Bundela

The Bundelas were a Rajput clan that gave its name to Bundelkhand in central India. Their traditions trace their rise to 1288, when Sohanpal of Mahoni joined Panwar leader Panpal to defeat Naga, ruler of Kurar, and seize Garh Kundar, the clan's first stronghold.

In 1531 Rudra Pratap Singh founded Orchha and moved his capital there. Orchha became the parent kingdom: Madhukar Shah submitted to Akbar and ceded lands in 1577 and 1588, while Vir Singh Deo brought the state to its zenith in 1605–1627, building the Jahangir Mahal. Cadet branches founded Datia in 1626 and Panna in 1657.

The Panna raja Chhatrasal, reigning from 1675 to 1731, revolted against Mughal rule and left one third of his kingdom to the Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao. Orchha escaped full Maratha subjugation and concluded an alliance with the British in 1812.