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Early History – Pre-Colonial and Colonial Era

The origins of Keoladeo National Park trace back to its creation as a man-made wetland by the rulers of Bharatpur, later transformed into a hunting reserve during the colonial period.

• 18th Century Creation: In the mid-18th century, Maharaja Suraj Mal, the Jat ruler of Bharatpur, constructed the Ajan Bund, a dam that created a seasonal wetland to protect the region from flooding, laying the foundation for the park’s unique ecosystem.
• Royal Hunting Reserve: By the 19th century, the Bharatpur rulers, particularly Maharaja Brijendra Singh, developed the area into a private duck-hunting ground, attracting migratory birds and making it a favored hunting spot for the royal family and British officials.
• Colonial Period: During British rule, the area, known as Keoladeo Ghana, became a popular hunting destination for dignitaries, including viceroys, with thousands of waterfowl hunted annually during organized shoots, especially during the winter migratory season.

Establishment as a Sanctuary – 1956 to 1981

The transition from a hunting ground to a protected sanctuary marked a significant shift, driven by early conservation efforts and the vision of prominent ornithologists.

• Initial Protection (1956): Post-independence, the area was declared a bird sanctuary in 1956 by the Rajasthan government, named Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary after the ancient Keoladeo (Shiva) Temple within its boundaries, banning hunting to preserve its avian population.
• Role of Ornithologists: Dr. Salim Ali, India’s renowned ornithologist, played a pivotal role in advocating for the sanctuary’s protection, highlighting its importance as a wintering ground for migratory birds like the Siberian crane, leading to increased conservation focus.
• National Park Status (1981): The sanctuary was upgraded to a national park in 1981, covering 28.73 km², with stricter regulations to protect its wetlands and biodiversity, marking a key milestone in its conservation history.

UNESCO Recognition and Conservation Efforts – 1985 Onwards

Keoladeo’s global significance as a wetland ecosystem was recognized with its UNESCO designation, alongside ongoing efforts to address ecological challenges.

• UNESCO World Heritage Site (1985): Keoladeo National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding biodiversity, particularly as a critical habitat for migratory waterfowl and rare species like the Siberian crane.
• Ramsar Site Designation: Recognized as a Ramsar Wetland Site, the park’s marshes, covering about one-third of its area, support over 370 bird species, including painted storks, spoonbills, and herons, drawing global attention to its conservation needs.
• Conservation Challenges: The park faced water scarcity issues due to irregular monsoon flooding and upstream water diversions, prompting initiatives like the release of water from the Panchana Dam to maintain its wetlands, ensuring the survival of its avian and aquatic ecosystems.

Modern Legacy and Eco-Tourism

Today, Keoladeo National Park stands as a global beacon for bird conservation and eco-tourism, attracting birdwatchers, researchers, and nature enthusiasts from around the world.

• Eco-Tourism Hub: The park offers rickshaw and bicycle tours led by trained guides, providing an eco-friendly way to explore its wetlands, woodlands, and grasslands, with sightings of resident and migratory birds like sarus cranes and bar-headed geese.
• Biodiversity Hotspot: Home to 27 mammal species, 5 reptile species, and over 370 bird species, the park supports a thriving ecosystem, with conservation programs ensuring the protection of endangered species and habitats.
• Cultural Significance: The Keoladeo Temple and nearby attractions like Lohagarh Fort and Bharatpur Palace add a cultural dimension, making the park a unique blend of natural and historical heritage.