Jahangir Mahal, Orchha, Royal palace in Orchha, India
Jahangir Mahal is a three-story palace in Orchha, India, marked by projecting balconies and an eastern facade decorated with turquoise tiles. The rooms and courtyards spread symmetrically around a central courtyard surrounded by galleries with carved columns.
Vir Singh Deo commissioned the palace in the 17th century to honor Emperor Jahangir's first stay in the town. The construction reflects the political alliance between the Bundela ruler and the Mughal court.
The palace takes its name from the Mughal emperor whose visit shaped the design, and that connection remains visible in many details throughout the rooms. Visitors notice the blend of local stonework and Central Asian forms in the arches and domes.
The palace opens daily from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, and the cooler months between October and March make walking through the rooms more comfortable. The staircases and galleries require sturdy footwear and some stamina for climbing.
Two stone elephants with bells flank the entrance and once announced the arrival of important guests at the compound. The bells still hang in their original positions and show the ceremonial importance of the gateway.
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