The fort now stands as a mute testimony to the vicissitudes of time, during which it changed hands between many warrior clans. The earliest available historical data is from “Bhimseni Sanwat” corresponding to 300 AD, when the fort was with the Bharhivas Vakatak Dynasty. Inscriptions of King Bhimsen are still found in one of the caves.

Subsequently, the fort came under the possession of Sengara during the fifth century AD, subsequently falling into the hands of the Kalchuri Rajputs. The fort and the surrounding areas were later given in dowry to the Baghel  clan, and it remained with them till 1494 AD. From 1495 - 1520 AD, it was in the custody of Kuruvanshees, but was recaptured later by the Baghel ruler Maharaja Virbhanu Singh in 1535. Since then, the fort remained with the Baghel rulers. 

In 1617 A.D. the capital was shifted to Rewa during the reign of Maharaja Vikramaditya Singh. The fort and the adjoining habitation were gradually deserted and the last few inhabitants left in 1935. The fort is surrounded by as many as thirty two hillocks, big and small, venerated by the local people. There are many caves named after rishis and Hindu gods. Perhaps these served as abodes for penance in the by-gone periods.

Amazingly, large tanks cut in sandstone, wells, huge sculptures symbolizing some of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu are also seen on the fort plateau.

Down below, a large sand stone statue of Lord Vishnu reclining on the multi-headed serpent Shesh Nag, overlooking a perennial water tank, will still amaze the observer.

PHYSICAL FEATURES

Geography: Bandhavgarh falls within the northeastern quadrant of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, on the north flanks of eastern Satpura range. The climate here has well-defined winter, summer and rainy season. Winter lasts from mid November to the end of February. The hot, dry summer spell lasts from late March to mid June, while the monsoons extend from end July to September. The day temperature ranges between 8 to 10°C degrees in winters, while it can shoot up to 44°C in summers.

Habitat, Fauna & Flora: Habitat consists of moist deciduous Sal forests spread over coarse and fissile sandstone. It encompasses low hills, valleys, flat lands, springs and marshes, resulting in consequent diversity of vegetation. Sal (Shorea robusta) and Bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus) are the predominant plant species in the forest. The altitude varies from 440 m. to 810 m. above MSL, with a chain of small undulating hills all around.

Grasslands provide ideal habitat to herbivores like chital, sambhar and barking deer. Antelopes like Nilgai and Chinkara are found in comparatively drier and open tracts of south and south west fringes. The abundance of prey species makes the park a very good habitat for the tiger.

The hills have numerous natural and man-made caves all around with boulder outcrops. These provide good habitat for Sloth bear. Bamboo along with a number of fruit bearing trees like Sal, Mahua, Ber, Achar, Aonla, etc. provide a good food base for all types of herbivores. Meandering streams like Charanganga, Damnar, Chamkuli, Banbai and some springs spread all around the park, fulfill the need of drinking water for the wildlife of the park.

The diverse mix of habitat in Bandhavgarh supports a plentitude of fauna, from the tiny butterfly to the majestic tiger. The park has a global reputation for tigers, whose density here is a pleasant surprise for wildlife lovers.

Important prey species consist of sambhar, chital, barking deer, nilgai, chinkara, wild boar, chowsingha, langur & rhesus monkey. Dependent upon them are the major predators like tiger, panther, wild dog and wolf. Lesser predators include jackal, fox, jungle cat, ratel, large civet and mongoose. Other species present here are sloth bear, porcupine, pangolin, giant fruit bat, and many rodents. Main reptilian species are represented by cobra, kraits, vipers, python & Varanus lizard etc. Many species of butterflies, dragonflies and bees are also present.

The bird species number more than 250. Raptors like Crested Serpent eagle, Shaheen falcon, Bonnelli's eagle, Shikhra, Marsh & Hen harriers are seen. Also seen are Malabar pied hornbill, peafowl, painted, black & grey partridge, red jungle fowl, green pigeon, emerald dove, Brown fish owl, Paradise flycatcher and variety of kingfishers.