Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh

History of Chhattisgarh

In ancient times, Chhattisgarh was known as Dakshin-Kausal. Chhattisgarh’s name was mentioned in the Indian epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. Sarabhpurias, Panduavanshi, Somvanshi, Kalachuri and Nagvanshi were the dominate rulers in this region between 6th and 12th centuries. Chhattisgarh was ruled by Chola dynasty and Marata rule before British invaded in 1845. On 1st November, 1956, Chhattisgarh became a part in Madhya Pradesh. Chhattisgarh was carved out of Madhya Pradesh on 1st November, 2000.

Geography of Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh is located on the central part of India. It is surrounded by Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. It is spread in an area of 1365194 sq km making it the 10th largest state in the country. Chhattisgarh has tropical climate which is hot and humid. 44% of the state area is covered by forest. Chhattisgarh’s outline is like a sea horse.

Government and Administration of Chhattisgarh

For administration purpose Chhattisgarh is divided into five divisions and 27 districts. Bharatiya Janata Party, Indian National Congress and BSP are the major political parties in the state. Chhattisgarh legislative assembly consists of 90 seats. Chhattisgarh contributes 11 members to the Indian Assembly.

Language and Culture of Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh has a rich literary heritage with its roots deep in sociological and historical movements of the region. Famous plays like ‘Jarnail Singh’ and ‘Unch Neech’ highlights the social problems and difficulties faced by the untouchables and the lower caste people. "Lost wax art" and "kosa silk” are the famous crafts of the state. Panthi, Chaitra, Kaksar, Rawat Nacha Pandwani, Saila and Soowa are the dance forms of Chhattisgarh. Most of their decorative pattern which is used in their art work is from their own religion, nature, mythology, social and political events and folklore. In olden days the paintings were done on the floors and walls of the temples and houses. Jalebis, rakhia badi and petha are the famous sweets in the state. Meals are completed only after having a sweet. Chhattisgarh cuisine is mainly divided into tribal cuisine and non tribal cuisine. Tribal cuisine consists of fish, pork, squirrels, red ants, flying ants, field rats and wild mushrooms. Hindi is the official language and widely spoken language followed by Chhattisgarhi, Bengali, Telugu, Kosali, Odia and Bhojpuri.

Educational Status of Chhattisgarh

Literacy rate of the state is approximately 71%. They are 13 universities in the state. Raipur is the educational hub of Central India due to presence of many institutes of National importance. Bilaspur University, Sarguja University, Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University are some of the important universities in the state. IIM, NIT, Guru Ghasidas University, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Hidayatullah National Law University are the premium colleges in the state.

Economy of Chattisgarh

GSDP of the state was approximately 60079 crore in 2010. Agriculture and industrial productions are the driving factors of state’s economy. Measures are taking place in the state for increasing the tea production; presently state is the 17th largest tea producing state in India. Agriculture, Horticulture and animal husbandry are the chief economic occupation of the state. 80% of rural population depends on agriculture and are practicing traditional methods of cultivation. Chhattisgarh is known as the "rice bowl of central India". Power, steel and aluminum sectors have major share in industrial sector in the state.

Tourism in Chhattisgarh

Kawardha is small age-old town which offers breathtaking views of nature and a rich tribal life. The royal palace of Kawardha gives you glimpses of Indian royalty. Chitrakoot Falls is a horse shoe shaped waterfalls which is 100 feet from sea level. Kanker is a thousand year old town which offers splendid combination of waterfalls, forest and exquisite tribal villages. Bhoramdeo is often referred as the Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh because of its beautifully carved erotic sculptures. Champaran was the birthplace of Saint Vallabhacharya. Bastar is one of the most important eco-tourism destinations of the country. Seorinarayan is associated with the Ramayana. Indrāvati National Park is the only tiger reserve in the state.

Festivals Celebrated in Chhattisgarh

Earth Festival also known as Surhul Festival or the Mati Puja is celebrated in the month of March/April. Hareli is celebrated to showcase their local talents in singing and dancing. Pola is celebrated during monsoons to worship bullocks. Champaran Mela is celebrated in the month of January/February to exhibits their culture. Teeja festival is celebrated in the month of July/August to welcome the monsoons. Goncha Festival is celebrated in the month of July.