Chhattisgarh Map

About Chhattisgarh Map

Chhattisgarh District Map shows 33 districts of the state. Districts are highlighted in different colors so that they are easy to identify. The Chhattisgarh map contains state capital and all the districts’ headquarters, i.e. Raipur. The boundaries of the districts and state, and the boundary line of neighboring states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are clearly marked on the map. Location map of the state and a Compass Rose are also provided on the Chhattisgarh map to know the location of state and the map’s orientation respectively.

Districts of Chhattisgarh

About Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh is a big state in central part of India. It has lots of natural resources, thick forests, temples, a lot of temples, tribes and industries. The state was created as a separate entity from the state of Madhya Pradesh on 1 November 2000. It is known as the ‘Rice Bowl of Central India’. The state is a big contributor to country’s production of rice. From being a tourist destination to becoming a major agricultural producing state, hub for mining activities and production hub for manufactured goods, Chhattisgarh has come a long way and is still growing. It is a state with lot of natural beauty, lots of minerals, plenty of wildlife, lots of ancient temples and rich cultural heritage. Also, it has all modern infrastructure to support above activities.

Location and Geography of Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh is the 9th largest state in India by area, and covers a total area of 135,192 km² (52,198 sq mi). It is a large Indian state situated between 17°46′N and 24°05′N latitude and 80°15′E and 84°24′E longitude. It is bounded by the states of Madhya Pradesh to the west, Uttar Pradesh to the northwest, Jharkhand to the east, Odisha to the east, Telangana to the south, Andhra Pradesh to the south west and Maharashtra to the west. Due to its strategic location in the heart of the country, Chhattisgarh is a hub for trade and commerce between the northern, eastern, western and southern parts of India.

Chhattisgarh largely consists of flat plains, rolling hills, river valleys, plateaus as well as areas rich in minerals. Most of the rivers of the state drain into the Bay of Bengal and include Mahanadi, Shivnath, Indravati, Hasdeo, Arpa, Kelo and Pairi. These support agriculture, provide drinking water and are harnessed for generating hydroelectric power.

History of Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh is an ancient state with history dating back thousands of years. The region is associated with the growth of ancient Indian civilizations. The region was known as Dakshin Kosala and is referred to in the Ramayana, the Hindu epic. It is said that Lord Rama spent 14 years of his 14 year exile in the forests of this region.

There had ruled many dynasties in the area of Chhattisgarh such as Sharabhpuriyas, Panduvanshis, Kalachuris, Marathas and last the Britishers. After free India came into existence in the year 1947, this area became a part of Madhya Pradesh. Gradually the feelings for a separate state started growing and at last Chhattisgarh was separated and became a full fledged state on 1st November, 2000. Thus it is one of the youngest states of India.

Capital and Administrative Divisions

Raipur is the capital city of Chhattisgarh state, located in the center of the state. It is a major educational, commercial, transportation hub of the state and serves as the administrative capital. Chhattisgarh state is divided into 33 districts which are further grouped into several administrative divisions to facilitate smooth and efficient functioning of administration in these districts. Some of the major districts are Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg, Rajnandgaon, Korba, Raigarh, Bastar, Jagdalpur, Surguja, Janjgir-Champa, Balod, Dantewada, Sukma, Kanker and Mahas well as Mahasamund districts.

Each district in the state is governed by a District Collector who is based at the district headquarters of the area. It is responsible for matters such as local governance, development, police and public administration in the district.

Population and Demographics

As per the 2011 Census of India Chhattisgarh population is 25.55 Million / 2.55 Crore. However subsequent growth will only be known after the next National Census & updated population figures made available by Government of Chhattisgarh. As for the rural and urban population percentage in Chhattisgarh State it is roughly equivalent thus agriculture and forest based sources of livelihood are mainstay of vast majority of population residing in villages.

Chhattisgarh has the largest tribal population in India and accounts for nearly 31% of India’s ST population. There are numerous tribes, each with its own language, tradition, festival and art form. Some of the major tribes of the state are Gond, Baiga, Halba, Bhatra, Maria, Muria, Oraon, Kamar and Abhuj Maria.

Languages Spoken in Chhattisgarh

Official language of Chhattisgarh is Hindi. Chhattisgarhi is most widely spoken local language in Chhattisgarh. It is widely used in communication in the state. In addition to these, languages like Gondi, Halbi, Kurukh, Marathi, Odia, Telugu, Urdu, Bengali, Punjabi and English are also spoken in the state. These languages represent the diverse culture of the state.

Climate of Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh has a tropical climate and experiences three main seasons – summer, monsoon and winter. Summer typically begins in the month of March and continues till June. Summer temperatures can reach up to 45 degree celsius in most parts of the state. Southwest monsoon typically begins in the first week of June and continues till end of September. The average annual rainfall received by the state is about 1,200 mm to 1,500 mm and the rainfall received by the state varies from region to region. Winters in Chhattisgarh typically begin in November and continue till February and have a very pleasant temperature of 10 degree celsius to 28 degree celsius and hence is the best season for sightseeing and other outdoor activities.

Economy of Chhattisgarh

Agriculture, mining, manufacturing, power and steel are the mainstay of economy of a very resource rich State of Chhattisgarh. The fertile plains of Chhattisgarh produce large quantity of rice and thus is known as the “Rice Bowl of Central India”. The state produces also large quantity of maize, wheat, pulses, oilseeds, sugarcane and vegetables.

Chhattisgarh is very rich in natural resources and has agriculture, mining, manufacturing, power and steel sectors contributing to the economy of the state. The fertile plains of the state produce plenty of rice to make Chhattisgarh the ‘Rice Bowl of Central India’ and it also produces large quantities of maize, wheat, pulses, oilseeds, sugarcane and vegetables. The state has large deposits of coal, iron ore, limestone, dolomite, bauxite, tin ore and diamonds. Chhattisgarh is the only tin-producing state in India. The industrial hub of the state is based in Raipur while the other major centers are Bhilai, Korba, Bilaspur and Raigarh with industries like steel, aluminum, cement, power, engineering and manufacturing.

Agriculture in Chhattisgarh

Agriculture is the mainstay of the rural economy in Chhattisgarh. Agriculture accounts for the largest share of employment in rural areas and most of the rural population depends on agriculture and allied activities. In terms of area under cultivation and production, rice is the leading crop grown in Chhattisgarh. The plains of the state are highly suitable for growing of rice and most of the irrigation projects in the state have been developed for supporting rice production. Improved agricultural technologies and support provided by the government to farmers have led to increase in agricultural production over the years. Activities like livestock production, fisheries, horticulture and collection of forest produce also generate income for the rural households.

Forests and Wildlife

Chhattisgarh accounts for around 44% of the total geographical area of India covered in forests and is amongst the top forestry states in the country. With very high levels of biodiversity, the forests of Chhattisgarh support habitats of various species of plants, mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. Principal forest produce includes tendu, bamboo, sal seeds, mahua flowers, tamarind, lac, and several species of medicines used by local tribes for their livelihood.

Protected Areas in Chhattisgarh include Kanger Valley National Park, Indravati National Park, Guru Ghasidas National Park, Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary, Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve, Achanakmar Tiger Reserve and Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve. Wildlife species found here include tigers, leopards, wild water buffalo, sloth bears, gaur, several species of deer, hyenas, wild dogs and many species of birds.

Culture and Traditions

Chhattisgarh has a vast treasure of traditions and culture of the Tribals and Rural India. The state has rich heritage of folk music, tribal dances, local handicrafts, festivals and fairs and other forms of art and craft. These forms of local art and craft are being practiced since centuries and are very popular in whole of India. The state has many local dances like Panthi, Raut Nacha, Karma, Sua, Gendi and Saila. Chhattisgarh has rich heritage of local handicrafts like Dhokra (Bell Metal work), wood carvings, bamboo work, terracotta, tribal jewelry and local handloom weaved textiles etc.

Major festivals celebrated in Chhattisgarh are Bastar Dussehra, Madai Festival, Hareli, Pola, Teeja, Diwali, Holi, Navratri, Makar Sankranti and many more festivals.

Tourist Attractions in Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh, a state in central India, is rich with Natural sites, Historical sites, Religious sites and Cultural sites to visit. Chitrakote Falls is popularly known as the “Niagara Falls of India” and is one of the most visited site in India. Tirathgarh Falls, Kanger Valley National Park, Bhoramdeo Temple, Sirpur Archaeological Site, Dongargarh, Rajim, Danteshwari Temple in Dantewada, Kutumsar Cave, Kailash and Kotumsar Caves, Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary and last but not the least the scenic hill station of Mainpat are some of the many Natural, Historical, Religious and Cultural sites to visit in Chhattisgarh. These sites attract nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, history lovers, pilgrims, photographers and adventure travelers throughout the year.

There are numerous tourists especially nature lovers, wildlife enthusiast, History Seekers, Pilgrims, Photographers and Adventure travelers thronging to this region throughout the year.

Transportation in Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh has an excellent network of road, rail, air and inland waterways connecting within the State as well as to the neighboring States and rest of India. Chhattisgarh has network of National Highways and State Highways, in addition to a very extensive network of intra-state roads and tracks. The domestic airport at Raipur, Swami Vivekananda Airport, has regular flights to and from major cities of India. It also has linkages with all major railway stations of State, including Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg, Bhilai, Korba, Raigarh and Jagdalpur.

Education and Healthcare

Chhattisgarh has made significant development in educational and health infrastructure after it became a separate state. Universities, engineering colleges, medical colleges, institutions of agriculture and research centers in Chhattisgarh are contributing to the development of the state. Governments are working hard to improve literacy, digital education, health services and maternal and child health, nutrition and health services in rural areas with special focus to remote tribal areas.

Why Chhattisgarh is Important

Chhattisgarh is a major contributor to India’s economy with vast natural resources, strong agriculture base, rich mineral resources and emerging industrial base. The state is the largest producer of steel, power, cement, coal and rice in India. Chhattisgarh also has the richest tribal heritage and largest area of forests in India. Strategically located in the heart of India, the state is improving its infrastructure, offering new investment opportunities and adopting sustainable development model. It is thus one of the most important and fast growing state of India.