City Managers Association <cmamp1@mpurban.gov.

in>

Unknown Tourist Places of Madhya Pradesh must be incorporated in CDP

City Managers Association <cmamp1@mpurban.gov.in>
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 at 5:59 PM
To: All Consultants
Cc: Commissioner UADD <commuadmp@mpurban.gov.in>, Ashok Khare <akhare@mpurban.gov.in>, pravin
bhagwat <bhagwatpravin@gmail.com>, "chandan.kushwah" <chandan.kushwah@cmamp.com>
Dear Sir/Madam,
The report on "UNKNOWN ATTRACTIONS AROUND THE KNOWN DESTINATIONS" of Madhya Pradesh
Tourism is attached. The tourist destination identified in the report must be highlighted in CDPs.
Regards

Anshum Singh ( )
Web Content Manager

City Managers' Association Madhya Pradesh

Room No. 307, Directorate, Urban Administration & Development
Palika Bhawan, Shivaji Nagar,
Bhopal - 462016

Website: www.cmamp.com, www.mpusp.org, www.mpurban.gov.in, www.mpcdp.com

Ph No. : +91-755-4044490
Fax No. : +91-755-2552591
Mobile : +91 - 9993430614
"For a better tomorrow, we need to start today"

Unkown Tourist Places.pdf

1691K

MADHYA PRADESH
UNKNOWN
ATTRACTIONS
AROUND THE
KNOWN
DESTINATIONS

'Unknown among the Known

in
Madhya Pradesh'
is a small initiative taken by Madhya
Pradesh Tourism to bring to focus the
hidden treasures for the avid travelers
who may not have an opportunity to
discover the secrets which lie in the bed
of Madhya Pradesh.
The illustrations have been done area
wise to help the readers to get a general
view & easily locate its destination.

Index
Page No.
Gwalior
1. Fortress, Laughgarh
2. Fortress, Salwai
3. Fortress, Baithak (Chhatragarh) of
Rana and Shiva temple, Behat
4. Raslilaghar, Barai
5. Assi Khamba ki Baori, Gwalior
6. Tigra Dam, Tigra
6. Abul Fazal's Tomb, Antri
Datia
1. Bharatgarh, Datia
2. Surai-Bhander, Datia
3. Fort Kanhargarh, Senwda
4. Baori, Chandewa
5. Sun temple (Balaji), Unnao
6. Sita Sagar Lake, Datia
Sheopur
1. Fort & Palace
2. Fortress Palpur
3. Step-well, Raipura
4. Ancient Haveli, Nayagaon
5. Kuno Wildlife Santuary and Narrow Guage
Rail Coach Restaurant
Morena
1. Group of Temples, Naresar
2. Temple, Padhawali
3. Fortress, Padhawali
4. Temple, Mitawali
5. Sun temple, Eiti
6. Fortress, Sumawali
7. Chambal Ravines, Morena
8. The Temple of Bateshwar
Bhind
1. Fort, Gohad
2. Lakshman Temple, Gohad
3. Naya Mahal, Gohad
4. Digambar Jain Bada Mandir, Barason
5. Cenotaph of Malhar Roa Holkar, Alampur
6. Sun temple, Bharoli
7. Fort, Bhind
Guna, Ashoknagar
1. Old Madarsa, Chanderi
2. Tombs of Pote Sahab and his wife, Chanderi
3. Ancient for Malhargarh
4. Doyala Baori, Malhargarh
5. Group of Shiva temple, Kadwaya
6. Cave, Kedarnath
7. Fort and Palace, Mahugarha
8. Bajrangarh Fort, Guna
Chhatarpur
1. Sun Temple, Chhatarpur
2. Kishore Sagar, Chhatarpur
3. Bhimkund, Chhatarpur
4. Fortress, Aktohan
5. Fortress, Kishangarh
6. Lake, Bandhi Salaiya
7. Fortress, Ishanagar
8. Palace, Rajgarh
9. Temple, Vyas Badora
Panna
1. Lokpal Sagar, Panna
2. Rock Shelters, Jardhova
3. Waterfall, Raneh
4. Pandav Fall (Pandav Kothi),
Panna National Sanctuary
5. Panna Diamond Mines
Shivpuri
1. Fort, Narwar
2. Sun temple, Sesai
3. Old Palace, Pohari
4. Jal Mandir, Pohari
5. Garhi, Surwaya
6. Bhadiya Kund Waterfall
7. Manikheda
8. Kothi No. 17

01-03

03-05

05-07

08-11

11-13

14-16

16-19

19-21

21-24

Page No.
Tikamgarh
1. Fort, Baldevgarh
2. Sun Temple, Madhkhera
3. Sun Temple, Umari
4. Garkundar Fort
Sagar
1. Sun Temple, Raheli
2. Fort, Raheli
3. Fort, Sanodha
4. Fort, Rahatgarh
5. Fortress, Garhakota (Sagar)
Betul/Harda
1. Teli Ki Saray, Harda
2. Tapti River, Multai
3. Shiv temple, Bhensdehi (Betul)
Mandla
1. Begum Mahal, Ramnagar
2. Moti Mahal, Ramnagar
3. Kothi Rai Bhagat, Ramnagar
4. Vishnu temple, Ramnagar
5. Hote Water Spring, Tikeria
6. Columnar Basalt, Ramnagar
Rajgarh
1. Tomb of Rani Roopmati &
Bazbahadur, Sarangpur
2. Sankaji ki Chhatri, (Cenotaph) Sanka
3. Chidikho, Narshinghgarh
4. Badi Bawdi (Stepwell), Machalpur
Singroli
1. Rock Cut Caves, Mada
2. Painted Rock Shelters Ranimachi,
Dholagiri and Goura Pahad
Bhopal
1. Fort, Ginnorgarh
2. Manua Bhan ki Tekri
3. Halali Dam
4. Rock Shelters of Lalghati
5. Group of Rock Shelter, Firangi
6. Group of Rock Shelters, Gondramau
7. Group of Rock Shelters, Dharampuri
8. Salkanpur
Raisen
1. Stupa, Satdhara
2. Stupa, Andher
3. Stupa, Sonari
Vidisha
1. Ravan Tol (Natesh Image), Udaipur
2. Chhoti Madagan (Neelkanteshwar Temple), Lateri
3. Mangala Devi Temple, Kagpur
4. Lohangi Parvat, Vidisha
5. Mala Devi Temple, Gyaraspur
6. Kautakeshwar Temple, Pathari
Mandsaur
1. Laduna, Sitamau
2. Fort, Hinglajgarh
3. Rock Cut Caves, Khejaria Bhoop
4. Buddhist Caves, Pola Dungar
5. Dharmarajeshwar Temple, Dhamnar
6. Bhuddhist Caves, Dhamnar
7. The Rock Paintings of Chaturbhujnath Nala
Neemach
1. Group of Temples, Brukheda
Ujjain
1. Ram Janardan Temple, Ujjain
2. Rumi's Tomb
3. Kaliadeh Palace
4. Cenotaph of Vir Durgadas
Indore
1. Fort, Kushalgarh, Indore
Barwani
1. Fort, Sendhwa
Dhar
1. Kakra Khoh Waterfall, Mandu
Hoshangabad
1. Tawa-Madhai

26-26

26-28

28-29

29-31

31-33

33-34

34-36

36-37

37-39

40-42

43
43-45

45
45
46
46

Gwalior
Gwalior is steeped in the splendour of its past. A multitude of reigning dynasties, of the
great Rajput clans of the Pratiharas, Kachwahas and Tomars have left indelible etching
of their rule in this city of palaces, temples and monuments. The magnificent mementoes
of a glorious past have been preserved with care, giving Gwalior a unique and timeless
appeal.
The new city of Gwalior became over the centuries the cradle of great dynasties and
with each, the city gained new dimensions with warrior kings, poets, musicians and
saints, contributing to making it a place renowned throughout the country. Today,
Gwalior is a modern Indian city, vibrant and bustling.

Fortress, Lauhgarh
The fortress is located on the bank of Non river and
45 km from Gwalior. The interior portion of the
fortress in now ruined. Its gate is also ruined. It was
built by Raja Hamir Dev in the 16th and 18th century
A.D. Fortress is survived by only walls but reminds
us of the days gone by.

Fortress, Salwai
The fortress is situated about 5 km from Bhitarwar
road. It was built in 16th-17th century A.D. by Raja
Hamir Dev. Temples of Ram-Janki and RadhaKrishna are situated inside the fortress. It has two
gates, namely Hathi Darwaza and Sadar Darwaza.
The treaty between the British and the Scindias is
famous as Salwai Treaty.

01

Fortress, Baithak
(Chhatragarh)
of Rana and Shiva Temple,
Behat
It is situated about 48 km from Gwalior on GwaliorSenwda road. Behat is the birthplace of Tansen.
There is a Shiva temple. Tansen is said to have
performed severe 'riyaz' of music at the place where
this temple exists. It is believed that as a mark of
respect to his devotion, the temple bent in half.
Tansen is said to have practiced incessantly here for
removing a fault in his voice. Rana Chhatar Singh
built a palace here in 1767 A.D., which is called Rana
Ki Baithak.

Raslilaghar, Barai
Situated near Panihar on Agra Bombay road and 25
km from Gwalior. this unique structure was
conceived by Maharaja Mansingh Tomar of Tomar
dynasty, who was a great music lover. He built this
monument of stone blocks during his regime (14841516 )as an open air theatre. There is a stage in the
middle surrounded by pillars. The scheme has rooms
around it with seating arrangements for the audience
over it. Music lovers must pay homage to this site.

Assi Khamba Ki Baori,

Gwalior
The monument exists in front of the Man Mandir at
Gwalior fort. It was built by Maharaja Man Singh
and the court of the rulers of Tomar dynasty was
held here. Musical concerts were also organized
here. There is an ancient step-well inside the
monument where separate chambers have been
built for the queens to bathe. It has 80 pillars; hence
it is called Assi Khamba Ki Baori.

02

Tigra Dam, Tigra

The dam is situated at a distance of 12 kms from
Gwalior. It provides water sport facilities and a
good restaurant.

Abul Fazal's Tomb, Antri

Abulfazal writer of "Ain-e-Akbari, "was one of the
jewels of Akabar's court. Abul Fazal was
assassinated while he was returning from the
Deccan by Vir Singh Bundela (who later became
the ruler of Orchha) between Sarai Vir and Antri
(near Datia) in a plot contrived by the Mughal Prince
Salim, who later became the Emperor Jahangir in
1602, because Abu'l Fazl was known to oppose the
accession of Prince Salim to the throne. His severed
head was sent to Salim at Allahabad. Abul Fazl was
buried at Antri. Abul Fazl's son Shaikh Abdur
Rahman Afzal Khan (December 29, 1571-1613)
was later appointed governor of Bihar in 1608 by
Jahangir.

Datia
A Brief History of Datia District
Many places of the district are ancient. Remains of the Chalcolithic age have been found
at a mound in village Dohar. The Gujarra inscription of emperor Ashok near Datia
refers to him as Raja Ashok.
Orchha's ruler Madhukar Shah gave the Jagir of Badauni to his son Veer Singh. At that
time, Datia was a small village. On becoming the ruler of Orchha, Veer Singh gave
importance to Datia and built a grand royal palace there in 1718 A.D. The region of
Datia contributed significantly to the success of Veer Singh. Mughal Commander Abul
Fazl was killed by Veer Singh at the behest of Jehangir at a place named Antari.
Maharaja Veer Singh gifted the Jagir of Datia Badauni to his disgruntled son
Bhagwandas on April 20.1626 A.D. independently. Bhagwandas made Datia his capital
and founded the Datia State. He ruled over Datia from 1628 to 1640 A.D. Bhagwandas
built the palace of Sirol and a temple in Datia. After him, Shubhkaran Bundela ruled
over Datia from 1640 to 1678 A.D. He participated in many battles on behalf of
Aurangzeb. He was succeeded by his son Dalpatrao who ruled from 1678 to 1707 A.D.
Dalpatrao built the rampart around the city and renamed it Dilip Nagar. However, the
city continued to be called Datia popularly. He also took part in Aurangzeb's expedition
against Marathas. Dalpatrao is credited with the building of Pratapgarh fort and Rao
Bagh in 1694 A.D. in Datia city. Distance from Gwalior 65 km.
03

Bharatgarh, Datia
This haveli was built by Maharaja Dalpat rao (16821707 A.D.) for his brother Bharat Singh. That is why
it is called Bharatgarh. A Ram-Janki temple exists
inside the imposing haveli. Subsequently, it was the
residence of the Thakurs of Vanpura. The square
haveli has strong walls and a spacious courtyard
with residential rooms. The temple is of Nagara
style. Distance from Datia 2k.m.

SuraiBhander, (Datia)
Bhander is situated 30 kms far from Datia .The
palace named surai was built in the 18th century AD.
Originally there might have been four minarets in the
palace two of them are now in a ruined state. It has a
three storied gate. Three first two storeys have
rooms with many doors while the third portion have
palanquin shaped room with domes. The gate have
Jharokhas and are decorated by Todis and Lotus
petals .The palace was built of bricks and lime.

Fort, Kanhargarh, Senwda

Built by Bundela ruler Dalpatrai, the enormous fort is
situated at the site of earlier inhabitation about 75
km from Datia on the bank of the Sindh river. He gave
the Jagir of Senwda to his son Prithvi Singh who
ruled over Senwda for 51 years from 1707 to 1758
A.D. Built on a square plan, the fort is surrounded by
a strong rampart. There are ruins of palaces, kothi
called Ranivas, Diwan e-Aam and phoolbagh inside
the fort. Distance from Datia 60k.m.

Baori, Chandewa
The large step-well is a fine example of the early
16th century, Bundela architecture. Arches, lotus
bud-shaped brackets are built in it. From the use of
ancient architectural blocks on a large scale in the
step-well, it appears that the original step-well
belonged to the 11-12th century A.D. which was
turned into a two-storeyed structure in the 16th
century A.D. Orchha's ruler Veer Singh repaired it in
1618 A.D. Distance from Datia 15 k.m.

04

Sun Temple (Balaji), Unnao

The temple was built by Datia's ruler Vijay Bahadur
in 1844 A.D. Scindia's minister Mama Sahib Jadhav
commissioned its extension. The temple is located
on the bank of the Pahuj river in a compound
surrounded by a security wall. The four gates of the
huge rampart give it the look of a royal palace. The
two-storeyed portions of the gates are crowned
with palanquin-shaped roofs of Bundela style. The
Sun temple in situated in the center of the
courtyard. A surya chakra built on the kakshasan
near the back wall surrounded by Navagraha. The
temple is an important centre of pilgrimage where a
fair is also held. Distance from Datia 20k.m.

Sita Sagar Lake, Datia

Sita Sagar Lake was built by Queen Sita Joo (1730
to 1740 A.D.) in Datia, wife of King Rao
Ramchandra Bharti.

Sheopur
A Brief History of Sheopur District
The old name of the district is Sip Pur which is derived from the Sip river on the bank of
which it is situated. In course of time, it got corrupted to Shivpur and then to Sheopur.
Three-fourth area of the district is covered by dense forests. On one side the Chambal
river and on the other side the Kuni river form the boundaries of the district. The
illustrious histories of the area begin from Kachchapaghata rulers period in 10th
century A.D. Kachchapaghata rulers made Dubkund their capital and ruled from here
for five generations. They built enormous temples at Dubkund and Dhanayacha. A Shiva
temple was built at Bhurwada during the period. After the Kachchhapaghatas,the Gour
Rajput dynasty established their rule in Sheopur .They built forts and palaces at Sheopur
,Dhodhar,Barauda and Bagdo. The Gaur Rajputs were defeated by Daulatrao Scindia
who established his sepremacy in the territory. Distance from Gwalior 280k.m.

05

Fort & Palace-Sheopur

Sheopur, situated 206 km away from Gwalior is
reached by both road and rail. The Sheopur fort is
build on a high mount on the bank of Sip river. The
fort was built in the 18th century AD. in Rajput Style
.The Narsingh Mahal, Kachahari, Mahal, the stable
and the chhatris of Manohar Das and Aniruddha
Singh are important. Two storied Narsingh Mahal
has a basement an open courtyard, spacious room
and Diwan-e-Aam It has beautiful lattice work and
palanquins shaped entrance gate is attractive.

Fortress Palpur, Sheopur

Palpur is situated on the left bank of Kuno river.
Massive bastions are built for security of the
fortress. Kuno river is a natural safety to the
fortress. A Palace, temple and kachahari still exist
in side the fortress.

Step-well, Raipura
There exists an ancient step-well on the left side of
the road having a three-storeyed baradari beside it.
The baradari has pillars and an inscription dating it
to Samvat 1791.

Ancient Haveli, Nayagaon

The haveli is located about 20 km from Sheopur on
Sheopur-Barauda road. A regular bus service is
available for this place.
The haveli was built in the 18th century A.D. The
two storeyed haveli was built by the Gour Rajput of
Baroda It is built of stone, lime and brick. On the
entrance gate, a pillered and arched door is built.
The 18th century AD. roof has a latticed railing and
on the second Storyed, there are jharokhas in the
rooms.
06

Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary

and Narrow Guage
Rail Coach Restaurant
Kuno wildlife sanctuary is situated in the Sheopur
district of north-west Madhya Pradesh. The total
area is 344.686 sq km, in the Sheopur and Vijapur
tehsils of Sheopur district. The sanctuary is
situated in an isolated hill, sloping in all directions.
The general physiography of the terrain is hilly. It
comes under the Vindhya series. The sanctuary falls
in the semi-arid zone and has a typical terrain of
Central Indian highlands, interspersed with
woodlands and meadows. The soil is sandy and
sandy-loam, showing a spatial variation in depth.
River kuno, a tributary of River Chambal, vertically
bisects the sanctuary from north to south. It
occupies an area of 5.90 sqkm in the sanctuary.
Biological Profile
Fauna
All the faunal representatives of the dry deciduous
forest of the Central india can be found in Kuno i.e.
Panther, Tiger, Chital, Sambhar, Black Deer,
Chinkara, Bear, Blue bull, chausingha, Jungle cat,
Barking Deer, Monkey, Jackals, Hyena, Wild Boar,
Fox, Kobra, Nag, Python, Peacock, Kala Teetar,
Tree pie, Golden orioles, Drongo, Rollers, Jangli
Murgi, Phakta, Bhura, Teetar.
Flora
The Kuno sanctuary consists of dry deciduous
forests interspersed with grasslands. Tree:
Kardhai, Gurjan, Kher, Kusum, Gurjan, Mahua,
Guner, Haldoo, Kullu, Kahua, Semal, Bahera, Tendu,
Palas, Bel, Chind, Anwala, Harsingar, Chind,
Satawar; Parasites: Bamdha, Amarbel; Grasses:
Doob, Lumpy, Machai, Guner, Ponea, Phulara.
The Narrow Gauge rail coach
restaurant is located on Shivpuri-Sheopur road 55
Km. from Shivpuri and 5 Km. before Kuno Sanctuary
gate on a hilltop attached with PWD rest house
known as Kuno Dak Bungalow at the Bank of Kuno
River. This rest house 2 rooms and the rail coach
restaurant has capacity of 15 persons.

07

Morena
Historical background of Morena District
Situated between the Chambal and the Kwanri rivers, Morena is the headquarters of
Chambal division.
Its past goes back to pre-historic age. The rock paintings found in the hills of Pahargarh
are evidence of it. In the Mahabharat Age, there were two important places
named Shantanukheda and Kuntalpur. Shantanukheda is located on the bank of the
Chambal where remains of a large number of brick-built buildings have been found.
Kuntalpur is situated on the bank of Kwanri river and is the believed birthplace of
Pandava's mother Kunti. Remains of the Mahabharat Age have been found there. After
the Mauryans, the territory came under the possession of the Nagas and then the
Guptas. The temples of Paroli date to the post-Gupta period. After the Guptas, the
territory was under the Pratiharas. Yashovarman and Amaraj built 23 temples at
Naresar in this period of great temple building activity. At the same time, hundreds of
temples were built at Bateshwar. Subsequently, the Kachchhapaghatas ruled over the
territory. They built temples at Eiti, Varahawali, Ardoni, Mitawali, Amledha, Bhensora
and Suhania. Of these, the temples of Kakan Math, Padhawali and Mitawali are
remarkable. The Tomars of Delhi defeated the Kachchhapaghatas and established their
rule at Eisah before shifting to Gwalior. They built a fortress on the bank of Chambal at
Eisah. Distance from Gwalior 35k.m.

Group of Temples,
Naresar
The door-jamb of temple No. 19 has a word
"Naleshwar" (Naleshwar Devay, Dev Naleshwaray)
engraved on it. Naleshwar is an epithet of Lord
Shiva, to whom the temple is dedicated.
Among the group of temples at Naresar,
temple No. 17 was built by Yashovarman (725-52
A.D.). Yashovarman's son Amaraj built temples
No.18, 19, 20 and 23, was built by Pratihara ruler
Vatsaraj (770-805 A.D.).

Temple, Padhawali
Padhawali is situated about 14 km from Malanpur on
Malanpur-Morena road. After Naga period, the Gupta
empire was established in this area. The 'Gotra' of
the emperors of the Gupta dynasty was 'Charan'.
'Gharon' village was inhabited near modern
Padawali. Around Gharon there are the ruins of
several temples, houses and colonies. This new area
of population is known as Padawali because it is
surrounded by several hills. More than fifty
monuments of different kinds can be seen at
Padawali upto the valley of Bhuteshwar.
08

Fortress, Padhawali
The fortress is located at Padhawali about 12 km
from Malanpur on the left side of Malanpur-Morena
road.
The fortress was built by the Jat Ranas
of Dhaulpur in the first half of the 18th century A.D.
on a large platform of Kachchhapaghata period.

Temple, Mitawali
Mitawli (40km via Malanpur ), the temple stands on a
circular platform in an open court enclosed by a
circular wall with small cells and colonnade inside
with a Shiva image in each cell. It is dated to the 14th
century A.D. On the basis of an inscription dated to
V.S.1380(1323 ad.) it can be claimed that the temple
was built by the erstwhile ruler Maharaja
Devapala. The design is believed to inspire the
construction of the Parliament house at New Delhi.

Sun temple, Eiti

Situated 2k.m. from Rethaurakalan this west-facing
temple was built in 11-12th century A.D. in
Kachchhapghat style. Pillared mandaps are built on
all four sides. Images of river goddess Ganga and
Yamuna are carved on both jambs of the gate. The
lalat bimb has the Sun god carved in the middle and is
flanked by idols of Uma Maheshwar. The temple also
has a depiction of Saptamatrikas. The roof of the
temple is flat.

Fortress, Sumawali
This fortress is situated about 17 km from
Noorabad on Agra Bombay road on the right side.
The fortress and palace were built by later Mughals.
Only main gate of the fortress has survived and the
defence wall has been destroyed. The entrance
gate is very huge in which lakhori bricks were used.
The palace is small having a pillared spacious room
and small rooms built on both sides. Similarly, rooms
are built on the second storey.
09

Chambal ravines, Morena

Situated 80 kms from Agra in an area bordering
Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Madhya Pradesh
(MP), along the Chambal river, is an area where
dacoits thrived in 1970s and 1980s.
The Chambal Ravines are a rocky
terrain located near the Vindhya Range of
mountains, has deep and narrow gorges, at some
places covered by thick growth of greenery and at
other places the loose topsoil eroded by rain and
ravages of wind and harsh weather. The name
Chambal Ravines is derived from the River Chambal,
a tributary of River Yamuna.
With a rich heritage stretching back
many millennia the Chambal Valley has much to
offer from its stunning landscapes & magnificent
wildlife, formidable fortresses & crumbling ruins,
tranquil temples & flamboyant fairs, colourful
history & compelling mythology, a proud resilient
people & their legendary exploits.
The Chambal Safari helps visitors
discover the many facets of this ancient land.
Accompanied by experienced local guides and
naturalists, guests may explore the Chambal Valley
at their own pace: on boats, jeeps, The confluence
is dominated by the ruins horses, bicycles or on
foot.
Apart from bird watching and river
safari the ravines are an ideal site for adventure
lovers. Chambal experience could easily be
combined with any visit to Agra for the Taj Mahal
and / or trips to Orchha / Khajuraho.

The temple of bateshwar

Nestled in the foot of a forested hill Bateshwar is 2
Km. south of Padhavali village in district Morena.
Although only 25 kms. away from its district
headquarters, the site remained inaccessible for
general public being a hide out for the dacoits, until
recently. With the taking over of the sacred place by
Archaeological Survey of India, in 1988 the place
again received attention after lying dormant for
more than eight hundred years. However, it was not
always so, as Bateshwara was a cultural oasis of
eminence that provided nourishment and continuity
to temple architecture for well over 300 years.
Here, it remains a mystery that how this enclave
stood its ground for so many years? Perhaps it was
as culmination of resurgent aspirations of the
people in the post-Gupta times, which incidentally
enabled the passing on of vibrant traditions of
temple architecture.

10

The continuity provided by this site-alongwith

Nareshwar near by- helped in the standardization of
architectural canons in the Pratihara period.
The hub of this site of over 40 extant temples is the
Bhutesvara Mahadeva temple from which the place
gets its name, is built near the south west corner of the
ancient stepped tank. This temple is surrounded by
smaller shrines connected by a roofed circumbulatory
path, of a later date. The main temple is pancharatha in
plan with elaboration in offsets making the edifice
more ornate. Exquisite images including those of
Karttikeya seated on a peacock, Ganesa,
Ashtadikapalas adorn the exterior. A Sivalinga with a
jaladhari in the centre of the garbhagriha is the deity.
The temple is dated to last quarter of eight century
A.D. Besides this temple there are numerous shrines of
verying dimensions and architecture spanning from the
earliest phase of Pratihara to mature Kachapaghata
period. During this broad span of time from middle of 8th
Century A.D. to 11th Century various combinations and
permutations of temple architecture was carried out.
These addup to eleven different versions. Some of
them being only variations in coupling of two or more
architectural components. The more complex
difference being elaboration from the simple four sided
temples, to the multi-offsetted temples having a porch
in front. These are albeit the variants inferred from the
extant remains. But on logical estimation it is felt that
several other variants in expression of temple
architecture may have been there which could only be
discerned if the more than hundreds of collapsed
structures are reelected

Bhind
Bhind is a district of Chambal revenue division of M.P. situated on the right bank of
Chambal river. Mythology has it that seer Bhinhi had practiced penance at Bhind and
the district derives its name from the seer .It is also known as Bhadawar. The
ancientness of Bhind goes back to the Ramayan and the Mahabharat period. A fter the
Mauryan period ,the territory was occupied by the rulers of Pawaya and Kuntalpur
and later by the Guptas .The post Gupta period brick built temple at Kherat is an
evidence of this. Subsequently, the Pratihars ruled over this territory, which is borne out
by the Sun Temple at Bharoli ,Boreshwar temple at Dulhagaon and Shiv temple at
Dang. Later ,the Kachchhapaghatas Captured it. The construction of the Shiva temple
at Sitarams ki Lavan,Vishnu temple at Chhimka, Shiva temple at Berkhari and Vishnu
temple at Barahed belongs to this period .After this Tomars ruled over the territory.
The Tomars settled the Jat Ranas at Gohad who ruled from the 15th century AD. To the
19th century AD. The fort of Gohad, Naya Mahal and Padhawali Fortress testimony to
their rule. During this period, the Bhadoriyas ruled over. Ater and the Kachhawaha
over Lahar. Subsequently, Alampur came under the possession of the Holkars.
11

Fort, Gohad
It was built by the Jat chief Rana Bhim Singh in
1739 A.D. The fort is in partial ruins, but it still
contains some fine carvings and glass mural
decorations in the Rajput style. Within its enclosure
there is a large palace, erected by Rana Chhatrapati
Singh. Nearby stands a tomb of Major Pierre
Lambert, an European army officer of Daulat Rao's
force, who died on 24 January,1780. To the south
of the palace there is a tank, called Lakshman Tal,
with a small temple in its centre. In 1778 when Rana
Lokendra Singh was the master of the fort, it was
attacked by Rao Appa, faujdar of Bhilsa.

Lakshman Temple, Gohad

This temple had been built in the centre of
Lakshmana tank in 1762 by Chhatra Singh, who
was a Jat Rana of Gohad. In this temple there is a
sanctum, four rooms, four minarets and pillared
varendahs on all the sides. The shikhara of the
temple is dome shaped. It houses the images of Ram
and Lakshmana, which appear to be of 18th
Century. A.D.

Naya Mahal, Gohad

The Naya Mahal was built by Rana Chhatar Singh in
17th century A.D. An open Courtyard is surrounded
by spacious Pillared rooms with fascinating lattice.
The bastions built on all corners are a fine example
of architecture. The eastern rooms having a
jharokha meant for the rulers .The entrance to the
two storeyed palace is to the west. Small pillared
chhatris built on the upper storey and the chhajjas
are attractive.

Digambar Jain Temples,

Barason
These ancient Jain temples are located at Barason
on the bank of Besali river about 18 kms from
Mehgaon and about 15 kms from Bhind in Mehgaon
tehsil. Two temples have been built by the Jain
community here. The temples are decorated with
small chhatris and Kangooras. It is famous Jain
Tirth.The temples were built in the 14th century
A.D. by Tomar rulers.
12

Cenotaph of Malhar Rao

Holkar, Alampur
Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar built the cenotaph
(Chhatri) of Malhar Rao Holkar at Alampur in Bhind
district in 1766 A.D. It is marked by beautiful
carvings. Built on the pattern of the chhatris of
Holkar rulers at Indore, the chhatri is famous for its
outstanding carving of floral and leaf patterns. The
Maratha style chhatri represents a beautiful blend of
shikhar dome and arch, on which Kalash has been
made in a very attractive manner.

Sun Temple, Bharoli

This east-facing temple was built in 9-10th century
by Pratihar rulers. The Temple is not in its original
form. Originally, the temple was built of bricks.
After it was ruined, it was renovated subsequently.
A huge headless idol of Surya (Sun) in Pratihar style
occupies the newly constructed flat roofed
garbhagriha. Figures of river goddesses Ganga and
Yamuna are carved on the door jambs. Mutilated
images are scattered around the temple.

Fort, Bhind
The fort at the district headquarters of Bhind was
built by Bhadawar State's ruler Gopal Singh
Bhadoria in the 18th century A.D. Scindia's subedar
Pragdas captured it in the later half of the 18th
century A.D. The Bhadoria ruler Anirudh Singh took
shelter in Ater fort. The fort has since-been under
the possession of the Scindias. Eight bastions are
built in the outer and inner ramparts of the fort. The
entrance gate is to the west. there was a moat
around this rectangular fort.

13

Guna/Ashoknagar
The territory of present Ashoknagar and Guna districts was part of Chedi kingdom of
Shishupal in Mahabharata period and Chedi Janapada in Janapada period .In medieval
period was part of Chanderi State. In the 6th century B.C.Chanderi area (territory of
Ashoknagar district) was under Avanti, Dasharna and Chedi Janapadas.It was part of
Nanda, Mauraya, Sunga and Magadh kingdoms. After the Sungas, Sakas of Naga
dynasty ruled over it. Subsequently, after the Guptas and the Maukharias, it formed part
of the empire of Harshvardhan.In 8th -9th century AD. it fell to the Pratihara Rajput
dynasty. The 7th descendent of Pratihara dynasty, Raja Kirtipal founded Chanderi city in
the 10th -11th century AD. and made it his capital. After the fall of Pratihara dynasty, the
Chandelas of Jaijakbhukti also ruled here brierly .Chanderi kingdom was also affected
by repeated invasions of Mahmood Ghaznavi in the 11th century AD.After establishment
of Delhi Sultanate it was ruled by Turks, Afghans and Mughalas.During the reign of
Chanderi 's Bundela ruler Morprahalad, Gwalior ruler Daulatrao Scindia sent his
general John Baptiste to attack Chanderi. He captured Chanderi and also Isagarh and
nearby areas.The last Bundela ruler of Chanderi Raja Mardan Singh made supreme
sacrifice as a freedom fighter in 1857-58 AD. Prominent places of importance include
Budhi Chanderi, Thubonji, Tumain, kadwaya, Indore, Sakarra, Mahana, Terai,
Devgarh, Isaagarh, and Malhargarh. Distance between Gwalior and Guna 100k.m.
Gwalior and Ashoknagar 145k.m.

Old Madarsa, Chanderi

"Ujar"
Known as Purana Madarsa. the monument is located
about 3 km north of Chanderi town. It was built in
1470 A.D. during the reign of Sultan Ghiyasuddin
Khilji.
The Madarsa is an exquisite example of
the architecture of Afghan style. There is beautiful
carving on the stone all over the monument. The
carving puchchikari is also beautiful. There are two
graves in the center of the monument and a small one
in the verandah.

Tombs of Pote Sahab and

his wife, Chanderi
These tombs are famous as cenotaphs of
descendents of Sufi Saint Hajrat Baba Farid. Both
these tombs exist on either side of the eastern
entrance gate to Chakala Baori. The tomb on the
right side belongs to the grand son of Baba Farid and
the one on the left side is that of his wife.

14

Ancient Fort, Malhargarh

Malhargarh is about 20 km from Mungawali railway
station approachable by road. Local people call it
Pathorigarh Rakh and Hasangarh also. Malhargarh
was named after Malhar Rao Holkar. A huge Rampart
interrupted by massive bastions surrounds the fort.
Cannons are also lying here. The Malhargarh fort was
built by Chanderi's ruler around 16th-17th century
A.D.

Doyala Baori, Malhargarh

There are Antahpurs or residential chambers for
ladies around the Baori (Step well) where hindolas
were arranged in the Hindi month of Shravan. Hence,
it is called Doyala Baori. The step-well is located in
the eastern portion of the fort.

Group of Shiva Temples,

Kadwaya (Ashoknagar)
Kadwaha is located about 16 km from Isagarh tahsil
and about 40 km from Chanderi. Kadwaha is much
popular for large number of temples and sculptures
of Kachchhaapghat dynasty .There is a good number
of Shiva Temples ,monastery for the Saiva Acharyas
of Mattamayuara sect. These all belongs to 10 th to
12th century AD. and are in groups. A good numbers
of deities of Brahmanic pantheon sculptural art are
found in these Kachchhapaghat temples at
Kadwaha.

Cave, Kedarnath
The cave is located 15 km far from Gohalpur of Guna
tehsil and is known as Kedarnath cave. It has a
natural resource of water going into a tank. A flight
of steps can be seen in the cave.

15

Fort and Palace,

Mahuagarh
Mahuagarh village is situated 13 km far from
district headquarters Guna on Bamhori-Fatehgarh
road via Biaora road. It can also be approached from
Mahugarha railway station, 3 km far from village.
The fort on the hill, was constructed by Khichi rulers
in 17th-18th century A.D. A palace inside the fort is
in good condition. There is a natural cave near
fortification wall.

Bajrangarh Fort
The fort is about 10 km from Guna on Guna to Aron
road on the bank of Chapet river. It spreads over 72
bighas of land on a high hill. The fort was built in 1617th century by Khichi (Chauhan) rulers of Gagron
state. It came under Raghogarh state. During
Akbars time, it was the headquarters of a mahal of
the Chanderi Sarkar. During the reign of Raja Jai
Singh, Daulatrao Scindia sent his General, John
Baptiste to attack the fort in 1816 A.D. Raja Jai
Singh was defeated and the fort was destroyed.
The Bajrangarh fort had four gates in four
directions. inside the fort Moti Mahal, Rangmahal,
Ram Mandir, Bajrang Mandir, are still intact exist
there.

Chhatarpur
Historical Background of Chhatarpur District
Chhatarpur town was laid down in 1707 by Bundela king Chhatrasal and Name das
Chhattarpur after his name. The territory under Chhatarpur district was ruled by
Nandas, Mauryas and Sungas. Subsequently, Shak, Kushan and Vakataks were the rulers
of this territory. The Gupta ruler Samudragupta occupied this territory.
After the downfall of Gupta rulers, the Vardhan dynasty flourished in the region. Hieun
Tsong came to India during Harshvardhan's period and wrote about
chichitp(Bundelkhand). In early medieval period, Gurjar Pratihars occupied this vast
area.Mau-Sahania was the second capital of Pratihara rulers and they constructed many
temples in this region. Chandela dynasty, was founded by Nannak in 825 AD. His
successors were Harsh, Yashovarman Dhanga, Vidhyandhar Mdan Varman and
Parmardidev who built several temples in this territory. After Chandela dynasty, the
Bundela dynasty occupied the area.Orchha was the capital of Bundela dynasty but
Maharaja Chahatrasal also established Garroli , Nowgong,Gaurihar,Alipura
Lugasi,Bujawar etc. states .

16

Sun Temple, Chhatarpur

Built around 13th century A.D. this Pancharathika
style temple belong to later Chandela period. An
image of Ganesha is carved on the lintel of the door
.The sun idol was brought to the garbha-griha from
some other place due to which it is known as Sun
Temple.

Kishore Sagar,
Chhatarpur
It is located to the left of Jhansi-Rewa road in
Chhatarpur and was constructed by Maharaja
Kishore Singh in 18th century A.D. It is decorated
with beautiful ghats.

Bhimkund, Chhatarpur

17

Great Hindu epic Mahabharata links Bhimkund with

Pandavas. Tired and weary under the hot scorching
sun, Draupadi fained of thirst. Bhim, the strongest of
the five brothers, hit the ground with his gada (a kind
of club with a round head, made of metal) and lo and
behold, water surged out and the pool came into
being. The kund lies in an underground cave and is
about 30m from the mouth. To the left of the
entrance is a small Shivalinga (the phallic
representation of Lord Shiva) But what's truly
astounding here is that the roof of the cave has a
small opening just above the kund as this is the spot
Bhim is said to have hit with his gada. The depth of
this pool is believed to be measureless. The pool is a
lovely indigo blue which contrasts well with the red
stone walls. There are some caves around it but no
one has been adventurous enough to find out where
they lead. There is something mysterious and
exciting about this place, so much so that one almost
tends to believe the pool's epic origin. Another
legend associated to kund. Another legend has it that
Narad Muni (the Sage Narad) performed the
Gandharva Gayan (celestial song) in praise of Lord
Vishnu. Pleased with his devotion, Vishnu emerged
from the kund and the water turned blue because of
Vishnu's dark complexion. No wonder then that the
pool is also (after the sage).

Fortress, Aktohan
Aktohan is situated about 57 km from Chhatarpur
on the Chhaturpur-Laundi road. The area was under
Panna State. Perched on a high mound, the fortress
of Bundeli style was built during the reign of
Maharaja Hindupat in the 18th century A.D. It is
also known as Rani Ki Garhi. The two storied
structure has sprawling courtyards.

Fortress, Kishangarh
It is about 102 km from the district headquarters on
Gaurihar-Kishangarh road. The fortress is to the
west of the village. On the basis of architecture, the
fortress seems to be built in the 18'" century A.D.
Local people opine that it was built by Bundela ruler
and gifted by Ajaygarh's ruler to Rajdhar, the ruler of
Gaurihar.

Lake, Bandhi Salaiya

Situated about 40 km from the district
headquarters on Nowgon-Ishanagar road, there is a
vast lake to the south of the fortress. To create the
lake, a dam was built in the north-west on a high hill.

Fortress, Ishanagar
Situated about 25 km from the district headquarters
on Chhatarpur-Ishanagar road, the fortress was
under Charkhari State. The fortress was built
around 18th century A.D. by Bundela rulers of
Charkhari. It is an exquisite example of Bundeli
architecture.
18

Palace, Rajgarh
A village of Chhatarpur tehsil, Rajgarh is situated at
the foot of the Manyagarh hill at a distance of about
59 km to the south-east of Chhatarpur town and 16
km to the south of Rajnagar.
Maharaja Hindupat built a palace atop a
hill in the south-west side of Chandranagar village.
The palace is multistoryed structure, standing in
solitary grandeur and is visible from a great distance.

Temples, Vyas Badora

A distance from Chhatarpur about 70 km. The twin
temple of Shiva consists of ardha-mandapa,
mandapa, antaral and garbha-griha. The garbhagriha of the temple is of pancharathi type. The
garbha-griha of the temple is rectangular with an
ambulatory path, around it. In the elevation plan, the
twin temple is built on a platform. The adhishthan
portion exists above it. There are devakulkas on
three sides on the bhadra rath of garbha-griha. The
shikhar of the temples are totally ruined. The temple
belongs to the 11th 'century A.D. Apart from this
there are other three temple such as Yogini, Devi &
ruined temple.

Panna
(Historical Background of Panna District)
Panna district is located in the north eastern part of M.P. The region was within the
Chedi country during the early Vedic period. It formed parts of Karusa and Mekala in
the epic period. To its east were the Vatsas of Kausambi and further west was the Chedi
country. Rudradaman 1st, the mighty Sakakshatrapa ruler, had his hold over Panna.
During the 5th and 6th centuries AD.Parivarajakas and the Uchchakalpas flourished in
the first quarter of the 9th century AD. When Nagabhatta was the Pratihara emperor,
Nannuka founded the Chandela dynasty in Bundelkhand.from the middle of the 10th
century AD. to the second half of the 13th century AD. the chandela kingdom always
included Khajuraho, Kalanjar and Ajaygarh ,Khajuraho with its magnificent temple,
Kalanjar with its strong fort and Ajaygarh with its fort and palace are usually regarded
as the religious, military and Civil capitals of the Chandelas.These three places and
Mahoba comprised the vital centers of the Chandela Kingdom.
19

Lokpal Sagar, Panna

Lokpal Sagar in Panna is situated in the vicinity of
MadarTunga hill. The lake named after Maharaja
Lokpal Singh (1893-1897 A.D.) the 12th ruler of
Panna family is comparatively larger than Dharam
Sagar.

Rock Shelters, Jardhova

The rock shelters at Jardhova are situated 38 km
from Panna in Panna National Park. The rock
shelters at a distance of I km far from the village and
contain different styles of rock paintings. The
animal figures, human figures in different moods,
hunting scenes and scenes of battle can be seen. The
paintings are made of ochre colour.

Water fall, Raneh

A Distance from Khajuraho is about 25km. Raneh
Falls, in a proximity to Panna is on the majestic Ken
River. The cascading waterfall is scenic surrounded
by wonderful rock formations. The main attraction
here is the canyon (valley or gully) of Crystalline
Granite of 5 km long and100 ft deep. This granite
has different shades of colors, pink, red, misty
white, green and gray.

20

Pandav Fall (Pandav Kothi),

Panna National Park
Pandav fall situated at a distance of 30 km. from
Khajuraho, towards Panna. A tradition about the
hiding place of Mahabharat fame Pandavas is
prevalent at this place famous by the name of
Pandav Fall. On the left side of the fall, eight
chambers have been made. A Varandah with twelve
doors is on the lower floor. At the upper portion
inside the rock shelter, are five Devakulikas with
images of couples, four-armed male, elephant ridden
male, Tripurantaka Shiva, Shiva in abhaymudra,
Nandi etc. Sri Rudranekdev is written on a 12th
century A.D. script on a slab. The remains of an
ancient garhi (fortress) near the fall can be seen.

Panna Diamond Mines

Panna The Gem House of Madhya Pradesh Panna
Diamond Mines distance from Khajuraho - 56 kms,
and from Jhansi - 176 kms, you can Take a Tour of
the Diamond Mines Which is Allowed On All Days,
except Sunday. Welcome to Panna in Madhya
Pradesh, the treasure land of Madhya Pradesh. The
exploration and excavation on the diamond tour will
provide you with the answer of the question. A visit
to the Diamond mines of Panna will magnify your
inquisitive lust to Panna treasure trove.
Being the only Diamond City in India, Panna town
drew attention from all over the world. This diamond
city is one of the very few in the world and is
renowned for its diamond mining industry. This
unusual way to spend the holiday amidst the
shinning treasures is sure to be a genial experience.

Shivpuri
( A Historical Background of Shivpuri District )
Shivpuri is a fascinating city located amidst Vindhyachal ranges It is a famous tourist
place ,120 km from Gwalior on Agra Bombay National Highway.The ancient name of
Shivpuri was Sipari. Evidences of pre-historic period and rock shelters are available in
the district. The territory came under the rule of the Nandas and Mauryas. Later it was
under the rule of Nagas of Pawaya. Samudra gupta captured the area defeating the Nagas.
A stone inscription of Gupta period has been found in the National Park. The rule of
Pratihara dynasty was established in this area . The sun temple at Sesai was built during
his period. Kachchhapaghatas possessed the Narwar fort by defeating the Pratiharas in
977 AD. Shiva temples Chorpura, Jaiti ka Math, Pipardhar and temples of Tngara are
important monuments of this period. Later it came under Khilji dynasty The Tomars of
Gwalior ruled over this territory for 100years. In the 17th century AD. it was granted as a
jagir to Kachchhapaghat of Narwar again. In 1804 AD. the Scindias established their rule
here. It came under the British rule in 1860 AD.
21

Fort, Narwar
Mythology connects Narwar with Raja Nal, a
descendent of Kush, son of lord Rama. At one time
Narwar was the capital of Raja Nal of Naisadha
whose love for Damyanti has been mentioned in
detail in Mahabharat. The hill fort was built by
Kachhawaha ruler in 11th 12th century. In early
14th century last king of Narwar Ganpati, lost
Narwar to Alla-ud-din the Khilji, ruler of Delhi. At
the end of 14th century Tomar ruler of Gwalior
captured Narwar from the Muslims. In 1506 A.D.
Narwar was captured by Sikandar Lodhi and handed
over to Raj Singh Kachhawaha. the Kachhawaha
held Narwar till the 18th century. Daulat Rao
Scindia, took over the fort and built the Hawapaur.
The fort is built irregular in plan and is spread over an
area of 8 kms. The entire area is enclosed by the
main fortification wall which has been divided in to
four sectors by walls well defended by bastions at
regular interval. The enclosures are called Majlok,
Dulha-Ahata, Madar-Ahata, Gujar-Ahara, The
Majlok-Ahata was built by Kachhawaha ruler in 1617th century. Contribution made by different ruler
to the fort are the Mosque, Chhip mahal, Tomb of
Madarshah, Roman Catholic Chapel, Markardhwaj
lake, Chhakki Mahal, Fulwa Mahal, Kachehari
Mahal etc.
STORY: Also known as Nal Chakravarti (Nala the
Emperor), was chosen by Damayanti as her husband
in the swayamvara, a function in which the bride
selects her husband from among the invitees, in
preference to even the gods who came to marry her.

All the gods left the place praising the qualities of

Nala and blessing the couple. But the God Shani to
test Nala vowed to divert Nala from the path of
Dharma, or path of righteousness and virtue, and to
separate Nala and Damayanti. Such was the purity
of Nala that it took twelve years for Shani Dev to
find a small fault in him and bewitch his soul. After
being influenced by evil, Nala played a game of dice
with his brother Pushkara and gambled away his
wealth and the kingdom to him. Nala and Damayanti
had to live in forests where they were separated.
After undergoing many hardships, in spite of which
Nala never deviated from the path of righteousness,
he overcame the influence of Shani Dev and
regained his kingdom by defeating Pushkara in a
rematch. Nala and Damayanti were reunited and
lived happily there after.

Sun Temple, Sesai

(Shivpuri)
Sesai is situated 12 kms. from Shivpuri on A.B. road.
The west facing temple is raised on a plat form built
a Panchrath plan and it has garbhagraha, antaral &
mukhmandapa based on two pillers .The lintel is
occupied by Sun (Surya) image seated on a chariot
drawn by the seven horses. Besides Narvagrahas
are carved. On the basis of architecture and
iconography, the temple can be ascribed to 10th
century AD. It was built by Pratihara rulers.

22

Old Palace, Pohari

It is 35 km from Shivpuri on Shivpuri-Sheopur road.
There stands a three-storeyed square Haveli in the
southern end of Pohari fort. Its main entrance gate is
to the north and its arched door is very beautiful. A
chhatri based on 12 pillars is built on the gate where
the ruler used to sit. Inside the palace there is an open
courtyard, on both sides of which a two-storeyed
pillared baradari is built.

Jal Mandir, Pohari

This temple is 30km. from Shivpuri. The enormous
temple is built in the centre of a lake at Pohari tehsil
headquarters, hence it is called Jal Mandir. In fact, it
is dedicated to Radha-Krishna. This I9th century
A.D. temple has a shikhar and chhatris.

Garhi, Surwaya
The Garhi is situated about 20 km from ShivpuriJhansi road. The remains of the garhi or fortress
suggest that it was built by Kachhawaha rulers of
Narwar. It was snatched by the rulers of Jajpel
dynasty from the Kachhawahas. An inscription of
Samvat 1341 in the step-well inside the fortress
names it Saraswati Pattan. The step-well was built
by a person named Budhiman. Subsequently, it came
to be called Surwaya. The Math and temples are
about 500 years older than the fortress.

Bhadaiya kund water fall,

Shivpuri
This Waterfall is situated about 3km from Shivpuri.
A scenic Picnic spot by a natural spring .The water
here is rich in minerals, Supposedly of a curative
nature.

23

Manikheda
This Unpolluted beautiful Dam, on Highway from
Gwalior to Shivpuri, 30 km from Sivpuri has
tremendous potential development as Aqua Resort.

Kothi No. 17, Shivpuri

Man Singh of Narwar was persuaded by the British
to surrender and his help was cleverly sought to
capture Tatya Tope who was hiding in the jungles of
Paron. Tatya Tope regarded Man Singh as his friend
and had even rested in his kachhari at Paron. He was
caught asleep unsuspecting at the destined place of
his rendezvous with Man Singh. He is said to have
cast a look of scorn at Man Singh on being captured.
He was held captive in the upper room of what is now
officer Bangalow No. 17 in Shivpuri, and his trial was
held in the front room of the ground floor. Tatya tope
was hanged publicly in Shivpuri- the place where now
Tatya Tope Memorial stands. After his execution,
even admiring British ladies are said to have gathered
tufts of hair

Tikamgarh
Historical Background of Tikamgarh District
The district derives its name from the headquarters town, Tikamgarh. Its old name was
Tihri. The ruler of Orchha Vikramjit Singh made it the capital of his kingdom in 1783
A.D. and named it Tikamgarh in 1887 A.D. Tikam in the name of Lord Krishna.
Located in northern part of Madhya Pradesh, Tikamgarh district lies on the
Bundelkhand Plateau between the Jamani, a tributary of the Betwa and the Dhasan
rivers. Palaeolithic tools have come to light on the bank of the Betwa suggesting the
abode of the primitive man there .During Mahajanapada period, the realm of Chedi lay
in present Bundelkhand region. The boundaries of Chedi Janapada changing during
Satvahana, Naga, Kushan, Shaka, and Vakataka periods. After the Guptas, the Kalchuris
of Mahishmati established their sovereignty over Bundelkhand.Tikamgarh district was
under the sway of Pratihara rule. After the fall of the Pratiharas, the area came under
the sway of the Chandeals .At that time Garh Kundar was under the possession of Khet
Singh Khangar. Sohanpal Bundela defeated the last ruler of Kudar Hurmat Singh and
founded Bundela rule.
The Sun temples of Umari and Madkhera are excellent gifts of the Pratiharas. A
Number of step wells and temples we constructed in Tikamgarh district during the
Chandela reign. These in clued the Gupteshwar in Mohangarh, Shiva temple Badagaon
and the artifacts and archaeological reuains at Orchha. which are associated with
various monuments of Bundela period.

24

Fort, Baldevgarh
This fort is situated 25km. from Tikamgarh.
Baldevgarh was called Banda during Chandela
period. Orchha's ruler Vikramjit Singh built this fort
to house the armory and store ammunition. He built a
temple dedicated to Baldauji on the hilltop of Swal
Sagar and named the fort as Baldevgarh, built in the
18th century A.D.

Sun Temple, Madhkhera

This Temple is situated 20 km. from Tikamgarh. The
Sun Temple was built by Pratihara rulers in the 9th
century A.D. The east-facing temple is raised on a
high platform. The ground plan consists of garbhagriha, antaral and maha-mandapa based on two
pillars. The elevation plan consists of plinth, wall
portion, verandica and shikhar portion. Ganesha,
Kartikeya, Parvati and Sur Sundaris are carved in
bhadra rathikas. In the bhadra, pratibhadra and
kodak rathas of the jangha portion, the figures of
Surya, dikpala, ten incarnations of Vishnu,
saptamatrikas, Ganesha and Sur Sundaris are
carved. The shikhar is of Nagara style and its middle
strip is decorated.

Sun Temple, Umari

This Temple is situated 50km. from Tikamgarh. The
ground plan of the east-facing temple consists of
garbha-griha, antaral and Mukh-mandapa based on
two pillars. Built in Pancharathi plan, the elevation of
this temple consists of the plinth, jangha, verandica
and shikhar portion. At the top of the shikhar on
the madhya lata exist chandrika, amal sarika and
kalash structures. The madhya Iata of the shikhar of
Nagara style is decorated. The sun temple was built
by Pratihar ruler in the 9th century A.D.

25

Garkundar Fort, Kudar

This fort is situated about 55km from Orchha.
Kundar came into prominence after a chief of
Khangars Khet Singh decided to build his capital
here, in 1180s AD. He captured the fortress of
Jinagarh from Chandelas, which was located here,
and established his own state. After his death his
grandson Maharaja Khet Singh Khangar built a
splendid fort in place of Jinagarh fortress and named
it 'Garh Kundar'.
Garh Kundar Fort is situated in Nivari
tahsil of Tikamgarh District at a distance of 25 km
from Nivari tigela. The Kudar fort was built by Khet
Singh Khangar in the first half of the 12th century
AD. But the Chandella ruler Parmardidev captured it
in 1182 AD. In 1531 AD. Rudra Pratap Shifted the
capital to Orchha.
There exists a three storeyed Palace in
the top of a hillock surrounded by the rampart of the
fort, It was built by the Bundellas in three phases.
The first phase was built in the 13th century AD. and
the last phase has a specious courtyard over the
basement surrounded by rectangular rooms and a
verandah .The brackets ,arches and hindola arches
of this place are of Rajput style while dome shaped
chhatris and palanquin shaped roofs represent the
Bundela architecture of the 17th century AD.

Sagar
Sun Temple, Rehali
The iconography shows that in 10th century A.D.
there exist an east-facing temple. Subsequently,
after the temple was ruined it was reconstructed
during Maratha period in 18th century A.D. A huge
and grand idol of sun is installed in the Garbhagraha.
Entrance door and exterior walls have idols of deities
of Hindu pantheon like Shiva, Vishnu, Navagraha and
others.

26

Fort, Rehali
Situated on the left bank of Sonar river belongs to
Fauladi Ahirs. Traditionally Rehali was populated by
Fauladi Ahirs in 14th century A.D. and after wards
included in the dominion of Chhatrasal Bundela who
ceded it to Peshwa Baji Rao in 1731 A.D. It was
taken possession of by major rose in March 1818
A.D. In 1857 it was held by Bundela rebels and then
by a local inhabitant named Girdhari Naik, who was
made killedar of the fort and again attacked by the
mutineers from Garhakota.
The some part of the fort was built by Ahirs and later
completed by the Marathas. It is partially in ruins
space enclosed within it is covered with the remains
of the Maratha buildings. A massive and beautiful
entry colour can be seen with kanguras a bastion.

Fort, Sanodha
This fort was built by Maratha rulers in around 18th
century from strategic point of view. The twostoreyed fort has a spacious courtyard in the middle
of the palace. There are four defence bastions on all
four sides of the fort. The fort has permanent
drinking water supply system. The fort was used by
the revolutionaries in 1857 for storing military
provisions.

Fort, Rahatgarh
The famous fort of Rahatgarh. Its outer wall
consists of 26 enormous towers, some of which
were used as dwellings connected by curtain walls
and enclosing a space of 66 acres. The ascent to it is
by means of a long winding path defended by
outworks and five gates in succession before the
yard of a palace called Badal Mahal or the "Cloud
Palace" from its great height and elevated situation.
It is attributed to one of the Raj Gond chief of Garha
Mandla.

27

Fortress, Garhakota (Sagar)

Garhakota is situated at the distance of
48 kms from Sagar on Sagr-Damoh road at the
junction of Godhoni and Sonar rivers.
Earliest rulers were Gonds in whose time
it was Garha. It fell to a Rajput chief Chandan Shah,
who built the fortress in 17th century A.D. Originally
it was Kota, but after the construction of a fort its
name was changed Garhakota. Jalal Khan the
brother of Ibrahim Lodi was killed here in 1578 by
gonds.
It was under Chhatrasal after 1673 A.D.
and Baldiwan was in charge of the fortress. Later
Mughals seized it but 1703 A.D. Hirde Shah, the son
of Chhatrasal captured it in 1785 Mardan Singh took
over it he was a wise ruler. In 1810 it was attacked
by Bhonsla ruler. Mandan Singh was killed but his
son Arjun Singh defeated the Nagpur troops. Later it
was given to Sindhia under a treaty. Later it was
included in British ruler. The fortress is very
important in view of battle. It is facing most and have
a arched gate with a open courtyard. There are many
residential palaces in fortress. There are twenty
bastions the local people called it the fort of Mardan
singh.

Betul/Harda
Teli Ki Saray, Handia
About 101 rectangular rooms are built around this
monuments of the 16th-17th century A.D. in which
some are incomplete. There exists a step-well in the
middle portion of the monument. The architecture
suggests that it might have been used as a military
cantonment, as in Mughal period the place being
situated on Handia, Khedala and Mandu road had
considerable strategic importance. This is a fine
example of Mughal architecture. There is a minaret
on both sides of the stone built entrance to the
monument. There are peep-holes on the wall of the
upper portion. The entrance has a niche on both
sides.the second gate is mutilated.

28

Tapti River, Multai

Multai is the holy place and origin for river Tapti.
The daughter of Surya, the Sun God, Mata Tapti is
worshiped here in tow different temples Prachin
Mandir and Naveen mandir. There is a Kund near to
the Prachin Mandier about 10 mts wide and 15 mts
long and around 18 feet in depth. And near to
Naveen Mandir there is a big pond. On Akhad
Saptami Tapti Janmotsav is celebrated and all of
Multai town is decorated and a Mela (festival) is
organized once in a year. During this period huge no.
of crowd gathers at the ghats to take a holy dip in
river Tapti.

Shiv Temple, Bhensdehi

(Betul)
Built in the 13th-14th century A.D. On a high
platform, the structure of the temple might have
been built on 16 pillars there exists a nandi idol at
the entrance to the mandap. The exterior of the
jangha portion has rathikas or projections and the
pyramid portions are decorated with different
images including those of chauri bearer. Nayaknayika, nayika applying kumkum. Women Dancing
and playing musical instruments besides the idol of
Ganesha, Mahishmadirni, Saraswati, Ashtadigpal.
This east facing temple is associated with tribal
art and culture. There exists step well in front of the
temple.

Mandla
Begum Mahal, Ramnagar
This Palace is 2 kms far from Rai Bhagat Kothi .This
is a beautiful palace of two storeyed and having a
large step well in front of the palace. Apart from
these monuments there is Dal Badal Mahal which is
in ruined condition.

29

Moti Mahal, Ramnagar

(Mandla)
Ramnagar is situated at distance at a distance of 20
kms from Mandla district headquarter .Ramnagar
was the capital of Gond rulers. Motimahal Situted
on the bank of River Narmada Moti Mahal had been
built by Gond Ruler Hirdayshay.It has two entrance
gates, one from the west and the other from south.
It has a big courtyard in its center. A big water tank
has been huilt in the courtyard. The big hall in the
west was probably used for royal darbar. It is a
three storyed palace. Storyed in the northern side of
this palace there is another courtyard and the rooms
are constructed. On three sides of this courtyard
.The architecture of this palace is the design of
arches. The wall of the big hall situated in the first
courtyard contains on inscription which deserives
the family but splendid palace.It has been built in the
second half of the 17th century AD.

Kothi of Rai Bhagat,

Ramnagar
The residencial palace of Rai Bhagat ,the Diwan of
Gond ruler Hirday Shah was built in the 17th century
AD. The marble door frame stands at the entrance
gate. The naubat khana is constructed above the
entrance gate .A wall is constructed at the inner side
of the entrance to obstruct the inner view of the
palace. A huge courtyard surrounded by athe rooms
can be seen inside the palace. Architecturally this
palace is a simple but splendid asa fort.

Vishnu Temple, Ramnagar

This panchayatan temple, dedicated to Vishnu has
been built by Queen Sundari Devi, wife of Gond king
Hirday Shay, in Samvat 1724 (1668A.D.)
Architecturally the temple is veryplain. Its shikhar is
dome shaped .There a sculptures in the sanctum. The
inscription in the Moti Mahal shows that once the
sculptures of Vishnu, Shiva, Ganesh, were kept here.

30

Hot Water Spring, Tikeria

Tikeriya is 70 km away from Mandla on the Jabalpur
Mandla road. There is hot water spring in the center
of the Narmada River. One can take bath in to the hot
water Kund

Columnar Basalt, Ramnagar

Ramnagar, 80 km away from Mandla has one of the
phenomenal wonders of the natural world, here one
can find the hexagonal shape stones which are seem
to be man made and one can not believe that it is
created by nature. An unexplored magic Columnar
Basalt. This is a rare feature in the world of
geological wonders. The entire mountain is a
stacking of long hexagonal columns of stone. Locally
known as Karia Pahad (black -mountain) This is a
place for lots of inquisitive tourists and geological
students to come and study this wonder.

Rajgarh
Tomb of Rani Roopmati &
Bazbahadur, Sarangpur

31

This Tomb is situated about 25km. for Rajgarh.The

tomb was built by emperor Akbar in 1565 A.D.
Bazbahadur was also buried here. They are the same
Bazbahadur & Roopmati of Mandu fame whose
romance and love for music has become a part of
many fabes. Bazbahadur became the Subedar of
Malwa in 1561 A.D. Akbars army led by his general
Adam Khan attacked Malwa and defeated and
captured Bazbahadur. On hearing of Bazbahadurs
defeat his queen Roopmati is believed to have given
her life to save her honour. Akbar is said to have been
saddened to hear of her death. Akbar sent the body
of Roopmati to Sarangpur (the place where she come
from) and built the tomb. Bazbahadur fell sick as a
prisoner in 1568 A.D.

Sankaji Ki Chhatri,
(Cenotaph) Sanka
This Chhatri is situated about 65km. from Rajgarh.
Built by Raja Shyam Singh's widow Rani Bhagyavati
in memory of his sacrifice. The temple is popularly
called Smritivitan Shyamji Ka Mandir (Sankaji Ki
Chhatri). About 20 km from Narsinghgarh the
chhatri is situated in the center of a small fortress.
Built in 16th-17th century A.D. the temple is
surrounded by a rampart interrupted by bastions and
jharokhas of Rajsthani style. The temple is raised on
a rectangular high platform in the fortress. The
garbha-griha has two stairways (sopans). The first
is Singh sopan and the other is Gaj sopan. The
decorated stairways of the plinth wall are carved
with depiction of mythological stories, figures of
folk gods and love stories. There is an entrance gate
to the south of the monuments, which has small
rooms inside. one of these room has wall paintings
of black and red colours. It has an inscription of
samvat 1843.

Chidikho, Narshinghgarh
Wild life sanctuary of Narsinghgarh is among one of
the 35 sanctuaries of M.P. established in 1978. Due
to its natural beauty it is one of the most beautiful
place of Rajgarh district and known as Kashmir of
Malwa region. In the center of this sanctuary
Chidikho Lake is situated which is one of the
attraction among the tourists. This sanctuary is
built by the rulers of the State and in the ancient
time this sanctuary is used for hunting purpose by
the rulers. Migratory birds from different places
reaches here in this sanctuary. The lake situtated
here is having special appearance due to which the
local people named this lake as Chidikho Lake.

32

Badi Bawdi (Stepwell)

Machalpur
This Bawdi is situated about 15km from Rajgarh.
Built during the reign of Rani Ahilyabai, the ancient
Baori or step-well is called Chor Baori by local
people. The step-well exists on the left side of
Machalpur-Kolkheda road. It has three steps with
arched gates. The main portion of the step-well is
square and its depth is about 35 feet, which is fed by
a water source inside it. The upper plan of the stepwell consists of three rooms to the west and one
chamber each in northern and southern portions.
The niches and the lotus figures carved on the
interior wall are very attractive.

Singroli
Rock Cut Caves, Mada
The village Mada is situated in the Baidhan tehsil of
Singroli district. Bus service is available from Rewa,
Sidhi and Baidhan. Barganwan is the nearest
railway station. The 7-8th century rock cut caves of
Mada are important from architectural point of
view. These caves are not only a beautiful example
of rock cut caves but is splendid also from the point
of view of iconography. Ganesh Mada cave is north
facing in which there are three rooms and in each
room there are three doors. The middle room is in the
form of garbha-griha where is Shiva Linga is situated
in the middle on a raised piece of stone. Vivah Mada
is a long cave devided in to there portions. It face
north there ia a mandapbased on pillars in the middle
and platform exit at the center. Chhewari Jaljalia
Mada is a small cave in which water comes out from
natural source.

33

Painted Rock Shelters

Ranimachi, Dholagiri
and Goura Pahad
Ranimachi lies at a distance of 17 kms. Dholagiri
lies at a distance of 7 km. and Gourapahad lies at a
distance of 3 km. from Bichhi in Chitrangi tehsil of
Singroli district. These painted rock shelters belong
to the Mesolithic age of Microlithic Implements
culture. These paintings are representative of the
early history of Indian art. These rockshelters are
situated in the southern slope of the Kaimore
mountain range. There is a deep trench infront of the
rockshelter and the height of the rock caves is very
low. The paintings of animals and men are painted
on the roof of the rock shelter. The paintings are
made of red ochre. The figures of the animals have
been painted by quadrilateral lines and then have
been filled with zig-zag lines.

Bhopal
Fort, Ginnorgarh
Delwadi is situated on the road from Obedullahganj
to Nasrullagang which is a part of the Bhopal
Hoshangabad road. Ginnorgarh fort is situated 3
km inside in the Vindhayan ranges. The distance of
Ginnorgarh & Bhopal is 58 km.
During the Parmar period, around 1200 AD
Ginnoragrh was an important political center. It was
under the Gonds that time.
There is abundance of natural beauty around
Delawadi which becomes even more beautiful during
the months of monsoon.

Manua Bhan ki tekri,

Bhopal
This is situated 7 kms away from Bhopal on the
Bhopal- Narsinrgrah Road. There are 20 rock
shelters which seriallised from MNW-1 to MNW-20.
12 of the rock shelters have red- ochure color
paintings, depicting day to day human life activity.
The rock shelters contain some writings in the
Shankh script. The paintings can be dated from prehistoric to historic period.

34

Halali Dam (Raisen)

Dost Mohd Khan attacked Jagdishpur in 1715 AD.
Jagdishpur was surrounded with high walls of the
fort from all the sides. Its ruler was a Rajput sardar
named, Dewda Chouhan. Dost Mohd Khan by fraud
invited Dewda Chouhan for a party by the side of
Bes river. No sooner did the party begin, the soldiers
of Dost Mohd cut the ropes of the tent in which the
festivities were going on and killed the Rajputs who
were not carrying any weapons at that time. River
Bes turned red with the blood of the slain. In this
way Dost Mohd Khan conquered Jagdishpur and
named it Islam Nagar.
MP Tourism has recently developed a
picnic spot on the dam made on Halali river, which is
one of the tributary of river Betwa. The spots which
falls both in Vidisha and Raisen district, is 40 kms
away from Bhopal and is on the Bhopal- Sanchi
Road. Halali Boat club has been developed on the
Samrat Ashok Sagar Dam which offers facility of
peddle boat.Halali Retreat is the property of MP
Tourism which offers room at very reasonable cost.
The hotel is located admist of natural surroundings
and offers a park, restaurant and play ground for
children.

Rock Shelters of Lalghati, Bhopal

This hill is also known for the Gufa Mandir. The nomenclature of these rock shelters are from LAG-1 to LAG 14.
Many of the rock shelters have been destroyed by human use. Rock shelter no-2,4,9,10,11,12 &14 have
paintings depicting scenes like animals, hunting, dancing etc. The rock shelter no 9 has a beautiful painting
made in white, red and ochure colour.

Group of Rock Shelter, Firangi

3.5 km to the west of the Ganesh hills, lies the Firangi Group of Rock Shelters, which is spread over 9 Sq.km in
the Vindhaya ranges. It is said that the Britishers had set up transmission stations at these high altitude places
to send and receive telegraphic messages. Hence the place came to be known as Firangi, ie, Britishers. A large
number of stone age tools have been found here, giving a hint that in those times this place was a spot of much
activity. The group has been divided in to number of sub-groups.

Group of Rock Shelters, Gondramau

On the Bhopal Narsnghgarh Highway, 11 kms away from Bhopal lies Gonramau village. The Gondipura hills lay
to the south-east of the village which has 5 rock shelters which have been enumerated as GM-1 to GM -5.
Although due to mining work the rock shaletrs have been damaged much, the paintings in the Rock Shelter No-2
are clearly visible. The red and ochure colour paintings here depict wildlife which includes a snake as well.

35

Group of Rock Shelters, Dharampuri

This group is located in the hills opposite to Shayamla Hills (Jawahr Chowk- Bhadbhada Road).Five of the rock
shelters is painted which have been enumerated as DP-1 to DP-5. Painted in red, ochure and white colours, they
depict the wild animals and the activities of human life. One of the rock shelters three men attacking a wild
buffalo, while another one show a scene of group dancing. Rock Shelter DP-2, 4 and 5 have written in Shankh.
script Rock Shelter no- 5 appears to be Buddhist Vihar belonging to Gupta period.

Salkanpur
Perched along the Vindhaya ranges at an altitude of
2100 feet, Salkanpur echoes its past glories, it has
its own history, myths and beliefs that had made it a
place blessed by God and sanctified by faith of
pilgrims.
Salkanpur is an important pilgrim centre about 70
Km from Bhopal. It is surrounded by 6 Districts
Bhopal, Raisen, Hoshangabad, Dewas, Shajapur and
Rajgarh.
Salkanpur with its natural hilly profile was originally
the sacred place of goddess Parwati. It is believed
that one of the body parts of Goddess Parwati had
felled here when Lord Shiva was saving her from
burning. With this mythology this place had gained
its own religious value and occupies the same
position in the Malwa region as held by Mata
Vaishno Devi in the Jammu region.

Raisen
Distance between Bhopal from Raisen is 45 km.

Satdhara
About 17 kms from Sanchi are the Satdhara stupas,
beautifully located on a hill on the bank of the Halali
river, with a stunning view of its waters flowing
below. To reach Satdhara, one travels south on NH
86 (Sanchi-Bhopal road), taking the turn towards
Salamatpur railway crossing about 12 kms from
Sanchi.
Stupa 1
Stupa 1 is the largest stupa at Satdhara, and it is
clear that it was once almost as large as the Great
Stupa at Sanchi. Even now, it rises almost 13 m into
the sky, though it must once have been over 15 m
high.

36

Andher
Andher village, 17 kms northeast of Vidisha. The
railing, meanwhile, is a redoubtable 2 m high,
enclosing the stupa's base, with an entrance to the
west, and its pillars are decorated with carvings of
flowers and the emblem of Dharma. One hears .in
inscription lhat reads Dhama Sivasa Matu danam
('Gift of Dharrrui-Siva's mother'), which has helped
archaeologists date the construction to the same
period as the Great Stupa at Sanchi.

Sonari
Sonari village, is built on the spur of a sandstone hill,
southeast of Sanchi. It is located 13 kms off NH 86
that connects Sanchi with Bhopal, just beyond the
larger village of Salamatpur, which is accessible
from the main road. From Sonari village, the sfiifw
are a 3.5 km undulating trek that involves two
hillocks and a small, pretty rivulet.
Sonari may have derived its name from Suvarnari, or
the golden wheel. In Buddhist lore, the golden wheel
symbolises the Buddha as the Mahachakravarti
born into a royal house and bathed in the waters of
the four oceans.

Vidisha
Ravan Tol (Natesh Image)
Udaipur
Distance between Vidisha and Udaipur about 75km.
it is a Shiva image in dancing posture. On the basis of
iconography it belongs to 11th century A.D. The
colossal image is not complete. A pillar of the temple
and remains have been found near the image.
Probably, there was a plan for construction of a
grand temple, which could not materialize.

37

Chhoti Madagan
(Neelkantheshwar Temple)
Lateri
Situated at village Lateri the temple is also known as
Chhoti Madagan and it is situated about 95km. from
Vidisha. It measures 16.30x5.5 meter. There is a
well measuring 80x60 feet to the north of the
temple, which is called Madagan. The shikhar of the
temple is of bhumij style and an amalak and kalash
are installed on its top. In the front portion of the
shikhar a Shiva image has been re-installed. On the
basis of art the temple belongs to 11-12th century
A.D.

Mangala Devi Temple,

Kagpur
The temple faces east and its front portion has a
decorated doorjamb. The lintel-piece is occupied by
a goddess. On the left and right doorjambs there is
an image of Nag Kanya in tribhanga mudra and
another goddess is carved in sthanak sampad mudra
near it. Three human figures each are depicted in
alingan mudra at four levels on the top of the
atlantes. The other decorations include reapers,
foliage stalked lotus and various other patterns.
There is a mandapa with flat roof supported by
twelve pillars near the temple. The temple
represents the architecture of Paramara period of
10-11th century A.D.

Lohangi Hill, Vidisha

It is also called Rajendra Giri by local people. The
200-feet high hill is located in the centre of Vidisha
city near the railway station. A Jain idol is carved on
a rock to the north of the hill and a Hindu temple and
a mosque and Durgah exist to the south. There are
two inscriptions of 1460 A.D. in Persian at the
about 600 years ago, the place was famous as
Lohangi Peer. It was a title of Shaikh Jalal Chishti
whore tomb lies at the top. There are a number of
pillars in the 11th centuryA. D. temples auditorium.
The top portion of an ancient pillar of Shunga period
is also situated here.
38

Mala devi temple, gyaraspur

This Jain temple of Gyaraspur is located on the slope
of a hill overlooking a valley. It is the biggest and the
most picturesque monument located here.
Architecturally it consists of a ardha mandapa
mandapa and a sanctum. The sanctum is
surmounted by a lofty shikhara kept by a colossal
amalak and kalasa. The temple represents the
culmination of continuous innovation in temple
architecture as it has a circumbulatory path around
the sanctum and balconies in the mandapa. The
shrine room and the hall now shelter a number of jain
images, however the temple was dedicated to a
Goddess perhaps Maladevi as it has a figure of a
female on the dedicatory block on the out door
frame of the temple. The temple was constructed
during the later part of the reign of imperial
Pratiharas.

Kutakeshwar Temple,
Pathari
This Temple is Located about 55km from
Ganjbasoda. The temple with ordinary decoration is
located to the east of village Pathari. The walls of its
outer garbha-griha are plain. There are dev koshthas
in the middle of the wall on three sides, which are
occupied by idols of Ganesha and other divinities.
The jangha portion on a high platform is decorated
with plain moldings, kirit mukha and leaf patterns.
The shikhar portion is in conical shape and made of
architectural members. Its amalak and kalash have
collapsed. The garbha-griha enshrines a three-faced
Shiva image. The lintel-piece has dancing Shiva and
the upper jamb is carved with saptamatrikas. The
doorjambs are decorated with atlantes, musician,
Nagrupas, Yugal Padma and human couples. The
temple was built in the 10-11th century A.D.

39

Mandsaur
Laduna, Sitamau
Part of the Sitamau estate is Laduna, 4 kms south
of Sitamau. This beautifully conceived palace was
built by Fateh Singh, who assumed the throne of
Sitamau in 1752.
Located on the banks of a large lake,
Laduna Palace was built as an alternative to
Sitamau.
Laduna Palace has a square RadhaKrishna Temple that abuts into the lake and is halfsubmerged every monsoon. Dharmaraj is a small
village located at a distance of 3 km east of the
village Chandwara.

Fort, Hinglajgarh
Hinglajgarh is situated in Mandsaur district at a
distance of 18 kms from Bhanpura on way to
GandhiSagar. This fort of Hinglajgarh is covered in
an apsidal deep trench, situated on a hillock the fort
can be approached from northern side only .There is
Mandeshwari Nallah to west of the trench,which
flows southwards and merges is in Takhaji. From
architectural point of view the fort originally
belongs to Parmara period. The fort has the typical
features of a forest fort,a mountain fort ,a water
fort and arches were built there on per injunction of
the shastra .It has entrance gate on all four side . The
fort was built in Parmara period but at the time of
Muslims invasion it was destroyed. The Rajputs of
Mewar and Chandrawats of Rampura
reconstructed the fort in 16th century AD. Maharaja
Yeswant Rao Holkar 1st made this milatery centre
and got the front of the enclosing wall repaired.
Yeshwant Rao Holkar 1st added an apsidal paraper
and built Suraj pol, Kachehary Mahal, Rani Mahal,
Ram Mandir, Hinglaj Devi temple and the western
portion of Rani Mahal seems to be constructed at the
same time . The gate of inner wall that devides the
entire fort is called Ganesh pol. Beyand it towards
the eastern slope there exists the Suraj kund .It
belongs to Parmara period and its Baradari was built
in 18th century AD.
40

Rock Cut Caves, Khejadia

Bhoop, (Mandsaur)
In tahsil Sitamau of Mandsaur district, from block
head quarter Suwasara, khejadia Bhoop is at a
distance of 3 kms in the north east. The group of rock
cut caves is situated on an apsidal hill. These 28
Caves were made by cutting the hills for residencial
purpose for Buddhist monks. These cave have small
cells and verandahs in front partion. some are single
caves and some are inter connected. Caves no.1 ,8 ,2
are Vihar whose roofs are apsidal. Cave no.10, is a
large one. There is Stupa in its premises. The
architecture of these caves reflect features of the
architecture of Gupta period. Ther rockcut Caves of
khejadiabhoop are very important from the point of
view of development as Buddhist architecture and
propagation Buddhisim.

Buddhist Caves,
Pola Dungar (Mandsour)
Pola Dunger has presereved the memories of the
Buddhist religion in Dashpur region in its caves.
This is 128 km from Mandsour and 20 km from
Garoth on Garoth-Boliya road. There is a small hill
(dungar) which has been made hollow (pola) by
the architects in their effort to construct caves.
That is how it derives its name Pola Dungar
meaning hollow hill.
These caves were made of red stone
during 9th-10th century A.D. It seems they belonged
to the Hinayana sect as they are totally devoid of the
images of the Buddha. Initially there were about 100
small & big caves over here, however, due to the bolt
of time and nature only few of these have survived.
Most of these caves were used as viharas. Only few
caves are in form of a chaitya. The main entrance is
called Surajpol. Inside the chaitya there is a Stupa
having a square base of 3 meter, circumference 2.40
meter and height is 4.20 meter. After Maharashtra
only this region has the largest number of Buddhist
caves. To those interested in this subject other sites
are also worth seeing such as Dharmrajeshwar,
Dhanakhedi, Ganeshmagra, Khejaria-Bhoop, Ghasoi,
Kholvi, Vinayaga etc.

41

Dharmarajeshwer Temple,
Dhamnar
Dhamnar is a small village at a distance of 3kms
east of the Village Chandwara in Garoth Tahsil .The
temple Facing east is surrounding by 7 small rock cut
shrines, Located in the form corners in the pit and
the remaining three face the three bhadra, niches of
the garbhagraha of the cardinal sides. In plan the
Main temple Constitutes of garbhagraha, antarala
mandapa and an ardhamandapa. The temple is
Panchratha in plan and elevation.
The temple of Dharmarajeshwar is and an example
of a rare temple of north India cut out with all the
components of a structural temple from inside as
well. Out side which is free standing temple with its
super structure and other architectural monuments.

Buddhist caves,
Dhamnar
These Caves are located 40 from Mandsaur. Carved
into the rough laterite nick of the hill-face, a few
minutes' walk from the temple, are a series of
Buddhist caves, dated to the 5th century AD. These
caves were discovered by James Tod, an officer of
the East India Company in the early 19th century.
Although Tod described these as Jain caves and
said there were 170 of them, this was disputed by
later scholars, including Alexander Cunningham,
who identified the caves as Buddhist and their
number as about 70.

The Rock Paintings of

Chaturbhujnath Nala
Approximately 30 kms north of Bhanpura are rock
shelters stretching in a 5km long 'gallery', with
thousands of figures painted on its walls. Of this
long gallery of spectacular rock paintings, about
700 m are easily. Chaturbhujnath Nala is located
within the Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary. Dated from the
pre-pastoral (over 6,000 years old) to at least the
early medieval age (circa 10th century AD).

42

Neemach
Group of temples,
Barukheda
In the out skirt of Neemuch barely 5kms away is the
village Barukheda. Here are four temple belonging
(13th to 16centuy AD. Situated in side &outside of
the village are Shiva temple no.1,2,3, are west
facing and no.4 is east facing .Temple have a
garbhagraha, antral mandap & mahamandap except
temple no.4which has only garbhagraha. The
garbhagraha is square and devoid of any idol. In the
vitan (ceiling) have bloomed lotus carved on it.

Ujjain
Ram Janardan Temple,
Ujjain
Ram-Janardan Temple out skirt of Ujjain city Ram
Janardan temple are situated these temple are
peculiar of Malwa area. Idol of Ram, Lakshaman and
Sita in the Ram Temple and that of Janardan
temple belong to the 17th century AD. Both the
temples present an attractive look from the point of
view of their structure art .these temples were
constructed by Mirza Raja JaiSingh in the 17th
century AD. The boundary wall, tank were added
later in Maratha period in the 18th century
AD.Beautiful examples of Maratha Paintings are
seen on the walls of both the temples. Besides the
attractive scenes from the lives of Ram &Krishna,
the paintings of Bodalya Bua, Maharoy and Sant
Tukoba. are quite impressive. Certain old images can
be seen installed in both the temples as well as near
the tank opposite Janardan Temple which are very
important from the point of view of sculpture.

43

Rumi's Tomb
In the outskirt of Ujjain on way to Garhkalika Rumi's
tomb is situated in the left side of a hillock. This
place is Known as the tomb of Maulana Rumi.
According to tradition, Maulana Rumi was a Sufi
Saint. The architecture of this tomb is hexagonal.
This monument is five to six hundred Years old.
Some speak of Rumi as a Turkis trader while other
take him to a Commander of some army unit. Indian
Antiquary, Volume 6 of October 1875, has the
biography and precepts of the great Sufi Saint
Jelala-Din-Rumi .This monument appears to have
been constructed in his sacred memory.

Kaliadeh Palace
This place is situated 8kms from Ujjain out side its
northern border. Kaliadah palace, as it is lost now in
the symphonious solitude of the streams of Kshipra,
flowing through tanks and channels with frolicsome
twist and turns in the serene setting of nature, was
once a majestic Sun temple. The Surya kund and
the Brahma kund .People from nearby village hold
their religions both in one of the tanks Brahma and
Surya kund even today .Remains of the old temple
are seen scattered here and there throughout the
area. The flows of kshipra is divided in two part on
the southern side. Kaliyadah palace was shaped in
the present from in the 16th century AD.by
Nasiruddin khilji, the then Sultan of Malwa.The
central dome of the palace is beautiful example of
Persian architecture. Visit of Akbar and Jehangir to
this palace are recorded in two Persian inscriptions
found in the long corridor adjacent to the tank. The
palace came under the control of Scindias during
Maratha an inscription found in the palace complex
says that it was constructed in 1458 AD during the
reign of Mahmud Khilji of Malwa. One of Mahmud's
later successors, Nasiruddin Khilji constructed
tanks and waterways all around the palace to
withstand the excruciating summer sun. The main
durbar hall of the palace is crowned with a majestic
dome, built in accordance with the Persian style of
architecture. Two inscriptions in Persian were
found in one of the long corridors of the palace
which record that the Mughal emperors Akbar and
Jahangir visited Kaliadeh Palace.
The palace complex. suffered extensive damages
during the war between the Marathas and the
Pindaris in 1818. After the Pindaris were crushed,
the palace remained uninhabited and neglected until
Madhou Rao Scindia of Gwalior restored it to its
former glory in 1920.

44

Cenotaph of Vir Durgadas,

Ujjain
This distinctive monument glows like a small jewel in
the surrounding lush landscape. Vir Durgadas earned
a secure niche for himself in the history of Marwad
by his undaunting, selfless service to the State. He
fought for the independence of Jodhpur after the
death of Maharaj Jaswant Singh and helped Ajit
Singh to ascend the throne against the wishes of
Aurangzeb. Durgadas died at Rampura in 1718, and
his funeral rites were performed according to his
wishes on the banks of the Shipra. The rulers of
Jodhpur had built the cenotaph (chhatri) to
consecrate his memory. This beautiful structure,
built in the Rajput style of architecture, built by red
sand stone cenotaph is decorated with beautiful
carving of foliage, figures of humans, animal deities
and fascinating scenes.

Indore
Fort, Kushalgarh, Indore
This fort was built In 14th Century A.D. by Kushal
Singh Jagirdar. Around 16th Century A.D. This Fort
began to be used as a Prison. After the Revolt By Son
Of Tukoji Rao the Commander of Ahilya Bai's Army,
He Was Imprisoned In This Fort By The Order Of
Ahilya Bai. This Fort Was In The Possession Of
Pindaris Also. Built With Stone And Lime The Fort
Has A Single entrance and it is surrounded by
bastions on all sides.

Barwani
Fort, Sendhwa
This fort is situated 150km. from Indore. This
massive fort was constructed with locally quarried
dressed stone in 17-18th century A.D. as a field fort.
There is a staircase to reach the bastions. The fort
has all the features necessary for military activites
within the premises. A mazar of Chand Shah Vali and
dargah of five peers exist along with shiva temple in
maratha style.
45

Dhar
Kakra khoh waterfall,
Mandu
Mandu, situated about 633.7 m above the sea level
is separated from the main plateau of Malwa by a
deep gorge called Kakra Khoh. This is a beautiful
waterfall flowing through the ravine.

Hoshangabad

Tawa - Madhai
M.P. Tourism in collaboration with M.P.
Ecotourism Development Board is offering for
the first time in India, a river wildlife safari for
tourists travelling from Tawa to Madhai,
through a river passage. Enroute, one can view
the wildlife and nature's most beautiful
panoramic landscape. The Satpura Tiger
Reserve is rich with flora and fauna in addition
to the exotic migratory birds. Madhai is
gateway to Satpura Tiger Reserve and can be
reached by road from Itarsi, which is at a
distance of 79 km.
The time taken to travel across the passage is
approximately 3 to 4 hours on "Jalpari" (A
mini cruise boat) which can hold upto10
persons.

46

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