Historical Background Of Bandhavgarh

For some time in the 12th century, the Bandhavgarh Fort, in the centre of the reserve, was the seat of power of the Chandela Dynasty. Later, it came under the Baghels, and then the Rewas, who are said to have been their descendants. About 106 sq km of the reserve functioned as the hunting ground of the Rewas; each Rewa king was supposed to shoot at least a 100 tigers. Despite that, the fact that so-called ‘commoners’ were not allowed inside the reserve helped in the conservation of other animals and the forest itself.

After Independence, the territory was taken over by the Madhya Pradesh Government but the maharajas retained their hunting rights until 1968, when the area was made a National Park. As hunting was stopped, the tiger population increased, and in 1982, the reserve’s area was extended to cover the present 448 sq km. Bandhavgarh, and the adjoining Panpatha Sanctuary (also made part of the reserve), came under Project Tiger in 1993. Despite the conservation efforts, Bandhavgarh has its share of problems. Industrial pollution in the Sone River and bauxite mining in the Maikal Range (to the south) are just a couple of them. As the park is surrounded by 62 villages, poaching and grazing of animals in the forest are common occurrences. The park’s popularity with tourists is also a reason for concern, as the crowds disturb the animals.