town, east-central Madhya Pradesh state, central India. It lies just north of the Narmada River, where more than 30 temples built between 1680 and 1858 line its banks. Formerly the capital of the Garh-Mandla Gond kingdom, it was constituted a municipality in 1867. The Marathas (Marāṭhā), under Peshwa Baji Rao, captured the town in 1739. They built a wall with bastions and gates on the side facing the town. The British captured the dilapidated fort in 1818.

Mandla is a road junction and rail spur terminus and is heavily engaged in agricultural trade. Sawmilling and the manufacture of hemp products and bell-metal vessels are also important. The town houses several colleges affiliated with the Dr. Harisingh Gour University in Sagar. Pop. (2001) 45,922.