Chhattisgarh

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Map of Chhattisgarh (Source: India-WRIS)

The history of this state can be traced back to very early times when it was known as South Kosala. Present day Bastar and Kanker were known as the 'Dandkaranya' in the medieval period the region which fell south of Vindhyachal and up to the northern banks of Godavari river was known as Gondawana. The Aryan migrants to the South passed through it. Excavations have led to discoveries of inscriptions and coins which shed light on the culture of South Koshala. The new state is dominated by tribals amongst whom the Gonds form the largest group in the commencing state. The other groups are that of Oraon, Kanwar, Baiga, Kamar, Birhar Saura, Role and so many other tribals. Gupta dynasty in past ruled over this state. It was under the Sultanate of Delhi. The region was ruled by the Kalchuries of Ratanpur up to the middle of the 19th century and then occupied by the Bhonsales of Nagpur. In the nineteenth century there was complete lawlessness in the area as the Marathas were defeated finally. After the fall of Delhi Sultanate in the year 1857 Chhattisgarh also came under the British rule and area became more open to the outsiders. There was a large population influx in this period. After independence, it was with Madhya Pradesh and finally on 1st November, 2000, Chattisgarh is created as a 26th state on the Indian Union by curving out the state of Madhya Pradesh.

Chattisgarh is bounded by six states. It is bounded on north by Uttar Pradesh, by Jharkhand on the north-east, by Odisha on the east, by Andhra Pradesh on the south and by Madhya Pradesh & Maharashtra on the west. The state is divided into two major parts - the river valley of Mahanadi and the hilly regions. The eastern and southeastern parts of the state consists hilly regions. The state contain good forests. Forest products are Tendu leaves, chironji, harra, baheda, mahua flower and sal seed. Mahanadi, Indravati and Sone are the major rivers of the state.

Chhattisgarh state situated in the Central part of India came into being on November 1, 2000. It is land-locked state with Uttar Pradesh in the North, Jharkhand in the North-East, Orissa in the South-East, Madhya Pradesh in the North-West, Maharashtra in South-West and Andhra Pradesh in the South. It is located between 17°50' to 24°08' N latitude and 80° 15’ to 84° 13'E longitude. Raipur is the state capital.

Chhattisgarh state enjoys hot and humid monsoon climate. Physical features, location and distance from sea have deep influence on the climate of state. Temperature is high in summer and it is very cold in winter. Average temperature in winter is around 18°C. Lowest temperature can be observed in the months of December and January. Average temperature in summer is around 30 - 32°C. may is the hottest month with maximum temperature touching 45°C. Average annual rainfall in the state is 1418 mm.

Chhattisgarh is richly endowed with water resources, both the ground water resources and the surface water resources but there is a need to efficiently and effectively plan, develop and utilise these resources for overall benefit of the state.

For Details go to website [1]

1 Summary record of decision taken at the inter-state conference held on 27th July and 28th July, 1951 among the states of Bombay, madras, Hyderabad, Madhya Pradesh and Mysore regarding the utilization of Krishna and Godavari waters. view

2 Agreement Dated 31st January,1975 between the Governments of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh regarding the swarn Project and other agreements between the governments of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra regarding the following Projects: Bhawanthadi, Bhapalpatnam Project I and II, Kalisarar Project, Nugur II Hydro-Electric Project, Kotri Nibra Hydro- Electric Project and Bandia Hydel Electric Project.view

3. Godavari Water Dispute Tribunal Award View

4. Orissa Madhya Pradesh Inter-state matters on irrigation and Power projects- Memorandum of agreement entered into between the states of Madhya Pradesh and Orissa on 28.4.1983 at Bhubneshwar. View

9 Agreements Dated 16th September,1973 among the Governments of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh regarding Bansagar project. view

10 Summary record of decision taken at the interstate meeting held on 13th January 1977 between the chief Ministers of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh regarding the following projects: (i) Rajghat (ii)Paisuni (iii) ken Canal (iv) kanhar (v) Urmil, (vi) Bansagar, and (vii) Bhander Canal view

11 Agreements Dated 20th February ], 1982 on sharing of kanhar waters reached between the states of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. View

Chattisgarh, situated in the heart of India, is endowed with a rich cultural heritage and attractive natural diversity. The State is full of ancient monuments, Rare wildlife, Exquisitely carved temples, Buddhist sites, Palaces, Water falls, Caves, Rock paintings and hill plateaus. Most of these sites are untouched and unexplored and offer a unique and alternate experience to tourists compared to traditional destinations which have become overcrowded. Chattisgarh offers the tourist a Destination with a Difference. For those who are tired of the crowds at major destinations, Bastar, with its unique cultural and ecological identity, will come as a breath of fresh air. The Green State of Chattisgarh has 44% of its area under forests, and is one of the richest bio-diversity areas in the country.