Data Palace alias Bir Singh Palace or Bir Singh Dev Palace is at Datia city in Madhya Pradesh state, India. It was built by Birsingh Dev to welcome Mughal Emperor Jahangir.
Datia Palace alias Bir Singh Palace or Bir Singh Dev Palace
Bir Singh helped Jehangir ascend to the Mughal Throne, after Emperor Akbar’s death. There was a bitter power struggle between five prominent and legitimate sons of Emperor Akbar, after his demise. Jehangir succeeded in defeating his brothers (with Birsingh Dev and other’s help), after an eight-day power struggle. In return, Bir Singh was made the ruler of the Datia state. It was expected that Emperor Jahangir would be visiting this palace. But Emperor Jahangir never visited this Palace (for reasons still unknown).
This magnificent Palace is known by different names like Satkhanda Palace, Datia Mahal, Purana Mahal meaning “Old palace”, etc.
Maharaj Birsingh Dev, the founder of the Princely state of Datia, built Satkhanda Palace. In A.D 1614, on a visit to Mathura, Maharaj Birsingh Dev got himself weighed with gold. After this, he started constructing the Bir Singh Dev Palace in 1614.
No royal family members ever stayed in this palace, though it was used as the office.
Bir Singh Dev Palace is made on an isolated rock, on the western side of Datia city.
Palace in Detail
It cost 35 Lack Indian Rupees (78 thousand US dollars) in the 16th century, to build this beautiful palace. It took nine years to build Datia Mahal.
Datia Mahal is a magnificent seven-story palace. Mahal is the Hindi word for Palace. The southern face of the palace overlooks a large lake. Bir Singh Palace is square-shaped. It is approximately 80 meters long and wide.
There are four octagonal towers, one at each corner. The ceilings of the palace is finely carved. There are 440 rooms and many courtyards. The interior walls are decorated with Bundela paintings.
There is a 40-meter-high, five-story tower at the center. The dome atop the tower is lotus petal-shaped.
Purana Mahal is a fine example of the fusion of Indian and Islamic architecture. It is a combination of Mughal and Rajput architecture. Arched doorways and domes are examples of Mughal architecture. Sculptures and paintings of birds, animals, and flowers are part of the Rajput style of architecture. It was built entirely with brick and stone.
Other Places of Tourist Interest Near Datia (Bir Singh) Palace
Numerous ancient temples, some of which date back to pre-historic times, are the hallmark of this city. This city is nicknamed Laghu Vrindavan or Small Vrindavan. Vrindavan alias Brindavan is the famous garden in Bangalore, India.
Maharaj Birsingh Dev built 52 palaces and monuments, all around the state. Bir Singh Dev palace is the most famous among these 52 monuments.
How Do I Go to Datia Palace?
Datia Palace is at a distance of around 75 kilometers from Gwalior city.
Satkhanda Palace alias Datia Mahal is situated between Gwalior and Jhansi stations. Datia Palace alias Bir Singh Dev Palace is visible to you, from the train.
This palace has a very identical architecture to Orcccha Palace. Do you know why is it so? Anyways, I am planing for Gwalior next month, may be I’ll add it in my itinerary.
I do not know why its similar to Orcccha Palace hotel!
This is very informative. I haven’t been to this country, one day if I plan a visit this would be useful.
You are welcome to visit India.
Well, the place is interesting. I have to be honest, I don’t know much about the history of India, but this palace seem to hold a lot of it.
fantastic informative post on Datia. would love to visit someday
This guide is very informative. I am planning for Rajasthan in next year, maybe I will add it in my itinerary.
I never knew of Datia Palace was built to welcome Jehangir but it looks beautiful tourist destination in Madhya Pradesh. I would love to check Vrindavan nearby this tourist attraction.
Thanks for the post, it’s very informative and I love the map- always helpful!
Love learning about the history of ancient places like these! I’ve not yet been to India but always interested in their culture and how far they’ve come as a country!
You are welcome to visit India.