Image source: Harsh Singh
Overview and History
Jabalpur is a historic and beautiful city that is located in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. The history of the state dates from the Paleolithic era, when rock paintings were found in the area. In ancient times, Jabalpur was known as Tripuri, the capital of the powerful Hayahaya dynasty. But in Hindu mythology, there is an interesting story that Tripuri was founded by a demon named Tripurasaur, who was later defeated by Shiva in a battle. The city’s name is mentioned in the two most revered ancient Indian epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. An Ashokan relic dating to 300 BCE confirms the presence of the Mauryan empire. After the Mauryan empire, the region came under the rule of the Satavahana dynasty. During the Gupte empire (320–500), the region became a vassal state under the rule of the Bodhis and the Senas.
The Kalachuri dynasty ruled the area from Karanbel. Their art and architecture can still be seen today. The temples built at that time are an important part of Jabalpur’s history and heritage.
During the medieval period, Jabalpur came under the rule of Mughal Emperor Akbar and was an important center of trade and commerce. During this time, many important structures were built, like the Jahangir Mahal, which was built by the Mughal emperor Jahangir.
The city played an important role during the Maratha Empire, when they used the city as a base for their operations. In the 19th century, the British defeated the Marathas and made Nerbudda Territory their base. They constructed many buildings, of which Jabalpur Cantonment is the prime example. Jabalpur was an important trade center during their time.
In the 1857 revolt, the region became a focal point of resistance against British rule. Many local leaders and soldiers joined the rebellion, making the place an important base.
In 1947, when India gained independence, Jabalpur became part of the newly formed state of Madhya Pradesh.
Places to Visit in Jabalpur
There are many famous temples that you can include in your Jabalpur trip. It includes Chausath Yogini Temple, Bhedaghat, Marble Rock, and Dhuandhar Falls. Especially the marble rocks are worth watching. The majestic marble formation is over 100 feet tall and stretches for nearly 2 miles on the bank of the Narmada River. Bhedghat is another popular destination with towering cliffs and beautiful waterfalls.
If you are looking for the ancient history of India, then you can visit the 10th-century temple dedicated to the goddess Durga. It’s one of the oldest surviving temples in India. Finally, the balancing rock is a unique rock formation that appears to be balancing on a small base.
How to Reach Jabalpur
By Car:
Jabalpur is located on National Highway 7, which connects Varanasi to Kanyakumari. It is also connected to the nearby cities of Nagpur, Bhopal, and Raipur via State Highways. The distance from Nagpur to Jabalpur is around 250 km, from Bhopal to Jabalpur is around 330 km, and from Raipur to Jabalpur is around 310 km. One can easily hire a taxi or self-drive car to reach Jabalpur from these cities.
By Train:
Jabalpur is a major railway station in Madhya Pradesh and is well-connected to major cities across the country. There are several trains that operate to and from Jabalpur on a daily basis. Some of the popular trains include the Mahakaushal Express, Chhattisgarh Express, and Sanghamitra Express. There are also several local trains that operate within the city and connect different parts of Jabalpur.
By Air:
Jabalpur Airport, also known as Dumna Airport, is located around 20 km from the city center. The airport is well-connected to major cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, through regular flights operated by major airlines such as Air India and SpiceJet. From the airport, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the city center.