Bandhavgarh Fort

Bandhavgarh Fort Overview

• Bandhavgarh Fort, believed to be around 2,000 years old, is located atop the Bandhavgarh Hill, in the centre of the national park.

• Books like ‘Narad-Panch Ratra’ and the ‘Shiva Purana’ contain references to this fort. Surrounded by a large number of smaller hills separated by gently sloping valleys, the fort is home to many endangered species of vultures.
• The fort was the seat of rulers of Rewa State, until they shifted to Rewa town in 1617 AD. Folklore legend states that Lord Rama built this fort when he was returning from Lanka after conquering Ravana. To keep an eye on the happenings of Lanka, Lord Rama gave the charge of the fort to his brother Lakshmana.
• In the fort are present statues of various incarnations of Lord Vishnu, which were carved out of single rocks. Dating back to 10th or 11 century AD, the statues allure numerous tourists to the site. Out of all the statues, the biggest is called Shesh Shaiya, which depicts Lord Vishnu in reclining pose.

• It is believed that this fort remained under the reign of many rulers like the Maghas, the Vakatakas, the Sengars, the Kalchuris and the Baghels. Near the fort lies a temple dedicated to Lakshmana (Bandhavdish).

Bandhavgarh fort

• The history of the region can be traced back to the 1st century. There are 39 caves in the Bandhavgarh fort and in the surrounding hillocks up to a radius of about 5 km. The oldest cave dates from the 1st century. Several caves carry inscriptions in Brahmi script.
• Some caves have embossed figures such as tigers, pigs, elephants and horsemen. Badi gufa, the largest cave, has a broad entrance, nine small rooms and several pillars.
• It has been dated back to the 10th century. The cave appears to be primitive, lacking the elaborate statues and carvings seen in the caves of the Buddhist period. Its purpose remains a mystery.
• Various dynasties have ruled the fort; including the Mauryans from the 3rd century BC, Vakataka rulers from the 3rd to the 5th century the Sengars from the 5th century and the Kalachuris from the 10th century.
• In the 13th century, the Baghels took over, ruling from Bandhavgarh until 1617, when Maharaja Vikramaditya Singh moved his capital to Rewa. The last inhabitants deserted the fort in 1935.