The origin story
Raja Rudra Pratap founded his capital city Orchha in 1531 AD. Under his son, Madhukar Shah, art thrived in the city in the form of wall paintings such as miniature murals which showcase scenes from Ramayana and Krishna Leela. Raja Veer Singh Ju Dev, the grandson of Madhukar Shah and an ally of Jahangir, built Jahangiri Mahal, a seven-floor structure in Orchha that takes forward the miniature tradition by delineating themes such as war, dance, hunting and other floral designs. While Orccha is a relatively nondescript town, the murals that adorn the walls of the Lakshmi Temple here are sublime. From paintings of Bundela kings on battlefields to scenes from Lord Krishna's life, the stunning paintings are elaborate and tasteful.
Mythological and religious themes continued in the paintings of Datia, after it was created when Orccha was bifurcated in 1626. The Ramayana series, with a touch of Mughal influence, is one of the most distinctive contributions of Datia to the Bundelkhand school of miniatures. Bundelkhand miniatures are elaborate and ornate rich costumes and stunning bejewelled subjects, drawn on coarse paper called Chattarpuri kaagaz, sets the painting style apart from its contemporaries. Datia school of painting is said to have left its imprint on the Malwa painting traditions as well.