Rewa Fort — Attraction in Rewa

Rewa State, also known as Rewah, was a princely state of India, surrounding its eponymous capital, the town of Rewa. With an area of about 34,000 km2 (13,000 sq mi), Rewa was the largest princely state in the Bagelkhand Agency and the second largest in Central India Agency. The British political agent for Bagelkhand resided at Satna, on the East Indian railway. The Bagelkhand Agency was dissolved in 1933 and Rewa was placed under the authority of the Indore Residency. Rewa State was bordered to the north by the United Provinces, to the east by Bengal and to the south by the Central Provinces. On the west, it met other princely states of Bagelkhand: Maihar, Nagod, Sohawal, Kothi Baghelan and Panna. The south of the state was crossed by the Bengal–Nagpur railway, the branch between Bilaspur and Katni which taps the Umaria coal-field. In 1901, the population of the state was 1,327,385, showing a decrease of 12% over a decade; the population of the town that year was 24,608. Many of the inhabitants of the hilly tracts were Gonds and Kols. The estimated revenue of the state was ₹200,000/- p.a. The staple crops were rice, millets and wheat. More than one-third of the area was covered with forests, yielding timber and lac. The state suffered from famine in 1896–1897 and again, to a lesser extent, in 1899–1900. Rewa is famous for its white tigers; the first one, nicknamed Mohan, was caught in Rewa. Sitar virtuoso Pandit Ravi Shankar studied music from Alauddin Khan of Maihar, who migrated to Rewa State from Bengal. According to tradition, Rewa state was founded around 1140. On 5 October 1812 it became a British protectorate. Rewa state became part of the British India administration between 1 April 1875 and 15 October 1895. The Rajas of Rewa were of the Baghela (Vaghela) branch of the Rajput[citation needed] or Solanki clan (Hindu Agnivanshi clan of Indian stock), and claimed descent from the founder of the Anhilwara (Patan) dynasty in Gujarat. They ruled from Bandhavgarhunder the first ruler, Raja Vyaghra Dev, who was a direct descendant of Gujarati King and Warrior Vir Dhawal. In the mid-1550s, Raja Ramachandra Singh Baghela maintained a musically talented court, including the legendary Tansen. In 1617, Maharaja Vikramaditya Singh moved his capital to Rewa. Maharaja Martand Singh was the last ruler of Rewa who acceded to the Union of India after the country became India.[citation needed] Birbal was born in Sidhi District of Rewa Kingdom. Emperor Akbar was given refuge at Rewa at age 10, when his father Humayun fled India following a defeat in war. Prince Ramchandra Singh and Akbar grew up together as royal heirs. Maharaja Ramchandra Singh and Akbar stayed friends. Two of the Navratnas of Akbar, Tansen and Birbal (originally named Mahesh Das) were sent from Rewa by Maharaja Ramchandra Singh once Akbar became the Emperor of India. Rewa was the first princely state in India to declare Hindi as a national language, in the times of Maharaja Gulab Singh. He is also credited for declaring the first responsible government in modern India, providing citizens of Rewa state a right to question their monarch's decisions. The state came under British paramountcy in 1812 and remained a princely state within the British Rajuntil India's independence in 1947. During the long minority of Raja Venkat Raman Singh (b.1876, r.1880–1918), the administration of the state was reformed. In 1901, the town boasted a high school, a "model jail" and two hospitals: the Victoria hospital and the Zenana hospital. However, it was still adjudged among the most backward areas of the country by V.P. Menon, after he visited the...

The history of Rewa Fort dates back to the 13th century when it was built by the Baghela Rajputs. The Baghela dynasty ruled the region for several centuries, and the fort served as their residence and center of power. In the 17th century, the fort was captured by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, who added several new structures to it, including a mosque and a palace.

The fort was constructed in the 16th century by the then-ruler of the Baghela dynasty, Raja Vikramaditya. The fort was built on a hilltop to provide a strategic advantage to the Baghelas in case of an attack. The fort was designed to withstand the harsh weather conditions of the region and was equipped with various defensive features, including high walls, watchtowers, and a moat.

In the 18th century, the fort was taken over by the Maratha Empire, and it remained under their control until the British captured it in 1812. During British rule, the fort served as the residence of the British Commissioner, and several modifications were made to its architecture.

After India gained independence in 1947, the fort was handed over to the government of Madhya Pradesh. In 1967, the fort was converted into a museum to showcase the rich history and culture of the region.

The architecture of Rewa Fort is a mix of Rajput, Mughal, and British styles. The fort is built on a hill, and it has several gates and bastions that were used for defense purposes. The main entrance to the fort is through the Suraj Pol gate, which leads to a courtyard where the Diwan-e-Aam (public audience hall) and the Diwan-e-Khas (private audience hall) are located.

The palace complex has several structures, including the Rani Mahal (Queen's palace), which is a two-story building with balconies and courtyards. The palace has several rooms that were used by the Baghela Rajputs for various purposes. The Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) is another notable structure in the fort, which has walls and ceilings decorated with mirrors.

The fort also has several temples and a mosque, including the Hanuman Temple, the Jagannath Temple, and the Jama Masjid. The temples are built in the Nagara style of architecture, and they have intricate carvings and sculptures. Rewa Fort is an important historical monument that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region. The fort has been witness to several important events in the history of India, including battles between the Baghela Rajputs and the Mughals, the Maratha Empire's rule, and the British colonial period.

The fort is also a popular tourist destination, and it attracts visitors from all over the world. The museum inside the fort showcases several artifacts, including weapons, coins, and sculptures, which provide a glimpse into the region's rich history and culture.

In addition to its historical and cultural significance, Rewa Fort is also an important landmark for the people of the region. The fort is a symbol of their identity and pride, and it serves as a reminder of their...

elling tales of valor, royalty, and grand celebrations.

The architecture of the fort is a blend of Mughal and Rajput styles, reflecting the diverse influences that have shaped the history of the region. The intricate jali work, ornate arches, and beautifully crafted pillars bear testimony to the skill and artistry of the craftsmen of the bygone era. Each stone, each carving seemed to have a story to tell, transporting me back to a time when the fort might have been bustling with royalty and their entourage.

The central courtyard, with its verdant gardens and fountains, was a peaceful oasis. I could imagine the royals of Rewa leisurely strolling here, discussing politics, art, and music under the shade of the trees. I was told that the fort had seen its fair share of battles and conquests, and the courtyard must have served as a calming respite from the outside world's chaos.

One of the most captivating parts of my visit was the Durbar Hall, adorned with majestic chandeliers, vintage furniture, and portraits of the erstwhile rulers of Rewa. The hall, where the kings once held court, was a magnificent spectacle of opulence and grandeur.

Adjacent to the Durbar Hall was the armory, displaying an array of ancient weapons and armors. From ornate swords and shields to bows and arrows, the collection offered a glimpse into the warfare tactics and defense strategies employed by the rulers of Rewa. It was awe-inspiring to think of the battles these weapons might have witnessed and the hands that once wielded them.

As I explored further, I came across various rooms and chambers, each uniquely decorated, depicting the personal tastes and preferences of the rulers who resided there. The fort also housed a temple, dedicated to the local deity, which was still frequented by devotees, adding a touch of spiritual essence to the place.

Outside, I was greeted by a breathtaking view of the city of Rewa. Standing atop one of the fort's many balconies, the panoramic vista was a beautiful juxtaposition of the old and the new, with the city's modern buildings contrasting with the timeless beauty of the fort.

As I exited the fort, I took a moment to soak in its magnificence one last time. The Fort of Rewa, with its deep-rooted history and architectural splendor, had left an indelible mark on my heart. It wasn't just a monument; it was a living testament to the rich tapestry of culture, history, and artistry that Madhya Pradesh embodies. And as I walked away, I carried with me memories of a journey through time, a journey I would...