Khajuraho, Unravelling The Sensuous To The Sublime

 My interpretation of Khajuraho in brush and paint 

Location of Khajuraho

THE SENSUOUS TO THE SUBLIME

Khajuraho, possibly a derivation from Khajurvahak (bearer of the date palm - Khajur (date palm) vahak (bearer) is a small town in North Madhya Pradesh. It was built around 950 AD by the powerful Chandela rulers of Bundelkhand, the descendants of the Moon as legends speak. The story of Khajuraho is well presented in the evening light and sound shows held in the western temple complex. As the legend goes, the Casanova Moon God Chandra, lost his heart to the beautiful Hemavati, the daughter of a high priest of Benaras. One day when Hemavati was bathing in a river, enamored Chandra, unable to resist her exquisiteness, descended from the sky, disguised as a handsome prince, and seduced her. After a night of passionate love, Moon left with a promise to her, that she would bear their son, who would grow up to become one of the most powerful kings of his times and establish a dynasty of equally powerful kings. As blessed, Hemavati bore Chandra's son Chandravarman who became the founder of the Chandela dynasty. Khajuraho was their first capital before shifting to Mahoba. It is said that the temples were built by Chadravarman to atone for his illegitimacy. While that's the more romantic legend, the historically documented version suggests Nannuk, a chieftain of a small Chandel clan as the founder of the Chandela dynasty. Probably the legend was later created to give a more divine lineage to the Chandelas thus legitimizing their Chandravanshi  (lunar lineage) status.

Parvati Temple and Chitragupta temple can be seen at the back (western group)

After the fall of the Chandela dynasty, this temple town, originally with 85 temples disappeared in isolation in the dense, tiger forests of MP, thus surviving the destruction and desecrations by the many Islamic invasions in the next 100 years. It was accidentally discovered in 1838 by British engineer T S Burt and General Alexander Cunnigham of the East India Company when their palanquin bearer led them to a hidden temple ground. The find brought into light 25 of the best-preserved medieval architectural marvels of India and a seductive Kamasutra legend.

Chitragupta Temple, as seen from the Jagadamba Temple (western group)

Today Khajuraho is synonymous with the art of Kamasutra (treatise on love). Ironically, Vatsayan's work on the subject written in the 3rd century had no particular relation with Khajuraho. How and when this association became an identity is difficult to trace. But of course, marketing tourism works wonders. Eroticism definitely has its way of titillating audiences and inviting them to the remotest of places. Nevertheless, the allure is unmistakable.

Erotic art in Khajuraho temples

The sculptures showcase carnal expressions of every possible nature. The voluptuous, graceful figurines etched to the finest details exude captivating sensuality. One definitely cannot ignore the erotic splendor. As ribald as it may sound, the panels depict explicit orgies, elaborate coitus, masturbation, homosexuality, and even bestiality. However, it is interesting to note, that though iconic for its erotic art, eroticism actually covers a very small part of the Khajuraho temples. And if one really dives deeper into the philosophy, this eroticism begins to appear more mystical and symbolic.

A curious question often arises, Why were these sculptures sculpted in temple precincts, especially in India where sex is considered extremely private and public expression of anything even remotely related is a taboo. There are various theories to answer this query. For that, we might need to travel back to the times when these temples were built and dig a little deeper into Hindu philosophy.

HINDU PHILOSOPHY

Core Hindu philosophy says, that every Purush (human/soul) born must work towards attaining good karma (action) through the four purusharthas (purpose of a human)/goals: Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth), Kama (pleasure) and Moksha (liberation). Thus, asserting kama is an essential aspect of human life. Only when in conflict, dharma must take precedence. Hinduism was more liberal and more scientific in its original principles than it is today under the influence of the political play of the so-called religion pandits. it's interesting again to note that in the 10th century, even homosexuality was more in acceptance than it is today.

Maslow's hierarchy of needs

In fact, if you really look at Maslow's hierarchy of needs, the most fundamental levels of needs are at the bottom and the need for self-actualization is at the top which precisely is the temple concept. Every religious philosophy originates from scientific roots. Self-actualization is nothing but the ultimate step to attaining moksha or nirvana, the absolute liberation of the soul, which is the key to reaching god. I believe finding oneself is reaching god. 'Aham brahmasmi',  I am God, an ancient Hindu philosophy that suggests that God resides within us.

Thus, the eroticism depicted is only a part of the various actions of a human being in a lifetime, like hunting, artistry, fighting, and worshipping, which fulfills the four purusharthas, kama inclusive. The men depicted in the sculptures are supposed, the everyday man, the priests, and the royalties. The women are supposedly the everyday women, apsaras, sura sundaris, courtesans, devadasis, yoginis, and court dancers. In ancient times, Indian men and women draped in various forms of saree or long cloth had long hair and were heavily bejeweled. The sculptures depict what they wore and dressed like in those times. The drapes are vividly detailed, and every fold and every crease is defined meticulously to demonstrate the remarkable finesse of the sculptors and artisans.

It is said that tantra was on the rise during ancient times (it is prevalent even today but in secrecy and has occult connotations - the Aghori sadhus and tantric practitioners are supposed to perform these spine-chilling rituals). The Chandelas like many others were also assumed to be great patrons of the tantric cult (as told by local guides). Tantric rituals were performed not only for personal liberation but also to augment the power of the kingdom. There were special yoginis and priests who performed these tantric rituals and maithuna (sacred sexual union) was a predominant part of these rituals. Tantric philosophy suggests that sexual energy can be channeled to transcend into spiritual liberation or unification with Shiva or the supreme force. The kundalini concept another aspect of tantric philosophy suggests a human has 7 chakras (energy points) and there is a coiled serpent in the lowest point of the spine called kundalini (the driving force). To attain moksha or to experience the ultimate mystical, spiritual bliss, this serpent must be awakened through the release of the latent energies in the 7 chakras, which is possible through various rituals, yoga, meditation, or maithuna. (I am not well versed with tantric or kundalini philosophies, so there might be errors in my understanding, and will therefore avoid delving into this subject in greater detail)

The Chausat 64 yogini temple was supposedly the abode of these temple yoginis. A particular sculpture has often been talked about and mentioned by the local guides, a woman undressing her transparent drape to ward off a scorpion climbing her left leg. Presumably, the woman is a yogini and the bearer of scorpions. Scorpions have from times immemorial symbolized human sexuality in various ancient cultures and have been reared by seductive yoginis for tantric purposes. This particular mythology suggests a second theory for the name Khajuraho. A scorpion was called Kharjura and Kharjura vahak is a scorpion bearer.

Why that level of eroticism?

I think every human at some point has fantasized the wildest. The idea is to release that extreme form of latent energy associated with craving and desire and then be completely devoid of the want for more. The goal is to arrive at that saturated state, the extreme peak. Once that state is attained, one is ready to move to the next level, where one is more in control of self. As depicted by the inner chambers of the temples the sculptures are more austere, pure, calm, depicted as singular entities, and free from any worldly expressions. A person who finds peace in this nothingness is then eligible to move to the innermost sanctum, the garbhagriha, which has stark walls, no openings (except the entrance door), and the idol. It is that absolute point where one is alone with self or god or the idol, the manifestation of God.

Therefore the concept of a temple is more a process of reaching moksha or unification with the supreme power leaving behind the worldly desires in steps, the basest to the supreme - the sensuous to the sublime.

Gods and Goddesses, sculpted on the western group of temples. Lord Ganesha (top) and Goddess Lakshmi (bottom) can be seen on the right

The temples are built of pink river sandstone with intricate and detailed carvings. It is said it took 25 years to complete each temple. It is one of the few historical sites where Jain and Hindu architecture makes a perfect blend and undeniably, one of the best. Erotic art or not, one can simply admire the skilled craftsmanship and the elaborate grandeur of these monumental edifices.

Jain and Hindu Architecture complement each other. Shantinath Temple on the left, Parshavnath Temple on the right, and a part of Adinath Temple seen behind Parshavnath Temple (eastern group)

Part of Matangeshwar Temple can be seen on the far left and Lakshmana Temple  (western group)

Apart from the temples, Khajuraho is also famous for the Dance festival held every year around Feb/March. With the backdrop of these magnificent temples, the festival is beyond doubt spectacular. A must-visit if you are an ardent fan of Indian classical dance and music.

LOCATION

Country: India

State: Madhya Pradesh

HOW TO REACH

Khajuraho has an airport, railway station, and bus service. There is a 6-day-a-week (off on Wednesdays) direct train from New Delhi as well, which runs from Hazrat Nizamuddin station. Reaching the train that November was quite a Dilwale Dulhaniya le Jayenge moment for me. Nope, no Shahrukh held out his hand, unfortunately:( I helped myself up :P. The journey takes roughly 8 hrs. At the railway station, one can find taxis and auto-rickshaws to reach the town center.

BEST TIME TO VISIT 

Anytime is a good time to visit Khajuraho, though summers are extremely hot and winters are mild as mentioned above, if you love classical dance and music, it would be worthwhile to visit this place during the dance festival held every year in February/March.

WEATHER and WHAT TO WEAR

It's mostly warm to hot in Khajuraho. Light cotton goes best. During winter, early mornings and evenings get colder and it's advisable to carry a jacket. 

WHERE TO STAY and WHAT TO EAT

Light and Sound Show at the Kandariya Mahadev temple complex

Hotels here range from luxurious 5-stars to inexpensive bed and breakfasts. During the dance festival, it gets very busy there and it is best to pre-book the hotels but otherwise, I would guess, rooms are available in most hotels. One can go there, see the rooms and then decide on the hotel (and am the kind who likes to keep an open itinerary, so that plans can be kept flexible!!).

Would make a special mention of a restaurant Bella Italiano run by an Italian lady. Both the Indian and Italian dishes there were quite good. It was so yummilicious (PS: don't try to find this word in the dictionary) I had a double dinner of plain ajwain daal and bhindi masala.

ACTIVITIES

Architectural excursions to the temple sites. One day is enough to cover all the temples but I would suggest giving a day to the Western main temple complex and a day to the eastern and southern temple complexes. One can just walk around or take an auto-rickshaw. Khajuraho is a small town and can be traveled conveniently on foot. There is a light and sound show in the evening at the main temple complex. There are local cultural shows in the evenings. There are also yoga and spa centers. I didn't try them. 

PLACES TO VISIT  

Places of interest in Khajuraho

Broadly, there are two sets of temple complexes, The western Group of temples and the eastern group of temples. As the names suggest, the western set lies to the west of the town, and the easter set lies on the west side of the town. Most tourists visit the Western group of temples since they are the best-preserved ones in Khajuraho but I think all are equally beautiful, and if one has time the Eastern ones should not be missed. The east also has some beautiful Jain temples.

Kandariya Mahadev Temple (left) and Jagadamba Temple (right) (western group)

Vamana Temple (eastern group)

Nandi Temple (western group)

Javari Temple (eastern group)

Dulha Dev Shiv Temple (eastern group)

Chaturbhuj Temple (Easter group but located far south of the town)

Pratapeshwar temple (western group)

Other places of interest close to Khajuraho

These places can be covered in a day or two from Khajuraho. There are auto rickshaws, trekkers, and rented cars to take you around.

1. Panna National Forest

Camouflaged Chital or spotted deer at Panna National Forest

2. Ken Gharial Sanctuary and Raneh Falls

Raneh Falls near Ken Gharial Sanctuary

3. Pandav Falls

Pandava Falls

4. Jardhoba rock paintings

5. Ajaygarh

Places of interest that can be tied with the Khajuraho itinerary

1. Orchha

2. Kalinjar

 

3. Gwalior

Gwalior Fort

4. Jhansi: Didn't get a chance to check out Jhansi but must mention a small vegetarian restaurant named Haveli. Rs. 100 thali of the most delicious Marwari food - unlimited helping of Makki ka roti/bajre ki roti/fulka roti with gur makkhan and ghee and of course full course rice and 5 items thaali (platter).

5. Bhopal and Sanchi

Madhya Pradesh has a rich heritage like Rajasthan. Historical sites and natural reserves are spread across almost the entire state. The roads are very well maintained and MP Tourism has done a very good job of providing good facilities and amenities for tourists, be it accommodation, food, or information centers.

Orchha (Urchcha) - Living The History Of The Brave Bundela Kings

Light and sound shows at the Fort of Urchha tell the story of the Bundelas. The construction of the fort and palace was started by Rudra Pratap Singh when the capital of Bundela was at Garh Kundra. Upon his death, the constructions were completed by his successor, Bharti Chand, who moved the capital to Orchha

Location of Orccha

The quaint little town of Orcchaa takes you years back into the glorious era of the Bundela Rulers. The state of Orchha was founded by the Bundela Chief Raja Rudra Pratap in the 1500s. Its capital was Tehri (Tikamgarh) located 84 km south of Orchha. Before moving to Orccha, a fort was built at Garh Kundar but the location was abandoned considering easy access by the Mughals. The tiny town witnessed a tumultuous history - the Mughal Siege, the Maratha War, and a golden period. 

The Bundela Dynasty came into existence after the fall of the Chandelas. The Chandelas ruled over the Bundelkhand Region or Jejakabhukti as it was called then between the 9th to 13th centuries. The last powerful ruler of the Chandelas was Paramardi who was defeated by Prithviraj Chauhan and later by Qutub-uddin Aibak's general Ghurid. After Paramardi's death, his successors Trailokya Varman, Vira Varman I, Bhoja Varman, Hammira Varman, and Vira Varman II could not keep invaders away and eventually, the region was neglected, plundered, and left to slow decay which gave the opportunity to the Bundela Clan Kings to rise into power.

The Garh Kundar Fort - Picture source Wikipedia. The fort was originally built by Yashovarman Chandel when he conquered Bundelkhand. When Prithviraj Chauhan defeated the Chandelas, the fort came under him and he appointed Khetsingh Khangar, as the ruler of the fort. Khetsingh founded the Khangar dynasty

Sohanpal Bundela, a powerful Bundela Clan chief in alliance with other small kings in the region, defeated the ruler of Garh Kundar and established himself as the King, thus laying the foundation stone of the Bundela Dynasty. The legend has it, that Sohanpal was the younger son of Arjunpal, the king of Mahoni near current day Jalaun in Uttar Pradesh. When Arjunpal's elder son Birpal succeeded him, Sohanpal rebelled against him with the help of Hurmat Singh Kangar, the then ruler of Garh Kundar but in return, Hurmat Singh forced him for matrimonial alliance and kept him in captivity. Sohanpal escaped, took help from the king of Panwar, Punyapal, and defeated and killed Hurmat Singh thus capturing the fort of Kundar. Punyapal was later married to Sohanpal's daughter Hemavati. Sohanpal's successors, Sahajendra, Nanakdev, Prithviraj, Ramchandra, Mednimal, Arjun Dev, Malkhan Singh, and Rudra Pratap ruled over Bundela State from Garh Kundar before the capital was moved to Orchha.

The Bundela State was spread across the present-day states of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The state was further divided into smaller states like Orchha State, Panna State, Jhansi State, and the many share in the map

Orchha, in the local language, means 'The Hidden Place' and stands for its name. It's quite easy to miss this historical treasure but once there it will definitely mesmerize you (provided history fascinates you). The story of Orchha is beautifully presented in the evening light and sound show. One of the best I have seen so far. In 2020, this historic town was included in the Unesco heritage sites list.

LOCATION

Country: India
State: Madhya Pradesh

HOW TO REACH

The closest airport to Orchha is Gwalior (about 110km) 

Khajuraho airport/station is about 180kms. 

The closest station is at Jhansi which is roughly 18-20 km away. Autorickshaws and rented cars are available from Jhansi railway station. 

Bus service is also available for Orchha. 

New Delhi is approximately 450 km from Orchha.

Bhopal is about 290 km from Orchha.

We went to Orchha from Khajuraho by road. It took us almost 3 hours

WEATHER and WHAT TO WEAR

It's mostly warmer to hot in Orchha. Light cotton would go well. During winter, early mornings and evenings may get colder and it's advisable to carry a light jacket. 

BEST TIME TO VISIT 

Anytime is a good time to visit Orchha though summers are extremely hot and winters are mild.

WHERE TO STAY and WHAT TO EAT

Though there are very few restaurants and hotels in Orchha, it does offer a variety of options to choose from Budget hotels, Sheesh Mahal heritage hotel, MPTDC guest house, homestays, and camps with tents along the Betwa river. Remember it's a small town and one won't find the same amenities as in big cities.

PLACES OF INTEREST 

Places of interest in Orchha. The Entry tickets are available at Orchha Fort for all historic monuments

1. The Royal Chattris

The Chattris are cenotaphs, the memorial tombs (the actual body is buried or reinterred elsewhere) of the Bundela rulers. There are a total of 15 chhatris dedicated to the 15 of the following rulers in chronological order of rule: Bharti Chandra, Madhukar Shah, Ram Shah Bundela, Vir Singh Deo, Kripa Ram Gaur, Jhajhar Singh Bundela, Pahad Singh Bundela, Sujan Singh Bundela, Indramani Bundela, Jaswant Singh Bundela, Bhagwant Singh, Udait Singh Bundela, Banka Umed Singh (Governor of Bundelas, a family member), Vikramjit Singh, Dharmapal Singh, Sujaat Singh, and, Sawant Singh.

The largest cenotaph belongs to King Sujan Singh Bundela and it's built in Nagar style, The domical Islamic style cenotaph on the left belongs to Vir Singh Deo. The rest of the temples are built in Panchayatana style.

The Chattris or Cenotaphs on the banks of the Betwa

Vir Singh Deo's (Large one) and Kripa Ram Gaur's (Small one) Chattris are seen on the extreme left.

The Rajput Nagara style Chattris named Left to right - Sawant Singh (only a tiny part on the extreme left seen) Bhagwant Singh, Jaswant Singm Pahad Singh, Madhukar Shah (a tiny part on the extreme
right seen)

The location of the 15 cenotaphs

2. Jehangir Palace

Jehangir Palace was built by Veer Singh Deo in honor of Mughal Emperor Jehangir who visited Orchha for a day. It was built in a hybrid of Mughal and Rajput styles which is called the Bundela style of Architecture today. Veer Singh was Jehangir's Vassal and he had orchestrated the murder of Akbar's grand Vizier Abul Fazl at the request of Jehangir. In return, Jehangir helped Veer Singh Deo become the king of Orchha by replacing Ram Shah Bundela, son of Madhukar Shah Bundela who was the rightful heir to the throne and had ruled for a brief period. Ram Shah was given the state of Chanderi Jagir (smaller state of Bundela State)

The Jehangir Palace was built by Veer Singh Deo in the early 15th century

3. The Raj Mahal

The Raj Mahal was started by King Rudra Pratap and completed by his successor King Bharti Chandra and later renovated by King Madhukar Shah in the mid-16th century. It was the residential palace of the Bundela Kings. This palace was also built in the Bundela style - a mix of Mughal and Rajput architecture. Today a part of the palace has been converted into a heritage hotel and a restaurant. The food was decent.

The Raj Mahal Palace, as seen from the Jahangir Palace. The Raja Ram temple, the white monument, and the silhouette of the Laxminarayan temple can be seen at the far end. 

4. The Chaturbhuj temple

The Chaturbhuja temple is a Vishnu temple built by King Madhukar Shah Bundela and his wife Ganesh Kumari. Initially, the temple was meant for Lord Rama but after the Queen's palace, built next to it was converted to the Raja Ram temple, the Chaturbhuj temple was then established as a Vishnu temple. This temple is built in the Nagara style with a high platform and tall shikhara. As the name indicates, the temple has four extended corners. Chaturbhuj means four arms.

The top View of the Chaturbhuj temple shows the four, arm-like extensions

The Chatrabhuja temple, as seen from the Ram Raja temple

5. Ram Raja temple

The uniqueness of this temple as told by the locals is that, here King Rama is worshipped and not Lord Rama. It's a shrine devoted to the human form of Rama. The temple was King Madhukar Shah's wife Queen Ganesh Kumari's Palace which was later converted into the Raja Ram temple. Legend has, that King Madhukar worshipped Lord Krishna but his wife worshipped Lord Rama. After a friendly banter between the two about the legitimacy of Lord Rama, the queen decided to visit Ayodhya and bring along proof of Lord Rama's existence. She returns with a baby claiming him to be the child form of Lord Rama. The queen had plans to establish the temple of Lord Rama in the Chaturbhuj temple she had started constructing before leaving for Ayodhya but the baby Rama said, he would take abode where he was first seated, the Queen's palace. Supposedly the baby turned into an idol and fixed itself there. 

The story also has a funny extended version. It is said initially the idol was in a standing position and the queen would offer prayers to the idol in a standing position but then she would get tired and exhausted, so the idol had pity on her and decided to sit down so that the queen could offer prayers without feeling tired :) Honestly, I did find the story quite amusing but no offense meant for those who believe in it.

6. Lakshminarayan temple

The Lakshmi Narayan Temple was built by Vir Singh Deo. As the name says, it was dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his Consort Goddess Lakshmi. The temple is not like the typical north Indian temples. It is influenced by Islamic Architecture and has a fort-like design with domical roofs and towers on four sides. 

Ram Raja Temple, as seen from the Jehangir Palace (White building with domes), Lakshmi Narayan Temple seen on the far right

7. Sunder Mahal

Sunder Mahal was built by Prince Dhurbhajan Singh, son of King Jhajhar Singh. He was in love with a Muslim girl and faced resistance from the royal family for their marriage. After this, he gave up his royal life, embraced Islam, became a hermit or fakir, and spent the remaining years of his life as a saint but married his beloved against his family's wishes. He was venerated by both the Muslim community. His abode Sundar Mahal became a hermitage and to date, it's a popular pilgrim place for muslims.

8. Dinman Hardaul Palace and Phool Bagh

The Palace and garden were built in memory of Hardaul Singh, who was the younger son of Vir Singh Deo. Vir Singh's elder son Jhajhar Singh was the ruler after Vir Singh's death. However, Hardaul was the most popular with the people among the two. The jealous Jhajhar fell for the rumors spread by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan who was conspiring against the Bundelas, that there was a clandestine affair between Hardaul and his wife. He ordered his queen to poison Hardaul to prove her innocence. When the queen informed Hardaul of the same, the heartbroken Hardaul drank the poison himself thus honoring the queen. He was deified after his death and was called Lala Hardaul. Even to this date, he is worshipped and songs called Hardaul songs are sung in Budelkhand. The Songs dedicated to him tell the story of his life and the many stories of the Bundela rulers. 

Another legend has it that after being refused help by her brother Jhajhar, Princess Kunjawati in desperation prays for help from his dead brother during her daughter's wedding. Miraculously, Hardaul's spirit helps her, and even attends the wedding. Many locals believe Hardaul is still alive or his spirit is present in Bundelkhand. It has become customary to invite Hardaul to weddings and seek his blessings. The first wedding invitation card is addressed to him.

9. Rai Parveen Palace 

Rai Parveen was the beloved of Madhukar Shah's youngest son Indrajeet. Indrajeet Singh was the ruler of the Kachhaua Estate, near current-day Gwalior - a part of the Bundela State. While on his daily rounds, one day Indrajeet comes across a beautiful girl performing Bhajans and dance. He was so enamored, that he offered to take her back to his palace and take all responsibilities for her education and her training for music and dance. The girl, Puniya came from a very poor family and the father accepted the offer without any hesitation. Puniya grew up in the palace. She was trained as a court dancer and singer. Her voice was so melodious, that she was called the Nightingale of Orchha. She was rechristened as Rai Parveen. Over the years Indrajeet and Rai Parveen grew to love each other but the Royal family forbade their union. Indrajeet then built her a palace close the the Raj Mahal.

Her beauty was known all across the region. The then Mughal Emperor, Akbar also heard about her. He called for her and asked her to perform in his court. The Bundelas could not refuse the powerful Akbar her audience. Rai Parveen consented and performed in Agra, at Akbar's Court. After the performance, Akbar summoned her to his royal chamber. Rai Parveen knew the Emperor wished to spend a night with her. She requested the emperor to answer a question first. Emperor agreed. She sang a song that translated as "The leftovers of an upper caste are picked by the lower caste, the leftovers of the lower caste are eaten by the crows, and the leftovers of the nobles are fed to the dogs, the emperor belongs to which category?" She implied, that she was taken and belonged to another, so why would an emperor want something that belonged to another. Akbar took it in good humor and sent her back to Orchha with due respect. However, on returning from Agra, something bothered Rai Parveen, and unknown to all she took her life. Consumed by her death, Indrajeet, fell into deep depression and died shortly after. Their story also is sung by the locals in the form of ballads like the Hardaul songs.

10. Wildlife Sanctuary and gardens

Orchaa Sanctuary is home to many animals, exotic birds, and medicinal plants and some of them are on the endangered list. The animals and birds found here include Chital, tigers, leopards, nilgai, jackals, bears, peacocks, langurs, and many others. This region is also home to endangered vultures and has been listed as one of the vulture conservation areas. The Critically Endangered, long-billed vultures, white-backed vultures, and Egyptian Vultures are found here. These vultures have nested over many of the monuments here, particularly, the Chaturbhuj temple, the cenotaphs, and Ramnagar gate. The renovation of the monuments had led to loss of habitat for these rare birds and now, strict rules have been imposed that vultures and nests cannot be killed or destroyed. Vultures and scavengers are crucial for the ecosystem since they feed on rotting bodies and carcasses which if left untended or disposed of properly will spread diseases like rabies and anthrax.

We headed back to Delhi by road Via Jhansi