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His personal
diary, writing table, rocking chair, easy chairs,
dressing tables, cabinets and other furniture
are retained in the resort and all these together give
the essence of a rich colonial class in the resort.
In 2002
this property was purchased by Mr. Praveen Maheshwari
(Managing Director of Golf View Club and Resorts Pvt.
Ltd) who gave the property its identity and after his
continuous hard work and effort of five years converted
this property in to a Heritage Hill Resort in 2007. His
dream project has been approved by both central and
state governments under the tourism policy.
There are varioys local legends regarding the origin of
Pachmarhi, one of them relating to 'Handi Khoh' says
that it is the retreat of a monstrous serpant, which
formerly lived in the lake on the plateau and harassed
the worshippers of Mahadeo. Lord Shiva dried ofp the
lake, drove away the serpant and imprisoned it in the 'Khoh'
formed by a stroke of his trident in the rock.
A copper plate inscription, granting the village of
Untivatika to the Shiva temple of Mahadeo in these
caves, by king Abhimanyu of the Restrakula in Rewa dates
back to the seventh century. Further, the inscriptions
at ' Bhrant Neer ' and the rock shelters and paintings
indicate towards life on the plateau between 5th and
10th centuries.
The discovery of Pachmarhi is attributed to Captain J.
Forsyth, the author of 'The Highlands of Central India,'
who was sent in 1857, under the instructions of Sir
Richard Temple, The Chief Commissioner of that day to
explore this portion of the Satpura forest. The name of
the forest lodge which he build here and called Bison
Lodge is still preserved and now houses a beautiful
museum depecting the rich flora and fauna of Pachmarhi.
At that time the plateau was occupied by Korku Jagirdar
of Pachmarhi. In 1870, the establishment of a Military
station was contemplated and 200 men were posted at
Pachmarhi
. It was in 1872, that the Chief Commissioner
of Central Province came here to stay in summer months
and from ten onwards the town gained the positions of
summer state capital. Later, the British developed Pachmarhi into a resort and their
influence is embodied in its churches and colonial
architecture. Pachmarhi retains its cantonment ambiance
even today. During the british regime Pachmarhi was
fully explored and all the places of tourist interest
were given appropriate names and accesses.
The name 'Pachmarhi', is derieved from ' Five Shelters
',- ' Pandav Caves ' referring to five caves with
sculptures located in the heart of the hill station.
Legend has it, that the five Pandava brothers (of
Mahabharata fame) lived for sometime in these caves
during their years of exile.
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