Champavati Fort

Champavati Fort, also called Chachaura Fort, sits on a hill above the town of Chachaura in Guna district. Raja Vikram Singh of the Khinchi rulers of Chachouda built it in the 17th century and named it after his wife, Rani Champavati. When British forces under John Bettis (or Botis) attacked, the king was killed, and the queen chose to leap into a 50 m deep well rather than surrender.

The fort covers about one hectare and is guarded by tall walls and solid bastions. Inside, an inner courtyard served as living quarters while an outer one handled the business of government. The state archaeology department has conserved and restored it, and it is described as the first preserved fort in Madhya Pradesh to carry a woman's name.