Rewa is a city in the north-eastern part of Madhya Pradesh state in India. It is the administrative center of Rewa District and Rewa Division. The city lies about 420 kilometres (261 mi)[4] northeast of the state capital Bhopal and 230 kilometres (143 mi) north of the city of Jabalpur. The maximum length of Rewa district is 125 km from east to west and the length of Rewa from north to south is 96 km. This area is surrounded by Kaimur hills to the south [5] Vindhyachal ranges pass through the middle of the district.
Delhi Durbar of 1903, held to commemorate the coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra as Emperor and Empress of India: Elephant Carriage of the Maharaja of Rewa at the Retainers' Review, 7 January 1903
The district of Rewa derives its name from the town of Rewa, the district headquarters, which is another name for the Narmada River.[7]
Present day Rewa was part of the Baghelkhand region which expanded from the present day Prayagraj in the North to Ratanpur in the South, Jabalpur in the West to Surajpur in the East.
Baghel Dynasty
Baghel Dynasty was founded by Bhimaldev (son of Vyaghradev, the chieftain of Vyaghrapalli) in 1236 CE.[8][unreliable source?] Baghelas are basically Chalukyans of Anhilwara (Gujarat).
The region was earlier governed by Lodhi and Sengar chieftains of Rajgond Dynasty. Lodhi's Diwan Tiwari conspired with Baghelas and assisted in foundation of Baghela Rule in the Gahora Patti region. In return of this favour, Baghelas granted title of "Singh Tiwari" or "Adhrajiya Tiwari" to the Diwan Tiwari.
Raja Ramchandra shifted capital to Bandhavgarh, and later Raja Vikramjit Singh shifted capital to Rewa in 1605 CE.
Bandhavgarh Fort was sieged by Mughals. Tansen and Birbal (Mahesh Das) were in court of Ramchandra Singh Baghel.
Raghuraj Singh Baghel built Govindgarh Fort, which lies in between Govindgarh lake. Govindgarh is famous for its exquisite varieties of mangoes.
Raja Gulab Singh was called "social reformer King" of Rewa.[9] Raja Martand Singh was the last Baghela Ruler. Later, the state joined the Union of India, after independence.
Revolt of 1857
In the context of the 1857 Indian Rebellion, the princely state of Rewa played a significant role, but a controversial one. Thakur Ranmat Singh, a notable leader from Mankhari village in Satna district, emerged as a key figure in the uprising within the region. Holding the rank of Sardar in the Maharaja of Rewa's service, Thakur Ranmat Singh became increasingly discontented with British interference, particularly by the Resident Political Agent, Willoughby Osborne.[10]
Inspired by the rebellion's broader momentum, Ranmat Singh led a formidable group of 2,000 rebels, besieging Osborne's bungalow. Although Osborne escaped, the rebels continued their struggle, engaging in multiple battles across areas like Nagod, Bhilsain, Chitrakoot, Nowgong, and Keoti. These activities made Thakur Ranmat Singh a significant threat to British control in the area [11][12]
However, the Maharaja of Rewa, under British pressure, eventually turned against Ranmat Singh. Despite initial sympathies for his cause, the Maharaja facilitated Ranmat Singh's capture. Thakur Ranmat Singh was arrested, charged with the murder of Europeans, and hanged in August 1860.[13][14][15]
This betrayal by the Rewa state highlights the complexities and internal conflicts during the 1857 Rebellion, where loyalty and resistance often intertwined in the fight against colonial rule.
Demographics
As of 2011, Rewa had a population of about 2,35,654 out of which 1,24,012 are males and 1,11,642 are females. Rewa has an average literacy rate of 86.31%, male literacy is 91.67%, and female literacy is 80.40%. In Rewa, 10.76% of the population is under 6 years old.
[16]
Rewa is a Municipal Corporation city in district of Rewa, Madhya Pradesh. The Rewa city is divided into 45 wards for which elections are held every 5 years.
Rewa Municipal Corporation has total administration over 45,275 houses to which it supplies basic amenities like water and sewerage. It is also authorize to build roads within Municipal Corporation limits and impose taxes on properties coming under its jurisdiction.[21]
Culture/Cityscape
Rewa Fort
It is the main tourist attractions in Rewa.Behind it there are two rivers which provide the scenic beauty to the fort. Rewa Fort is the main hub of the city of Rewa, where the Rajpariwar of Rewa resides, the garden, art gallery and many historical buildings can be seen in this fort.[22]
Govindgarh, the summer capital of Mahraja Rewa, is about 18 km from Rewa in Madhya Pradesh, India. The palace complex contained many buildings and temples, and at one time housed Mohan, the first white tiger found in India. The palace remained in use for almost a century, with a museum later established in the building.[23]
it is one of the unique regions where the white tiger was originally found. The main attraction at the zoo is the World's First White Tiger Safari in which visitors can see white tigers.
[24]
Note:- There is a White Tiger Safari in Mukundpur which first opened on April 3, 2016.
Economy
A limestone belt runs through the Rewa, attracting plants like the Jaypee Rewa Cement Plant and Altratech Cement.[25]
Bansagar Dam provides sufficient amount of water for irrigation, due to which progress has been seen in the field of agriculture. The main crops are rice, wheat, and pulses.[26]
The district exports fiber-optic cable, electrical parts, food, and manufactured goods.[27]
The district is also a popular tourism destination.[28]
Education institutions
There are many universities, colleges and institutes available in the field of education in Rewa, the major ones are :
Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism
Rewa Airport is a domestic airport which serves the city of rewa. It is located at Chorhata, 11 km (6.8 mi) away from city centre. It became operational after inauguration by Prime minister Narendra Modi on 20 October 2024.[29] The airport is well connected by flights to Bhopal and Khajuraho operated by FlyBig.[30] Under PM Paryatan Vayu Seva a 6-seater flight connects Rewa with Jabalpur, Bhopal and Singrauli runs twice a week.[31][32]
