Tadoba, also known as Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is one of the ancient and renowned National Parks situated in Maharashtra. According to history, the park is popularly known for the legendary name ‘Taru’ who is the Lord of this ancient village. The Lord 'Taru' has been killed by a tiger of this area and a large religious temple has been established near the Tadoba lake in his memory. The tribals of this area are still worshiping their God 'Taru' and believe him as their protector.
Mystery of Taru Van and Andhari Nadi
The word ‘Tadoba’ has been derived from the Taru Van which means the woods (jungle) of Taru. Another name for this reserve ‘Andhari’ refers to the river passing through this area. The locals believe that the source of the river is from the Pandharpaoni region. The name Andhari is taken as the real source of the river and is never found by anyone.
Therefore, the National Park is known as the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve.
Kings Who Ruled the Mighty Forests of Tadoba?
Once the beautiful dense forests near the Chimur hills were ruled by the Gond Kings. The kings ruled from the 14th to 18th century either independently or through the vassals of the Mughal Empire. However, the 10th Ruler of the Gond dynasty, Raja Khandkhaya Ballal Shah, made Chandrapur his capital and developed an excellent irrigation and revenue system at this place. In the end, the Gond Kings were suppressed by the Marathas and their whole empire came under the rule of Bhonsle Kings or the Nizams of Hyderabad.
In the first part of the 19th century, the large kingdom was also taken by the Britishers. Only a minor part was left with the Gond Kings which resulted in the end of the Gond region during the end of independence.
Kingdom of Gond Kings in Tadoba
Even today, if you are planning to visit Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, you can see the ancient signs of Gond dynasty while going to the Todaba lake through Moharli range. Here, one can find 9 feet tall pillars, narrow from top, standing on steep cliffs on the sides of the road. It is said that the large part was of the oldest long-distance communication system between the royal highness.
The top of the pillars is well-organized with the ring fitted facility that connects with the temple bell. Whenever the almighty enters the kingdom, the bell was rung with the help of rope. This process was adopted to aware the people about the royal message.
A Story to Protect Tadoba and Established Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve
In 1955, 115 square km area was declared as a protected reserve and Tadoba National Park was declared. For wildlife conservation, some villages were relocated from here and settled elsewhere. In 1986, Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary was created in another 500 square km.
Finally, in 1995, Tadoba National Park and Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary were merged to form Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve. This became one of the best tiger reserves in India, which is still famous for tiger safaris and wildlife conservation!