We were heading to Kanha from Bargi Dam via Mandla Road. After crossing Narrai about 20 kms from Bargi Dam a memorial is there which is the Samadhi of Rani Durgawati.
Rani Durgawati was born in the fort of Kalinjar. She was the daughter of Chandel ruler Kirti Singh. She was named after Goddess Durga. She was very brave and skilled in battle skills. She was married in 1542 AD to Dalpati Shah, son of the Gond ruler. After three years, she gave birth to a son named Veer Narayan. After the death of her husband in 1550 AD, she took the reins of government herself. She opposed the imperial expansion policies of the Mughal ruler Akbar and did not accept subjugation. Consequently, Asaf Khan, the Subedar of Manikpur, attacked the Queen near Narrai Nalla with an army of about 50000. In this war, the queen and the army were greatly injured. On the second day, Asaf Khan attacked with artillery. Brave Queen sacrificed her life on 24th June 1564 with her skewer and became immortal at this place. Every year on 24th June, tribute is paid to keep her qualities intact of her sacrifice, battle for freedom, love of motherland etc.
It’s a major attraction among the history buffs wanderers soul seekers and patriots. I spent about half an hour at this sight and moved towards the Mandla.
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