Indian History
Maharaja Chhatrasal
- 30 Mar 2021
- 4 min read
Why in News
The Maharaja Chhatrasal Convention Centre has been inaugurated at Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.
- The Convention Centre, named after the legendary Bundelkhand King Maharaja Chhatrasal, was built under the Swadesh Darshan scheme of the Ministry of Tourism.
Khajuraho
- It is one of the nineteen identified iconic destinations in the country.
- The Ministry of Tourism has framed ‘Development of Iconic Tourist Destinations Scheme’, a Central Sector Scheme for development of nineteen identified iconic destinations in the country following a holistic approach.
- The Khajuraho Group of Monuments is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site.
- The temples are famous for their nagara-style architectural symbolism and their erotic sculptures.
- Most Khajuraho temples were built between 885 AD and 1050 AD by the Chandela dynasty.
Swadesh Darshan Scheme
- Swadesh Darshan, a Central Sector Scheme, was launched in 2014-15 for integrated development of theme based tourist circuits in the country.
- Currently, there are 15 theme based circuits - Buddhist, Coastal, Desert, Eco, Heritage, Himalayan, Krishna, North-east, Ramayana, Rural, Spiritual, Sufi, Tirthankara, Tribal and Wildlife.
- Theme-based tourist circuits are developed on the principles of high tourist value, competitiveness and sustainability in an integrated manner to enrich tourist experience and enhance employment opportunities.
- Under the scheme, the Ministry of Tourism provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to State Governments/Union Territory Administrations for infrastructure development of circuits.
- This scheme is envisioned to synergise with other schemes like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Skill India, Make in India etc. with the idea of positioning the tourism sector as a major engine for job creation, driving force for economic growth and building synergy with various sectors to enable tourism to realise its potential.
Key Points
- Brief Profile:
- Birth : Born on 4th May 1649, to Champat Rai and Lal Kunwar, into the Bundela Rajput clan.
- Medieval Indian warrior, fought against the Mughal Empire, and established his own kingdom in Bundelkhand.
- Descendant of Rudra Pratap Singh of Orchha.
- Ancestors were vassals of the Mughal emperor.
- Death: 20th December, 1731.
- Power Struggle Against the Mughal:
- He started his struggle in 1671, and first captured Naugaon region of Chhatarpur district.
- He fought for 50 years against Mughals and captured a large part of Bundelkhand with his seat of power at Panna.
- Relation with Baji Rao I:
- Baji Rao I helped Chhatrashal against the Mughals. He sent military aid against the Mughal force led by Muhammad Khan Bangash in 1728.
- The Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao I's second wife Mastani was Chhatrasal's daughter.
- Before his death, Chhatrasal transferred Mahoba and the surrounding area to Baji Rao I in return for his assistance against the Mughals.
- Patron of Literature :
- His court housed several noted poets. His eulogies written by Kavi Bhushan, Lal Kavi, Bakhshi Hansaraj and other court poets helped him gain lasting fame.
- Religious View:
- Disciple of Mahamati Prannathji.
- Swami Prannathji also guided him in political, social, and economic matters.
- Swami Prannathji told Chhatrasal regarding Diamond mines of Panna and thus helped him in strengthening his financial position.
- Legacy:
- The Chhatarpur town and its district in Madhya Pradesh are named after Chhatrasal.
- Maharaja Chhatrasal Museum in Madhya Pradesh and the Chhatrasal Stadium in Delhi are also named after the Maharaja Chhatrasal.