Published Paper Details:

The Chanderi Hill Fort of Central India was built by Hindu Pratihar King Kirti Pal in 11th Century AD. It is also known as Kirti Fort in his name. The present Chanderi Township of Ashok Nagar district, M.P. was the capital of his reign. Earlier to Vedic period, the Chanderi region was ruled by King Shishupal, mentioned in Hindu Epic Mahabharata. It had been located strategically on the border of Malwa and Bundelkhand and connected Ancient Trade Route (ATR) from Central India to sea ports of Gujarat via. Malwa, Mewar, Deccan. The aim of study is multidisciplinary to elaborate the scientific interpretation of physical domain, terrain and landscape characteristics, correlation with the Histo-Archaeological, Architectural features of Hindu Arts and Cultural Heritages of Chanderi region and its tourism prospects. Under methodology, the Satellite Remote Sensing Imagery Data (2020-2021) have been utilized for demarcation of natural features and manmade physical structures, geomorphic, geologic units, settlement etc. and correlated with existing literatures records of the region. The study indicates that the Medieval Urban Settlement layout Plan of Chanderi Township evolved Ancient Hindu Vastushastra representing Vashtu Purusha Mandla with main axis orientation in stone walled fortified Ander Shahar (Inner Township). The Architectural Characteristics reveals the artistic carvings and decoration on Facades, Palaces, Havelis, Religeous Hindu Temples, Monuments shows mature Architectural style and Cultural Heritages of Medieval Rajputana period. The monuments including Kirti Fort, Havelis, Palace Badal Mahal, Gateways Mata Jageshwari Temple, religious places, Caves, reservoir of Rajghat dam etc. are major attractions for tourist and pilgrimages. Some effective protective measures are required under caretaking of professional environmentalist, archeologist, architects, historians with the help of NGO’s and public- participation of Chanderi Community. It will rise the Tourism Prospects of ancient cultural, religious heritage and Traditional Silk Trade Centre of Malwa region.