Palki Mahal Phool Bagh, Orchha, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Phool Bagh is a popular beautiful garden situated in Orchha, and it reflects the love of Kings who ruled Orchha, towards the nature and boundless values of natural beauty. Phool Bagh has a tragic history according to numerous legends. But it attracts tourists and they get mesmerized. After tiresome, sightseeing of various monuments, in Phool Bagh tourists experience freshness amidst many fountains, flowers and greenery. It offers a rejuvenating opportunity.
There are many historical buildings and places near the Raja Ram temple complex which are missing from the view of tourists. One such magnificent palace called Palki Mahal is located opposite Hardaul meeting in Phoolbagh complex. This palace was built during the reign of Maharaja Veer Singh. This two-storied building is rectangular and has stairs leading to the upper floor where tourists are not allowed to enter. I tried to have an in sight through the locked door, noticed some ruins. Its ground floor served as the entrance to the Phool Bagh through a rectangular verandah, built with decorated stone pillars and archways, walls are decorated with niches and flower panels of stucco. These archways are the access to the Phool Bagh complex. Either side of this entrance rectangular rooms are built. Its upper floor slab is similar to the Palki means Palanquin which was added later at the central hall of the first floor, hence it’s known as Palki Mahal.
It was the residence of Lala Hardaul Singh or Dinman Hardaul, who was the youngest son of Raja Veer Singh Dev and younger brother of Raja Jujhar Singh as he was appointed Diwan of Orchha. He was born in 1608 AD and was brought up by Rani Champavati wife of Jujhar Singh. Regarding Lala Hardaul there are many legend how far they are true, it’s unknown but he was poisoned at young age in 1631AD. And throughout Bundelkhand he is considered as live folk deity.
MP Tourism Corporation has to take initiative to relocate the shops and markets run in the premise and close to the entrance to save these monuments.