Rewa

Rewa, in the Baghelkhand region of north-eastern Madhya Pradesh, has a history closely tied to the rise of the Baghela Rajput dynasty. From around the 13th century, Baghela rulers established their power in this hilly, forested belt, gradually forming the princely state of Rewa. The capital shifted a few times between fort towns such as Bandhavgarh and later Rewa itself, but the dynasty remained the dominant regional power for centuries, navigating between stronger neighbours in the north and Deccan in the south.

Under the Mughals, Rewa became an important ally and vassal. The court of Rewa is traditionally associated with great figures of Indian culture: it is said that the legendary musician Tansen and the warrior-general Raja Birbal both had connections with Rewa before serving at Akbar’s court. In the 18th–19th centuries, Rewa maintained its princely status under British paramountcy, its rulers recognised as maharajas while the state supplied troops and revenue.

The forests around Rewa were famous for wildlife, and in the 20th century the region gained unique fame as the home of the white tiger, first captured and bred in captivity by the Rewa royal family. After Independence, Rewa acceded to the Indian Union, later becoming a district and divisional headquarters in Madhya Pradesh, retaining its identity as the historic heart of Baghelkhand.