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Chhattisgarh

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Chhattisgarh is a landlocked state located in Central India.

Chhattisgarh districts map
Chhattisgarh districts map

It is the ninth largest state in the country by total area. The state is surrounded by seven different Indian states. To the north lies Uttar Pradesh. To the northwest is Madhya Pradesh. Maharashtra is to the southwest. Jharkhand sits to the northeast. Odisha is to the east. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana border the state to the south.

The Mahanadi River , Chhattisgarh
The Mahanadi River , Chhattisgarh

The state has a population of roughly 30 million people. This makes it the seventeenth most populous state in India.

The geography of the state features several distinct landscapes. The northern and southern regions are characterized by hilly terrain. The central part of the state consists of a fertile plain.

Landuse landcover imgae of Chhattisgarh
Landuse landcover imgae of Chhattisgarh

Forests cover a massive portion of this land. The forest cover accounts for over 41.21% of the state. This makes Chhattisgarh the third largest forest area in India. Only Madhya Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh have larger forest covers.

Shorea robusta in Chhattisgarh
Shorea robusta in Chhattisgarh

You might find trees like the Shorea robusta in these woods. The highest point in the state is Gaurlata, located near Samri.

There are several theories regarding the origin of the name Chhattisgarh. In ancient times, the region was known as Dakshina Kosala. This name is mentioned in the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. One popular theory suggests the name comes from thirty-six forts. The word "chhattis" means thirty-six and "garh" means fort. These thirty-six demesnes included places like Ratanpur, Raipur, and Durg. However, many historians disagree with this specific theory. They note that thirty-six distinct forts have not been identified. Another theory suggests the name is a corrupted form of Chedisgarh. This would link the name to the Chedi dynasty of Kalinga.

The history of the region spans many ancient dynasties. During the Mauryan period in the 3rd century BCE, the area was part of the plains. The Sitabenga Caves are early examples of theatre architecture from this era.

2nd-century BCE Jogimara cave inscription, Brahmi script, Chhattisgarh
2nd-century BCE Jogimara cave inscription, Brahmi script, Chhattisgarh

The Jogimara Caves contain the oldest known paintings in India.

6th 7th century Bhima Kichak Temple, Malhar Chhattisgarh India - 7
6th 7th century Bhima Kichak Temple, Malhar Chhattisgarh India - 7

Later, the Gupta Empire held control through vassal rulers. The Vakataka ruler Harisena also conquered the region in the late 5th century CE. The Sharabhpurias ruled with a capital at present-day Sirpur.

The Kalachuri dynasty also held power for several centuries.

The Haihaiyavansi Kingdom eventually consolidated most of Chhattisgarh. Their rule lasted for 700 years. This long period ended in 1740 when the Marathas invaded. The Bhonsles of Nagpur then incorporated the region into the Kingdom of Nagpur in 1758. The British East India Company annexed the area in 1845. It was administered as the Chhattisgarh Division of the Central Provinces. Some areas were princely states before they merged into Madhya Pradesh. The States Reorganisation Act of 1956 officially placed Chhattisgarh within Madhya Pradesh.

The movement for a separate state lasted for many decades. Demands for statehood first rose in the 1920s. In the 1990s, the Chhattisgarh Rajya Nirman Manch was formed to lead the cause. This forum organized many strikes and rallies across the region. Eventually, the bill was passed by both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. K. R. Narayanan gave his consent to the act on 25 August 2000. Chhattisgarh officially became a separate state on 1 November 2000. Raipur was designated as the new state capital.

Secretariat in Naya Raipur
Secretariat in Naya Raipur

Today, Chhattisgarh is one of the fastest-developing states in India. It is a very resource-rich region. The state holds the third largest coal reserves in India.

GEVRA DUMPERS
GEVRA DUMPERS

This wealth allows it to provide coal, steel, and electricity to the rest of the nation.

NTPC Korba Power Plant - panoramio
NTPC Korba Power Plant - panoramio

Modern infrastructure supports this growth. People travel through the Swami Vivekananda Airport.

Swami vivekananda Airport terminal Raipur. Night view
Swami vivekananda Airport terminal Raipur. Night view

The state also maintains significant natural biodiversity. The Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve is a notable area for wildlife.

Achankmar Tiger
Achankmar Tiger

This blend of industry and nature defines the modern state.

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🖼️ Images & Media (21)
File:2nd-century BCE Jogimara cave inscription, Brahmi script, Chhattisgarh.jpg
2nd-century BCE Jogimara cave...
File:8th century couple embraced and mouth kissing at Tivara Deva temple, she stands on his feet, Sirpur monuments Chhattisgarh India.jpg
8th century couple embraced and mouth...
File:6th 7th century Bhima Kichak Temple, Malhar Chhattisgarh India - 7.jpg
6th 7th century Bhima Kichak Temple,...
File:Secretariat in Naya Raipur.JPG
Secretariat in Naya Raipur.JPG
File:The Mahanadi River , Chhattisgarh.png
The Mahanadi River , Chhattisgarh.png
File:Achankmar Tiger.jpg
Achankmar Tiger.jpg
File:Shorea robusta in Chhattisgarh.jpg
Shorea robusta in Chhattisgarh.jpg
File:Landuse landcover imgae of Chhattisgarh.jpg
Landuse landcover imgae of Chhattisgarh.jpg
File:Bilaspur Junction Railway Station.jpg
Bilaspur Junction Railway Station.jpg
File:Raipur Railway Station Entrance.jpg
Raipur Railway Station Entrance.jpg
File:Swami vivekananda Airport terminal Raipur. Night view.jpg
Swami vivekananda Airport terminal...
File:Chhattisgarh districts map.svg
Chhattisgarh districts map.svg

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