Jashpur district General information
Jashpur district is divided in two parts as per the geographical point of views.The hilly belt,the northern part, running from Loroghat kastura,Narayanpur ,Bagicha up to the Surguja district.This belt having forest area.It has a reserve forest also. It covers the Sanna,Bagicha and narayanpur.This pat area is called uppar Ghat. Upper ghat is climed through Loroghat.Loroghat is about 4 KM in length and there are three turnings of very dangerous. And the remaining southern part is called nichghat.In jashpur raigarh road , there are two more ghats , Jhanda bhat before Kansabel and Belaghat after Kansabel.Both are of climbing.
The north south length of this district is about 150 Kms, and its east-west breadth is about 85 Kms. Its total area is 6,205 Sq.Km . It lies in the Northern corner of Chhattisgarh adjoining the border of Bihar ,Jharkhand & Orissa in the eastern side. It is between 22dig 17min And 23dig 15min North latitude and 83dig 30min And 84dig 24min East latitude. The upper ghat is an extension plateau covering 1384 sq. Kms. Which is about 1200 meters above sea level and is covered with the dense forest. The elevated plateau called "Pat" Nichghat is plane in general.But It also having many big mountains .Kunkuri is the hottest region in nichghat during summer and Pandrapat is the coldest region in uppar ghat in winter.
The main towns situated on the national high way (N.H.78) are Ludam, Gholeng and Jashpur in the Uppar ghat and Kunkuri, Bandarchuwan, Kansabel, Ludeg and Patthalgaon.The running raods from Jashpur H.Q are (1) Jashpur Ranchi .(2) Jashpur Ambikapur via Manora, Kusmi (170). (3) Jashpur Ambikapur via Sanna Bagicha (170Km). These 2 and 3 are not all weather road. (4) Jashpur Ambikapur via Kunkuri ,patthalgaon (200 Km).
As it is wellknown that this district is the Tribal district.Uraon cast are spread whole over this district.Around 1700 era after the break of their kingdom in Rohtasgarh they began to move in this area.They were settled in the forest area because these place were more suitable for the cultivation.They were fully dependent on agriculture and forest wealth.It can be said that what the condition of Korwa family is now ,same they had.
But after the entrance of the foreign priest,all uraon came under their faith and became their follower.They started to make literate uraon children.At all suitable places they opened Primary,Middle and Higher secondary schools.And now we are really proud to say that Jashpur district is the highest in literacy.Whoever came in the contact of Missionaries school all are well qualified. Now Every Uraon family has atleast Metric pass candidate.
History
Jashpur was a princely State before independence. The history of the region is quite vague. Local here say evidences suggest that there was a Dom dynasty ruling the area by the middle of 18th century. The last Dom ruler Raibhan was defeated and killed by the founder of the present Jashpur State sujan Rai. It is said that Banswada, a smaller State in old Rajputana Province, was the native place of Sujan Rai’s an castors. They established their rule and Kingdom in sonpur. Sujan Rai, being the eldest son of the suryavanshi King, was on a hunting expedition in deep forest, his father, the King died. In view of the tradition and requirement of the occasion his younger brother was coronate, as the throne of King could not be kept unoccupied, even for a while. On return from hunting expedition, Sujan Rai was offered and requested to take over the charge of the throne. But he preferred to be a Sangasi and took to the forest. Wandering about he reached khudia, the capital camp of the Dom kingdom. There he found that the subjects were unhappy and dissatisfied with the Dom Raja Raibhan and were on the verge of revolt. Sujan Rai led the popular uprising, defeated the Dom Raqja in a battle. Now, Sujan Rai became the King and a new State ‘Jashpur’ was founded by him. Today’s Jashpur Royal family belongs to that dynasty.
In earlier years, the Jashpur kung accepted the paramountey of Bhonsles of Nagpur and continued offering 21 buffaloys as a mark of respect and obeyance to the paramount. During mudhaji Bhonsle’s regime, in 1818, Jashpur State was brought under Sarguja State for the purpose of efficient administration. However, till 1950, Jashpur was included as a princely State among Chhotanagpur States, administered by the Bengal Government. This arrangement continued till 1947-48. Jashpur remained a part of Chhotanagpur commissionery from 1948 to October 10, 1956. On November 1, 1956 when Madhya Pradesh was organized as a new State under union of India, Jashpur became a part of it. Till May 25, 1998 this region remained a part of Raigarh District. Owing to extensive area of several districts in Madhya Pradesh, a district reorganization commission, headed by Justice G.K. Dubey, was constituted by the then Chief Minister Mr. Arjun Singh in 1982. The commission submitted its report in 1989. In 1992, the Chief Minister of M.P. Mr. Sundarlal Patwa declared the constitution of 16 new districts in the State, Jashpur being one of them. On account of judicial interests the said declaration could not be executed at that time. Bowing to the people’s aspirations, mr. digvijay Singh, the Chief Minister of M.P., redeclared the creation of 16 districts on May 22, 1998. In a public ceremony the Minister-in-Charge of the district Mr. Chanesh Ram Rathia formally announced the creation of Jashpur District. On May 25, 1998 Mr. Ramanand Shukla took over the charge of collector of this newly constituted district. On organization of Chhattisgart as a new State, Jashpur is a part of this province.
Situated in the north-east of Chhattisgarh, Jashpur is rich with dense and green flora. Northern region of the district has a long series of hills and mountains, sometimes running parallel to each other or criss-crossing some where. Lush green terrain and vallegs present elegant natural beauty. Having an average altitude from 2500 to 3500 meters above sea-level, the district is situated between 220 17’ N to 230 15’ N latitude and to 830 30’ E to ------‘ E longitude. It is surrounded by Gumla district of Jharkhand in the east, sarguja in the west, some parts of Jharkhand and Sarguja in the north and the districts of Raigarh and Sundargarh (Orissa) in the south.
Having an area of 5339.78 sq. Km. Jashpur District has a population of about 739780 as per 2001 census Genderwise there are 370287 males and 369493 females. 03.35 percent of the state population lives here. The density of population is 127 persons per sq.km. 96% of the population is rural.
Jashpur, located on the western extension of Chotanagpur Plateau, forms the north-east region of Chhattisgarh province. Deep, dense and extensive forests, a number of Streams and rivers originate, flow and supplement heavenly beanty to the country. In the past, the region was known as Yashpur, and later Jagdishpur and at present it is Jashpur.
An overview of the history shows specific features of the region. The civilization and cultural heritage are the total sum of man’s efforts and contributing impacts of natural surroundings. The topography and the soil of Jashpur contain rich bio-diversity, enough mineral deposits, well distributed drainge system, cool climte and honest, hardworking, peace loving work force. Nature has given every thing generously. The people of the land express their gratitude to the nature with their contended attitude.
Khudia Rani and gondwana Mahadev, the two archaeological sites, stand as witness to the fact that the region had been fertile for the development of civilization. Some forgotten and less known miraculous legends have also been recorded. Sculpture was a well developed art. An investigation into the history of the land reveals a rich and colourful tradifion and culture of the people. It is the identifying distinction of the district.
Archaes logical sites ae significant in appreciation of history. In 18th century, Jashpur was among 14 princely States of Chhattisgarh, rlaced under Sarguja group. However, till 1905 it was under the administration of Chhotanagpur commissioner. It is painful to note that neither during royal regime nor there after any archaeological or historical Study and exploration was ever undertaken. A number of smaller mud-forts scattered around still wait for their scientific exploration. The prevailing mystery, if uncovered, could relate the archeological sites with the pre historic period of the country.
Jaspur region has been rech and prosperous with archaelogical assets. However, excepting recent history of the princely State, no facts or figures, worth mentioning, are available. Some glimpses of the ancient past could be seen in the two literary works. “The Chhattisgarh feudatory States Gazettier” published in 1909 and written by EMD Brett and ‘Jharkhand Jhankar’ a work ofr literature by deewan of kanker Raghuvir Prasad, do mention some facts about the history of Jashpur. No other source has been found so far. Scattered around various parts of the region, one can find remains of idols, statues, and ancient places of worship in their dilapidated state. No sculptures, carvings scripts or paintings to provide information about the places of archeological importance are available.
In the cousse of survey many elders and senior citizens were inter viewed in this respect. But the facts and descriptions stated by them appear to be fictitious and mysterious, hence difficult to believe.
The beliefs and customs of the local tribe are quite unique. In the course of time there might have been variations and alterations but they have preserved their heritage in the form of ever continuing tradition based on verbal history.
To sum up, it could be said that there would have been a well developed prosperous civilization flourishing in Jashpur region. A careful scientific study and exploration could open up an exciting page of untraced history, imparting it uniqueness and meaning fullness.
Geography
The North-South length of this district is about 150 km, and its East-West breadth is about 85 km. Its total area is 6,205 km². It is between 22° 17′ and 23° 15′ North latitude and 83° 30′ and 84° 24′ East longitude.
It is divided geographically into two parts. The northern hilly belt is called the Upper Ghat. The remaining, southern part, is called Nichghat.
The upper ghat runs from Loroghat Kastura, Narayanpur, Bagicha up to the Surguja district. This belt is a forest area and contains a reserve forest. It covers the Sanna, Bagicha and Narayanpur. The upper ghat is an extension plateau covering 1384 km² which is about 1200 meters above sea level and is covered by a dense forest. The elevated plateau is called "Pat". The Upper Ghat is climbed through Loroghat. Loroghat is about 4 km in length and there are three turnings that are very dangerous.
Nichghat is flat in general but also has many big mountains. In Jashpur Raigarh road there are two more ghats, both climbing, Jhanda bhat before Kansabel and Belaghat after Kansabel.
Culture
As it is wellknown that this district is the Tribal district.Uraon cast are spread whole over this district.Around 1700 era after the break of their kingdom in Rohtasgarh they began to move in this area.They were settled in the forest area because these place were more suitable for the cultivation.They were fully dependent on agriculture and forest wealth.It can be said that what the condition of Korwa family is now ,same they had.
But after the entrance of the foreign priest,all uraon came under their faith and became their follower.They started to make literate uraon children.At all suitable places they opened Primary,Middle and Higher secondary schools.And now we are really proud to say that Jashpur district is the highest in literacy.Whoever came in the contact of Missionaries school all are well qualified. Now Every Uraon family has atleast Metric pass candidate.
Marriage :Uraon's culture is same as it was in the past.Only marriage blessing ceremony has changed of those who are the follower of Christian religion.when a boy became of marriageable age ,their parents , send a message by any relatives to the family where a suitable girl is of marriageable or seen eligible in the view of boy's parent.If the girl's parent accept the message, they invite them to come on their desired date and time.
Parents of bridge party come with two or three Panch's to the groom's family. They receive them happily and invite their neighbors saying that new guest have come in our family so please come to talk with them.They shares them rice bear three round as per the custom.when first round overs the main panch of the girls side ask the aim of their coming .Then boys side panch puts the aim before them.Then they introduce and identify themselves by their surname ( Minj,Lakra,Tirkey etc.).Their surname should not be the same ,and no one get married in the same surname means Tirkey surname boy can not marry with tirkey surname girl.This is the first identity of uraon cast.After the satisfactory introduction they make a new relation on the name of the aimed boy and girl.Now second round sharing of rice bear starts and they show their happy for the new relation .They sing and dance.All songs has a step of ceremony up to the end of marriage function .Songs sang at the marriage time can't be sung at the time of making new relation .This is the second Identity of Uraon culture.
Now some ceremonial steps are being cut off due to the functional expenditure. But three steps would never be stopped and are First engagement Second Lotapani (Mangni) and the third Marriage. In Uraon culture's marriage ,Boy goes to bring her groom with a "Barat".If the groom family is unable to manage at any step, Bridge side helps either by money or whatever they need. This is the Third Identity of the Uraon culture.There is no any dowry system .
Dance .Uraon cultural dance is really a very good example of the Unity ,affection and majority.All male and females are chained with hands and dance together either day or night depending on the joyous ceremony.Karma is danced from July to the end of October up to the midnight of Diwali.After this whole the remaining year they dance called as jalsa dance.
Places of interest
Kotebira Eb river: A very pleasant river with attractive scenery, a rocky spot and the end point of a range of hills. According to a local legend, God came here and liked it so much he decided to build a dam to add to the beauty. He was unable to complete the work and left it halfway, and that is why the rock looks like the wall of a dam. Every year a mela (fair) is organised here.
Rajpuri Waterfall: An attractive waterfall and popular picnic spot.
Kailash Gupha: Springs and fountains add to the beauty of this rock cut cave. Nearby is the Samarbar Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, just the second Sanskrit school in India. Remarkably this school is attended by tribal children.
Danpuri Waterfall: This picturesque waterfall is in the middle of the forest.
Rani Dah Waterfall: A popular picnic spot, situated amidst hilly forests.
Kunkuri Cathedral: About 40 km from Jashpur, this is Asia's second largest Catholic church. It was 15 years in the making, and when completed (in 1968), it was Asia's largest church, with a seating capacity of 5,000. The church is embellished with seven arcades in the shape of arch and seven sacraments symbols made of angle iron. A beautiful shrine, dedicated to Mother Mary, can be seen in front of the cathedral building.