Damoh District

Damoh District is an administrative district of Madhya Pradesh. Damoh is the district headquarters. This district is located at 23 degree 9 minutes north latitude and 79 degree 3 minutes east longitude. Total area occupied by Damoh District is 7,306 sq kilometres. In Damoh District, there are 1229 villages.

In Damoh district, the Stone Age tools are found in Singrampur Valley. These are the testimony to the fact that Damoh District was the cradle of human civilization and habitat since millions of years. History also shows that it was part of Gupta Empire of Pataliputra. Damoh District was also a part of Chedi Empire ruled by the kings of Kalachuris from capital Tripuri. The magnificent temple at Nohta is a living example of the glory of Kalachuris in the region. Historical evidences also prove that some regions of the district were under the rulers of Chandella dynasty of the Jejak -Bhukti. In medieval times (8th to 18th century), the Muslim rulers also invaded the region. Later on, the Sultan of Malwa annexed the region in to his fold. In the last quarter of the 15th century, Sangram Shah of the Gond dynasty annexed the region into its dynamic and mighty empire consisting of 52 forts. It was the era of peace and prosperity for the region. Bundelas also entered into the region for a brief span after which the Maratha Empire took over the reigns in 1732 ruled up till the British East India Government annexed the Marathas kingdom after the death of Peshwa in 1888. Further, in the freedom struggle of the country, Damoh District had played a major role.

According to the population Census in 2011, Damoh District had a population of 1,263,703. Out of which the male and female were 660,478 and 603,225 respectively. The population of Damoh District constituted 1.74 percent of total population of Madhya Pradesh.

The average literacy rate of Damoh was 70.92 percent. The male and female literacy rate was 80.96 and 59.90 respectively. The total literates in Damoh District were 763,448. Damoh District has proper education facilities. There are around 1424 Government Primary Schools, 520 Government Middle Schools and 44 Government High Schools. There are nearly 32 Government Higher Secondary Schools in Damoh District. Further, there are several, government degree colleges in the region.

Damoh is built up of much historical importance. Nohata is one such town situated at a distance of 21 km from Damoh. Nohata is situated on the banks of the River Gauraya and was capital of the Chandela Rajputs. A cluster of temples are found in Nohata. Kundalpur is a renowned place for Jain Temples. Situated 32 km from Damoh, there are numerous Jain temples in Kundalpur. Since the Damoh district was ruled by several dynasties at different times, the place consists of numerous temples and architectures that are built by different rulers. Some of them are discussed below:

• Jatashankar Temple: Jatashankar Temple is located on the outskirts of Damoh. The temple houses a beautiful shrine of Lord Shiva. A famous Jatashankar fair is also organized in the city in the month of January. Locals enjoy this fair with great joy and enthusiasm. Besides being a religious place, this Jatashankar temple also offers with the scenic and picturesque beauty of nature.

• Nohleshwar Temple: The Nohleshwar Temple is about 1km away from Nohata Village. Lord Shiva is also known as "Nohleshwar". It was built around 950-1000AD. According to some local people, the credit of building this temple goes to the queen of Kalchuri King, Avni Varma of Chalukya Dynasty. This Shiva temple of Nohata represents the architecture of Kalchuri style of temples of the 10th Century. It was built on a high platform.

• Kundalpur: Kundalpur is a sacred place in Jain religion. It is located near Damoh surrounded with scenic natural beauty. It is also known as Kundalgiri Siddha Kshetra. It is known for the Jain God Bade Baba Adinath Ji whose statue is shown in sitting posture. It is a 15 feet high statue of Baba Adinath. At present there are about 64 temples in Kundalpur. Among them, 42 are located on hill and 22 on foot hills. Whole area is located on a peaceful place surrounded by trees. There is also one pond at site called "Vardhaman Sagar" having one Jain temple at middle of pond named as "Jal Mandir".

Tourism in Damoh District offers the travellers to choose the several exploring options including historical and popular pilgrimage sites. The archaeological sites of Damoh District are worth visiting as they reflect the rich history associated with the region. Moreover, several temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva. These are known for their distinct architecture. Some of the major tourist sites of Damoh District are mentioned below.

Jatashankar Temple: This temple is situated on the periphery of Damoh city. Jatashankar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a popular pilgrimage centre. Large number of devotees visits this temple every year. This temple has valuable archaeological importance.

Nohleshwar Temple at Nohta: This Shiva Temple is about 1 km away from Nohta village. Lord Shiva is also known as `Mahadev` and `Nohleshwar`. It was built around 950 -1000 AD. According to some local people, the credit of building this temple goes to the queen of Kalachuri King Avni Varma of Chalukya dynasty. This Shiva temple of Nohta represents the architecture of Kalachuri style of temples of the 10th Century. It was built on a high platform. Its parts are "Panch rath" (Five Chariots), `Garbhagriha`, `Amtral`, `Mandap` and `Mukh Mandap`.

Fort of Singaurgarh: Fort of Singaurgarh is about 6 kilometres away from Sigrampur the ruins of a fort of great historical importance can be found. There was civilisation here in older times. King Vane Basore had built a big and strong fort and the Gaund Kings ruled over here for a long time. At the end of the 15th century, Gaund king Dalpati Shah and his queen Durgawati lived here. There is also a lake here, which is full of lotus flowers. This is an ideal picnic spot.

Nidan Kund: Nidan Kund is located near Bhainsa village. This stream between the high black rocks flows down from more than 100 feets height. During the months of July and August there is much water in the stream so the sight of this fall from the front is breath taking. It becomes a perfect picnic spot in September and October as water in the stream is much less. There are steps like formation on the black rocks against the flow of the stream so it makes a beautiful sight when the water flows down over these rocks.

Nazara: Nazara is 3 kilometres from Bhainsa village towards Kalumar.. This place has been developed as a platform on the top of the mountain giving a breath taking overview of the Rani Durgawati Abhyaran. The beautiful sight of the thick forest can be enjoyed from here. Wild animals are also spotted roaming around in the forest.

Sad-Bhawna Shikhar: Sad-Bhawna Shikhar is the highest point of the Vindhyachal hills. This peak is 2467 feet high from the sea level. Damoh District attracts travellers from all parts of the country with its various places of interest.