The establishment of the Jehangir Mahal dates back to the 17th century A.D. when the then ruler of the region named Bir 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 Jehangir 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. Jehangir Mahal is a three storied structure that is marked by stylishly hanging balconies, porches, and apartments. Like other Palaces in Orchha the Jehangir Mahal, Orchha has and a number of domes that are shaped like onion. These domes cover the central courtyard of the palace. Thus without visiting the Jehangir Mahal as well as other Monuments in Orchha, the Tour to Orchha is incomplete.

An elegant 17th century mansion, Jahanghir Mahal in Orchha is a remarkable structure. The most admired palace in Orchha, the Jahangir Mahal was constructed to commemorate the visit of Jahanghir to Orchha. A three storied building, which is a harmonious blend of Indo-Islamic architecture, with hanging balconies, topped domes, marvelous sculptures, delicate chhatris and trellis, Jahanghir Palace presents a superb architectural grandeur.

The ceremonial gateway of this palace leads to the east-facing facade, which is covered with turquoise tiles and the arrival of Raja was announced by the ringing of bells of the stone elephants that guards the stairway.

The most imposing monument of the Bundela reign, Jahanghir Mahal is a magnificient memento of the past, which forces the visitor to come back again.

As the very name of the monument suggests, it was built in honour of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, by the Orchha ruler, Vir Singh. The friendship between the two went back a long way, much before either of them became monarchs.
Before he became Maharaja, Vir Singh owned the fief of Badoni, situated midway between Orchha and Gwalior. Meanwhile, in the Mughal Court, the relationship between Emperor Akbar and his eldest son, Salim (later to be known as Jahangir), was always a tempestuous one. Prince Salim was a bit too susceptible to affairs of the heart, and his dalliance with Anarkali had riled the emperor no end.

Abul Fazl, one of the Navratnas, or Nine Jewels, in Akbar’s court thrived on the rift and persuaded Akbar to forfeit Salim’s heirship to the Mughal throne. Inevitably, Salim revolted against this, and Akbar deputed none other than the Machiavellian Abul Fazl to quell the rebellion.

Fazl began a march to Agra to meet Salim’s army in battle, but first he had to travel through Badoni, which was en route. At this crucial juncture, Vir Singh decided to help his friend Salim in his hour of trial by attacking Fazl’s army and vanquishing it. Not content with that, he chopped off Fazl’s head and presented it to Salim.
This was in 1602, and three years later when Akbar died and Jahangir replaced him as the emperor, it was time for him to repay the favour to his old friend.
Accordingly, he bestowed the whole of Bundelkhand to Vir Singh and even attended his coronation in 1606. It was on this occasion that Vir had the Jahangir Mahal built to receive Emperor Jahangir when he visited Orchha. The palace today stands as a memorial to the great friendship between the two erstwhile rulers.