Murals of Rajmahal Palace, Orchha

Orchha, a town in Madhya Pradesh proudly safeguards with it many palaces and forts, which were once part of the Bundela dynasty. This picturesque city near river Betwa was chosen by Rudra Pratap, Bundela Rajput chieftain in the 16th century as the capital of his kingdom.

Rajmahal is one of the prominent constructions of this historical site.This palace is believed to have been built by three kings, Rudra Pratap, Bharati Chandra and Madhukar Shah between 1531 and 1592.

The palace has massive twelve- faced pillars with inverted bases. Its interiors are full of exquisite and colorful murals on a variety of religious themes. Incidents from the Indian epics Ramayana and Mahabharata, and scenes from nature form the majority of the murals here.

Dasavatara or the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu is one of the most elaborate and colourful murals here. Many other scenes like the lifting of Mount Govarddhana by Lord Krishna and Hanuman in Ravana’s royal court also find place in the great canvas. It is one of the few places where one can see the finest flowering of Bundela school of mural paintings. The murals here are more realistic in nature.