We know that you are willing to learn the history of Kanha National Park due to its popularity. You are standing on the right page, as we will tell you about the history and approach of the national park on this page. Kanha Tiger Reserve is divided into two big zones – Hallon Sanctuary (250 sq km) and Banjar Sanctuary (300 sq km). Both together cover an area of 1,949 sq km.
Let us understand the historic events of the Kanha National Park from year to year.
1800: Period of Gond Raj
This area was ruled by the Gond dynasty. The Baiga and Gond tribes practiced slash-and-burn agriculture at this place. These people were naturally familiar with the local wildlife, due to which the forest remained untouched by the locals.
1862: A New Mode of Forest Management
This was a big year for Kanha! The first forest management rules were made, which prohibited cutting trees like Sal and Teak without permission from the relevant authority.
1857-1871: Book Written by Captain J. Forsyth
Captain J. Forsyth wrote "The Highlands of Central India," which was published in 1913. In this book, he shared beautiful forest stories, tribes' experiences, and personal observations. During this time, Forsyth discovered Pachmarhi Hill (Satpura National Park).
1879: Kanha was declared a Reserve Forest
This year Kanha was a remembering year for everyone as the park has been officially declared the status of a reserve forest, which was a big step for wildlife conservation.
1880: Impact of The Jungle Book
During the British era, people became more interested in the beauty and wildlife of Kanha. Rudyard Kipling was amazed by the landscapes of Kanha and able to write "The Jungle Book".
1923: First Special Book on Wildlife
A. A. Dunbar Brander wrote "Wild Animals in Central India", which focused on the wildlife of Kanha. This was an important book that helped in better understanding the forests and animals.
1933: Kanha was made a sanctuary
This year was more memorable for wildlife conservation, as Kanha officially became a wildlife sanctuary.
1935: Conservation Status of Sukhar Area
Supkhar area also got sanctuary status, but after a few years, it was removed because the animals were causing harm to crops and livestock. Due to this, deer and tiger hunting was allowed for the next 20 years.
1947-51: Tiger Hunting Period
The king of Vijayanagaram hunted 30 tigers in Kanha, which was a common practice back in the era.
1955-75: Golden Era of Wildlife Research and Conservation
During this time, new research and conservation projects were started in Kanha National Park, which was very important for the future.
1963-65: Study by American scientist George Schaller
George Schaller did intensive research on the Kanha ecosystem, which later became a significant contribution to wildlife conservation.
1967: Famous Wildlife Book "The Deer and the Tiger"
A famous book "The Deer and the Tiger" was published based on Schaller's study, which became a precious gem for wildlife lovers and researchers.
1969: Relocation of Villages
The park administration started relocating core villages like Sonf and Gorhela, which was a major step towards conservation.
1970: Barasingha Conservation Mission
Hard-ground Barasingha, which is a precious part of Kanha, was in danger of extinction. Special enclosures were built to protect them, due to which their number increased from 66 to 400-500.
1980: National Geographic Film and Project Tiger
A National Geographic film named "Land of the Tigers" was shot in Kanha and also won an award. This year the first phase of Project Tiger was launched, due to which tourist footfall increased in Kanha and Ranthambore.
1989-91: Park Museum and Education Programs
The Center for Environmental Education, along with the U.S. National Park Service, built a museum in the Kanha Tiger Reserve and started education programs to increase wildlife awareness.
1991: Kanha – India's Best National Park
During the 90s, there was rapid progress in biodiversity, tourist facilities and research, due to which Kanha was included in the best national parks not only in India but in the world.
Final Thought
Kanha National Park is not just a wildlife reserve, but an important part of India's wildlife conservation history. The wildlife, conservation efforts, and natural beauty make it a part of a wonderful journey. If you are a lover of wildlife and nature, then it is better to understand the history of Kanha National Park. The learning will be worth your knowledge and next trip to Kanha!