Deogarh 

       Deogarh, the fort of Gods, is situated at the western end of the Lalitpur range of hills and is 123 kms from Jhansi. This spot is an attractive place on the bank of Vetravati. The top view, from temple side of river Betwa is very picturesque because the river has converted itself in a shape of a brook. The river takes a deep curve to the west at this juncture and passes through the extremely picturesque country side. The water of the river is deep green here and a small island clad in rich verdure, located in the middle of the river, lends an added charm to the site. The land is full of various types of trees of botanical and natural values. The thick forest on the hill is a haunt of wild animals. Red stone and firewood are the two objects of commercial importance available in this area.

       It is of great antiquarian, epigaphical and archaeological importance. Due to its strategic location, on the main route to the Deccan, it was a constant bone of contention, and figures in the great history of the Guptas, the Gurjara-Pratiharas, and the Gondas, the Muslim rulers of Delhi, the Marathas and the British. As a result, it is of great antiquarian, epigraphical and archaeological value, today. The natural setting of the fort is dynamic, which takes the visitor by surprise.

       The fort is entered through a corbelled gateway in the outer wall. A path has been cleared through the undergrowth, and broken statuary lie scattered in the premises. Within the fort is a remarkable group of 31 Jain temples, which were the renowned Jain centres from the 8th to the 17th centuries. Within the temples, are panels depicting scenes from the Jain mythology, Tirthankara images, Manasthamba or votive pillars, Ayagpattas or votive tablets, Sarvatobhadra Pratima's or Jain images visible from all sides and Sahasrakuta's or pillars carved with a thousand Jain figures. Most important among the group are Santinath temple. Among other important structures at Deogarh are the Varah temple, rock cut cave - Siddha-ki-Gufa, Rajghati and Naharghati.

       On the basis of inscriptions found in Deogarh it is derived that the art of idol making on stone dates back to the period of 919 to 1600 AD. Some stone cutting tools of the ancient times have also been discovered.
       A special style of Gandhar facsimile can be found not only on idols of Jain Tirthankars but also on statues of men and women depicted in Deogarh. The languages used on different sculpture are Sanskrit, Prakrit or distorted Hindi.
 

WHAT TO SEE 

       Dashavatar Temple: The fine Vishnu temple at Deogarh belonging to the Gupta period, popularly known as the Dashavatar Temple is the earliest known Panchayatan temple of north India. The temple bears an inscription attributable to Govinda, Viceroy of Malwa, and the brother of the great Kumaragupta I. the terraced basement above the high temple plinth is adorned with a continuous row of sculptured panels. A highly carved doorway with Ganga -Yamuna figures lead to the sanctum or garbhagriha. Three big rathika panels set in the side walls have Vaishnava mythological scenes carved in high relief - the Gajendra moksha panel, Nara-Narayan tapasya and the Anantshayi Vishnu. The Dashavatar Temple at Deogarh is noted for being the first northern Indian temple with a shikhara or spire. Only the lower part of the shikhara remains today.

       Manastambha - Jain Temple Jain Shrines: The group of 31 Jain temples, though of a later date, are no less remarkable. The site was a Jain centre from the post-Gupta times up to the 17th century. Panels depicting scenes from Jain mythology,Tirthankara images, a Manastambha (votive pillar), Ayagpatta (votive tablet) Sarvato bhadra pratima (Jaina images visible from all sides) and Sahastrakuta (pillar carved with a thousand Jaina figures) are found here. 

SITES NEARBY

      Chanderi: Chanderi, in Madhya Pradesh, is famous for its gossamer-like saris. Here, master weavers use silk and cotton to create dazzling weaves, distinguished by beautiful borders. Usually in subtle hues, the Chanderi sarees have a sophistication hard to match. In the silk Zari sarees, influences of the Varanasi style are visible. They generally have a rich gold border and two gold bands on the pallav. The more exclusive ones have gold checks with lotus roundels all over which are known as butis.

      It also has fine examples of Rajput and Sultanate architecture. A magnificent Mughal fort dominates the skyline. Among the interesting sites are the Koshak Mahal, , an old palace said to have been commissioned by Mahmud Khilji in 1445, the Badal Mahal Gate - a victory arch, the imposing Jama Masjid, the Shahzadi ka Rouza, a building with decorative arches and the Parmeshwar Tal. Chanderi has also a number of ancient Jain temples.

      The documented history of Chanderi goes back to the early 11th century and is a kaleidoscope of movement and activity prompted by its strategic location. On the borders of Malwa and Bundelkhand, the town dominated the trade routes of Central India and was proximate to the arterial route to the ancient ports of Gujarat as well as to Malwa, Mewar, Central India and the Deccan. Consequently, Chanderi became an important military outpost, prized by rulers with power or ambition, and repeatedly experienced the might of men who moulded the destiny of Hindustan

      Barua Sagar: Barua Sagar is named after the Barua Sagar Tal, a large lake created about 260 years ago when Raja Udit Singh of Orchha built the embankment. The Barua Sagar Fort, picturesquely located at a height, commands an excellent view of the lake and surrounding landscape. The town is situated on the road to Khajuraho from Jhansi.

       Orchha: Orchha is a 16th-century city in Madhya Pradesh located on the banks of the Betwa River. The temples and palaces here are fine examples of Bundela architecture.

       Talbehat: 31 km south of Lalitpur on the Jhansi-Sagar national highway, is Talbehat. It derived its name, from Tal (Lake) and Behat (Village), in language of Gonds, the original settlers at the site. In 1618, Bharat shah, the Raja of Bar and Chanderi, built a fine fort with the famous Narasingh temple inside.

      Matatila Dam: An ideal picnic spot developed by the irrigation department, 93 kms away from Deogarh. Water sports and a garden on the lines of Vrindavan garden are the added attractions..