town, northern Madhya Pradesh state, central India. The town grew in importance when Chhatrasal, ruler of Bundelkhand, made it his capital in 1675. It was constituted a municipality in 1921. Modern-day Panna is a trade centre for agricultural products, timber, and cloth fabrics; hand-loom weaving is the major industry. Buildings of historical importance include the marble-domed Swami Pran Nath Temple (1795) and Shri Baldeoji Temple. Panna has colleges affiliated with Awadesh Pratap Singh University.

The surrounding region comprises much of the former princely states of Panna and Ajaigarh. Diamond mines in the vicinity have been worked since the 17th century. Also nearby is Panna National Park. Established in 1981 and occupying 210 square miles (543 square km), the park is a noted wildlife sanctuary with populations of tigers, leopards, and sloth bears. Pop. (2001) town, 45,688.