Jahangir's visit to the city. It is a magnificent example of medieval palace-fort architecture.¹⁷ Part of the old structure is being renovated into a unique hotel.

Much of the impressive structures were built by the Mughals who migrated to India in the 16th century and ruled for 250 years until the takeover by the British.

The square in Orcha provides a place for residents to visit the temple as well as transact business in the open air market.

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