Madhya Pradesh's Orchha included in tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Madhya Pradesh's Orchha included in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Details, Significance, History

Madhya Pradesh's situated architectural heritage of Orchha town which depict the peculiar style of the Bundela dynasty has been included in the (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) UNESCO’s tentative list of world heritage sites.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had sent a proposal to the UNESCO on 15th April 2019, to include the Orchha sites in its list.

As per UNESCO’s World Heritage sites rules, the heritage or any historical site first has to be on the tentative list and then it makes to cultural heritage.

The ASI in its earlier proposal had requested to include Orchha in the list of cultural heritage.

Orchha Significance & History

Orchha is located on the banks of the Betwa river. It is situated around 80 km away from Tikamgarh district in Madhya Pradesh and 15 km from Jhansi of Uttar Pradesh.

Orchha was built by king Rudra Pratap Singh of Bundela dynasty in the 16th century. The ancient town is famous for its Chaturbhuj Temple, Orchha fort complex, Raja Mahal among others.

The Bundela architecture has a Mughal influence since the two dynasties were very close. The famous King of Bundela dynasty Veer Singh Dev was a close friend of Mughal emperor Jahangir and fought wars as Akbar’s aid.

Orchha is also famous for its two elevated minarets called Saavan and Bhadon and its four palaces — Jahangir Palace, Raj Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, and Rai Praveen Mahal and for its concept of open bungalows, stonework windows, animal statues depicting the culture of Bundelkhand.

Orchha is the only place in India where Lord Ram is worshipped as a king with a dedicated temple in his name called Sri Ram Raja Mandir.