Datia Mahal or Bir Singh Deo Mahal is located in Datia, about 40 km from Orchha, on the Jhansi-Gwalior route in Madhya Pradesh.

Bir Singh Deo, the ruler of Datia and an avid builder of the times, laid the foundations of Datia Mahal in 1614 AD. History records that the palace stands testimony to the friendship between the Mughus emperor Jehangir and Raja Bir Singh Deo. Bir Singh championed Jehangir’s cause against Akbar and beheaded Abul Fazal. In return, Bir Singh was made the ruler of Datia.

The palace complex was built to mark Jehangir’s visit to the place. Fortunately or unfortunately, the visit did not take place and it still remains a mystery as to why no ruler ever lived in the Mahal.

The palace perched atop a rocky outcrop, encircled by a fort wall built entirely of brick and stone with no cement or iron to hold it together, it is one of the finest examples of the blend of Indo-Islamic architecture. The building, in the design of the Swastik, with its restraint and emphasis on a classical and symmetrical plan inspired none other than Sir Edward Lutyens, architect of New Delhi. For a man whose impressions of Indian architecture were not flattering to begin with, he was so overwhelmed by Datia Mahal that he chose to visit other edifices in India before he embarked on designing New Delhi. He incorporated aspects of Datia Mahal in the interior design of New Delhi’s North and South Blocks.


Murals

The southern face of the palace overlooks a large lake. The palace is 7-storey tall with two of its 7 floors built underground and closed to visitors.
The balcony of each floor accords a stunning view of the city of Datia dotted with temples, shops and residential areas, while from its terrace, the city’s Fort can be seen in full view with its royal quarters and temple.


Bats inside the palace