Palace-Fortresses of the Bundelas in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh

• Palace-Fortresses of the Bundelas consist of 6 significant components located in the Bundelkhand region, namely- 
  • Garhkundar Fort: Located in Garhkundar, early capital of Bundela Rajputs. 
  • Raja Mahal (Orchha): Commissioned during reign of Bundela ruler Madhukar Shah.
    • Capital was shifted to Orchha in 16^th century.
  • Jahangir Mahal (Orchha): Commissioned during reign of Madhukar Shah and saw major construction from the reign of Bir Singh Deo.
  • Datia Palace: Known as the Bir Singh Deo Palace, it is a five-storyed structure built by Bir Singh Deo in 1620.
  • Jhansi Fort: Built by Bir Singh Deo in the early 17th century.
  • Dhubela Palace: Built by Maharaja Chhatrasal in the 17th century and is strategically located near the Dhubela Lake.
• Key features of Bundela Palace-Fortresses 
  • Synthesis of Bundela Rajput and Mughal style: Incorporating Mughal elements like ogee arches, domes, and vaulted passageways, while retaining traditional Rajput features such as chhatris and intricate carvings. 
  • Local reinterpretation of Mughal motifs, murals: Inspired from Mughal as well as symbolic themes like ragamala and raslila.
  • Integration of Defence and aesthetics: It integrates advanced fortification strategies adapted to regional topography with aesthetics in form of chhatris, ornamental domes, and arched windows.
  • Architecture: Mandala form of symmetrical planning with central, open-to-sky courtyard.  

About Bundelas

• Bundelas belonged to Gaharwar tribe of Rajputs. Raja Pancham founded Bundela Kingdom (Last quarter of 12th century A.D).
• And made Garhkundar their capital, when Chandela power was in process of decline.