Palace of Jhujhar Singh

The palace was constructed by Maharaja

Veer Singh Bundela (1605 – 1627 A.D.). It is
said that the king Veer Singh built nine
palaces for his son called Nau Chouwky.
Jhujhar Singh palace was one among
those. The three-storeyed palace built in
rectangular plan, having large hall and
rooms at ground floor. There are three
square rooms topped with ribbed domes
on its octagonal base. It is built in Bundeli
architecture
Source : Smriti Sandhu

Source : Smriti Sandhu

KANCHANA
GHAT
The most popular ghat in Orchha is the Kanchana Ghat, located in
Orchha Fort complex. The ghat houses chhatris (cenotaphs) of the
erstwhile rulers of Bundela dynasty. Surrounding the heritage
fort, the 14 chhatris dot the Kanchana Ghat as they reflect tales of
glory of the dynasty.

Ghat is huge with large and long steps, on the banks of Betwa
river flowing through the orchha town. It's name originated from
a tale wherein royal and common women of the town used to
wash their hands, feet and face here on the ghat and while doing
so their gold ornaments used to corroded in the river and at ghat,
gold in hindi is called kanchan, hence the name Kanchana.
Source : Smriti Sandhu Source : Smriti Sandhu

Source : Smriti Sandhu Source : Smriti Sandhu

Source : Smriti Sandhu
TOURISM

https://issuu.com/amitasinha/docs/orchha_report
RESEARCH WORK- EXISTING STUDIES

https://openworks.wooster.edu/blackandgold/vol2/iss1/3/

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/279914456_The_oracle_landscape_of_Orchha_India_reclaiming_the_lost_heritage

https://www.wmf.org/blog/documenting-jahangir-mahal-orchha-madhya-pradesh-india
SITE VISIT - ITINERARY
DAY AND DATE AGENDA

26.03.2022, Saturday Leave Delhi at 8:30 a.m. From Nizamuddin

Arrive Jhansi at 1 p.m.
Take a cab and leave for Orchha
Arrive Orchha and check in at the hotel
Lunch (2-3 p.m.)
Take walk and get familiar to the place
Visit the royal cenotaphs
Interaction with Locals, mapping etc.
27.03.2022, Sunday Orchha Palace
Raja Mahal
Jahangir Mahal
DAUJI KI HAVELI
Interaction with Locals, mapping, etc.
Light and sound show
28.03.2022, Monday RAJA RAM TEMPLE
CHATURBHUJ TEMPLE
LAXMINARAYAN TEMPLE
MEETING
Interaction with Locals, mapping, etc.
Phool Mahal
29.03.2022, Tuesday MEETING
Check out at 11 a.m.
Leave for Jhansi
Leave for Delhi at 3 p.m.
SITE VISIT – MAPPING OF HERITAGE
STRUCTURES

Source : Smriti Sandhu

Source : Smriti Sandhu

Source : Smriti Sandhu Source : Smriti Sandhu

Source : Smriti Sandhu Source : Smriti Sandhu

Kulgaurvi-https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1NBODFYy9VSR33i9PWircX9Ai2CeKcDQ0&usp=sharing
ARCHITECTURAL
ANALYSIS
PAINTINGS
All the structures, ranging from forts to
temples have a variety of paintings in them,
depicting the various time-periods and the
beliefs at that time. Some of them are mere
decoration whereas other represent Hindu
mythology. There are paintings of the battle of
Jhansi in the Laxminarayan Temple.
TYPOLOGIES
The architecture which is present in
Orchha. Shows a great variation in
the typologies and the style of
architecture. There are structures
ranging from temples to forts and
palaces. These also show a mixture
of the architectural styles of Bundela
time period (a combination of
Rajasthani, Jain and Mughal styles)
along with the Jahangir Mahal being
built in the Mughal
style architecture.
CENOTAPHS
These cenotaphs are
dedicated to the erstwhile
kings of Orchha. All the
chhatris have spires similar to
that of a temple. Fourteen in
total, these funeral
monuments were built to
immortalize the rulers of the
Bundelkhand dynasty. From
the early 16th to the late 18th
century,. The Bundela-style of
architecture, however, is a
harmonious amalgamation of
Mughal and Rajput influences,
as reflected in the cenotaphs
of Orchha. All the cenotaphs
are a direct representation of
the king they were built for.
SITE VISIT- INTERVIEWS
DATE INTERACTION WITH  

26 March
Takes part in organising water sports part time, had shifted outside but then
JAGDEEP came back because of opportunities

Influx of Indian tourists as compared to earlier, want to participate in the

GOVIND YADAV (Guide, Ex- Chemistry Teacher) ongoing activities + have their own unions
27 March
Had a shop in the market removed, opened a small shop at his home, livelihood
ANIL YADAV (Shop owner) affected

SHASHIKANT RAJAK (Restaurant owner) Depends heavily on the tourists for income

Frequently takes tourists on the heritage trail and advocates for women
ANNURADHA ( E-rickshaw driver) participation in the tourism department

28 March Policies to remove the market area and remove encroachment by building
RAJKUMAR YADAV (MP Tourism associate) multilevel housing for the people

MONTY RAIKWAR (Boating instructor) Water level rises up to high levels, old bridge almost submurged

Has land in the buffer zone and wants to develop but is unable because of the
RAHUL (local) norms

KRISHAN YADAV (Sanctuary worker) One of the places where vultures are still found in India

29 March
SHEELA (Local) Not satisfied with the work done by the State Archeology on the structures

VISHAL YADAV (MP Tourism associate) Organization of Namaste Orchha festival to promote tourism
• People are well aware of the heritage they have inherited and proud of it. They themselves see Orchha as a tourism
based economy.
• Although many of them have constructed houses in the buffer limit around the structures.
• Various workshops are being organised so as to create awareness among the people.
• Some people are unable to make modifications in their houses because of the rules which are in place.
• Orchha has visitors throughout the year, increasing exponentially around festivals. Moreover, over the time, there
has been a growth of Indian tourist as compared to foreigners.
PROPOSALS BY AUTHORITIES

Source : Smriti Sandhu

Source : The Hindu

Source : Smriti Sandhu Source : Smriti Sandhu

1) To remove the markets in front of the structures so as to bring

the structures to the focus.
SITE VISIT- SWOT ANALYSIS TOURISM/CULTURAL/SOCIO ECONOMIC/ARCHITECTURE

• Rich architectural and cultural • Structures not well

heritage maintained
• Not much commercialization • Authorities not listening
• Local people value their heritage to people

STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES

THREATS OPPORTUNITIES

• gentrification • Nominated for UNESCO

• Unkempt structures world heritage site
• Dossier
SITE VISIT- SOLUTIONS/SUGGESTIONS TOURISM/CULTURAL/SOCIO ECONOMIC/ARCHITECTURE

ARCHITECTURE Heritage sensitive zoning and building regulations need to be put in place to ensure architecturally controlled and
heritage sensitive development in the expansion of the town, which will only enhance the living standards and the
tourist attraction value of the town.

CULTURAL Religious events cannot be restricted in any form, so to organize it efficiently, it is important for the local
administration and the temple authorities to work jointly.

ENVIRONMENTAL Awareness about the environmental protection needs and its measures need to be disseminated to the locals
though participatory programs. The economic benefits of tourist amenities in a tourism based economy need to be
clearly understood by the local residents.

TOURISM
CORELATION WITH THE STUDIO PROJECT

Just like Hauz Khas, Orchha has a rich architectural history.

The structures are in close proximity to the residential fabric, which raises concerns about the gentrification of Orchha just
like hauz khas.

Orchha still has a lot of unexplored advantages, where the development rules can be put in place to make sure that the
emphasis stays on the palaces and forts, and they don’t get engulfed in the residential/commercial fabric like hauz khas.