of the people of Chanderi is handicraft. Chanderi sarees are known all over the world. These are made by cotton and silk by hand through Khatka. Khatka is a self made machine for preparing sarees. Another place in Ashoknagar district is Shri Anandpur, the world headquarters of Shri Advait Paramhansa Sect. Disciples from across the globe visit Anandpur twice a year during Baisakhi and Guru Purnima to seek blessings from the gurus. Kadwaya, a small village in the district is also known for the ancient Shiv Mandir, Garhi and Mata Mandir. Chiniya cave near Nanon Village in Piprai Tehsil is a site of cave paintings by prehistoric man. Chanderi Chanderi fort is situated on a hill 71 meter above the town . The fortification walls were constructed mainly by the Muslim rulers of Chanderi. The main approach to present fort is through a series of three gates the uppermost of which is known as Hawa Paur and lowermost is called the Khuni Darwaja or the gate of blood. The peculiar name is derived from the fact that criminals were executed at this point by hurling them from the battlements above and thus dashing their bodies into pieces at foot. Within the fort there are only two ruined buildings the Hawa and Nau-Khanda Mahals built by Bundela Chiefs. Chanderi Fort To the south west of the fort there is a gateway called katti-ghatti made through hill side. It is 59 meter long 12 meter broad and 24.6 meter high in the middle of its portion of the rock has been view into the shape of a gate, with a points arch, flanked by a slopping towers. Kaushak Mahal of Chanderi The Kaushak Mahal of Chanderi is referred to in Tawarikh-i-Ferishta. It is recorded in it that, in A.H. 849(CAD 1445). Mehmood Shah Khilji of Malwa was passing through Chanderi. He ordered a seven storied palace to be built there. Kaushak Mahal is outcome of that order. It is an imposing building - though standing in a half ruined condition. To the south, east and north of the town are the palaces of Ramnagar, Panchamnagar and Singhpur respectively. All are built by Bundela Chiefs of Chanderi in the 18th Century. Isagarh Kadwaya a small village of Ashoknagar tehsil contains a number of temples. One of these temples has been constructed in the 10th century in Kachhapaghata style of architecture. It has its