Rai Praveenn Mahal, Jhansi Overview

Rai Praveen Mahal upholds the historical legends of the former princely state of Orchha. It is located in a town called Tikamgarh and thrills the visitors because of its classic folk tales and majestic beauty. The palace is situated alongside the Betwa River and holds its charm because of the nearby greenery and the iconography and intricate artwork on the second floor. The two-storied Rai Praveen Mahal is approximately 80 kilometres from the centre of the Tikamgarh town only at a distance of 18 kilometres from Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh.

Architecture of Rai Praveen Mahal

The palace has two storeys and is surrounded by plenty of trees and bushes. The windows and pillars are skillfully built in the Mughal architectural tradition. The corridors of the palace are full of iconography depicting the different moods of the paramour of King Indramani Singh. From the rooftop of the palace, one can see a panoramic view of the Betwa River and the nearby hilltop.

Legend of Rai Praveen

Raja Indramani Singh constructed Rai Praveen Mahal in 1670 in the memory of a musician and poetess of his court, Rai Praveen. It is said that King Indramani and Rai Praveen, also known as Nightingale of Orchha, were in love but couldn't marry each other because of certain restrictions. Rai Praveen was so beautiful and artistically skilled that she was summoned by Mughal emperor, Akbar to his court. Although Indramani Singh didn't dare to disobey Akbar's orders for Rai Praveen, when Praveen herself unveiled her true love and loyalty towards Indramani Singh in front of Akbar, he gave her permission to leave. The Mahal of Orchha still sings the tale of Raja Indramani and Rai Praveen's foregone love.

How to Reach Rai Praveen Mahal

The Palace does not cover a vast area and is situated right behind the Jahangir Mahal. If you are travelling to the Rai Praveen Mahal from Jhansi, you will have to hire a cab or a local taxi as there are no buses available on that route. And if you are in Orchha, Madhya Pradesh, it will take 34 minutes on foot, or a 7-minute taxi ride as the distance is only about 3 kilometres. The nearest Railway Station which connects to the megacities of India is Jhansi Railway Station, and the nearest Airport is Gwalior Airport. If you take the road from Gwalior Airport to Rai Praveen Mahal, it will take you 3 hours or so, and en route, you will get a glimpse of the monumental heritage of two of the most historical states of India, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.