The Rai Praveen Mahal was built by Prince Indrajeet Singh in the town of Orchha in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The prince built it in the year 1618 in memory of Rai Praveen, his beloved courtesan, who performed in his palace, and whose fame and beauty led to her being fetched by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. The prince was too weak hearted to disobey the mighty Mughal, and instead ended up building the monument. The courtesan however, is said to have rejected the emperor’s advances and came back to the prince.
Rai Praveen Mahal is three storied, with the central hall in one of the stories depicting multiple paintings showing the various moods of Rai Praveen. The second story contains several Nriya mudras of Indian classical dances, which are worth seeing. The palace has been combined with a garden, known as Anand Mahal Bagh, which is divided into two parts. Rai Praveen was accomplished in poetry, dancing and horse riding, with the renowned poet Keshavdas having compiled Kavipriya that praises her qualities. Rai Praveen was also popularly known as the nightingale of Orchha.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Rai Praveen Mahal, and the town of Orchha is between the months of October and March, when the weather is cool.
Trivia
Beyond the boundaries of the fort, one can see several small temples, as well as the river Betwa.
Timing
Rai Praveen Mahal remains open daily from 9:00 am till 5:00 pm.
Rai Praveen Mahal is three storied, with the central hall in one of the stories depicting multiple paintings showing the various moods of Rai Praveen. The second story contains several Nriya mudras of Indian classical dances, which are worth seeing. The palace has been combined with a garden, known as Anand Mahal Bagh, which is divided into two parts. Rai Praveen was accomplished in poetry, dancing and horse riding, with the renowned poet Keshavdas having compiled Kavipriya that praises her qualities. Rai Praveen was also popularly known as the nightingale of Orchha.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Rai Praveen Mahal, and the town of Orchha is between the months of October and March, when the weather is cool.
Trivia
Beyond the boundaries of the fort, one can see several small temples, as well as the river Betwa.
Timing
Rai Praveen Mahal remains open daily from 9:00 am till 5:00 pm.
