Discover Chhattisgarh: India's Hidden Gem of History and Nature

Chhattisgarh is a landlocked state in central India. It is the ninth-largest state by size and the seventeenth most populous, with a population of about 30 million. The state shares its borders with seven other states: Uttar Pradesh in the north, Madhya Pradesh in the northwest, Maharashtra in the southwest, Jharkhand in the northeast, Odisha in the east, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in the south. Chhattisgarh became a state on November 1, 2000, and Raipur was chosen as the capital after being carved out of Madhya Pradesh. Chhattisgarh boasted of a rapidly expanding economy, with a Gross Domestic Product (GSDP) of ₹5.09 lakh crore ( about US $61 billion) ) and FY 2023-24 per capita GSDP of ₹152,348 (about US$1,800). The state is rich in natural resources, has the third largest coal reserves in India, and plays an important role in supplying electricity, coal, and iron ore to the rest of the country Over 40% of the country is covered by forests and ranks first in Madhya outside Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh in the forest cover.

 Etymology and Historical Background

The name "Chhattisgarh" became popular during the Maratha Empire and was first used in an official document in 1795. One theory suggests that the name comes from "chhattis," meaning thirty-six, and "garh," meaning fort, though many historians dispute this as 36 forts have not been identified. In ancient times, the region was known as Dakshina Kosala, and it has historical significance as the homeland of Kausalya, mother of Lord Rama. Another theory links the name to the Chedi dynasty, which ruled parts of the region.

 Ancient and Medieval History

In post-Vedic times, the state of Chhattisgarh was known as Pulinda. Coins of the Mauryan and Nanda periods have been found in the Surguja district. Sites like Sirpur and Sitabenga Caves underscore the historical significance of the region, with some of the earliest architectural and artistic finds dating back to the 3rd century BCE

Between the sixth and twelfth centuries, various dynasties like Sharabpurias, Panduvanshis, Somavanshis, Kalachuris, and Nagavanshis ruled the region. In the 11th century, the Chola empire invaded the Bastar region. The region was under the rule of the Haihaya dynasty for about 700 years until the Maratha invasion in the 18th century.

 Modern History

Chhattisgarh came under Maratha rule in 1741 and was later incorporated into British India in 1845. After independence, the region was part of Madhya Pradesh until the demand for a separate state gained momentum in the 1990s. On November 1, 2000, Chhattisgarh officially became an independent state.

 Geography

The northern and southern parts of Chhattisgarh are hilly while the central part is a fertile plain. The highest point in the country is Gaurlata in the Balrampur-Ramanujganj district. Thin forests cover about 44% of the country lying between the Indo-Gangetic plain and the Deccan Plateau. The Mahanadi River is the main waterway, and other important rivers like Hasdeo, Rihand, Indravati, and Shivnath flow through the district.

 Climate

The climate of Chhattisgarh is tropical, with hot and humid summers. The rainy season lasts from late June to October, providing a respite from the heat, while the winter season lasts from November to January, cooling the temperature. The average annual rainfall in the state is 1,292 mm.

Economy 

The economy of Chhattisgarh is highly dependent on its abundant natural resources. The country is a major producer of steel, coal, and electricity. Agriculture is also an important occupation, and paddy is largely grown in the Mahanadi basin.

Transportation

Chhattisgarh is well connected by road and rail. It has 20 national highways and a large electrified rail network maintained by the South East Central Railway Region, with Bilaspur as its headquarters. The state has several important rail links and has the highest infrastructure in the country. Raipur’s Swami Vivekananda Airport is the main airport, providing access to India’s major cities.

 Government and Administration

The members of the state assembly are 90. Chhattisgarh is divided into five administrative divisions: Bastar, Durg, Raipur, Bilaspur, and Surguja, with a total of 33 districts. The chief cities are Raipur, Bilaspur, Bhilai-durg, Korba and Ambikapur.