History of Ashoknagar
The territory of present Ashoknagar district was part of Chedi kingdom of Shishupal in Mahabharata period and Chedi Janapada in Janapada period. In medieval period was part of Chanderi State. In the 6th century B.C. Chanderi area (territory of Ashoknagar district) was under Avanti, Dasharna and Chedi Janapadas.
It was part of Nanda, Maurya, Sunga and Magadh kingdoms. It is believed that the Great Emperor Asoka, while on his trip to conquer Ujjain, had spent one night in Ashoknagar, hence the area been named AshokNagar. After the Magadh, Sungas and Sakas of Naga dynasty ruled over it. Subsequently, after the Guptas and the Maukharias, it formed part of the empire of Harshvardhan. In 8th-9th century AD. It fell to the Pratihara Rajput dynasty.
The 7th descendent of Pratihara dynasty, Raja Kirtipal founded Chanderi city in the 10th -11th century AD. And made it his capital. After the fall of Pratihara dynasty, the Chandelas of Jejak bhukti also ruled here briefly. Chanderi kingdom was also affected by repeated invasions of Mahmood Ghaznavi in the 11th century AD.
After establishment of Delhi Sultanate, Turks, Afghans and Mughalas ruled it. During the reign of Chanderi ‘s Bundela ruler Morprahalad, Gwalior ruler Daulatrao Scindia sent his general John Baptiste to attack Chanderi. He captured Chanderi and also Isagarh and nearby areas. The last Bundela ruler of Chanderi Raja Mardan Singh made supreme sacrifice as a freedom fighter in 1857-58 AD.
About Ashoknagar
Ashoknagar is located on the northern part of Madhya Pradesh between Sindh and the Betwa rivers. It comes under the northern part of Malwa plateau, though main part of its district lies in the Bundelkhand Plateau. Geographically, the district is situated between the latitude 24.34 N and longitude 77.43 E. The eastern and western boundaries of the District are well defined by the rivers.The Betwa flows along the eastern boundary separating it from Sagar District and Lalitpur District of Uttar Pradesh.
The Sindh is the main river flowing along the western boundary. Ashoknagar was formerly known as pachhar. Ashoknagar is well known for its Grain Mandi and “Sharbati Gaihu”, a type of wheat.Ashoknagar District in Madhya Pradesh was a part of Guna district till 2003. On 15 August 2003 Ashoknagar was created as a separate district on the ground that Guna as it then stood was a too large district for administrative purpose.
The District consist Seven tehsils named Ashoknagar, Chanderi, Isagarh, Mungaoli, Nai Sarai, Piprai and Shadora. Ashok Nagar district is surrounded by the Shivpuri, Guna, Vidisha and Sagar Districts of Madhya Pradesh and touches the Uttar Pradesh Boundary. Ashoknagar is approximately 200 k.m. away from the capital of the state Bhopal. Ashok nagar is situated at the Heart of India.
Ashoknagar is situated at the average elevation of 507 metres(1640 ft) above sea level. It is in the plateau region. It has an agricultural topography. The plateau is an extension of the Deccan Traps, formed between 60 and 68 million years ago at the end of the Cretaceous period. In this region, the main classes of soil are black, brown and bhatori (stony) soil. The volcanic, clay-like soil of the region owes its black colour to the high iron content of the basalt from which it is formed.
The soil requires less irrigation because of its high capacity for moisture retention. The other two soil types are lighter and have a higher proportion of sand. The year is popularly divided into three seasons: summer, the rains, and winter. Summer extends over the months mid-March to May . The average daily temperature during the summer months is 35°C, which typically rises to around 46 °C on a few days. The rainy season starts with the first showers mid-June and extends to the middle of September. Most of the rain falls during the southwest monsoon spell, and ranges from about 100 cm in the west to about 165 cm in the east.
Ashoknagar and surrounding areas receive an average of 140 cm of rainfall a year. Winter is the longest of the three seasons, extending for about five months October to mid-March. The climate of Ashoknagar is sub-tropical. In summers, the temperature reaches 47°C, while dropping to 4°C in the winter. Rainfall is adequate and sometimes less.
Quick fact’s about Ashoknagar
- Total no of village – 962
- Pin code -473331
- Total population – 81,828
- Total Area – 57.3 km2 (22.1 sq mi)
- Official language -Hindi, Bundelkhandi
- Vehicle registration no -MP-67
Top 10 tourist places in Ashoknagar
1. Chanderi fort , Ashoknagar
Chanderi town is located in Ashoknagar District of Madhya Pradesh on the borders of Bundelkhand & Malwa, whose history takes us back to the 11th century. The town is full of historic landmarks, dating from the 11th century to the 18th century and has witnessed both good and bad times.
Chanderi is a town of historic importance right from the time of Malwa Sultans and Bundela Rajputs, who ruled the region in 15th and 16th century. Surrounded by exquisite hills, lakes, and forest, this attractive destination is incredibly famous for Chanderi saris and historic monuments that draw a large number of tourists to this place every year. Also, the great Jain monuments, famous trikal choubisi, Khandarji and their fascinating culture make Chanderi, one of the most preffered tourist destinations in Madhya Pardesh. There are many things that boost Tourism in Chanderi like Chanderi Fort, Chanderi museum, Jain temples, and exquisite lakes.
2. Anandpur Temple , Ashoknagar
Anandpur is a Village in Isagarh Tehsil in Ashoknagar District of Madhya Pradesh State, India. It is located 42 KM towards North from District head quarters Ashoknagar. 12 KM from Isagarh. 217 KM from State capital Bhopal.
Shri Anandpur is renowned world over as the main centre of devotion and spiritualism where seekers of Truth obtain spiritual knowledge and peace.
3. Tulsi Sarovar Park Ashoknagar
Tulsi Sarovar Park is a main tourist destination of Ashokanagar। Here you will find to see Tulsi Sarovar, which is spread over a very large area। It is a reservoir। You can also enjoy boating in this reservoir। It is very nice to see the sunset scene coming here in the evening। People also take a bath in Tulsi Sarovar। The island remains in the middle of this lake, with a small temple built।
The park remains near Tulsi Sarovar, called Tulsi Sarovar Park। In this park you can come for a walk। There are a lot of swings in the park, in which children can enjoy a lot and spend their time well। There is Champa Bagh here, where a lot of Champa plants are planted and the whole garden is fragrant with their aroma। There are different types of flowering plants, which look great। People with morning walks meet here in the morning and evening to see more। You can spend your good time coming here। You will enjoy it here। It is a place to visit in Ashokanagar।
4. Amhi Talab Ashoknagar
Aamhi Talab is a main tourist destination of Ashokanagar। It is a pond and this pond is spread over a very large area। When the pond is completely filled with water। Its water then flows overflow, the view of which remains very tremendous। This water flows like a waterfall and looks very beautiful। You can come here to roam। If you want to see the waterfall, you can come here only during the rainy time। The rest of the time you get to see a beautiful view of the pond। It is the best place in Ashokanagar।
5. Amhi Talab Ashoknagar
Aamhi Talab is a main tourist destination of Ashokanagar। It is a pond and this pond is spread over a very large area। When the pond is completely filled with water। Its water then flows overflow, the view of which remains very tremendous। This water flows like a waterfall and looks very beautiful। You can come here to roam। If you want to see the waterfall, you can come here only during the rainy time। The rest of the time you get to see a beautiful view of the pond। It is the best place in Ashokanagar।
6. Akhbar Dham Ashoknagar
Akhebar Dham is a beautiful place in Ashokanagar। Radha Krishna ji’s temple remains here। Radha Krishna ji is seated in the temple। It feels great to be here। This temple is built on the banks of Amhi Pond। The view of the pond is very beautiful। Apart from this, there is a lot of peace by coming here। The atmosphere around is natural। A banyan tree is also planted here। You can have a picnic here। It is a good location located near Ashokanagar।
7. Shri Anandpur Dham Ashoknagar
Shri Anandpur Dham is a major tourist destination in Ashok Nagar। It is a religious place। It is famous throughout Madhya Pradesh। People come from far away – and come here and get mixed up in the religious environment। This is the city of saints। Shri Anandpur Dham is located in Ishgarh Tahsil in Ashoka Nagar। Anandpur Dham remains in a very large area। You get a lot of space to see here।
Shri Anandpur Dham has a beautiful garden। The temple of God remains। There remains a guest house for people to live in। The food remains anchored to drink। The temple here is made up of full marble, which looks very beautiful। You can come here and do meditation। There is a positive energy feeling here and it feels great। To get into this place, the settlement from Ashokanagar keeps going। You can reach this place comfortably and come here and experience peace।
8. Bhyadant Jain Cave, Ashoknagar
Bhiyadant Dental Jain Cave is situated inside a dense forest। It is an ancient site located in Ashoka Nagar। This cave remains on the banks of the river। Here you get to see the idols of Jain and Hindu goddess gods। There are sculptures of Jain pilgrims here। Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva idol are also found here to see। You get to see the view of the hill all around। This sculpture is carved into large rocks -। The place is located in Riot Barcia in Ashokanagar। You can come here to roam।
9. Budhi Chanderi Digambar Jain Temple
Old Chanderi is an ancient site located in Ashoka Nagar। Here you get to see Jain Digambar Temple। This Digambar temple is very ancient। This Digambar Jain temple is built on stones। The stones have been carved beautifully। Apart from this, new Digambar Jain temple has also been built here। You can come here to visit and see the beauty of this place। This place is situated in the middle of the forest and by coming here you can spend your great time।
10. Bharka Falls Ashoknagar
Bharaka Falls is a beautiful site located in Ashokanagar। This waterfall remains on the Orr River। You can come here to roam around in the rainy time। This waterfall feels very beautiful during the rainy time। Water flows from the top of the rocks here, which feels very good। This waterfall is situated inside a dense forest। This waterfall remains near the village of Devalon। You can come here to roam। This is Ashokanagar’s picnic spot।
How to Reach
By Air
Ashoknagar is not well connected to other major cities of the country via regular flights. The nearest airports are Bhopal 201 Kms and Gwalior 236 Kms.
By Rail
Ashoknagar is on Kota Bina Railway track. It has direct connectivity to Bhopal, Gwalior, Ujjain, Ratlam ,Jabalpur, Katni, Bilaspur, Raipur, Kota, Jaipur, Ajmer, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Puri, Bhubneswar, Dehradoon, Ahemdabad, Dwarka, Delhi, Gorakhpur, Ayodhya, Agra, Varanasi.
By Road
Ashoknagar is connected by road to main cities like Gwalior, Bhopal, Delhi, Vidisha, Guna.
Where to Stay
PWD Guest House
Address: PWD Guest House (Qila Kothi), Near Chanderi Fort, Chanderi Madhya Pradesh Pincode: 473446
Phone:07547-253000 Email:eepwdashmp@mp.nic.in
Tana Bana Hotel Chanderi
Address: Tana Bana Hotel, Chanderi-Lalitpur Road, Near Kuku Talaiya, Chanderi Madhya Preadesh Pincode: 473446
Phone:07547-252222 Email:chanderi@mptourism.com
Dak Bangala Chanderi
Address:Dak Bangala, Near Bus Stand,Main Road, Chanderi
Pincode: 473446
Phone:07547-253000 Email:eepwdashmp@mp.nic.in
