Know Your State Chhattisgarh – Chhattisgarh GK Notes 2021 (Part 1)

Here, we’ll talk about a heavily forested state in central India known for its temples and waterfalls. Chhattisgarh is one such state in India where you get to cover so many aspects under one roof such as from monuments to spectacular landscapes, waterfalls, etc. Chhattisgarh is a uniquely Indian experience which is home to country’s widest waterfalls, caves, lush green forests, ancient monuments, rare wildlife, exquisitely carved temples, Buddhist sites and hill plateaus.

So, in this particular blog we will edify on the cultural, geographical and political aspects of Chhattisgarh.

Do you know which state contains the source of one of the most important rivers of the South Asian peninsula- The Mahanadi? “Rice Bowl of India” is the name given to which state? India’s first steel industry was set up in which state?

So, let’s go ahead with some more interesting facts about Chhattisgarh along with answering the above questions.

CHHATTISGARH is India’s 10th largest state. It is endowed with a rich culture, heritage, and attractive natural diversity.  This state is located in the heart of India with a ten thousand years old civilization. It is a land ‘Full of Surprises’ that attracts tourists who look forward to experiencing the pristine. On 1 November 2000, this state was formed. Chhattisgarh has become a magnet for nature enthusiasts who wish to explore unique tribal arts, crafts, and traditions. 

STATE SYMBOLS OF CHHATTISGARH:

Let’s start with the foremost aspect of Chhattisgarh i.e. cultural aspect.

CULTURE Chhattisgarh GK Notes:

Chhattisgarh is famous for its rich cultural heritage that reflects various aspects of this beautiful state. The State has a very unique and vibrant culture. People of the state are traditional and believe in a simple way of living following their traditional customs and beliefs. It can be visibly observed in their food habits, festivals and fairs, costumes, ornaments, folk dance and music as well.

• Chhattisgarh has a mixed culture; Hinduism is the main religion along with Muslims, Christians and Buddhists.
• Cultural life of Chhattisgarh comprises varied forms of traditional art and crafts, tribal dances, folk songs, regional festivals and fairs and amusing cultural fests.
• Mainly, Chhattisgarh is occupied by over 35 big and small colourful tribes spread over the region.
•  The most famous dance-drama of the State is Pandwani, which is a musical narration of the great Hindu epic Mahabharata.
• The most famous State Dance is Panthi dance. It is given by the Satnami community of Chhattisgarh.
• Eastern parts of Chhattisgarh are influenced by Oriya culture.
•  Chhattisgarh also hosts various cultural fests like Chakradhar Samaroh, Sirpur Mahotsav, Rajim Kumbh and other Festival and Bastar Lokotsav, etc. that showcase the vibrant cultural life of the state.
• The tribal groups of Chhattisgarh have their distinctive languages, cuisine, music, dance and lifestyle.
• Chhattisgarhi is the local language used by most of the people who live in villages and rural areas of Chhattisgarh. But the official language of Chhattisgarh is considered to be Hindi.
• The State of Chhattisgarh is known as ‘The Rice Bowl of India’ and has a rich tradition of food culture. Few Chhattisgarhi dishes are Aamat, Bafauri, Bhajia, Chousela, Dubkikadhi, Farra, Khurmi, Moong Bara, Thethari, and Muthia.
• Chhattisgarh is famous for “Kosa silk” and “lost wax art”.                           

Now let’s move forward to another aspect i.e. geographical aspect of Chhattisgarh.

GEOGRAPHY Chhattisgarh GK Notes:

Chhattisgarh is a state of east-central India formed partitioning ten Chhattisgarhi and six Gondi-speaking southeastern districts of Madhya Pradesh. Area-wise, Chhattisgarh is the 10th largest state in India. The northern and southern parts of the state are hilly, while the central part is a fertile plain.

• Area: 135,191 km²

Area rank in India: 10^th

• Population: 32,186,262

Population rank in India: 17^th

Latitude: 17°47’ N to 24°06’ N

Longitude: 80°15’ E to 84°24’ E

• It is bounded by the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand to the north and northeast, Odisha to the east, Telangana to the south, and Maharastra and Madhya Pradesh to the west.
• Chhattisgarh is located in the Chhattisgarh plains, which forms the upper Mahanadi River basin.  The Chhattisgarh Plain is bounded by the Chota Nagpur plateau to the north, the Maikala Ranges to the west, the hills of Raigarh to the northeast, the Raipur upland to the southeast, and the Bastar plateau to the south.
•  It is a structural plain with topographic variations resulting from extensive denudation.
• Chhattisgarh contains the source of one of the most important rivers of the South Asian peninsula-the Mahanadi. This river originates in a village near Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The Mahanadi is the chief river of the state.
• About 12% of India’s forests are in Chhattisgarh, and 44% of the state’s land is covered with deciduous forests. The Green State of Chhattisgarh has the densest forests in India identified as one of the richest bio-diversity habitats.
• The state has 3 National Parks and 11 Wildlife Sanctuaries which protect the unique and endangered species like their state bird Hill Myna etc.

Climate Chhattisgarh GK Notes:

The climate of Chhattisgarh is tropical. It is hot and humid because of its proximity to the Tropic of Cancer and its dependence on the monsoons for rains.

• The distinct seasons seen in Chhattisgarh are summer (March to May), winter (November to February), and the intervening rainy months of the southwest monsoon (June to September).
• Chhattisgarh is one of the warmest regions in India. The summer is hot, dry, and windy, with high temperatures typically reaching at least 85 °F (about 30 °C) in all parts of the state.
• Winters are usually pleasant and dry, with high temperatures in the upper 70° F (mid-20° C).
• In December and January, there is considerable rainfall over the northern part of the state, although the state as a whole receives most of its precipitation during the southwest monsoon.
• Rainfall usually ranges from 47 to 60 inches (1,200 to 1,500 mm) annually.

Soil type Chhattisgarh GK Notes:

There are five types of soil found in Chhattisgarh. These are given below:

1. Red-Yellow Soil: It is the most common type of soil found in most parts of Chhattisgarh found on around 55% of the region. This soil is found in Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg, Mahasamund, Jashpur districts. Best for cultivating rice, millets, pulses and sorghum.
2. Red Sandy Soil: This type of soil is found in the districts of Dantewada, Kanker, Dhamtari and Durg. Ideal for the cultivation of watermelons, peaches and peanuts.
3. Red loam Soil: This soil is found in Dantewada, Bastar, Sukma, Bijapur regions of Chhattisgarh. This soil is suitable for growing paddy and coarse grains.
4. Black Soil: In Chhattisgarh, it is known as Kanhari soil. Districts of Kawardha, Dhamtari, Mahasamund, Mungeli, Balod are covered by this soil for cultivating oilseeds, cotton, pulses, wheat, gram, soybeans, etc.
5. Laterite Soil: This soil is found in the regions of Surguja, Jashpur, Balrampur, Durg, Bastar and Bemetara districts of Chhattisgarh.

Now, let’s analyse the other important aspect of Chhattisgarh i.e. political aspects.

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS Chhattisgarh GK Notes:

The structure of Chhattisgarh’s government, like that of most other Indian states, is defined by the national constitution of 1950.

• The head of state “the governor” is appointed by the president of India.
• The governor is aided and advised by a chief minister, who heads the Council of Ministers, which is responsible to the elected Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha).
• The Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly is the unicameral state legislature of Chhattisgarh state in India.
• Although the political capital of Chhattisgarh is Raipur, the High Court is located in Bilaspur. A chief justice presides over the High Court.
• Local government includes several divisions, which are subdivided further into districts. Each division is administered by a commissioner, while each is headed by a collector. Collectors exercise both executive and magisterial power.
• A large area of Chhattisgarh is under the control of the Naxalites. In Bastar division in the south, state law has failed to function many times.

Representation of Chhattisgarh in Parliament:

Assembly seats (unicameral): 90

Rajya Sabha: 5

Lok Sabha: 11

First Governor of Chhattisgarh: D. N. Sahay

First Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh: Ajit Pramod Kumar Jogi

Total number of districts: 28

SOME INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT Chhattisgarh GK Notes:

• Chitrakoot Falls situated in Bastar District, Chhattisgarhis known as the ‘Niagara of India’. It is a Horse shaped waterfall.
• Chhattisgarh is the only state of India that has the production of tin concentrates. The state accounts for about 35.4% of tin ore reserves of India.
• Bhoramdeo Temple located in Kabirdham district of Chhattisgarh was one of the oldest temple built in 11^th century by Nagwanshi kings. It is also called The Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh because of its erotic sculptures.
• The Route from where Lord Rama was said to pass during exile named as Ram Van Gaman Marg is situated in Chhattisgarh.
• JAL- JALI is a unique place in Chhattisgarh as anyone who jumps here can create an earthquake.
• Bhilai steel plant (BSP) situated in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh is India’s first and main producer of steel rails and other steel products.

Hope this blog made your facts clear about Chhattisgarh. In our forthcoming blog, we will be studying about other aspects of Chhattisgarh.

Do you know about the historical aspects of Chhattisgarh? Where is India’s first music and dance University established?

We will answer these in the next blog. Click here for Know your state ‘Chhatisgarh’ – Part 2! We hope it will help you in the preparation of your exams such SSC 10+2, SSC CGL, CDS, NDA, etc.

Thank you