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Mahoba
is associated with the Chandella kings who ruled over Bundelkhand
between the 9th and the 12th centuries. Mahoba derives its name
from ' Mahotsava') which means great celebration performed by its
founder Chandravarman, around 800 AD. In the next century, Mahoba
became the Chandella capital in preference over Khajuraho.
This one-time capital is now a small town with a population of 56,000. The town
comprises three distinct areas-the old fort lying to the north of a low granite
hill) the inner fort on top of the hill) and Dariba or the betel market on the
south. Apart from several picturesque lakes) there are also many places of historical
and archaeological interest.
The most notable feature of Mahoba is its several lakes or tanks) all of "which
were created by the Chandellas. The Disrapur Sagar is large) though partially
silted. The Rahila Sagar was built by Rahila who ruled between 890 and 910 AD.
It is the oldest tank near Mahoba and along with Suraj Kund, is the venue of
the Kartiki Fair held in October. At the west of Rahila Sagar is a 9th'century
granite Sun Temple. A large sandstone image ofSurya, the Sun god, was found by
the Surya Kund. Vijay Sagar, an immense lake of considerable beauty was built
by Vijayvarman (1035-1060 AD).
Its deep waters are ideal for swimming and water sports. This lake has been converted
into the Vijay Sagar Bird Sanctuary. The Kirat Sagar has fine ghats with granite
embankments. Bundelkhand's famous Kajli Mela is held here in August. A hill of
red earth provides apicturesque backdrop to the lake. 'On top of the hill are
the tombs of farmers who were held in high esteem by Alha and Udal, the revered
local heroes who gave their lives fighting Prithviraj Chauhan in 1182 AD. A roofless
granite structure, known as Alha's Baithak is by this lake.
The Madan Sagar, built by Madanvarman (1129-1162 AD) is particularly beautiful
for it has rocky islets containing some ruins. The famous granite Shiva temple,
called Kakuamath, s located here. TheKakramath Temple is in the same style as
the Khajuraho temples. On the nearby island ofMajhari are the ruins of a Vishnu
temple.
The old Chandella fort, known as Qila Mismar is on the northern embankment of
the lake. Within the fort are the ruins of Parmal's palace, the celebrated Maniy
a Devi Temple, a massive granite pillar known as Deewat or Alha'ki' Gilli and
the shrine of Pir Mubarak Shah, a Muslim saint from Arabia who settled in Mahoba
in 1252 AD. On the southeastern part of Gokhar Hill are 24 rock-hewn images of
Jain tirthankaras, with in-scriptions dated 1149 AD. The Gokhar Hill, named after
Guru Gorakhnath, has dramatic granite rock formations with caves and waterfalls.
This spot is ideal for picnics and rock climbing. The Kalyan Sagar, associated
with funeral ceremonies, is the site for several sati memorials. Other places
of interest at Mahoha include the Alha Udal Chowk, Bari'ChandrikaDevi Temple,
Ram Kund, Suraj Kund and Siva Temple at Katheswar.
Mahoha is famous for its granite, but more so for its fine betel leaf (paan).
This is cultivated here in the traditional manner using natural weatherproof
shelters called bare] as. While the town is now a centre of trade for betel leaf
and stone, it bears remnants of its glorious past and still honours its legendary
heroes, Alha and Udal whose statues are a central landmark.
General Information :
Area : 8.1 sq. km, Population : 56000 (1991 census) Season : September-February Clothing (Summer) : Cottons (Winter) : Woollens Language : Hindi, English, Bundeli Festivals : Sawan Kajali Mela Local Transport : Cars/Jeep/Auto-rickshaw/Cycle-
rikshaw/Tonga STD Code : 051987
ROAD
Mahoba is connected by road with all major cities. State Highway No. 44 also
passes through Mahoba. Some major road distances are: Chitrakoot-127 km, Kanpur-150km,
Jhansi-147 km, Allahabad-241 km and Lucknow-227 km.
sculptures found at the site. Other places of interest within the fort include
the Neelkantha Temple, Sita Se], Fatal Ganga) Pandu Kund, Kotl Tirth and Bhairon
ki ]haria.
