Sagar

Sagar, in central Madhya Pradesh, takes its name from the large lake (sagar) around which the town first developed. The early history of the area is linked to Gond and other local chieftains who controlled the surrounding hills and forests. In the 17th–18th centuries, Sagar emerged as an important stronghold under Maratha influence, especially connected with the Bundela and Bhonsle powers who used it as a military and revenue centre in the Malwa–Bundelkhand belt.

During the early 19th century, after the defeat of the Marathas in the Third Anglo–Maratha War, Sagar came under British rule. The British turned “Saugor” into a major cantonment and administrative headquarters, forming the core of the Saugor and Nerbudda Territories, which later merged into the Central Provinces. The town’s strategic location on routes between Nagpur, Jabalpur and northern India made it a key base for governance, policing and trade.

Sagar and its surrounding region also witnessed activity during the 1857 uprising, after which British control was tightened and civic institutions gradually expanded. In the 20th century, Sagar grew as an educational hub, especially after the establishment of Sagar University (now Dr. Harisingh Gour University). Today, Sagar functions as a divisional headquarters, blending its lake-centred old town, cantonment heritage and modern educational and administrative role.