Explore These Amazing Historical Places In Central India

Teeming with rich historical and cultural past, Central India is a paradise for history buffs, archaeologists, architects and artists who come here from different parts of the globe. Replete with opulent palaces, majestic forts and magnificent temples; this central region of the country is where the medieval history of India carved its way. Ruled by several dynasties ranging from Chandelas and Guptas to Mughals, Marathas, Bundelas and British, you will find yourselves to be intrigued with the tales of romance, brutalities, battles, jauhars and bravery that seem to be oozing out from every inch of the monuments, standing tall for many past centuries. If you have a keen interest in history or if rich architectures and splendid art of the bygone era arouses a deep curiosity in you to explore more, come and be part of the region’s turbulent historical journey; here is a list of 15 destinations that you must cover on this trip of your lifetime.

* Fort of Gwalior

Dating back to 8th century, the impressive Gwalior Fort, perched atop of 3 km. long sandstone plateau in Madhya Pradesh, is one of the most famous historical places in central India. Ranging from the Kachchawahas, Tomars, Mughals and Marathas to British and Scindias, the fort has been the ruling seat for many dynasties in the past, presenting it with many architectural marvels that have today, become the part of its brilliant history. Besides many glorious moments, few gory instants of imprisonments, battles, love affairs and jauhars also share a chunk of the fort’s fascinating history. Today, being the most famous tourist attraction in Madhya Pradesh, it sees a footfall of uncountable tourists both, nationals and foreigners who throng here to be part of its hundreds of years old enthralling journey.

* Jain rock sculptures

Located along the path leading to the ‘Urwahi Gate’ of the Gwalior Fort on the Southern side, you will come across scores of exquisite and ancient rock cut sculptures that date back between the periods of 7th century and mid-15th century. Carved in the vertical sandstone cliffs along the fortress walls, these imposing sculptures of Jain Tirthankaras stand tall in their full glory and will definitely make you appreciate the brilliant carving skills of the artisans and craftsmen of the bygone era. The most brilliantly carved of all the figures in this ‘Urwahi Group’ is the 17 metres tall figurine of Lord Adinath, the first Tirthankar and founder of the Jain religion. Besides the sculptures flanked along the ‘Urwahi Gate’, many impressive sculptures can also be seen on the eastern and south-eastern sides of the Gwalior Fort. Sculpted in different standing and sitting meditative postures, these statues give you a deep insight into the ancient Jain art that existed in India hundreds of years back. In spite of having been invaded by the army of the Mughal emperor, Babur in 1527 and not been impacted much by the harsh weather conditions, these sculptures even today, boast of their charismatic splendour that works as a magnet for numerous historians, archaeologists, artists and Jain pilgrims across the world, who visit these historical figurines just to witness their aura and magnificence.

* Erotic Temples of Khajuraho

Famed world-wide for their exquisite carvings of erotic figures dating back to the era between 900 and 1130 AD during the reign of the Chandela dynasty, the Khajuraho group of temples are on the top of the itineraries for all the tourists planning to visit Madhya Pradesh in central India. As per the historical evidences, there were as many as 85 temples but, today only about 20 of these remain, out of which the ‘Kandariya Mahadeva Temple’ is the most prominent and a brilliant piece of architecture standing tall as a testimony to the exceptional artistic skills of the then artisans and craftsmen. While most of these temples are dedicated to Hindu deities, few of them are also devoted to Jain pantheon. Adorning the temple’s inner and outer walls, are the sculpted figures of celestial nymphs and mithunas depicting various sexual positions and sensuous poses. According to an analytical study, these erotic sculptures reveal a dominant role of women in the ancient Indian society. The beauty and poise of women depicted in these sculptures celebrate womanhood and indicates to the fact that the ancient society of India regarded women as the finest creation of God. Having always awed all the visitors with their stunning architectures and elaborate carvings, these temples have been a subject of study for many historians and scholars trying to find a connect between spirituality and human sexual desires. According to a latest theory, every human being is exposed to myriad of worldly desires with an appetite for sex being the most dominant. Only the ones who are able to transcend these worldly desires can attain self-realization and progress to a spiritual plane.

* Land of Holkars, Indore

The largest city of Madhya Pradesh, Indore is rich in history and architecture. Also known as the commercial capital of the state, the city is definitely on the travel maps of tourists visiting Madhya Pradesh. Indore flourished during the reign of Holkar dynasty and was at its peak of glory under the rule of Malhar Rao Holkar in 18th century when several monuments were added to the city. Most famous of all the monuments in Indore is the ‘Rajwada Palace’ that speaks the tales of its glorious past. Built about two centuries ago, Rajwada stands tall in the city centre and treats you with a unique blend of Hindu-Rajputana, Mughal and European styles of architecture. The palace faced a substantial destruction owing to a massive fire in 1984, due to which only the front portion of the palace remains today. It got renovated in recent times with an addition of a beautiful garden and fountains in its rear part.

* Ancient city of Maheshwar

Located on the banks of the holy Narmada River, Maheshwar is a 4000 years old town in Madhya Pradesh that once served as the capital of the Malwa Kingdom. This small town enjoyed its golden period under the legendary queen, Ahilya Bail Holkar who ruled the kingdom during the 18th century. Rani Ahilya Bai was the daughter-in-law of Maharaja Malhar Rao Holkar (the founder of the Holkar kingdom of Indore) and is well known for her great diplomatic and administrative skills. Trained in military matters, she herself led armies in the battles protecting her kingdom from Muslim invaders. She was also a patron and builder of many Hindu temples that dotted the cities of Indore and Maheshwar. Besides building temples in her own kingdom, she also got renovated, many important Hindu shrines and temples across India, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple of Varanasi, being one of them.

* Ruins of Mandu

A city that stands as a testament to the beguiling tales of love between the poet Prince Baaz Bahadur and his beloved, Rani Roopmati, Mandu was founded in the 10th century by the Parmar rulers of Malwa in the west of Madhya Pradesh. Changing hands amid many Afghan rulers between the periods of 14th and early 16th centuries, it was during this time when the city reached its pinnacle. In the late 16th century, the city came into the hands of Mughal rulers. One of the best places to visit in central India, Mandu today, boasts of its exotic ruins of palaces, reservoirs and tombs. The most impressive and famous of the tourist attractions in Mandu is the splendid ‘Jahaz Mahal’, built by Ghiyas-ud-din Khilji during early 15th century. Known to be a pleasure seeker, Ghiyas-ud-din Khilji had a large harem of almost 15000 women for whom he got this palace made. Located inside the walled Mandu fort, the palace stands tall at a height of 110 metres on a narrow strip of land between two artificial lakes, Munj and Kapur Talao, giving it an impression of a floating structure on water and hence, the name ‘Jahaz’ (ship).

* Medieval town of Orchha

When in Orchha, you can start your city tour by visiting the ‘Orchha Fort Complex’ that dates back to the 16th century and houses three beautiful palaces. The ‘Jehangir Mahal’ within the fort complex is its primary highlight and was built by Raja Bir Singh Deo to honour the visit of the Mughal emperor, Jehangir. Built in a Rajput-Mughal styles of architecture, the palace consists of several rooms, courtyards and hanging balconies providing panoramic views of the Betwa River. The delicate lattice work on its windows and striking chhatris (cenotaphs) also adds to the charm of this stunning citadel. The other famous tourist attraction within the fort complex is the ‘Raj Mahal’, built by Madhukar Shah and is one of the oldest historic monuments in the city. While the exteriors of the palace are plain and simple with few cenotaphs, the interiors adorned with brilliant mural paintings, depicting a variety of religious themes, leave all its visitors spellbound. The ‘Rai Parveen Mahal’ is yet another interesting site to visit in the fort complex. Built for the musician & poetess, Rai Parveen, the love of Raja Indramani, the palace boasts a classic Mughal style of architecture with well-manicured gardens and pathways. The second storey of the palace with its walls adorning the scenes of dancers in different dance postures, is truly a feast for eyes.

* Prehistoric Buddhist city of Sanchi

One of the most ancient Buddhist cities in India, Sanchi is a small village located in Madhya Pradesh, known for its numerous stupas and other Buddhist structures. Besides the historical and archaeological significance of Sanchi, it also holds a great religious significance for many Buddhists. The ‘Great Stupa’, built in the 3rd century BC on orders of the Mauryan King Ashoka, is the primary attraction of the town today and is known to enshrine the old Buddha relics. Standing tall in its perpetual splendour, the stupa is considered to be the oldest stone structure in India and has also been ranked amongst the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Originally built as a simple plain structure with half the diameter of the present hemispherical edifice, it was during the reign of Sunga dynasty that the stupa was enlarged in its size and was adorned with elaborately carved railings, stairways and harmika on the top. Again in 1st century BC, the Satavahana kings, presented the stupa with four beautifully carved gateways that added to the grandeur of the structure. The carvings on these gateways, depicting scenes from the early life of Buddha, his seven incarnations and Jataka tales today, stand as a testimony to the classical Buddhist art. Near the Stupa, one can also notice a fragment of the famous ‘Ashoka Pillar’ erected in 3rd century BC. Besides the Great Stupa, the ‘Stupa 2’ and ‘Stupa 3’ are also worth visiting during your trip to Sanchi. Towards Stupa 2, you will also notice a huge bowl carved from a monolithic black rock. Known as the ‘Great Bowl’, it is believed to have been a storehouse of food that was distributed to the resident monks of Sanchi.

* City of valiant queen Rani Lakshmibai, Jhansi

The most famous tourist attraction of the city is the ancient ‘Jhansi Fort’ built by the Bundel ruler, Raja Bir Singh Deo in 1613. Strategically perched on a rocky hill from where the movements of any invaders could be easily monitored, the fort also had 10 gates spread across the periphery of the city that had to be successfully crossed to enter its walls. After the fall of Bundel rule, the fort came under the rule of Marathas and finally under the British who ruthlessly demolished many important structures of the fort. During your visit to the fort, notice the three different styles of architecture namely Rajputana, Jain and Indo-Islamic styles that can be seen in its different structures. Though the fort is not as massive as other forts in India, it holds a special place in the history of the nation as this is the fort where the spark for India’s independence from the British Raj ignited. When you are in the fort, also notice its two canons, Khadak Bijli and Bhavani Shankar that are still deployed inside and were used by Rani Laskhmibai during the war with British. One of the significant grounds for the Indian freedom struggle where Lakshmibai showcased the deeds of heroism, the fort today, stands as a living testimony of courage, valour and bravery.

* Ancient ruins of Pawaya

Pawaya is a small village located at a distance of around 70 kilometres from the popular tourist town of Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh. The village is believed to be located at the same spot where once, the ancient city of Padmavati was located. The name of this ancient city of Padmavati was found in many classical Sanskrit texts that described the city to be lined up with rows of tall mansions and temples with the city’s location to be somewhere on the confluence of the Para and Sindhu Rivers.

As per the legendary melodrama of Bhavabhuti’s love story of Malati and Madhava, the romance between the two characters was described to flourish in the backdrop of the beautiful city of Padmavati where tall shikharas, exquisite temples, beautiful gardens adorned with trees of Kadamb and crystal clear lakes blooming with lotuses; added to the pristine charm of the city. The city was also described to be surrounded with thick forests and beautiful rivers, Sindh, Para, Mahuar and Nun to be flowing in the vicinity. There are also few notable touches of a picturesque waterfall on the Sindh, a tantric cult temple and a holy site dedicated to Lord Shiva in this ancient text.

* Prehistoric rock shelters of Bhimbetka

Nestled in the foothills of the Vindhya Mountains in the Raisen District of Madhya Pradesh, lie hidden, numerous clusters of natural rock shelters or caves with ancient rock paintings dating back to approximately 30000 years or even more. One of the most archaeologically significant sites in India, these rock shelters and paintings clearly indicate towards the earliest traces of the Stone Age era on the India subcontinent. Ensconced amidst dense forests and craggy cliffs, these caves were discovered in 1957 by Dr. Vishnu Wakankar, a passionate archaeologists of his times, when he was exploring the area and accidentally came across this treasure of pre-historic Indian art. Then, began the series of excavations that brought to limelight, many rock art paintings belonging to the Palaeolithic and early medieval eras. One can find the scenes of hunting, fighting soldiers, communal dances, men drinking and animal fights depicted on the walls and ceilings of the caves. The paintings of animals like tiger, bison, wild boar, elephants and peacocks can also be noticed. These paintings today, give a deep insight into the social life and activities of humans of pre-historic era. The scenes of hunters equipped with bows & arrows, spears etc. also give a clear picture of the types of weapons used by these nomad people in earlier times. With all the paintings executed in red, white, green and yellow also make you wonder how the pre-historic men must have discovered the ways of creating colours from combining different natural elements like manganese, red sandstones, leaves, vegetables and fruits.

* Originally chosen site for Taj Mahal, city of Burhanpur

Located on the north bank of Tapti River in Madhya Pradesh, Burhanpur is a small historic town in central India, which was discovered during late 14th century by the Sultan of Khandesh who gave the city its name. Under the reign of Khandesh dynasty, many palaces were built in Burhanpur and it also emerged as a major textile hub. In 1601, city got in the hands of Mughal Emperor, Akbar. Even under the rule of Mughals, Burhanpur saw many additions of beautiful palaces and monuments that today, stand as a testament to its glorious past. After the decline of Mughal control in the region, the town came under Marathas and subsequently under British in 1818. The remnants of Mughal opulence and its great architectural importance lures thousands of tourists every year, especially history buffs and art lovers.

* Cultural town of Chanderi

Chanderi is an eminent historic and cultural town located in the valley of Betwa River in Madhya Pradesh. The city is believed to be existent from the Vedic times with its name mentioned in the Mahabharata as the kingdom of King Shishupal. Surrounded with lofty hills and lush forests, the modern Chanderi has in its store, ample historical monuments that were presented to it by the Malwa Sultans and Bundela Rajputs during their reigns in the region. Besides its historical monuments, the city and its surroundings are also replete with scores of ancient Jain temples that make it a prominent pilgrim destination for Jains. Chanderi also finds a special name on world’s textile map as being the hub for exquisite handwoven Chanderi silk and brocade.

* Lost town of Chhattisgarh, Sirpur

Located on the banks of Mahanadi River in Chhattisgarh, Sirpur is a small town with both, an archaeological and historical significance. Once an important Buddhist centre between 6th and 10th centuries AD, the town came into limelight for its ancient masterpieces of art only in recent years when the first round of excavations started here in the year 2000. Visited by hordes of travellers ranging from casual day-trippers to historians, archaeologists and art lovers, Sirpur today, finds one of the top places on the itineraries of many tourists in central India.

* Forts of Bilaspur

Located on the banks of Arpa River in Chhattisgarh, Bilaspur is the second largest city of the state and a prominent tourist destination owing to plethora of historical monuments it stores. The city is also a major pilgrim destination with many ancient temples in its vicinity. For history buffs, it is the abundance of historical forts that lures them to this small town. While most of the forts stand in ruins today and are not very well-known, there are few of them which interests ardent historians. The ‘Ratanpur Fort’ is the most prominent of all the forts and lies at a distance of 25 km. from Bilaspur. Dating back to the 11th century, it was built by King Ratnadev but, today major part of it stands in remnants. Apart from the ‘Ratanpur Fort’, ‘Fort Bahadurpur’ and ‘Fort Sariun’ also interest many keen explorers.