Shivpuri

Shivpuri is a district of Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Shivpuri is very ancient town and a sacred place. It is named for the God Shiva. It is steeped in the royal legacy of its past, when it was the summer capital of the Scindia rulers of Gwalior. Earlier to that, Shivpuri's dense forests were the hunting grounds of the Mughal emperors. Emperor Akbar captured herds of elephants for his stables while returning from Mandu in year 1564. The thick forrests are still there and continue to be a source of forrest-produces of domestic and industrial use Shivpuri was awarded as Jagir to the Kachwahas of Narwar in the 17th century. It came under the rule of the Scindias in 1804, who granted it to one of their Maratha generals by name Ingle. Later, it was transferred to the HEIC in 1817 under a treaty, but the Scindias regained it in 1818. It was the summer capital of Gwalior State and government offices were shifted here in summer months.Tantya Tope was awarded death sentence on April 17, 1859 by British Raj for his part in the Revolt of 1857 in nearby Jhansi. He was hanged to death in Shivpuri, at a site near the present collectorate.

Shivpuri is also known for Marble-Chatri’s of Scindia’a, fort in Narwar/Narbar, Madhav National Park (spread over an area of 157.58 Sq. Kms ). Madhav is well known for the migratory waterfowl, which arrive from the North (mainly Siberia) to winter on and around the lakes. Dr. Salim Ali, world-famous ornithologist, has suggested that the lake (Sakhya Sagar and Madhav Sagar, created on Manier river in 1918) be developed as a bird sanctuary and steps are now being taken to ensure that this is carried out. Bird life on the lake features many geese and ducks-whilst around the shores may be found several species of herons as well as storks and cranes. Taking the Lake view road, as described in circuit 3 may best see these Bird life in the Karera Bird Sannctuary is also plentiful, with many of the species typical of the habitat.Karera is about 60 km. from Shivpuri and is popular for temporary stay of migratory avian guests. A particularly good area for bird viewing is where the track crosses the wide, rocky stream, which flows, from the Waste Weir.