Legend of Diwan Hardaul

The palace is named for Diwan Hardaul, an extraordinary young warrior who lived in Orchha in the 17th century and is immortalised through tales of courage, devotion, and tragedy; an important figure who remains part of Orchha's folklore to this day.

Hardaul Bundela played an instrumental role in the history of Bundelkhand. Due to Jhujhar Singh ascending the throne based upon Hardaul's unmarried status, tensions arose with Emperor Shah Jahan who disapproved this arrangement. Hardaul was known for his daring actions and decided to form his own army to protect Bundelkhand's interests. Shah Jahan took offence at this move and devised a scheme, informing Jhujhar Singh of Hardaul's plans to assassinate him and implicating Jhujhar Singh's wife as accomplices in this scheme. Jhujhar Singh believed this false information and instructed his wife to poison Hardaul's meal, leading to his unfortunate demise.

However, from this point forward the story of Hardaul takes an intriguing turn. Kunja Vati, Jhujhar Singh's sister from Datia approached her brother seeking "bhaat" (a wedding ritual in which the maternal uncle of the bride provides gifts and blessings) for her daughter's marriage ceremony; but Jhujhar Singh refused her request and told her to leave. Distraught Kunja Vati wept bitterly until suddenly hearing an assurance that Hardaul himself would attend, who appeared at the wedding.

Hardaul made good on his promise on the day of her daughter's marriage, appearing and bestowing his blessings upon all present. Since then, Hardaul has become one of the most revered deities in Bundelkhand - second only to Lord Rama. Many believe he still watches over weddings; thus it has become tradition to extend both invitations - one to Lord Rama and one to Hardaul - as an act of gratitude and to acknowledge his continued role in matrimonial festivities in Bundelkhand.