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Chandrapur

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Chandrapur is a major city and municipal corporation located in central India. It sits in the eastern part of Maharashtra state at 19.57°N latitude and 79.18°E longitude. The city is situated approximately 189.90 meters above mean sea level. It is positioned at the confluence where the Erai and Zarpat rivers meet. Because the surrounding terrain is rich in coal seams, the city is often called the "Black Gold City."

Mahakali temple
Mahakali temple

The city covers an area of about 162.41 square kilometers. It measures roughly 15.90 kilometers from north to south. Its east-west length is about 10.90 kilometers. The landscape of the city slopes downward from the north toward the south. The Erai River has a history of flooding the area. You can still see flood marks on the walls of the city. A masonry dam on the Erai River holds 207 million cubic meters of water.

The climate in Chandrapur is characterized as hot and dry. May is typically the hottest month of the year. During May, the mean maximum temperature can reach 43°C. On June 2, 2007, the city recorded a peak temperature of 49°C. Conversely, December is the coldest month. The minimum average temperature in December is 9°C. The monsoon season occurs between June and September. The average annual rainfall is 1249.4 mm, occurring over about 59.2 rainy days.

History in the Chandrapur district reaches back to the Stone Age. Researchers like Suresh Chopane have found many Stone-Age tools in the region. Archeological finds suggest that people practiced pottery making during the Neolithic period. Many different empires controlled this land throughout ancient history. These included the Maurya Empire from 322 BCE to 187 BCE. The Shunga Empire ruled from 187 BCE to 78 BCE. Later, the Satavahana, Vakataka, and Kalachuri dynasties all held power here.

Anchaleshwar temple
Anchaleshwar temple

The modern city has its roots in the 15th century. A Gond king named Khandkya Ballal Shah founded the fort city. Legend says he was healed by a miraculous spring on the Zarpat River. This spring was considered a holy site called the "Tirtha of Acalesvar." Following this event, the Achaleshwar Temple group was built. The king later founded the fortified city of Chandrapur. The fort features strong walls that are 15 to 20 feet high. It has four main gates and five small gates called khidkis.

Today, Chandrapur is a vital industrial and economic hub. It is a major center for coal mining operations. In 2012, there were 27 coal mines operating around the city. The city also hosts the Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station. This complex is a massive 3,340 MW power station. It is owned by the Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Limited. The station employs about 3,460 people. It supplies more than 25 percent of the electricity for the entire state.

Many different cultures and languages shape the city. According to the 2011 census, the population was 518,000. Marathi is the language spoken by the majority of the people. The native Gondi language is spoken by most of the Gond people. The city is also a place of religious significance. The Mahakali Mandir is an ancient temple built around the 16th century.

Mahakali temple
Mahakali temple

Devotees visit this temple to see various idols and participate in puja. The area is also known for its geological variety. The Suresh Chopane Rock Museum displays many rocks and fossils. This variety has led people to call the area a "geological museum."

Matkasur the male tiger at Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve
Matkasur the male tiger at Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve
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Anchaleshwar temple.JPG
File:Matkasur the male tiger at Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve.jpg
Matkasur the male tiger at Tadoba Andhari...
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