Exploring Orchha: A Historic Bundela Seat on the Betwa River

The city of Orchha was founded by the Bundela Rajput ruler Rudra Pratap Singh after 1501. He became the first King of Orchha and was responsible for building the Fort of Orchha during his reign, which lasted until 1531.

Over the decades, the city grew under various rulers. Raja Madhukar Shah, who reigned from 1554 to 1591, oversaw the construction of the Raj Mandir. However, the city's independence faced challenges in the 17th century when it was captured by Mughal imperial forces led by Prince Aurangzeb in 1635.

Orchha is home to significant religious and royal structures that reflect its Bundela heritage. One of the most prominent is the Chaturbhuj Temple, which was built by the queen of Orchha, Ganesh Kunwar.

The city’s architecture is tied closely to its historical rulers, with the Fort of Orchha remaining a central feature of its landscape since its establishment in the 1500s.

A distinctive aspect of Orchha's culture is the status of Lord Rama, who is regarded as the King of the town. Outside of Ayodhya, Orchha is the only place in India where Lord Rama is officially considered the King.

This tradition dates back to the 16th century during the time of King Madhukar Shah. While the King was a devotee of Lord Krishna, his wife Queen Kunwar held a deep devotion that contributed to the establishment of the Ram Raja Temple.