A Glimpse Into The History of Bandhavgarh

• Bandhavgarh, a place steeped in legend and history, derives its name from two words: Bandhav (Brother) and Garh (Fort).
• The name 'Bandhavgarh' was given due to an ancient fort believed to be a gift from Lord Rama to his younger brother Lakshmana.
• The Bandhavgarh region has been ruled by major dynasties including the Sengars, Kalchuris, and Baghels.
• Until 1968, Bandhavgarh was a hunting spot for the Maharajas of Rewa. It was later handed over to the state government, which converted it into a National Park.
• Bandhavgarh National Park was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1993 under the Project Tiger.

Geographical Features of Bandhavgarh National Park

• The park is situated on the extreme north-eastern border of Madhya Pradesh and the northern edges of the Satpura mountain ranges.
• The park experiences well-defined winters, summers, and rains due to its location in the tropical monsoon climatic zone.
• The park is home to 32 hills and a large natural fort in the centre.
• The park is divided into three major zones: Tala (rich in biodiversity for tiger spotting), Magdi (where Elephant shows are organized), and Bamera.
• The core zone of the national park consists of four other zones: Magdhi, Kallwah, Khitauli, and Panpatha.

Flora & Fauna at Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh National Park is a biodiversity hotspot, home to a wide range of flora and fauna. From small butterflies to majestic tigers, the park is incredibly rich in biodiversity.

• It is home to more than 22 species of mammals and 250 species of birds.
• Carnivores such as the Asiatic Jackal, Bengal Fox, Sloth Bear, Ratel, Gray Mongoose, Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat, Leopard, and Tiger can be found here.
• Artiodactyls including Wild Pigs, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Chausingha, Nilgai, Chinkara, and Gaur are also present.
• Other mammals like Dhole, the small Indian Civet, Palm Squirrel, and Lesser Bandicoot Rat can be sighted.
• Bandhavgarh National Park is particularly renowned as a natural habitat for White Tigers.
• Important prey species include chital, sambhar, barking deer, nilgai, chinkara, wild pig, langur, and rhesus macaque.

About Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

• The Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is situated in the eastern Satpura hill range of Umaria and Katni districts.
• The area of the Tiger Reserve is of mythological significance as mentioned in the Narad Panch Ratna and Shiva Sanhita Puran.
• The Tiger Reserve is celebrated for its healthy population of tigers and a variety of herbivores.