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Orchha was
founded in the 16th century by the Bundela Rajput chieftain
Rudra Pratap who chose this stretch of land along the Betwa
river as an ideal site for his capital. Of the succeeding
rulers, the most notable was Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo who built
the exquisite Jehangir Mahal, a tiered palace crowned by
graceful chhatries. From here the view of soaring temple
spires and cenotaphs is spectacular.
Complementing the noble
proportions of their exteriors are interiors which represent
the finest flowering of the Bundela school of painting. In the
Laxminarayan Temple, vibrant murals encompassing a variety of
religious and secular themes, bring the walls and ceiling to
rich life.
Strewn around the area are
little shrines and memorials, each with its own poignant
history, each contributing to the nostalgic beauty that is
Orchha.
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