Bahoriband is a small town in Katni district, in the state of Madhya Pradesh (Jabalpur division). Away from conventional tourist circuits, it brings together ancient archaeological remains, a Jain temple housing a monumental statue of Shantinath, and a nearby Gupta site, Tigawa, which ranks among the oldest evidence of stone architecture in central India.

Why visit Bahoriband

• An archaeological site identified as early as 1879 by Alexander Cunningham, who suggested a link with the city of Tholabana mentioned by Ptolemy.
• A Jain statue of Shantinath nearly 3.7 m tall, dated to the 11th century, accompanied by an inscription carved at its feet.
• Immediate proximity to Tigawa and its Gupta temple of Kankali Devi (4th–6th century).
• A vibrant textile craft: hand-woven saris, objects made of bamboo, wood and clay.
• A strategic position between Bandhavgarh, Jabalpur, Bhedaghat and Khajuraho.

History and archaeology

The region bears traces of ancient occupation. The inhabitants had built small dams collecting rainwater in reservoirs called jhils, whose network extends from Bahoriband to north of Tigawa. The mounds scattered around the town yielded, after excavation, fragments of pottery and bricks attesting to sustained urban activity.

In 1879, Alexander Cunningham proposed that Bahoriband, also referred to as Bahulaband and situated approximately 4 km south of Tigawa, corresponded to the city of Tholabana cited by Ptolemy. Local tradition moreover evokes an ancient fortress attached to a great lost city, Jhanjhangarh, of which Bahoriband would have constituted a quarter.

What to see in Bahoriband

The Jain temple and the statue of Shantinath

The Jain temple of Bahoriband houses a monumental statue of Shantinath, the 16th Tirthankara, attributed to the Kalachuri period. It measures 12 feet 2 inches, or approximately 3.7 metres. The dating remains debated: Cunningham placed it between 1020 and 1047, while Dr. Suman, on the basis of epigraphic criteria, dates it around 1125 (Vikram era). An inscription carved at the feet of the statue documents its consecration.

The archaeological site of Tigawa

A few kilometres away, Tigawa preserves the temple of Kankali Devi, dated to the Gupta period (4th–6th century). It is one of the oldest surviving stone temples in central India, studied for its flat-roofed sanctuary preceded by a columned porch, a device that foreshadows later developments in Hindu architecture.

The Bada Ganpati temple

Dedicated to Ganesh, this local sanctuary blends Hindu decorative elements and Islamic architectural influences, a testament to the stylistic exchanges that marked the region.

Local crafts

Bahoriband is known for its hand-woven saris with elaborate patterns, as well as for objects made of bamboo, wood and clay. This craft, transmitted from generation to generation, supplies local markets and provides an interesting complement to visiting the historical sites.

Practical information

A visit to the main sites (Jain temple, Tigawa, Bada Ganpati) is done on foot or by vehicle over half a day to a full day. Religious sites remain in active use: modest clothing, removal of shoes and discretion during ceremonies are expected. No major tourist facilities are in place; it is advisable to bring water, snacks and to stay in Katni or Jabalpur.

When to visit

The climate of Madhya Pradesh is highly seasonal. The most comfortable period extends from October to March, with moderate temperatures and generally clear skies, conducive to visiting outdoor archaeological sites. April, May and June are hot and dry, sometimes challenging in the middle of the day. The monsoon, from July to September, makes travel more difficult but offers lush landscapes around the jhils and the Narmada river.

How to get there

• By train: the nearest station is Sihora (23 km), followed by Katni (43 km), both well connected to the main lines of Madhya Pradesh.
• By air: Jabalpur airport, approximately 54 km away, is the most direct air option.
• By car: Bahoriband is 44 km from Katni and approximately 320 km from Bhopal. Two main roads serve the town: the Sihora–Bahoriband road and the Bahoriband–Sleemnabad road.

What to see nearby

Bahoriband lends itself well as a stop in a broader itinerary through Madhya Pradesh:

• Bandhavgarh National Park (90 km): renowned for its tigers, leopards, deer and birds.
• Jabalpur and Bhedaghat (~100 km): regional city and marble gorges carved by the Narmada.
• Khajuraho (240 km): ensemble of Chandela temples listed as a UNESCO world heritage site.
• Kalinjar Fort (160 km): historic fortress perched on the Vindhya plateau.
• Panna National Park: wildlife reserve known for its tigers and Ken river.

Frequently asked questions

Preparing your trip

Bahoriband fits naturally into an itinerary combining heritage and nature in the heart of central India. To build a tailor-made circuit including Bandhavgarh, Khajuraho or the Narmada valley, consult our trips in India.