History of Chattisgarh

History says that land that belongs to Chattisgarh was once called Dakshin Kosala.. In all the literature and annals this is the name with which Chattisgarh was referred. During the Mughal Empire, Chhattisgarh was called Ratanpur territory. Chattisgarh got its current name during the period of Maratha in 1795.

According to mythology, Rama stayed in Dakshin Kosala during his exile period. The Maratha attacked Chattisgarh during 1741 and ended Haihaya rule. Marathas rule during the period was despotic and corrupt. The Maratha army openly looted the people. The Maratha surrendered the interests of the region to the British as the result the region became very poor. In 1818 Chattisgarh come completely under the control of British. The protest against the British and Marathas was strong among the Bastar tribal region. Many rebellions broke out against the harsh British rule. Rebel leader Vir Narain Singh became their first leader in the first war of independence of 1857.

Chattisgarh has great historical backgrounds and the state has to be visited to learn more. Ranchi has an airport which would make tourist easy to reach the state. There are several hotels and a resort in Chattisgarh for tourist’s to stay.

Chhattisgarh urban body to go online by 2010

Chhattisgarh urban body to go online by 2010 January. The state chief minister Mr. Raman Singh announced this progressive stand to cope up with other developing states. The state has approved the proposal to connect the state’s entire urban administration bodies through internet. This will help to monitor the work of the state administration and secretariat online. All the official statements will be published online. It will also allow urban bodies for e-tendering of all the work over to Re. 2 million.

Chhattisgarh is a newly formed state carved out of Madhya Pradesh. The state is rocketing to progress one new step at a time. In many areas Chhattisgarh is improving and developed. Tourism is one such area, where the state is competing with her neighbouring states. There is several sight seeing places which is slowly getting the attention of tourists. The Raipur airport is well connected. The major railway stations are in Chattisgarh, Raipur and Bilaspur. The state also offers good hotels, resorts and home stays.

Bilaspur City

Bilaspur is a good destination to visit in the state of Chattisgarh. the city is worth a visit for many reasons. Bilaspur is known for its “Kosa silk” and rice. It is the second largest city in Chattisgarh. There are several places which should not be missed if visiting the city.

Some of the places of interest in and around Bilaspur are, Sirpur and Malhar, which are of historical significance. Kutaghat Dam – This dam is surrounded by forest and hills, and is a popular picnic spot. The Ratanpur is the old capital of Chattisgarh, famous for its old fort. The famous Temples in Chattisgarh are Mandir Jalapa Mai Sangirathi, Lakshmi Narain Temple, Shri Naina Devi. Bhoramdeo is another famous temple This temple complex is very much similar to the Khajuraho, famous for its erotic sculptures. In many ways a visit to Bilaspur will be worth. there are economocal hotels to expensive resorts in Bilaspur, and the city is accessible by air, rail and road.

Forests in Chattisgarh

Chattisgarh is a newly formed state carved out of Madhya Pradesh. More than half of Chattisgarh is filled with forests. The state has 6076 Hectares of forestland. Chattisgarh has three National Parks, Panna National Park, Indravati National Park and Pench National Park apart from the eleven Wildlife Sanctuaries.

The other wildlife sanctuaries are, Achanakmar Sancturies, Sitanadi, Badalkhol, Gomarda, Samersot, Barnavapara, Tamorpigala Bhairavgarh, Pamed Sancturies and Udayanti. These forests are store house of wide range of varieties of flora and fauna. Chattisgarh forests in Bastar region are one countries richest biosphere. The government plays an important role in preserving the forests.

The nearest airport is in Raipur, with great air connectivity with other important states. The major railway stations are in Chattisgarh, Raipur and Bilaspur. The state also offer good hotels, resorts and home stays.

Dantewada: A treat for nature lovers

Dantewada is a district located in the Southern Bastar region of Chhattisgarh state. The sight of hills with thick green forests is eye-catching. The district is also blessed with many panoramic rivers.

Apart from the natural beauty, the district is also famous for places like Baila Dila. It has around 14 oil mining areas. The mines are found in Akash Nagar which is the highest peak in Chhattisgarh. The most suitable way to experience a trip to Akash Nagar is by traveling from Bacheli to Akash Nagar via meandering forests. The most refreshing sight is the Bodhghat sath Dhara waterfalls, which is in between the dense forest and mountains which is fashioned out of the seven splits of the Indrawati River. There is one place that reminds of the Stonehenge in England, it’s called the ‘Memory pillars of Gama Wada’. They are huge pillars of heavy stones erected by the ancestors of the local tribes.

Tourists can reach Raipur by air which is the nearest airport, or can choose train as Dantewada has a railway station. Sadly there are no hotels or resorts to stay in Dantewada.

Abujhmar – Out of bounds

In a 21st century democratic republic, there are not many places that Indians can’t travel in their own country. Except the likes of the Nicobar islands where the unfriendly tribals rule and keep away even the police and the navy. Or the little village of Malana, near Manali in Himachal Pradesh – which has its own administrative set-up and doesn’t like outside interference.

Then there is Abujhmar in Western Bastar, in Chattisgarh. Infested with and controlled by Naxals, this hilly forest region is inhabited by tribals and has been shut out to both Indians and foreigners alike. With the Maoists having a stranglehold on Abujhmar, it’s been virtually impossible for the police or government agencies to enter the area.

It’s a sad state of affairs to have a situation where one cannot travel to all parts of one’s country. We hope the Chattisgarh Government takes strong steps to counter these Naxalites and Maoists and free up the region. Surely, the lot of the tribals and restoration of normalcy in Abujhmar would have to be key focus areas for the administrators.

Raipur, “Rice Bowl” of Central India

Raipur is the capital city of Chattisgarh and is the biggest city of the region and a fast developing important industrial centre. It is located on the banks of Mahanadi River, which originates and flows through the state of Chattisgarh. It serves as a regional trading center for local agricultural products, particularly rice. Due to its domination in rice production, Chattisgarh is known as the “rice bowl” of central India, where hundreds of different verities of rice are grown. Over 70% of the total paddy production used to be done by Chattisgarh alone.

The major attractions worth visiting on Raipur tour include:

Burha Talab -is the largest lake, Vivekananda Ashram – was established by Swami Vivekananda, Dudhadari Temple - is situated near the Burha Talab, it is famous for its elaborate carvings, Mahant Ghasi Das Memorial Museum - located near D.K.Hospital has a large collection of inscriptions, images, coins, sculptures are displayed in this museum.

About Chattisgarh

Chattisgarh takes its name from 36 (Chattis is thirty-six in Hindi and Garh is Fort) Princely states in this region from olden times. Chattisgarh located in central India shares its borders on the north-west with Madhya Pradesh, on the west with Maharashtra, on the south with Andhra Pradesh and on the east with Orissa. Raipur is the capital city of Chattisgarh.

Mahanadi and Indravati are the main rivers of Chattisgarh. The main industries are Steel, Aluminium and Cement, but the state is also known for its tribal handicrafts: woodcraft, bamboo craft, and bell metal work.

The language of Chhattisgarh  is Chattisgarhi, other languages spoken in Chhattisgarh are Hindi, Oriya, Marathi and tribal languages.

Chitrakote falls on the Indravati River and Tiratgarh waterfall near Jagdalpur, are spectacular sights. Bhoramdeo temple is famous for its erotic sculpture, and is reachable from Raipur. The famous Danteswari Temple is in the southernmost district, Dantewada.

Chitrakot Waterfalls

Chitrakot Waterfalls is the broadest water fall in India. It is situated at a distance of 38 Km. in the west of Jagdalpur. This waterfall is also called as Niagara Falls of India. It has a height of approximately 100 feet and is shaped like a horse shoe. The primary attraction of this waterfall is the rainbow colors of the falls. The best to visit this place is between July and October.

A few small hotels and restaurants are located near the falls.

Chattisgarh – People & Culture

Chhattisgarh has the second highest percentage of tribal population in India after the state of Madhya Pradesh. The Scheduled Tribes constitute around 33% of Chhattisgarh’s population, mostly concentrated in the southern, northern and north-eastern districts of the state. The highest concentration of tribals is found in the district of Dantewara (79%). The Gonds, the Oraons, the Abhuj Maria, the Bison Horn Maria, the Muria, the Halbaa, the Kawars, the Halbis, the Dhurvaa, the Bharias (Bhumiars), the Bhattras and the Napesias are the main tribes of Chhattisgarh.

Chhattisgarh has a very rich cultural heritage. Chhattisgarh has its unique style of dance, cloths, cuisine, and music. Panthi Dance and Raut Nacha are very popular dance styles in the region.

Chhattisgarh is also known for its rich art and crafts that include wood crafts, bamboo crafts, bell metals, wrought iron and cotton fabrics.