If you are interested in knowing the history of Kanha National Park, this is your ideal page. Kanha Tiger Reserve is broadly divided into Hallon Sanctuary (250 sq km) and Banjar Sanctuary (300 sq km). Together, they stretch over about 1,949 sq km.
1800 : The Gond dynasty had ruled this region for years before the 19th century. The Kanha Forest area was largely unexplored because the Baiga and Gond tribes practiced slash-and-burn agriculture. They were also naturally aware of the local animals and their habits.
1862 : Big year for Kanha! The first forest management rules were formed, under which certain trees, Sal, Teak, and others, could not be cut down without permission.
1857-1871 : Captain J. Forsyth published a book called "The Highlands of Central India", in 1913. The text collected stories of personal history, facts about the forest, and an account of the local tribes' observations. It was during this time that Forsyth discovered Panchmarhi Hill in Satpura National Park as well.
1879 : Kanha was declared a reserve forest formally.
1880 : The British era saw the rise of popularity of this region as Rudyard Kipling drew inspiration for The Jungle Book from the landscapes of Kanha and Pench.
1923 : A landmark book, Wild Animals in Central India, focuses specifically on the wildlife of Kanha. The author of this book was A. A. Dunbar Brander, who was a government officer and nature lover.
1933 : The forest region of Kanha was declared a sanctuary.
1935 : the Supkhar area was given the same protection status. Wildlife protection was withdrawn a few years later, though, because the animals destroyed crops and livestock. Deer and tiger hunting were allowed for some 20 years.
1947-51 : Vijaynagaram's king shot 30 tigers in Kanha.
1955-75 : During this period, new national park wildlife research and conservation were known.
1963-65 : American scientist George Schaller carried out intensive studies on the Kanha ecosystem.
1967 : This study became a famous book known as The Deer and the Tiger.
1969 : Park administration started relocating villages in the core area, such as Sonf and Gorhela, which aid in conservation.
1970 :Successful efforts were made for the saving of hard-ground Barasingha: "the jewel of Kanha." An enclosure was created specially for them to breed and stay safe from predators. Their numbers increased from 66 to around 400-500!
1980 : The National Geographic film, Land of the Tigers, won an award and was set at Kanha. The same year, both Kanha and Ranthambore experienced a huge increase in visitors after the launch of the first phase of Project Tiger.
1989-91 : The Center for Environmental Education collaborated with the U.S. National Park Service, and the current park museum was built, followed by various education programs.
1991 : Progress in the early 90s at Kanha Tiger Reserve along with biodiversity, tourist facilities, and research: many think Kanha is one of the best national parks in India as well as in the world!
Best Safari Zones in Kanha