Bandhavgarh National Park UPSC

Bandhavgarh National Park is a renowned wildlife sanctuary located in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. The park is situated amidst the Vindhya Hills.

Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the most popular and well-known national parks in India, particularly famous for its tiger population. It is considered one of the best places in India to spot tigers in their natural habitat.

The park has a high density of tigers, making it a prime tiger conservation area. It is known for its successful tiger conservation efforts.

The national park derives its name from the ancient Bandhavgarh Fort located within its boundaries. The fort is believed to have historical and mythological significance and offers panoramic views of the surrounding forests and landscapes.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
Hills
River
Lake
Tribe
Flora
Fauna
Highest Tiger Density
White Tiger
Reintroduction of Gaur
UPSC Questions

Bandhavgarh National Park Location

Bandhavgarh National Park is located in the Umaria district of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is situated in the central part of India, specifically in the Vindhya Hills region.

The park is approximately 197 kilometers (122 miles) northeast of Jabalpur, a major city in Madhya Pradesh. The nearest town to Bandhavgarh National Park is Tala, which is around 35 kilometers (22 miles) away.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Bandhavgarh National Park is Jabalpur Airport, also known as Dumna Airport. It is located approximately 197 kilometers (122 miles) away from the park. Jabalpur Airport is well-connected to major cities in India and operates regular domestic flights.

Nearest Railway Station:

As for the nearest railway station, the Umaria railway station is the most convenient option for reaching Bandhavgarh National Park. Umaria railway station is located approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) from the park and is well-connected to major cities in India through regular train services.

Bandhavgarh National Park History

Bandhavgarh National Park has a rich history that dates back to ancient times.

1. Ancient Origins: Bandhavgarh National Park holds a significant historical heritage that traces back to ancient times. The park is located on the site of the ancient Bandhavgarh Fort, believed to have been constructed approximately 2000 years ago. This fort is associated with the Gond kings who ruled the region during that era.

2. The Hunting Reserve of the Maharajas of Rewa: During the later years, the Bandhavgarh Fort and its surrounding areas came under the control of the Maharajas of Rewa, a princely state in Central India. The fort and its vast landscapes served as a hunting reserve for the Maharajas, who would engage in recreational hunting activities in the region.

3. Bandhavgarh as a Hunting Ground: Until 1968, Bandhavgarh remained a prominent hunting spot exclusively reserved for the Maharajas of Rewa. The dense forests and abundance of wildlife attracted the royalty and British officials during the colonial period, who would partake in hunting expeditions.

4. National Park Declaration: In 1968, recognizing the ecological significance and the need to preserve the unique flora and fauna of the region, the Indian government declared the Bandhavgarh Fort and its surrounding areas as a national park.

5. Tiger Reserve Status: In 1993, Bandhavgarh National Park was given the prestigious status of a tiger reserve under the government's Project Tiger initiative. This recognition highlighted the park's importance in tiger conservation efforts. The project aimed to safeguard the habitat and promote the conservation of the endangered Bengal tigers that thrive in the region.

Bandhavgarh National Park Area

Bandhavgarh National Park covers an core area of about 105 square kilometers (40.5 square miles) and a buffer area of approximately 400 sq km. in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh, India.

The core area of the Bandhavgarh National Park is reserved for the protection of wildlife and is not accessible to visitors. The remaining area of the park is divided into various zones, where visitors can go on guided jeep safaris or elephant safaris to view the park's wildlife.

Bandhavgarh National Park Zones:

The Park has been divided into 3 major zones, namely-

Tala
Magdhi
Khitauli

Bandhavgarh National Park Hills

Bandhavgarh National Park is situated in the eastern Vindhya Hills range, and the park's terrain is characterized by a series of rugged hills and cliffs.

The highest point in the Bandhavgarh National Park is Bandhavgarh Hill, which rises to a height of 807 meters (2,648 feet) above sea level. Bandhavgarh Hill, in particular, is of great historical and cultural significance, as it is the site of the ancient Bandhavgarh Fort.

Bandhavgarh National Park River

Bandhavgarh National Park is home to several small streams. The most important stream that flows through the park are:

Johilla
Janadh
Charanganga
Damnar
Banbei
Ambanala
Andhiyari Jhiria

Note- These streams merge into the Son river. Son river is tributary of the river Ganga.

Bandhavgarh National Park Lake

Bandhavgarh National Park does not have any natural lakes within its boundaries. However, the park is home to several man-made water bodies, including several small ponds and lakes that have been created to provide additional sources of water for the park's wildlife during the dry season.

One of the most popular man-made lakes in Bandhavgarh National Park is the Mahaman Pond. It is an important source of water for the park's wildlife, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining the park's ecosystem.

Mahaman Pond is also known as the "Place of Quench the Thirst." It is a popular spot where a variety of herbivores and carnivores can be found, seeking refreshment from the pond's waters.

Bandhavgarh National Park Tribe

There are several tribal communities that live in and around Bandhavgarh National Park, including the Gond, Baiga, and Kol tribes. These tribes have lived in the region for generations and have a deep connection to the land and its wildlife.

(1) Gond Tribe:

The Gond tribe is one of the largest and most prominent tribal communities in the region surrounding Bandhavgarh National Park. The Gonds are an indigenous people who have lived in the region for generations and have a deep connection to the land and its wildlife.

(2) Baiga Tribe:

The Baiga tribe is another important indigenous community that lives in the region surrounding Bandhavgarh National Park. The Baigas are an indigenous tribe who have a deep connection to the forest and its wildlife.

(3) Kol Tribe:

The Kol tribe is a smaller community, but they have a long history of living in the region and have a deep connection to the land and its wildlife. They are skilled in agriculture and traditional crafts, and they have a rich cultural heritage that includes traditional songs and dances.

The Kol people are primarily dependent on agriculture, fishing, and hunting for their livelihood. They speak various dialects of the Dravidian language and follow their traditional customs and rituals.

Bandhavgarh National Park Flora

Which flora is found in Bandhavgarh National Park?

Bandhavgarh National Park is known for its rich and diverse flora. The park is spread over a hilly terrain and is characterized by a variety of vegetation types, ranging from moist deciduous forests to tropical dry deciduous forests.

Moist Peninsular Low-level Sal Forest
West Gangetic Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest
Northern Dry Mixed Deciduous Forest
Dry Deciduous Scrub Forest

The Bandhavgarh National Park is home to several plant species, including rare and endangered species. Some of the important plant species found in Bandhavgarh National Park include:

Sal (Shorea robusta)
Tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon)
Saja (Terminalia tomentosa)
Dhawada (Anogeissus latifolia)
Kadam (Neolamarckia cadamba)
Arjun (Terminalia arjuna)
Jamun (Syzygium cumini)
Mahua (Madhuca longifolia)
Amla (Emblica officinalis)

Bandhavgarh National Park is also home to several medicinal plants and herbs, which are used by the local indigenous communities for their traditional medicinal properties. These plants include:

Aloe Vera
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Bandhavgarh National Park Fauna (Bandhavgarh National Park Animals)

Bandhavgarh National Park is known for its rich and diverse fauna, and is home to a large number of animal species. The Bandhavgarh National Park is particularly famous for its tiger population, and is considered one of the best places in India to see tigers in the wild.

Mammals:

Tiger
Leopard
Dhole (Indian Wild Dog)
Bengal or Indian Fox
Sloth Bear
Smooth-coated Otter
Rusty Spotted Cat
Fishing Cat
Gaur
Wild Elephant
Asiatic Jackal
Striped Hyena
Wild Pigs
Nilgai
Chinkara

Birds:

Plum-headed Parakeet
Green-headed Barbet
Orange-headed Thrush
Brown-headed Barbet
Coppersmith Barbet
Common Myna
Alexandrine Parakeet
Indian Grey Hornbill
Rock Pigeon

Reptiles:

Indian Rock Pyhton
Krait
Russels' Viper
Spectacled Cobra
Common Vine Snake
Olivacious Keelback
Common Vine Snake
Striped Keelback
Monitor Lizard
Forest Lizard
Garden Lizard
Skink Throated Lizard
Fan Throated Lizard

Highest Tiger Density:

Bandhavgarh National Park has the “highest tiger density“.
One tiger is found in every 8 km area.

White Tiger:

Bandhavgarh National Park is famous for White Tigers.
Maharaja Martand Singh of Rewa captured the first white tiger (Mohan) in Bandhavgarh region in 1951.

Reintroduction of Gaur:

In Bandhavgarh National Park all gaurs had died due to disease from cattle.
Therefore the reintroduction project of Gaurs involved relocating some Gaurs from Kanha National Park to Bandhavgarh.