Every state in India gives us a kaleidoscopic overview of the vibrant cultures that exist in our country. Same is the case with Madhya Pradesh as well. Orchha was located in present-day Madhya Pradesh and is known for its beautiful forts, palaces and parks. Let’s explore Orchha history today and some of its most fascinating aspects.
Foundation:
Orchha state was formed in 1501 AD, way before the East India Company Rule was established in India. A Bundela chief named Rudra Pratap Singh was the first ruler of Orchha who started his regime in 1501 and continued ruling until 1531. He built a fort near the banks of River Betwa and also shifted the capital from Garhkundar to Orchha in 1531. This is considered as one of the turning points of Orchha princely state history.
Major Conflicts and Battles:
After the death of Rudra Pratap Singh, his son Bharatichand was enthroned as the next king. Works of a court poet named Keshavdas suggests that Bharatichand had to deal with attacks from the Afghan Ruler Islam Shah Suri. However, Bharatichand died without a successor and was taken over by Madhukar Shah, his younger brother. According to Akbarnama, Madhukar had given away several regions of Orchha state to the Mughal Empire. Some experts believe that Madhukar had given away Orchha as a tributary state of Mughal Empire. However, a famous historian named Abd al-Qadir Bada'uni stated that he was a rebel in 1583.
Under Mughal Rule:
Orchha princely state fell into the hands of the vassal king of Mughal Emperor Jahangir, Vir Singh Deo. He ruled until 1626/1627 and undertook the construction of architectural wonders such as Jahangir Mahal and Sawan Bhadon Mahal. Raja Jhujhar Singh started revolting against Shah Jahan and the Mughal Army occupied the state from 1635 to 1641. This was a major event in Orchha history. Raja Jhujhar Singh's brother was declared as the king. It was the only Bundela state which was never directly controlled by the Marathas in the 18th century. Tehri, Tikamgarh became the capital of Orchha state in 1783. Hamir Singh ruled from 1848 to 1874 and was given the title of Maharaja in 1865. Orchha and Datia invaded Jhansi in 1857 but were defeated by Rani Lakshmibai and her allies. Maharaja Pratap Singh became the next king in 1874 and worked hard to develop Orchha state by initiating several engineering and irrigation works.
Under Company Rule:
In 1908, the Orchha Princely State became a part of Bundelkhand Agency. Rulers of Orchha received a 15-gun salute and were called First of the Prince of Bundelkhand. It held the highest rank among all other states in Bundela. Pratap Singh was succeeded by Vir Singh, who merged the state with India on 1st January 1950.
Foundation:
Orchha state was formed in 1501 AD, way before the East India Company Rule was established in India. A Bundela chief named Rudra Pratap Singh was the first ruler of Orchha who started his regime in 1501 and continued ruling until 1531. He built a fort near the banks of River Betwa and also shifted the capital from Garhkundar to Orchha in 1531. This is considered as one of the turning points of Orchha princely state history.
Major Conflicts and Battles:
After the death of Rudra Pratap Singh, his son Bharatichand was enthroned as the next king. Works of a court poet named Keshavdas suggests that Bharatichand had to deal with attacks from the Afghan Ruler Islam Shah Suri. However, Bharatichand died without a successor and was taken over by Madhukar Shah, his younger brother. According to Akbarnama, Madhukar had given away several regions of Orchha state to the Mughal Empire. Some experts believe that Madhukar had given away Orchha as a tributary state of Mughal Empire. However, a famous historian named Abd al-Qadir Bada'uni stated that he was a rebel in 1583.
Orchha princely state fell into the hands of the vassal king of Mughal Emperor Jahangir, Vir Singh Deo. He ruled until 1626/1627 and undertook the construction of architectural wonders such as Jahangir Mahal and Sawan Bhadon Mahal. Raja Jhujhar Singh started revolting against Shah Jahan and the Mughal Army occupied the state from 1635 to 1641. This was a major event in Orchha history. Raja Jhujhar Singh's brother was declared as the king. It was the only Bundela state which was never directly controlled by the Marathas in the 18th century. Tehri, Tikamgarh became the capital of Orchha state in 1783. Hamir Singh ruled from 1848 to 1874 and was given the title of Maharaja in 1865. Orchha and Datia invaded Jhansi in 1857 but were defeated by Rani Lakshmibai and her allies. Maharaja Pratap Singh became the next king in 1874 and worked hard to develop Orchha state by initiating several engineering and irrigation works.
Under Company Rule:
In 1908, the Orchha Princely State became a part of Bundelkhand Agency. Rulers of Orchha received a 15-gun salute and were called First of the Prince of Bundelkhand. It held the highest rank among all other states in Bundela. Pratap Singh was succeeded by Vir Singh, who merged the state with India on 1st January 1950.
