Maharaja Chhatrasal

• 30 Mar 2021

Why in News

The Maharaja Chhatrasal Convention Centre has been inaugurated at Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.

• The Convention Centre, named after the legendary Bundelkhand King Maharaja Chhatrasal, was built under the Swadesh Darshan scheme of the Ministry of Tourism.

Khajuraho

• It is one of the nineteen identified iconic destinations in the country.
  
  • The Ministry of Tourism has framed ‘Development of Iconic Tourist Destinations Scheme’, a Central Sector Scheme for development of nineteen identified iconic destinations in the country following a holistic approach.
• The Khajuraho Group of Monuments is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site.
  
  • The temples are famous for their nagara-style architectural symbolism and their erotic sculptures.
  • Most Khajuraho temples were built between 885 AD and 1050 AD by the Chandela dynasty.

Swadesh Darshan Scheme

• Swadesh Darshan, a Central Sector Scheme, was launched in 2014-15 for integrated development of theme based tourist circuits in the country.
  
  • Currently, there are 15 theme based circuits - Buddhist, Coastal, Desert, Eco, Heritage, Himalayan, Krishna, North-east, Ramayana, Rural, Spiritual, Sufi, Tirthankara, Tribal and Wildlife.
  • Theme-based tourist circuits are developed on the principles of high tourist value, competitiveness and sustainability in an integrated manner to enrich tourist experience and enhance employment opportunities.
• Under the scheme, the Ministry of Tourism provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to State Governments/Union Territory Administrations for infrastructure development of circuits.
• This scheme is envisioned to synergise with other schemes like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Skill India, Make in India etc. with the idea of positioning the tourism sector as a major engine for job creation, driving force for economic growth and building synergy with various sectors to enable tourism to realise its potential.

Key Points

• Brief Profile:
  
  • Birth : Born on 4^th May 1649, to Champat Rai and Lal Kunwar, into the Bundela Rajput clan.
  • Medieval Indian warrior, fought against the Mughal Empire, and established his own kingdom in Bundelkhand.
  • Descendant of Rudra Pratap Singh of Orchha.
  • Ancestors were vassals of the Mughal emperor.
  • Death: 20^th December, 1731.
• Power Struggle Against the Mughal:
  
  • He started his struggle in 1671, and first captured Naugaon region of Chhatarpur district.
  • He fought for 50 years against Mughals and captured a large part of Bundelkhand with his seat of power at Panna.
• Relation with Baji Rao I:
  
  • Baji Rao I helped Chhatrashal against the Mughals. He sent military aid against the Mughal force led by Muhammad Khan Bangash in 1728.
  • The Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao I's second wife Mastani was Chhatrasal's daughter.
  • Before his death, Chhatrasal transferred Mahoba and the surrounding area to Baji Rao I in return for his assistance against the Mughals.
• Patron of Literature :
  
  • His court housed several noted poets. His eulogies written by Kavi Bhushan, Lal Kavi, Bakhshi Hansaraj and other court poets helped him gain lasting fame.
• Religious View:
  
  • Disciple of Mahamati Prannathji.
  • Swami Prannathji also guided him in political, social, and economic matters.
  • Swami Prannathji told Chhatrasal regarding Diamond mines of Panna and thus helped him in strengthening his financial position.
• Legacy:
  
  • The Chhatarpur town and its district in Madhya Pradesh are named after Chhatrasal.
  • Maharaja Chhatrasal Museum in Madhya Pradesh and the Chhatrasal Stadium in Delhi are also named after the Maharaja Chhatrasal.

Source: PIB