The construction of Ram Raja Lok in Orchha, a renowned tourist destination in Madhya Pradesh, has unveiled an extraordinary find. During excavation near the Sawan Bhado Pillar, a chamber dating back approximately 500 years was discovered, attracting crowds of curious locals. The tourism department, which is overseeing the Ram Raja Lok project, has piqued public interest due to this remarkable ancient chamber.
The Madhya Pradesh government is spearheading the construction of Ram Raja Lok in Orchha. As part of this project, excavation work near the Sawan Bhado Pillar led to the unearthing of a structure with features akin to those found in Iran, designed to mitigate excessive heat. Piyush Vajpayee, Deputy Engineer of the Tourism Department, noted that upon inspecting the chamber, it became evident that the Orchha state had an advanced air cooling system during its era.
Dr. KP Tripathi, a prominent historian from Bundelkhand, shed light on the historical context, explaining that Orchha’s ruler 500 years ago, Veer Singh Ji Dev, had good relations with the Mughals. This relationship is evidenced by the construction of Jahangir Mahal in Orchha. Dr. Tripathi believes that the technology for the air cooling system likely came from Iran, as the Mughals originated from there. The Sawan Bhado Pillar has a legend associated with it that during the months of Sawan and Bhado, the pillars would interconnect, and people in Bundelkhand viewed them with reverence and performed rituals.
The chamber discovered near the Sawan Bhado tower for Ram Raja Lok is exceptionally modern for its time. It remains aesthetically pleasing and includes a fountain facility for bathing. Upon entering the chamber, the temperature significantly drops, highlighting the effectiveness of the air cooling system. Vajpayee remarked that the temperature inside the chamber is over 15 degrees cooler than the outside, even in the peak heat of May. This system, consisting of a network of fountains, is a testament to the superior engineering skills of the time.
The Sawan Bhado air cooling system in the Ram Raja temple premises is unique, with no other similar structure found in Bundelkhand or Tikamgarh. When the Bundela kings made Orchha their capital 500 years ago, they constructed it with advanced technology. The ongoing construction of Ram Raja Lok has brought to light these structures equipped with facilities ahead of their time. The chamber’s air-conditioned features were designed to combat the intense heat, with fountains installed for bathing, enhancing the cooling effect.
The design and construction techniques reflect influences from Iran, where such structures were built to protect from excessive heat. Vajpayee emphasized that this technology must have come from Iran, facilitated by the Mughal connection. The Mughals, having originated from Iran, brought with them various architectural and technological advancements, which were then incorporated into the local infrastructure.
The chamber found during the excavation near the Sawan Bhado Pillar exemplifies excellent engineering. It demonstrates how air could circulate from a 25-foot high tower into the palace, providing a cooling effect. This facility in the king’s room, with strategically placed holes around the towers, allowed wind from any direction to flow down the towers, cooling the rooms below. This ancient air-cooling system was an ingenious solution to the region’s harsh climate.
A network of fountains has been discovered in the entire complex, including parts of a fountain in the chamber under the Sawan Bhado Pillar. Additionally, a dozen fountains were found in Chandan’s Katora Bagh, operated using terracotta pipelines. This extensive network of fountains further supported the air-cooling system, maintaining a cooler environment within the palace grounds.
The Sawan Bhado Pillar holds cultural significance and reverence among the locals. It is believed that during the months of Sawan and Bhado, the pillars would join together, and people would view them with respect and perform religious rituals. This adds a layer of cultural and historical importance to the site, making the discovery even more significant.
The Madhya Pradesh government continues to excavate and develop the Ram Raja Lok project, revealing more about the advanced infrastructure of Orchha from 500 years ago. These discoveries not only highlight the technological advancements of the time but also provide insight into the cultural and historical context of the region.
The discovery of the 500-year-old chamber in Orchha is a testament to the advanced engineering and architectural skills of the time. The air-cooling system, influenced by Iranian technology, demonstrates the ingenuity and sophistication of ancient Orchha. As the construction of Ram Raja Lok progresses, more such remarkable findings are expected to come to light, further enriching our understanding of the historical and cultural heritage of Orchha.
