Chhattisgarh is one of the most beautiful states of India’s. Although it still remains touristically less explored, its rich history, lush green rainforests, natural and archaeological treasures outlast the time. It may be a newly formed state but its roots go very deep. References of Chhattisgarh are traced back in ancient scriptures of Ramayana and Mahabharata. It is believed that during his 14 yearlong exiles, Lord Rama spent days in the rainforests of Dandakaranya, which is the part of Chhattisgarh.
In archaic times Chhattisgarh was referred as Dakshin Kausal. Historians suggest in the 10th century it was ruled by Haihaya dynasty, which continued to rule over the land for as long as 14th century. Late the region scattered until in middle ages it was taken over by Chalukya Dynasty, which established its dominations over Baster. Later the Marathas invaded and won the ruling power over Chhattisgarh in 1758. Chhattisgarh came under the control of British government for the first time in 1818 and the rest is history. It is unclear how the region earned its name but most popular theory suggests that the first Rajput dynasty owned 18 forts on the northern banks of Shivnath river and 18 forts on southern banks, hence totaling 36 forts, which literally means Chhattisgarh in Hindi.
Chhattisgarh regained its entity when on 1st Nov 2000, 16 districts were carved out from Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh was entitled to be the 26th state of India. It is spread over 135,194 sq. km of land and bordered by 7 states, Odisha in east, Madhya Pradesh in west, Jharkhand, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in North and Andhra Pradesh in south. Raipur is its state capital. Chhattisgarh is one of the richest state in terms of abundance of natural resources like copper, coal, bauxite, manganese and diamonds. Its potent soil produces various economically important cultivars of fruits, sugarcane, pulses, wheat, maize, and groundnuts and is fondly known as “Rice bowl of central India. Chhattisgarh alone contributes about 20 % of India’s steel and cement industry.
Chhattisgarh and tribes go hand in hand. Historics believe that the primal tribes have been living in Chhattisgarh for more than 10,000 years. A big chunk of its population is tribal, 32.5 to be exact. About 98.1 percent of the tribal population still lives in the rural areas of Chhattisgarh. The tribes that reside in the region include Gond tribe, Muria tribe, Korba tribe, Abhuj Maria, Bison Horn Maria tribe, Bhatra Tribe, Dhruvaa Tribe and Baiga tribe. Only 1.9 % of tribal population lives in urban areas of the state.
Chhattisgarh is home to magnificent assortment of historic monuments, caves, forts, waterfalls, sanctuaries and rivers.
Chitrakoot Waterfall: Chitrakoot is the widest waterfall of India. It is located on Indrawati river. Its width is more than a 1000 feet and height above 29 meters. Since it resembles a horseshoe, it is also known as Niagara fall of India. On the bans of the pond, several carved Shivlingas are found. The natural beauty around the waterfall is spectacular.
Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary: It was established in 1975. It is spread over 557.55 kilometers. wide land. The dense forest is reserved zone to several endangered species. Watch towers are build throughout the sanctuary and various wild beasts like tiger, bisons, leopards beers, chital, sambar, wild boar and blackbuck can be seen.
Kailash and Kutumsar Caves: The dense forests of Kanger Valley National Park cloak these ancient caves. Kailash cave is located on a small hill. It is about 100 m long. The walls of this cave are hollow and when struck by fingers, the cave makes mesmerizing musical sounds. The kutumsar cave is an underground cave and considered the world’s second longest natural cave. It runs two kilometers deep. This pitch-dark cave has five chambers and a few blind wells. The cave has restricted accessibility due to the lack of oxygen in deep parts.
Bastar Palace: Bastar Palace is an ancient monument that was built for the kings of Bastar when they moved their capital to Jagdalpur. The palace shows opulent architecture and the riches of the kingdom. There are magnificent artifacts in the palace. The carvings on the sculpted walls are very fine. The palace is declared heritage monument. Several portraits of the long gone rulers are put up for the show.
Kawardha Palace: This palace was built in 1930 in a massive stretch of 11 acre of land and its interior is decorated with exquisite Italian marble. The palace portrays finest work of art and rare palace furniture. Once a glorious home to a king, it is now declared as a heritage hotel now. The royal suites can be rented to experience the royal standard of living.
Kanker Palace: Kanker Palace is built in 20th century and reconstructed in the year 1937. Once a British residence; the palace is now occupied by the royal family. The exquisite royal palace now hosts guests. The majestic yet mod suite can be rented in the palace. There are several activities that are organized by the palace authorities including jungle safaris, boating, and jeep safaris to the wild life sanctuary.
Gadiya Mountain: It is the highest mountain of Kanker and is full of greenery. . There is a water tank on the mountain, which never dries. History suggests that the mountain served as capital to King Dharma Dev of Kandra dynasty. There is a cave on the mountain, which is very narrow on the entrance, while only one person can enter through it at once, the space inside the cave is big enough to accommodate 500 people at once. It is believed that it was used as a hideout for the royal family and soldiers during war.
Bhoramdeo Temple: Bhoramdeo Temple is built in stone. Lord Shiva is the deity of the temple. It is believed to be built somewhere in between 7th to 11th century. The ancient structure has several erotic sculptures,which are similar to Khajuraho temple. Located amidst the quaint surroundings of Maikal mountain, Bhoramdeo Temple is breathtakingly serene.
The Chhattisgarh tribes have mastered the craftsmanship over the centuries. The tribes are skilled in handmade art. Excellent pieces of craft like sculpted stone art, bamboo and wrought iron artwork, copper and mixed metal jewelry are handmade and sold locally.
There are several delicacies, which are staple to Chhattisgarhi meals. Dal Peethi, flattened dough pieces cooked in pulses, Kusli, a fried snack made with wheat flour, sugar and Ghee, Lavang lata, a sweet dough fried in oil as well as spicy Aloo chokha, baked dough balls stuffed with potatoes and Muthiya the fried stuffed balls. If you are looking for something more exotic, there are some tribal specialties like Chapra, chutney made of red ants with their eggs and Gud ki cha, tea boiled with jaggery.
Quick Facts:
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There are 27 districts in Chhattisgarh.
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It is spread in 135,194 sq kilometers of land.
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Its most spoken languages are Hindi and Chhattisgarhi.
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Sex ratio of the state is 991 females per 1000 males.
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Literacy rate of the state is 71%.
