The Chandela Dynasty ruled Bundelkhand from the 9th to the 14th century and is celebrated for the world-famous Khajuraho temples and architectural achievements.

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• The Chandela Dynasty was founded by Nannuka in 831 AD and ruled the Bundelkhand region of present-day Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
• Initially feudatories of the Gurjara-Pratiharas, the Chandelas later emerged as an independent regional power with capitals at Khajuraho, Kalinjar, and Mahoba.
• Yashovarman established Chandela independence by conquering Kalinjar, while Dhanga expanded the kingdom and brought Gwalior Fort under Chandela control.
• Vidyadhara successfully defended the kingdom against Mahmud of Ghazni and strengthened Chandela political and military influence in northern India.
• The Chandela rulers developed the renowned Khajuraho School of Architecture, characterized by elaborate carvings, sandstone construction, and the Panchayatana temple style.
• Khajuraho temples featured Garbhagriha, Mandapa, Ardhamandapa, and sometimes Antarala, with sculptures depicting religious, cultural, and artistic themes.
• Major Chandela monuments include the Lakshmana Temple, Vishvanatha Temple, Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, and Parshvanatha Jain Temple at Khajuraho.
• The dynasty declined during the 13th century due to external invasions, weakening political authority, and the rise of regional powers and the Delhi Sultanate.