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Chhattisgarh became a separate state on November 1, 2000, when it was separated from Madhya Pradesh. Located in central India, it covers an area of 135,194 square kilometers and according to the 2011 census Chhattisgarh  is home to around 2.55 crore people, making it the sixteenth most populous state in the country. Although it officially became a state in 2000, Chhattisgarh’s rich history and diverse culture have deep roots that span centuries. It has emerged as a significant cultural, economic, and industrial hub in India.

Chhattisgarh Map

About Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh is a landlocked state in Central India. Chhattisgarh is the tenth largest state in India by area, covering 135194 square kilometers. With a population of approximately 2.55 crores, it ranks sixteenth in terms of population. The state was formed on 1 November 2000 after being separated from Madhya Pradesh, with Raipur as its capital and administrative hub.

Image Credit: Maps of India

Known as Dhan Ka Katora (Rice Bowl), Chhattisgarh plays a key role in agriculture, steel, and power production. It contributes about 15% of India’s total steel output and is rich in coal reserves and forests. Over 40% of the state is under forest cover, making it the third highest in India.

Chhattisgarh borders seven states: Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. While Chhattisgarhi is widely spoken, Hindi is the official language used in administration..

Historically, the region dates back to the 3rd century BCE with the Sitabenga caves, and was ruled by various dynasties including the Haihaiyavansi for 700 years. Later, it came under Maratha and then British control as part of the Central Provinces.

Chhattisgarh Geographical Significance

One of Chhattisgarh’s standout features is its strategic geographical position. It shares borders with seven other Indian states:

• Madhya Pradesh to the north,

• Maharashtra to the west,

• Andhra Pradesh to the south,

• Telangana to the south,

• Odisha to the southeast,

• Jharkhand to the east,

• Uttar Pradesh to the north-west.

Also Read: List of Indian States And Their Capitals 2025

This central location not only makes Chhattisgarh a crucial transit hub but also an area of economic significance, with easy access to both northern and southern India.

Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh, is a hub for trade, economy, and administration. While Chhattisgarhi is the native language, Hindi is used for official purposes. Chhattisgarh is a major rice producer due to its fertile land and is known as the “Dhan Ka Katora” (Rice Bowl) of India.

Chhattisgarh Economic Profile

Chhattisgarh plays a crucial role in India’s industrial economy, especially in steel production and electricity generation.

• • Chhattisgarh is India’s leading producer of steel, contributing 15% to the nation’s total output. The state’s mineral wealth, including vast deposits of coal, iron ore, bauxite, and limestone, is a significant driver of its industrial economy.
  • The Bhilai Steel Plant is a major contributor to the state’s steel production.
  • Chhattisgarh is endowed with some of India’s richest mineral resources. It is home to nearly:

• 35,000 million tonnes of coal,

• • around 2,336 million tonnes of iron ore, and
  • 3,580 million tonnes of limestone, among others.
• Bailadila iron ore mines, known for their high-quality ore, are key to global exports, particularly to Japan.
• Chhattisgarh is also a major coal producer and has almost all of India’s tin ore deposits. The state’s mining policies, such as the Mineral Policy of 2001, have attracted both domestic and international investments, making it a “power hub” for India.

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Chhattisgarh History

Chhattisgarh, meaning “thirty-six forts,” has historical ties to the Haihaya dynasty of Ratanpur. During British rule, the region comprised 14 princely states under the Eastern States Agency, with Raipur serving as the administrative headquarters.

Before November 1, 1956, the area that now forms Chhattisgarh was part of former Madhya Pradesh. Previously, it belonged to the Central Provinces and Berar, with Nagpur as its capital. After the Constitution of India came into effect, the state was renamedThe demand for separate statehood gained momentum in the 1990s with the formation of the Chhattisgarh Rajya Nirman Manch, led by Chandulal Chandrakar. With support from major political parties like the INC and the BJP, the movement organized rallies, strikes, and public meetings to push for statehood.

Madhya Pradesh Reorganisation Bill was passed by the National Democratic Alliance in 2000. The bill received approval from the Madhya Pradesh Assembly, Lok Sabha, and Rajya Sabha, leading to the creation of the state of Chhattisgarh on 1 November 2000. Unlike the formation of other states such as Jharkhand and Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh’s statehood was achieved without any violence, representing a milestone in India’s democratic and federal journey.

Chhattisgarh Political and Legislative Framework

The state legislature, known as the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly, consists of 91 seats, with 90 directly elected and 1 nominated. The state’s constituencies have been redefined under the Delimitation Act of 2002, influencing both state and national elections. The first assembly elections following this delimitation were held in 2008, impacting elections not only in Chhattisgarh but also in other states like Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

In terms of national politics, Chhattisgarh has a total of 11 seats in the Lok Sabha. Out of these, 6 are General seats, 1 is reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC), and 4 are reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST). The political structure also reflects a strong representation of Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Scheduled Castes (SC), with several constituencies reserved for these groups.

Legislative Body Seats in Chhattisgarh:

Chhattisgarh Natural Features

Chhattisgarh is rich in natural beauty, with many important features like rivers, mountain ranges, and dams:

1. Chhattisgarh Rivers

Chhattisgarh is home to several important rivers that significantly influence its geography and culture. Key rivers include:

• Mahanadi – Flows through the central part of the state, forming its primary river basin.

• Indravati – Flows in the southern part, supporting the Deccan Plateau.

• Godavari – Serves the southern zone of the state with its tributaries.

• Narmada – Originates from the state’s northern borders.

• Kole – Flows near the capital city, Raipur.

• Arpa – Flows through Bilaspur.

• Maniyari – Passes through Taalagaon.

• Sondhul, Pairi – Meet at Rajim, an important pilgrimage site.

• Hasdeo – Flows in the central and eastern parts of the state, contributing to the Mahanadi basin.

2. Chhattisgarh Mountain Passes

Chhattisgarh, located in central India has some notable hill ranges and passes. Here are some points about the mountain passes in Chhattisgarh:

• Kanker Hills: Located in Kanker district, these hills have passes connecting the plains to higher regions, aiding regional travel.

• Maikal Hills Passes: Situated in the northern part of Chhattisgarh, part of the Satpura Range, the Maikal range features passes linking Chhattisgarh to Madhya Pradesh, part of the central Indian plateau.

• Dongargarh Pass: In Rajnandgaon district, near the Vaishno Devi temple, small passes connect the plains to hilltops.

• Amar Kutir Pass: Located in Bastar district, it connects forested areas and hills, with several passes leading into and out of the region.

3. Chhattisgarh Dams

Chhattisgarh boasts several dams that support its irrigation and power generation needs. Here are the some major dams in Chhattisgarh:

• Hasdeo Bango (Minimata) Dam – Hydroelectric and irrigation, Hasdeo River, Korba, Mahanadi Basin, completed in 1990.

• Sondur Dam – Hydroelectric and irrigation, Mahanadi River, Dhamtari, Mahanadi Basin, completed in 1988.

• Tandula Dam – Hydroelectric and irrigation, Durg, Mahanadi Basin, completed in 1912.

• Kherkatta Dam – Irrigation, Mahanadi Basin, under construction.

• Ravishankar Sagar Dam – Irrigation, Mahanadi River, Dhamtari, Mahanadi Basin, completed in 1979.

• Gokuldas Dam – Irrigation, Ganga Basin, completed in 1972.

• Maharajpur Dam – Irrigation, Koriya District, Mahanadi Basin, under construction.

• Jumka Dam – Hydroelectric and irrigation, Gej River, Baikunthpur, Mahanadi Basin, completed in 1981.

• Bhatra Dam – Irrigation, Surguja, Mahanadi Basin, completed in 1988.

• Gej Dam – Irrigation, Koriya, Mahanadi Basin, completed in 2002.

• Kesanpal Dam – Irrigation, Bastar, Godavari Basin, completed in 1982.

Chhattisgarh National Parks and Tiger Reserves

Chhattisgarh is rich in biodiversity, with several national parks and protected areas. Some of the notable ones are:

• Achanakmar National Park & Tiger Reserve

1. 1. • Location: Chhattisgarh & Madhya Pradesh
      • Part of the Biosphere Reserve, it is famous for its tiger reserves and lush forests.
      • Flora: Sal, bamboo
      • Fauna: Bengal tiger, leopard, gaur, chital, nilgai, blackbuck, chinkara

• Sanjay (Guru Ghasidas) National Park & Tiger Reserve

1. 1. • Location: Chhattisgarh & Madhya Pradesh
      • Flora: Dry deciduous forests, Sal
      • Fauna: Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, spotted deer, sambar deer

• Indravati Tiger Reserve & National Park

1. 1. • Location: Chhattisgarh
      • Flora: Bamboo, sal, teak
      • Fauna: Gaur, wild water buffalo, tigers, pangolins, rhesus monkeys

• Kanger Valley National Park

1. • Location: Bastar region, Chhattisgarh
   • Kanger is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, famous for its tiger reserves and rich wildlife, including the Indian wild buffalo.
   • Flora: Sal, teak, bamboo
   • Fauna: Tigers, leopards, sloth bear, rhesus macaque

Chhattisgarh Wildlife Sanctuaries

• Badalkhol Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in Ramgarh Hills, tiger corridor between Achanakmar TR & Palamau TR.

• Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary: Bounded by the Mahanadi and Jonk rivers.

• Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary: Protects Wild Asian Buffalo, separated by the Indravati River.

• Bhoramdev Wildlife Sanctuary: Tiger corridor between Kanha TR & Achanakmar TR.

• Pamed Wild Buffalo Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in Dantewada district.

Chhattisgarh Tribal Heritage and Cultural Life

Chhattisgarh, a melting pot of rich tribal cultures, is home to diverse tribes like the Gonds, Baiga, Korba, Abhuj Maria, Muria, Halba, and more. These communities preserve their traditional lifestyles, languages, customs, and beliefs, contributing to a vibrant cultural heritage. The state’s folk music, dances, and festivals reflect this cultural richness. “Raut Nacha,” performed by the Gonds, and “Sua Nacha,” a women’s dance, are prominent dance forms. Accompanied by lively songs, these dances narrate stories of the land, seasons, and animals, and are central to local rituals and celebrations, showcasing the deep-rooted tribal traditions.

Image: Raut Nach

Image: Sua Nach

Chhattisgarh’s Traditional Arts and Crafts

Chhattisgarh’s traditional arts and crafts also play a significant role in its cultural identity. From intricate bell metal work and Dokra art to the exquisite terracotta sculptures, the artisans of Chhattisgarh continue to create pieces that reflect the region’s deep connection to nature and tradition. Local festivals, such as the famous “Bastar Dussehra,” are celebrated with great enthusiasm, showcasing the state’s rich folklore and tribal customs.

Image: Dokra Art

Image: Bastar Dussehra

Chhattisgarh Mining and Mineral Development

Mining is a crucial part of Chhattisgarh’s identity, with the Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation Ltd. (CMDC) leading efforts in exploration, exploitation, and trade of minerals. The state’s rich deposits of coal, iron ore, and limestone have fueled industrial growth, making it a key hub for steel, cement, and power industries.

Chhattisgarh’s supportive mineral policies attract both domestic and international investments, ensuring a secure and transparent environment for mining. With skilled labor in geophysics, mining engineering, and environmental science, the industry thrives sustainably.

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Chhattisgarh FAQs

When did Chhattisgarh become a separate state?

Chhattisgarh became a separate state on November 1, 2000, after being carved out from Madhya Pradesh.

What are the main minerals found in Chhattisgarh?

Chhattisgarh is rich in minerals like coal, iron ore, limestone, bauxite, and dolomite, making it a key industrial region in India.

What are the prominent tribes in Chhattisgarh?

The major tribes of Chhattisgarh include the Gonds, Baiga, Korba, Abhuj Maria, Bisonhorn Maria, and many others who maintain their unique customs and traditions.

What is the main language spoken in Chhattisgarh?

Chhattisgarhi is the native language of the region, but Hindi is widely spoken and used for official communication across the state.

What are the major industries in Chhattisgarh?

The major industries in Chhattisgarh include steel, cement, power generation, and mining, all supported by the state’s rich mineral resources.