Rai Praveen Mahal, Orchha Fort, Orchha Madhya Pradesh, India.
A palace built in Bundela architectural style before the Shahi Darwaza on the north side of the Orchha fort is a symbol of grandeur and love, it is known as Rai Praveen Mahal.
The palace was built by Indrajit Singh, the younger brother of the ruler of Orchha, Ramshah. Rai Pravin was a famous dancer in the royal court of Orchha as well as a poetess, singer and expert rider who was a disciple of the great poet Keshavdas and Keshavdas wrote Kavipriya in praise of his disciple. When Rai Pravin went to the Mughal court at the invitation of Emperor Akbar, she greatly impressed the Mughal emperor with her art. After knowing her love for King Indrajit Singh, Akbar sent her back to Orchha with due respect.
This magnificent two-storied building was probably constructed in two phases. The ground floor of the palace consisted of spacious hallways and square rooms on either side, and a verandah and rooms on the first floor, as well as ornate hanging balconies with domed ceilings supported on multifoiled arches. The terrace of the first floor and the terrace of the second floor are surrounded by decorated parapet in which canopies are made and the roofs of the canopies built at the corners are domed while the roofs of the canopies built in the middle are based on traditional Bangla huts. It has an underground Baradari water tanks, beautiful landscaped garden and security wall with gates.This construction dates back to the 16th century AD and according to the information available at the site it was built in 1572 AD.
It is said that Rai Praveen used to compose heart touching poems with her beautiful imagination after sitting in the Northern window.
This is a splendid architectural marvel and a popular tourist attraction which is still in good condition.