Pre-Chhatrasal : Bundela Dynasty
Bundela dynesty begins with Raja Pancham, son of Kashi's Gaharvaar Raja VeerBhadra. Pancham was a staunch devotee of Vindhyvasini devi. He first identified himself with title 'Vindhyela' to honor his faith. 'Vindhyela' later evolved to 'Bundela.'
Raja Veer, son of Pancham defeats Sattarkhan at Mahauni Jagammanpur, then conquers Kalpi and Kalinjer. Coroneted in Mahauni Jagammanpur, which remained as capital for 180 years. Raja Veer is regarded as the father of Independent Bundelkhand. In his memory, anyone who shows valor to protect the Bundelkhand, earns the title of 'Veer' as an honor.
Raja Veer Paal established Gadh Kundar (48 km east of Jhansi) as the second capital
Maharaja Rudrapratap established third capital in Orchha (nine sons, third son was Udayajit. Udayajit's great-grand son's name was Champatrai (Chhatrasal's father)
Maharaja Madhukarshah (Humayun, Akbar period), opposed Akbar's anti-Hindu policies.
Pancham - Gahirvanshiy Kshtriya, Bundela dynesty begins with Raja Pancham, son of Kashi's Gaharvaar Raja VeerBhadra. Pancham was a staunch devotee of Vindhyvasini devi. He first identified himself with title 'Vindhyela' to honor his faith. 'Vindhyela' later evolved to 'Bundela.'
Maharaja Veer Sinh Dev (Jahangir period). He had good relationship with Jahangir, and friendship with Champatrai
Champatrai supported him. Shahjahan killed him and his son Vikramajit, and ordered their cut heads be sent to Delhi. But Champatrai fought with Mughals, retrieved their heads and handed over to their family. Both the widows submitted themselves to the prevalent Sati system and ended their lives.
Maharaja Pruthvisinh seated on Orchha Gadi with Champatrai's support. But Mughals deceived him and was imprisoned.
Continued to fight with Shahjahan to protect Bundelkhand. Relinquished Gadi to Mughal-aligned very ambitious Pahadsinh thinking of better future for the Bundela clan.
Maharaja Pahadsinh seated with Champatrai's support to end the animosity with the Mughals. Ambitious Pahadsinh showed love for Champatrai only superficially due to Champatrai's very good public image. Aurangzeb's enemy brother Dara was killed with Champatrai's support. So Aurangzeb had honored him for that, which Pahadsinh didn't like . So he gas lighted Champatrai's dream of free Bundelkhand and conspired to finish him and his wife Sarandha.
Maharaja Sujansinh, Pahadsinh's adopted son seated on Orchha Gadi. He repented for the acts of his elders and had sympathy for Champatrai's children.
Maharaja Indramani, younger brother of Sujansinh seated on Orchha Gadi. He was anti-Champatrai, but later, upon seeing the power of Chhatrasal, he asked for forgiveness.
Maharaja Jasvantsinh, ascetic minded but remained in favor of Mughals.
Maharaja Bhagvantsinh, kept good feelings for Chhatrasal. However, opposed when Mahamati Prannathji coroneted Chhatrasalji as Maharaja. He had passed away when Maharaja Chhatrasal went there for Digvijay Yatra (as per Bitak 60/168).
Orchha remained as separate state, ruled by about twelve different Maharajas, until India's freedom from British rule in 1947.
