Jahangir Mahal, Citadel of Jahangir, Orchha Palace, Mahal-e-Jahangir Orchha, Jahangir Citadel is a citadel and garrison located in Orchha, Madhya Pradesh, India.
History
The establishment of the Jahangir Mahal dates back to the 17th century A.D. when the ruler of the region Vir Singh Deo built the structure as a symbol of warm reception of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, during the latter’s first visit to the city. The entrance of the Jahangir Mahal, Orchha is marked by an artistic and traditional gateway. The front wall of the structure faces to the east and is covered with turquoise tiles. Jahangir Mahal is a three-storied structure that is marked by stylishly hanging balconies, porches, and apartments. The domes of the Jahangir Mahal, were built according to Timurid customs; its grand Iwans are large enough to accommodate the entry of war elephants, and its high position over the landscape allowed cannons superior range.
Conquest
Akbar dispatched his most influential son, prince Jahangir, Abdul Hasan Asaf Khan and Abu'l-Fazl ibn Mubarak to capture the city of Orchha, which was considered the center of the revolt. Jahangir arrived with a force of twelve thousand, and after many ferocious encounters and battles, subdued the kingdom of Bundela. Its rebellious ruler, Vir Singh Deo, surrendered to young Jahangir and agreed never to break an alliance with Akbar. Vir Singh Deo also relinquished control of over five thousand Bundela infantry and a thousand cavalry, weakening himself militarily. Vir Singh Deo later killed Abu'l-Fazl ibn Mubarak in the year 1602, during Jahangir's succession to the Mughal throne, and remained a fugitive until his death. On 4 October 1635, the 16-year-old Aurangzeb raised the Mughal flag on the highest terrace of the Jahangir Mahal. After the Mughals won the Bundela War in 1635, Devi Singh was installed as the new administrator, and after the deaths of the rebel Jhujhar Singh and the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, was declared the sovereign of Bundela.
