Raipur. Chhattisgarh, known as the “Rice Bowl”, is celebrating its 24th State Foundation Day today. The state came into existence as the 26th state of India on 1 November 2000, when it was divided from Madhya Pradesh. The formation of Chhattisgarh was facilitated by long-term political and social movements, beginning with the demand raised in Raipur in 1924. However, it took decades to turn it into reality.
Reason for demand of separate state
The demand for making Chhattisgarh a separate state arose because its culture, language, customs and economic resources were different from other parts of Madhya Pradesh. The number of people speaking “Chhattisgarhi” language was high and tribal and rural society had an important contribution here.
Political pressure for Chhattisgarh statehood increased in the 1990s, and as a result of several movements, the central government agreed in 2000. Under this agreement, the Madhya Pradesh Reorganization Act 2000 was passed, and Chhattisgarh officially became a state on 1 November 2000.
Historical and cultural heritage of Chhattisgarh
The history of Chhattisgarh is rich and ancient, with deep roots of culture, art and traditions. In ancient times it was known as Dakshina Kosala, and finds mention in the epics. Lord Rama is believed to have visited here during his exile, making this area important from religious and cultural point of view. The name of the region is derived from the Sanskrit word “Chhattisgarh”, which means “land of thirty-six forts”, and is believed to have had the presence of 36 forts.
historically significant period
The region of Chhattisgarh remained important even during the times of the Maurya and Gupta empires. Later, it came under the Kalachuri dynasty, who built many temples in the area. The Marathas captured it in the 16th century, and it eventually came under British rule. After independence, it became a part of Madhya Pradesh, but due to differences in language, culture and economic terms, the demand for a separate state continued to arise.
At the time of creation of Chhattisgarh there were 16 districts
Chhattisgarh was formed on 1 November 2000, and then had 16 districts: Raipur, Durg, Bilaspur, Janjgir-Champa, Kabirdham, Mahasamund, Korba, Balodabazar, Dhamtari, Raigarh, Sukma, Dantewada, Bastar, Narayanpur, Kanker, and Jashpur. . Now this number has increased to 33 districts.
abundance of mineral resources
Chhattisgarh is a major producer of mineral resources, with large reserves of iron ore, coal, bauxite, and other minerals. It holds 35.4% of India’s tin ore reserves and is the only state in the country where tin concentrates are produced.
These major rivers of Chhattisgarh
The rivers in Chhattisgarh include the Mahanadi, Shivnath, Arpa, Indravati, Sabari, Lilagar, Hasdo, Parry, and Sondur, which not only enrich the water resources of the state but also play an important role in the lives of the local people.
