The Chanderi fort is situated in the district of Ashok Nagar in the state of Madhya Pradesh. It is located at a distance of 37 kilometers from Lalitpur, 127 kilometers from Shivpuri, 38 kilometers from Mungoali and 45 kilometers from Esagarh. The fort lies towards the Southwest of the Betwa River on a hill. Surrounding the Chanderi are hills, forests and lakes along with the monuments belonging to the Malwa Sultans and the Bundela Rajputs. Chanderi is a place that has also been mentioned in Mahbharata. During that period, Shishupal was the king of Chanderi.

Chanderi lies tactically on the borders of Bundelkhand and Malwa. The history of this place belongs back to eleventh century the time when the place was subjugated by the trade routes of Central India and was the immediate route to the ancient ports located at Gujarat , Mewar, Malwa, Deccan and the Central India. Hence Chanderi became a significant military garrison.

The town of Chanderi is dominated by the huge Mughal Fort that adds to the charm of the ancient town. The fort is located at a height of 71 meters from the town on a hill. The gate of Chanderi Fort is popularly known as the Khooni Darwaza. The Muslim Rulers of Chanderi constructed the fortification walls. “Katti Ghatti” is a curious gateway located towards the southwest of the fort which has been constructed through a hill side.

History

Alberuni, the Persian Scholar mentioned Chanderi in 1030. In the year 1251, the city was captured by Ghiyas ud din Balban for the Sultan of Delhi, Nasir ud din Mahmud. In 1438, the city was captured by the Sultan Mahmud I Khilji of Malwa after an obstruction of few months. Rana Sangha of Mewar took over the city in the year 1520 and handed over it to Medini Rai who was a rebellious and stubborn minister of Sultan Mahmud II of Malwa. From Medini Rai, the city was captured by the Mughal Emperor Babur and in the year 1540, Sher Shah Suri captured it and it was added to Shujaat Khan's Governorship. The city was made as a Sarkar In the Malwa Subah by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. In 1586, The Bundela rajputs captured the city and Ram sab, son of Raja Madhukar of Orchha took held the city. Devi Singh Bundela became the Governor of Chanderi in the year 1586. Bundela’s family held the city till 1811 when it was occupied by Jean Baptiste Filose for Daulat Rao Sindhia of Gwalior, the Maratha Ruler. In 1844 the city was moved to the hands of the British. When revolt of 1857 occurred, British lost the control of the city but Sir Hugh Rose recaptured it on February 14th 1858. This assault was leaded by Richard Harte Keatinge and he was awarded the Victoria Cross for the leading it successfully. In 1861 the city was relocated back to the Sindhias of Gwalior and it was included in the Isagarh district of the state of Gwalior. In 1947 when India attained independence, Gwalior was included in Madhya Bharat which was later added to the state of Madhya Pradesh on 1st November 1956.

Architecture

The fort lies at the top of the hill at an altitude of 71 meters above the town. The Chanderi fort is protected by the outsiders by the fortification walls constricted around it. There are three gates through which the Chanderi fort can be approached. The main gate of the fort is known as the Khooni Darwaza. This name was given to the gate because from here the criminals were thrown from the ramparts above and their bodies were collided to pieces. The highest gate of the fort is the third one which is known as the Hawa Paur. Hawa Mahal and the Nau Khanda Mahal are the offcuts of the Chanderi fort. The Bundela chiefs constructed both these buildings.

Another gateway is located towards the South Western part of the Chanderi Fort. It is a strange gate which is called Khatti ghatti. It is a 59 meter long, 12 meters bbroad and a 24.6 meter high gate. The gate is adorned by the sloping towers.

How to Reach

By Bus

Regular bus service is available from Bhopal,Gwalior, Indore, Jhansi,Shivpuri, Lalitpur,Vidisha and Sanchi.

By Rail

Chanderi is located at a distance of 38 kilometers from Lalitpur which is further located 90 kilometers from Jhansi which is one of the major Rail heads. Jhansi is located at the Delhi-Mumbai-Madras route. Direct bus is available from Jhansi to Chanderi.

By Air

Bhopal and Gwalior airports are the nearest airports to Chanderi located at a distance of around 258 and 259 km respectively. From the airports buses are available to Chanderi or there is an option of hiring a car too.

Nearby Places to Visit

Johar Smarak

Johar Smarak, is located outside the complex of the Fort. This is a place where number of Rajput women committed self-destruction in Fire known as Johar. It occurred when the Rajput women threw themselves into the tank of fire or the Johal Tal just after Medini Rai left the fort with his soldiers to fight the last battle with Babur. This was fought on Januray 29th, in the year 1528.

Khooni Darwaja

The remains of the original fort are not found very much but the rulers who overtook the fort later like Babur, Alauddin Khilji and the Bundelas rebuilt some parts of the fort as per their style an taste. There are three huge doors of this vast fort from which the fort can be approached. Only one door is left now which is known as the Khoono Darwaza. As per the local traditions it has been mentioned that the criminals were thrown down from this gate during Sultan of Malawa’s rule and their assaulted corpse were hanged on the gate. Hence it was termed as the Khooni darwaza or the gate soaked with blood.

Baiju Bawara Samadhi

It is a 3 story palace located inside the fort. A foutian and a tank is made in the courtyard of the palace. In the corners of the palace watch towers and Bastions are found to be placed. Near the entrance of the fort a 14th century CE Khilji mosque is located. Beautifully carved Mihrabs with verses of Quran are written all over the stones of the Mosque. Hawa paur is a beautiful balcony from where the town’s majestic view can be seen.

Things to Do

Sight-seeing activity

Tourist can indulge themselves in sight seeing at the Chanderi fort. The ancient architecture and few beautiful structures are very attractive in the fort.

Photography

The tourists can be involved in photography as there are various spots which everyone would like to capture in the camera.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

The best weather is during the winter season. The months from November to February are the best time to visit as the temperature ranges between 18°C - 5°C.

Accomodation

The Tana Bana 3star hotel

It is a Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation Hotel, having a restaurant as well as a parking facility for the tourists. The hotel lies at the Chanderi- Lalitpur Road. It is situated two kilometers away from the main town of Chanderi. Theree is a deluxe AC room which costs Rs 990 for a night and Rs 150 are charged extra for a bed. Four other AC rooms are also located for rs 890 per night and 150 Rs are charged for an extra bed. Five rooms are available with air coolers at rs 590 per night and Rs 100 are charged for an extra bed. Theluxury tax of 10% is also applicable.

Address

Tana Bana Hotel,
Chanderi – Lalitpur Road,
Near Kuku Talaiya,
Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh, India
Tel: +911-07547-252222

Hotel ShriKunj

It is a private hotel with a restaurant and parking facility along with a playground. The hotel is located close to the Nizamuddin Crossing in the maintown. The hotel has eight AC rooms for Rs 850 each night and eight air cooled rooms with a tariff of Rs. 550 for a night. There are five economy rooms for Rs 250 per night and four family rooms are available having three beds at the charges of Rs 350 per night.

Address

Hotel ShriKunj,
Near Dak Bangla,
Main Road,
Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh, India
Tel: 07547-253125

PWD Guest House

The PWD Guest Houseis located at the top of the Chanderi Hill, very close to the fort. From the guest house one can have the amazing view of the town. The guest house belongs to MP Government Public Works Department and for staying there permission from the Sub - Divisional Magistrate is required. There are four rooms in the guest house along with the parking facility but it has no restaurants.

Address

PWD Guest House (Qila Kothi),
Near Chanderi fort,
Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh, India
Tel: 07547-253000 (Office of the Sub-divisional Magistrate)

Timings and Tickets

Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
Open on all days

Tickets: No Entry Fee

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