Google Map Of Chhattisgarh

• Official Website: http://www.chhattisgarh.nic.in/
• Established: 2000-11-01
• Capital: Raipur
• Largest City: Raipur
• Districts: 18
• Government Body: Governor - Shekhar Dutt, Chief Minister - Raman Singh
• Legislature: Unicameral (90 seats)
• Parliamentary Constituency: 11
• High Court: Chhattisgarh High Court
• Area Total: 135,194 km2 (52,198.7 sq mi)
• Area Rank: 10th
• Population 2011: 25,540,196
• Population Density: 188.9/km2 (489.3/sq mi)
• Time Zone: IST (UTC+05:30)
• UN/LOCODE: NA
• ISO 3166 code: IN-CT
• Vehicle Registration: NA
• HDI: 0.516 (medium)
• HDI Rank: 23rd (2005)
• Literacy: 64.7% (23rd)
• Official Languages: Hindi, Chhattisgarhi

History of the name:

There are a few different beliefs with regards to the origin of the name Chhattisgarh. The popular held belief is that this state is comprised of the thirty six princely states that constitute this region. Chattis meaning thirty-six and Garh meaning fort. Another theory put forward by British chronicler J.B. Beglar is that during the time of King Jarasandha’s reign, 36 dalit families emigrated southwards from Jarasandha’s kingdom and established themselves in this region. Hence, the name Chhattisgarh, meaning 36 houses.

Population:

As per the 2001 census, Chhattisgarh has a population of a little over 2 crores. Although the rural areas are currently more populated than the urban areas, the search for better jobs and standard of living has increased migration to the urban areas.

Comprising mostly of backward castes, the state has a population of over 57 lakhs of Scheduled Tribes. The Gond tribe being the most prominent of them. They mostly depend on the traditional forms of work to earn a living.

Climate:

Chhattisgarh has a predominantly tropical climate due to its proximity to the Tropic of Cancer.

• Summer, which extends from April to June can see the mercury touching uncomfortably hot temperatures of nearly 50 deg. C.
• The monsoons from June to October lower the temperatures considerably from the scorching summer heat.
• The winters from November to January provide the most pleasant weather.

Geography:

The northern and southern parts are mostly hilly while the central parts are fertile agricultural land. The Mahanadi River and its tributaries form the main lifeline for agriculture, dams and canals. Physically, Chhattisgarh consists of about 44% forest land.

History of the State:

It is believed that Lord Ram stayed in Dakshin Kosala, which is present day Chhattisgarh, during his Vanvas, During the 10th to 14th century AD. A Rajput dynasty known as the Haihaya dynasty ruled over the regions now known as Chhattisgarh. The Marathas attacked and took control of the region from the Haihaya’s in 1741. Then in 1818 the region came under the British rule for the first time. Chattisgarh also played an important part during the first war of independence in 1857.

Demographics:

80% Chhattisgarh is primarily a rural state of which 96% of the population belongs to Scheduled castes/tribes and other backward classes. Hindi and Chhattisgarhi, a dialaect of Hindi, are the official languages spoken and understood by nearly the whole population. 

Economy:

Recently, the economy of Chhattisgarh has been growing rapidly due to the expansion of agriculture and industrial production.

• This state is also known as the rice-bowl of central India.
• It in one of the few states in India where the Power sector is effectively developed.
  

  Culture:

  Music and dance form an integral part of the culture and social tradition of Chhattisgarh. The folk dance of cowherds, known as the Raut Nacha, Panthi and Soowa are the most popular dance forms of this region.

  • Folk plays are also a very popular form of entertainment.
  • Locally made handicrafts from wood, terracotta, wrought iron and bamboo are traditional art forms. Products made from these are exported to other parts of India as well as overseas.

  Cuisine:

  The cuisine of Chattisgarh can be roughly classified into two types – tribal and non-tribal recipes. The people of Chhattisgarh are extremely fond of sweets and namkeens.

  • Due to their penchant for sweets, jalebis and the locally grown Tikhur barfi are very widely consumed.
  • A unique preparation made from chana dal, known as the bafauri is a staple diet of the locals.
  • Wheat, jowar and maize are the most commonly eaten grains in the region.

  Religion:

  Over 95% of the population of the state is Hindus. But due to social oppression and hierarchical structure many have converted to other religions. Missionary work has helped the spread of Christianity in the state. Within most locals and especially the tribal population, religion is often mixed with superstition and sorcery.

  Festivals:

  Bastar Dassera is the most important festival of the region. All local tribes enthusiastically participate in this 10 day festival. Bastar Lokotsa is another popular festival which helps to promote tourism by celebrating the beauty and splendor of the region. Other popular festivals celebrated in Chhattisgarh are Madai (celebrated to worship the local Goddess), Hareli and Pola.