Rani Durgawati was the daughter of Raja Salivahan of Rath and Mahoba, a scion of the Chandela dynasty. She married Dalpat Shah, the ruler of Gondwana. He died in 1548 A.D. leaving a minor son. Durgawati took over the reins of Government.
Durgawati combined beauty and grace with courage and wisdom. She distinguished herself as a warrior and fought with unvarying success against Baz Bahadur, the Sultan of Malwa. Stories of her exploits as a warrior and hunter are still current in area.
Her kingdom fell victim to aggression by the Mughals. Asaf Khan, the Governor of Kara-Manikpur attacked her domains, lured by tales of wealth and hoping for rich territorial gains. Asaf Khan penetrated into Gondwana in 1564 catching Durgawati off guard. She gallantly opposed the invaders but the battle had been lost. It is said she stabbed herself choosing death to dishonour. She was cremated some 12 miles from Jabalpur.
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