Grandeur of Bundeli Heritage: A Study of Medieval Temples of Panna is a treatise on the temples of Panna, an erstwhile princely state of Bundelkhand of Central India.

Panna, a sleepy village of Madhya Pradesh had been the rich flourishing capital of Bundelas in late medieval period. The Bundela kings made a series of magnificent Vaishnavite temples, earning the title of Laghu Vrindavana for their capital. Panna was also the seat of a great Sage Mahamati Prannath. The followers of the Sage are known as Dhamis. Thus, Panna also became the Kashi and Kaba of Dhamis or Pranamis. Panna also has a number of Pranami temples.

The book is the first ever attempt to bring the grandeur and glory of majestic Panna temples. These temples are not classical in their plan, hence they did not draw due attention of the archaeologists and art lovers. Another reason for the slumber may be their location as they lie on the ‘Shadow Zone’ of Khajuraho, the ancient temple complex of World Heritage.

The author, who is an explorer - geographer has documented the architectural details, historical significance and captivating beauty of all the temples of Panna. This project was supported by Indian National Trust for Arts and Cultural Heritage. 

About the Author

Dr. Shivkumar Tiwari (b. 1941), Advisor, INTACH, Jabalpur Chapter is Retd. Professor of Geography, Collegiate Branch, Department of Higher Education of Government of Madhya Pradesh (1964-1989) and Head of the Department of Tribal Studies, Rani Durgavati University of Jabalpur (1990-2003).

He has been the Director of Research Projects funded by I.C.S.S.R., INTACH, U.G.C. and Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Government of India. He has contributed significantly in the fields of natural and social sciences.

He is prolific writer of Hindi and English languages. He has so far authored over fifty books ranging from the subjects like Geography to History, Tribal Studies and Hindi Literature. He has traversed the entire length of river Narmada (1213 km) on a wooden boat (1998-1999). A series of six books on Narmada is also to his credit.

He is recipient of “Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma Srijan Samman (2009)” for his academic contributions of Government of Madhya Pradesh. He has also been awarded the highest Literary Award ‘Maithily Saran Gupta Rastriya Samman’ of the Government of Madhya Pradesh.