Datia is a city and the district headquarters of Datia district in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is situated in the Gwalior Chambal region of northern Madhya Pradesh, near the border with Uttar Pradesh, and forms part of the historically significant Bundelkhand region. The city serves as an important administrative, cultural and religious centre in this part of the state.

Datia is widely known for its rich historical legacy and strong religious significance. It is home to the Pitambara Peeth, a prominent Shakti pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Baglamukhi, which attracts devotees from across India throughout the year. The city also hosts several other important temples such as the Dhumavati Temple, Vankhandeshwar Temple, Gupteshwar Temple and Laghu Vrindavan, making it a major spiritual centre in the region. Due to this concentration of temples and religious institutions, Datia has developed as a significant pilgrimage destination with a continuous influx of visitors and religious tourism. The presence of multiple sacred sites and long-standing traditions has contributed to the city's identity as a prominent centre of Shakti worship in northern India.

In addition to its religious importance, Datia is renowned for its architectural and historical heritage dating back to the Bundela period. The most prominent monument is the 17th-century Bir Singh Palace (Datia Palace), built in 1614 by the Bundela ruler Raja Bir Singh Deo for the visit of the Mughal emperor Jahangir. The palace, often referred to as Satkhanda Palace, is a striking example of Rajput–Mughal architecture, characterized by its multi-storeyed symmetrical structure, elevated hilltop position and intricate design elements. The old town of Datia is historically fortified, encircled by a stone wall, and contains numerous heritage structures, gateways, gardens and traditional settlements that reflect its past as a princely capital. These architectural remains provide insight into the political and cultural importance of Datia during the medieval and early modern periods.

Geographically, Datia is located approximately 78 km from Gwalior, 31 km from Jhansi, about 441 km south of New Delhi and around 360 km north of Bhopal. It lies in close proximity to several historically and culturally important places, including Sonagiri, a sacred Jain hill located about 13 km from the city, and Orchha, a well-known heritage town situated around 48 km away. The strategic location of Datia has historically contributed to its role as a connecting centre between major regions of northern and central India. The city is well connected by road and rail networks, with Datia railway station situated on the Gwalior–Jhansi main line, providing connectivity to major cities across India. Datia Airport (DPP), a domestic airport that began operations in 2025, has further enhanced regional accessibility and connectivity.

Historically, Datia was founded in 1626 by Rao Bhagwan Rao, a Bundela Rajput ruler and the son of Raja Bir Singh Deo of Orchha, who established it as the capital of a princely state. Over time, the state came under the influence of the Mughal Empire and later became a princely state under British rule during the colonial period. Following India's independence in 1947, Datia acceded to the Dominion of India and subsequently became part of the state of Madhya Pradesh after the reorganisation of states in 1956. The historical evolution of Datia from a princely capital to a modern administrative city reflects its continued regional importance.

Apart from its historical and religious prominence, Datia has also developed as a regional centre for trade, commerce and local economic activities. The town serves as a trading hub for agricultural commodities such as grains and cotton, and traditional industries like handloom weaving continue to play an important role in the local economy. In recent years, improvements in infrastructure, transportation and administrative facilities have contributed to the city's gradual urban development. With its blend of historical heritage, religious importance, architectural landmarks and evolving infrastructure, Datia remains a significant urban centre in northern Madhya Pradesh.

The region of Datia emerged as an independent princely state in 1626 under the Bundela Rajputs. Rao Bhagwan Rao, the son of Raja Bir Singh Deo of Orchha, received the territories of Datia and Baroni from his father and established his own rule, marking the foundation of the Datia State. He became the first ruler (Rao) of Datia and laid the administrative and political framework of the state.

Following his death in 1676, Datia continued under the rule of successive Bundela rulers. During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the political landscape of central India underwent significant changes. After the Treaty of Bassein in 1802, Datia, along with other states in the Bundelkhand region, came under British influence, becoming a princely state under indirect colonial rule.