Karthik
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History is afire with stories of uncelebrated love that was perceived as immoral in society and the defiant courtesan has found portrayal through various celluloid depictions as a manifestation of unrequited love.
The Rai Praveen Mahal in Orccha is a silent testament to the valour courage and sublime artistry of this extremely talented courtesan in the court of King Indrajit who won a lot of hearts for her artistic skills as for her beauty. Rumours have it that she was King Indrajit's paramour and such was her popularity and fame that stories of her beauty and rich artistry reached the ears of the Imperial Mughal emperor Akbar who summoned her rather rudely to his court. However, not wanting to be disloyal to King Indrajit who was too meek to stand up for her against Akbar, Rai Praveen politely declined and this won her deferential respect from Akbar who went onto relocate her in a special palace complex replete with lush gardens boasting of exotic flowering plants and shrubs and herbs in a sprawling campus with other architectural structures and palaces, among which was one palace dedicated to her.
Another striking feature about Rai Praveen Mahal is the gardens which are pruned and shaped creatively into many artistic shapes and this has been a tradition since the inception of the monumental structure. Situated in Orccha in Madhya Pradesh, the Rai Praveen mahal is still a magnificently resounding visual delight. Visit the magnificent Rai Praveen Mahal and prepare to be mesmerized by the terrific legend associated with this lavishly palatial structure that has withstood the test of time. Presently the palace itself is rendered beyond visibility at first but can be accessed behind the Jahangir Mahal and you need to approach it by climbing down a flight of stairs and through the camel stables.
