Maharaja Chhatrasal

The Maharaja Chhatrasal Convention Centre has been inaugurated at Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.
The Convention Centre, named after the legendary Bundelkhand King Maharaja Chhatrasal, was built under the Swadesh Darshan scheme of the Ministry of Tourism.
Khajuraho
It is one of the nineteen identified iconic destinations in the country.
The Ministry of Tourism has framed ‘Development of Iconic Tourist Destinations Scheme’, a Central Sector Scheme for development of nineteen identified iconic destinations in the country following a holistic approach.
The Khajuraho Group of Monuments is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site.
The temples are famous for their nagara-style architectural symbolism and their erotic sculptures.
Most Khajuraho temples were built between 885 AD and 1050 AD by the Chandela dynasty.

Swadesh Darshan Scheme

Swadesh Darshan, a Central Sector Scheme, was launched in 2014-15 for integrated development of theme based tourist circuits in the country.
Currently, there are 15 theme based circuits – Buddhist, Coastal, Desert, Eco, Heritage, Himalayan, Krishna, North-east, Ramayana, Rural, Spiritual, Sufi, Tirthankara, Tribal and Wildlife.
Theme-based tourist circuits are developed on the principles of high tourist value, competitiveness and sustainability in an integrated manner to enrich tourist experience and enhance employment opportunities.
Under the scheme, the Ministry of Tourism provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to State Governments/Union Territory Administrations for infrastructure development of circuits.
This scheme is envisioned to synergise with other schemes like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Skill India, Make in India etc. with the idea of positioning the tourism sector as a major engine for job creation, driving force for economic growth and building synergy with various sectors to enable tourism to realise its potential.

Brief Profile:

Born on 4th May 1649, to Champat Rai and Lal Kunwar, into the Bundela Rajput clan.
Medieval Indian warrior, fought against the Mughal Empire, and established his own kingdom in Bundelkhand.
Descendant of Rudra Pratap Singh of Orchha.
Ancestors were vassals of the Mughal emperor.
Death: 20th December, 1731.

Power Struggle Against the Mughal:

He started his struggle in 1671, and first captured Naugaon region of Chhatarpur district.
He fought for 50 years against Mughals and captured a large part of Bundelkhand with his seat of power at Panna.
Baji Rao I helped Chhatrashal against the Mughals. He sent military aid against the Mughal force led by Muhammad Khan Bangash in 1728.
The Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao I’s second wife Mastani was Chhatrasal’s daughter.
Before his death, Chhatrasal transferred Mahoba and the surrounding area to Baji Rao I in return for his assistance against the Mughals.
His court housed several noted poets. His eulogies written by Kavi Bhushan, Lal Kavi, Bakhshi Hansaraj and other court poets helped him gain lasting fame.
Disciple of Mahamati Prannathji.
Swami Prannathji also guided him in political, social, and economic matters.
Swami Prannathji told Chhatrasal regarding Diamond mines of Panna and thus helped him in strengthening his financial position.
The Chhatarpur town and its district in Madhya Pradesh are named after Chhatrasal.
Maharaja Chhatrasal Museum in Madhya Pradesh and the Chhatrasal Stadium in Delhi are also named after the Maharaja Chhatrasal.