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History of Jabalpur

The name of the city Jabalpur is derived from mythological hindu sage “Rishi Jabali”. Rishi Jabali spent many years of his life in Jabalpur region. It is also said that, name of Jabalpur city can also be derived from Arabic word “Jabal” which means Mountain. As one can find mountains all around Jabalpur city, so this possibility cannot be ruled out.

It is said that in ancient times, Jabalpur was known as Tripuri Kingdom. Tripuri Kingdom was ruled by Hayahya rulers. In ancient epic of Mahabharata, one can find reference of Tripuri State. Later it became part of Mauryan and the Gupta Empires. In 875 AD, Kalchuri conquered the Jabalpur region and made it their capital. At the same time Gonds were also ruling adjoining areas of Jabalpur. Later Gonds increased their strength by acquiring more areas of Jabalpur and established their capital in Garha, Jabalpur. Here they made Garha fort, Madan Mahal fort etc. Upon reaching 16th century, Gond kingdom was in his golden time. During that time, Gond Kingdom was ruled by Sangram Shah, Dalpat Shah, Vir Narayan (virtually ruled by Rani Durgavati). After war with Mughal forces, gonds loosed their fame and strength and Mughals dominated the region for some time but indirectly. Later in 17th century, Marathas conquered this region and ruled for some time. In 1798 the Maratha Peshwa granted the Narmada valley region to the Bhonsle princes of Nagpur, who continued to hold the district upto 1818. Britisher occupied it in 1818 after defeating the Marathas.

History of Jabalpur

Upon beginning of 19th century, british forces widen their area of control and Jabalpur become commission headquarter of Nerbudda territories. Today’s City Cantonment was result of Britisher who developed it as a army base. During British rule, Jabalpur was spelt as Jubbulpore. In ancient buildings of British era in Jabalpur city, one can find such titles resembling history of Jabalpur. During British era, Jubbulpore became the capital of Saugor (now a days Sagar district) and Nerbudda Territories. At that time these territories become infamous for Thuggee murders. Thuggee murders were actually carried out by tribal notorious groups called Thugs who use to kill pilgrim groups, passing through this area, by strangling them to death using their turbans and other means. In order to suppress thugee in Central India, a separate Anti-thuggee department was created, led by Col. W. H. Sleeman. Sleeman was placed in Jubbulpore (Today's Jabalpur). Col. W. H. Sleeman suppressed thuggee in India. About 70 kms distance from Jabalpur, small town called Sleemanabad is on the name of such a great British officer.

He was among those British Officers in history of India, known for their social work in Indian society and liked by local citizens. Sleeman wrote many books of history of Central India, rulers of Central India etc. In year 1861, Saugor and Nerbudda territories became part of Central Provinces.

By the beginning of 20th century, Tripuri Congress session was held in 1939, presided by freedom fighter Subhash Chandra Bose. During freedom struggle, Jabalpur was visited by many freedom fighter leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Lokmanya Tilak etc. After attaining independence in 1947, Central Provinces and Berar became the Madhya Pradesh, state of Independent India. In Jabalpur cantonment, army signal’s training center was established, vehicle factory was also established along with Gun Carriage factory. At the same time, Jabalpur was also developed in direction of Tourism center of Central India as famous tourist destinations of Madhya Pradesh were all around Jabalpur city.

On outside the building of Rani Durgawati museum, large number of statues are kept in open with related information. They are good for photography as they are rare and also a great peace of stone carving art of India. There is a nice statue of wild boar just in front of entrance gate of building, which was best of photography as it was so finely carved and made that every passing by visitor stops here to praise to beauty of artist and art.

At the end of the visit, one can have a chance to buy some informative books on Madhya Pradesh tourism, tourism destinations of Madhya Pradesh, art & culture of Madhya Pradesh and other information at government’s fixed price. Before leaving the building, please do not forget to express your valuable views & experience by filling the visitor’s book at the counter.