History of Orchha

The city of Orchha has a rich history which unfortunately has not been that popular as some of the other places of India. To know more about Orchha, and the Tourist Attractions in Orchha, let us first know about the History of Orchha.

The picturesque city of Orchha situated on the banks of the River Betwa, was founded in 16th century A.D. by Rudra Pratap Singh who was one of the Rajput rulers belonging to the Bundela Dynasty who ruled over the district of Bundelkhand to which Orchha belonged.

In the early 17th century, the mighty Mughal Army led by the then Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, was offered tough resisted by his opponent led by Raja Jujhar Singh. After a fierce battle, the destiny of Orchha went to the hands of the latter, who ruled the place for six years beginning from the year 1641 A.D.

In the 18th century, the mighty Maratha forces were successful in capturing all the States of Bundela other than Orchha. In the year 1783, Tehri (presently known as Tikamgarh), became the capital of Orchha. Tehri was located 40 miles to the South of Orchha. It was in Tehri, that the famous Tikamgarh Fort was built.

During the period between 1848 and 1874, Orchha was ruled by Hamir Singh who acquired the status of Maharaja in the year 1865. In the year1874, Maharaja Pratap Singh(born-1854) succeeded to the throne of Orchha. It was under his rule that Orchha experienced the maximum development. Most of the irrigation works and other related assignments were thoroughly designed and supervised by Maharaja Pratap Singh who died in the year 1930.

In the beginning of the 20th century, Orchha was the most ancient and prosperous state in the Bundelkhand region. Finally after independence, Orchha became a part of the State of Madhya Pradesh from the year 1956.