If you are planning a monsoon getaway with your family, a village called Mau Sahaniya, barely 16 kilometres from Chhatarpur district in Madhya Pradesh, deserves a spot on your itinerary. The palaces, forts and memorials built during the era of Maharaja Chhatrasal still stand here with their old-world architecture and stories of valour intact, and visiting them does not cost much either.
How to reach Mau Sahaniya
Travellers coming from Khajuraho Airport or Khajuraho Railway Station can reach Mau Sahaniya by road in about 1 hour. Those arriving from Chhatarpur Railway Station have it even easier, with the distance being just 20 kilometres. Anyone who wants to cover all the historical sites of the village in one go can simply book a private car at their own expense and explore at their own pace. What makes the experience special is that all these historical structures sit amid the forests and hills surrounding the village.
The list of heritage sites worth visiting in Mau Sahaniya is a long one. It includes the Maharaja Chhatrasal memorial, the Rani Kamlapati memorial, Dhubela Mahal, the Dhubela Museum, Mastani Mahal, Hriday Shah Mahal and Sheetal Garhi. Together, these structures keep centuries of history alive even today.
Dhubela Mahal and its museum
Dhubela Mahal, located in Mau Sahaniya village, was built by Maharaja Chhatrasal in the 18th century AD. Its entrance is grand and arched, offering a glimpse of the craftsmanship of that era. The palace is built in the late medieval regional Bundeli style. The same complex also houses the Dhubela Museum, where weapons from the time of Maharaja Chhatrasal are displayed alongside a range of rare historical artefacts, making it a treasure trove for anyone interested in history.
Sheetal Garhi, a fort that outdoes modern air conditioners
Sheetal Garhi, also in Mau Sahaniya, was built by Maharaja Chhatrasal's grandson in the 17th century. It is considered a fine example of rich Bundeli art. The fort is said to be built in such a way that it beats today's air conditioners in keeping its interiors cool. It was constructed mainly for residential purposes and with security in mind.
Hriday Shah Mahal, a ruin that still draws visitors
Also standing in Mau Sahaniya is the palace of Hriday Shah, the eldest son of Maharaja Chhatrasal. Over time, this palace has crumbled into ruins, but that has not stopped people from travelling long distances just to see it. Even its broken walls carry the story of that era's grandeur.
The Rani Kamlapati memorial, built in memory of a queen
Rani Kamlapati was the first queen of Maharaja Chhatrasal. When she passed away, Maharaja Chhatrasal built this palace in her memory. The palace is two storeys tall, its entrance is arched, and it has a total of 7 domes, giving it a distinct identity from the other structures in the village.
Maharaja Chhatrasal memorial and his horse's samadhi
Mau Sahaniya is also home to the memorial of Maharaja Chhatrasal himself, and the same complex houses the samadhi of his horse. This memorial was built by Bajirao Peshwa I, and it continues to narrate the tale of the Maharaja's valour to this day. It is precisely this history that draws people from far and wide to see the memorials and palaces here.
