A
A'
B
B'
C
C'
The Palki Mahal is located along the east-west axis, on the northern side of the Chaturbhuj Temple and opposite to the Raja Ram Mandir, amidst of which runs a lane leading towards the Macchli Darwaza. The palace is surrounded by the Hardaul Baithak, Phool Bagh and Saawan Bhado towers and this enclosure altogether has been taken over by an active market.
The town of Orchha being discovered in the envelope of forests leads to the speculation that diverse tribes dwelling there must have been an informal and ephemeral settlements. With the Bundelas arriving under the influence of the Mughals, an evolution of architecture with Islamic features and their intimidatingly huge built forms were new to the region. The Palki Mahal with Chattris morphing into domes and the form of its arches is an example of this newly acquired type. It consists of a huge hall under the respective Chhatris, an evidence of royal presence at that time. A popular exists that there is a 50 feet basement where the king discussed trivial matters with his courtiers as it is sealed from all sides and provides voice amplification.
The aging monument constructed out of stones, now has vegetation sprouting out of its cracks. A softscape of stalls made of bamboo and tarpaulin sheets grew within the complex over time using the walls and trees as support. Ashoka trees are more prevalent in this area compared to the rest of the town. Cats, dogs and cattle move freely through all spaces here.
The stalls on both the sides of all the entry points create alleys with scarce penetration of sunlight, scaling it down and making it more humane. The courtyards transitioning from stone floors to paver blocks with passing time; as opposed to the type of space, it is kept barren and used only for storage. Porosity is much observed here, with niches for different purposes such as ventilation ,connectivity, storage ,etc which were probably used for keeping lamps earlier. Some parts of the structure have been blocked and banned from entering with bricks and clothes cladded over its doors and windows. This in turn leads to neglected corners accumulating dust with increasing dumps of waste and sewage . The palace has been restored and maintained as the residence of the High Court Magistrate which is guarded and allowed very little access. Older parts of the structure have been lent by the government for residential purposes as well. Shopkeepers selling aarti items, jewellery, toys and a variety of other products, tourists and locals have a certain dynamism about them. The local’s pastime activities include playing cards, napping, and burning bonfires in open spaces.Even though it is a tourist attraction site, stalls shut down at twilight as there is no provision of electricity in the market place yet. The shopkeepers-alloted a particular dimension by the government still claim and occupy their adjacent shop’s area. People refrain from giving information with the fear of their livelihood getting threatened and a streak of insecurity is observed when questions are asked..
A
A'
The section shows a contrast of inhabitation among the spaces starting from the hustling Raja Ram Mandir market road through the unshaded courtyard surrounded by the High Court magistrate and local residence.Further entering the busy market among the ruins and into the old Hardaul Baithak structure.
B
B'
The section cut across shows the market which has grown over the years among the ruins of the Palkhi Mahal and the Hardaul Baithak with stalls taking support of the ruins to stand selling a variety of products in a relatively small space.
C
C'
.jpg)
Network of roofs
Alleys created by the stalls on both the sides
Niches - a play with the walls
Contrasting Intensities
Softscape among the ruins
Threshold and open spaces
The long section cuts across the entire site showing how the idea of built and unbuilt doesn't dictate the inhabitation of the space but further enlarges the discussion related to boundary, access and facilities. Proved by the attempt of fencing an open public space in spite of the residence in the palace ruins and the carved out bazaar between them.