Kawardha

Kawardha is a historic town of central India, best known as the former capital of a princely state and as the gateway to one of Chhattisgarh’s most celebrated temple complexes. Set near the Maikal hill ranges and forested landscapes, the region’s early cultural memory is closely connected with Dakshin Kosala traditions and long-standing Shaiva and Shakta worship.

The most visible link to the early medieval past is the Bhoramdeo Temple complex, located a short distance from Kawardha. The main stone temple is commonly dated to 1089 CE and is part of a wider group of temples, reflecting the region’s rich temple-building phase between roughly the 7th and 12th centuries. Its sculpture and architectural style are often compared (in popular descriptions) to Khajuraho, which is why it’s sometimes called the “Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh.”

Kawardha’s political importance rose in the 18th century with the formation of Kawardha State. Standard historical summaries note that the state was founded in 1751, and Kawardha town served as its capital during the British Raj, functioning as the centre of administration, revenue collection, and local courtly life for surrounding villages. Over time, the town developed the civic character typical of princely capitals—markets, administrative quarters, and royal-era buildings (including the palace/royal residence tradition that is still associated with Kawardha).

In the modern administrative era, Kawardha became even more prominent when the district (earlier commonly referred to as “Kawardha district”) was formed. The official district portal states that the district came into existence on 6 July 1998, and later, through a state notification dated 10 March 2003, its name was changed to Kabirdham district. The same official sources explain that the name “Kabirdham” relates to the association with Kabir and the seat linked with the descendants of his disciple Dharmdas, reflecting the region’s strong Bhakti tradition.

Today, Kawardha’s history is remembered through this blend of temple heritage, princely-state legacy, and its continuing role as the headquarters town of Kabirdham in Chhattisgarh.