The Bandhavgarh Fort, in the center of the
Reserve, atop the Bandhavgarh hill, was the seat of the rulers of erstwhile
Rewa State until they shifted to Rewa town in 1617 A.D.
The area of the Reserve, with its surrounding forests were the favorite hunting
grounds of the erstwhile rulers and were zealously protected as such.
After independence and the abolition of the princely States, the process of
degradation of forests accelerated due to lax control.
Maharaja Martand Singh of Rewa was deeplu moved by the destruction of forests.
On his proposal, an area of 105 sq. km. was declared a National Park in 1965.
the area of the Park was increased to 448.84 sq. km.in 1982.
The area of the 105sq.km.old National Park was finally notified in 1968. the
remaining part of the National Park i.e. 343.842sq.km. is yet to be finally
notified.
Considering the importance and potentiality of the National Park, it was included
int the Project Tiger Network in 1993.
The adjoining Panpatha sanctuary, which was crated in 1993 with an area of 245.847sq.km.was
also declared a part of the Reserve.