Korba district General information
Korba district is the power capital of the newly formed state Chhattisgarh. The district comes under Bilaspur division and is inhabited mainly by tribals including the protected tribe Korwas (Pahadi Korwa). Korba is blessed with lush green forest cover, where a sizable number of tribal population is found.
Korba is often referred as the Industrial Hub of Chhattisgarh. The district within itself is enriched with all the essential raw materials needed for power generation namely coal and water. The four Thermal Power Plants (KSTPS, BCPP, CSEB East, CSEB West) together generates 3650 MW of electricity. Besides these, there is a Hydro Electric Power Station situated at Bango. Coal is also abuntant in the district. The SECL, a proffit making coal company under the Coal India Limited has many of its important mines in Korba district. BALCO (Bharat Aluminium Company) an aluminium major is based in the district.
Korba district is situated in the northern half of the Chhattisgarh state and sourrounded by the districts Korea, Surguja, bilaspur, Janjgir etc. The headquarter of Korba districts situated about 200 KM. from the capital city Raipur. The District's total area is 7,14,544 hectare out of which 2,83,497 hectares is forest land.
Korba city was accorded the status of a district on 25.5.1998. This place is rich in mineral deposits, forest wealth and wild animals. The original inhabitants of this place are the Korwa scheduled tribe who even now reside in different development blocks. On this basis, this place was named as Korba by Shri Ram Rai a Landlord.
Korba is situated on the banks of the confluences of rivers Hasdeo and Ahiran. Korba's last ruler was Dhanraj Kunwar Devi in whose palace, the Kamla Nehru College is operational.
Location And Topography
Latitude : 220 01' To 230 01'
Longitude : 820 08' To 830 09'
Height from sea level : 304.8 meter
Korba district is situated in the northern half of the Chhattisgarh state and sourrounded by the districts Korea, Surguja, bilaspur, Janjgir etc. The headquarter of Korba districts situated about 200 KM. from the capital city Raipur.
The District's total area is 7,14,544 hectare out of which 2,83,497 hectares is forest land.
History
Korba District was a part of Bilaspur District. Bilaspur District was formed in the year 1861. The British Govt. announced that it would take under its control, the land of the Zamindar's, as a result of the petition of "Sir Swed Tample". All the land came under the control of the Deputy Commissioner in 1864. Before this, the whole of Chhattisgarh was divided into districts and Zamindar's. In 1872, 14 other Zamindar's at Korba were separated from Sakti and Kawarda Zamindar and who given the status of a kingdom, under a scheme formulated by "J.W. Chishom".
Earlier, Korba was known as Gourigrah. It was ruled by "Nago Singh Gour" (Snake Charmers). He belonged to Mourya Caste . Nago singh Gour had a small Zamidar, in which there were 5-10 villages. In the neighboring places of this area, there were other small Zamidars like Korwa, Gond, Kanwar etc. so ever became powerful out of these zamindars, he used to attack and take over other Zamidars. It has been heard from the people that the people of Korwa attacked Gourigarh, Nago Singh Gour went to face their attack. When Korwa were losing the battle, some one came into Nago Singh's home and announced that Nago Singh was killed in the battle. Then his wife along with the family and children jumped into the pond and committed suicide. When Nago Singh came home after defeating the Korwa, he learnt about the late of his family. He also drowned himself in the pond. From then onwards, the Korwas ruled over Korba.
The Korwas were a big community. These people built forts and were ruling Podi-Uprora, Lafa, Chaiturgarh, Kosgi, Chhuri etc. They used to fight with the neighboring places to increase their Zamidari. A king named Ghughus belonging to community of Korwas, ruled over Ratanpur. After this, the kingdom belonged to the Rajput King Ratan Singh. Ranga and Banga were, Somar Kshatriyas, who the commander of the Army under raja Ratan Singh.Yogeshwar Dayal Singh belonged to their fourth generation. He opened a School in Korba (Presently at Rani Road). In 1913 he constructed a palace with the help of skilled workers from Bengal. Later, this was taken over by the British. After the First World War, Yogeshwar Dayal died. His wife Dhanraj Kunwar Devi became the Queen. The Zamindari were also returned to her. The queen had two daughters. One died at a young age. The second girl was married to a Zamindar of Uproda, "Swasharan Pratap Singh". He was given all the rights for controlling the Zamidars of Korba. The first hospital at Korba was opened by the queen. When India became independent in 1947 and when the Zamindari system was abolished in 1952, the farmers were given titles over their land. The queen also sold her lands. At that time, Rudhra Sharan Pratap Singh, represented this area. In 1935, the population of Korba was just 300. Bus service first started in this place in 1947. Coal production, first started in 1952. This place was connected by rail in 1954.
Climate
Korba District falls under the hot temperate climate zone and hence the district experiences very hot and dry. Summer season starts from April to mid June. Rainy season due to the South-West Mansoon is from mid June till the end of September. The average rainfall in the district is 1506.7 mm. and normal rainfall is 1287.6 mm.
Rivers And Forest
The main river which is flowing through Korba district is the Hasdeo river start from Pathar in the Valley of Chhota Nagpur. The total length of this river is 233 kms. Its tributaries are Gagechorai, Tan and Ahiran.
Forests play an important role in the social and financial structure of Korba. This district is rich in forest wealth. Korba district has two forest divisions Korba and Katghora.
Inhabitants
The people of Korba comes under different religious, social and cultural backgrounds. The main inhabitants are tribals. tribals constitute the majority (51.67%) of the total population. The main scheduled tribes belongs in korba district are Pahadi Korwa, Gond, Raj Gond, Kawar, Bhaiyana, Binjwar, Dhanuhar etc. Satnami, Ganda, Panka etc are comes under the scheduled cast.
The main occupation is agriculture. The local language is Chhattisgarhi.
Culture
Korba district is also famous for its social and cultural diversities. The people of this district mainly celebrated Holi, Dussehra, Christmas and Diwali. The main adivasi festivals are Dev Uthni, Pola, Cherchera, Karma, Hareli etc.
Ravat Nacha, Karma Nacha, Suva Nacha are the traditional dances of the Adivasi's of this district.
Health Facilities
LANCO FOUNDATION - ARTIFICIAL LIMB FITTING CENTRE It is the CSR wing of LANCO Infratech Ltd, works towards improving the lives of people living in difficult physical and socio-economic environments. It envisages a greater role for itself based on the conviction that CSR goes beyond one-time charity or donation. After years of meaningful presence in the development and welfare sectors, and successful address of socio-economic, issues, Lanco Foundation stands to represent the human dimension of its corporate entiy and is geared to take up more sustainable initiatives. The team consists of Mr. Kamal Kant, Mr. Vijay Lahimor, Mr. Kamta Kumar, Mr. SukhiRam which are providing solutions to the disabled persons by providing aids and appliances free of cost.
Education
Most of the government-run schools in Korba are affiliated with the State School Examination Board, whereas most private schools are affiliated with Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) boards.
Schools affiliated to State Board:
* Gayatri Vidya Peeth
* Sarswati Shishu Mandir
* Vidhyut grih higher sec. school
* Nirmala Higher sec. School
* Beacon English higher secondary school,darri
* M.G.M H.S.School,BALCO.
* Blue Bird Public School.
Schools affiliated to CBSE Board:
* D.A.V. Public School
* Delhi Public School
* St. Xaviers School
* Kendriya Vidyalaya
The Coal City is served by these main universities:
* Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya
Apart from several colleges offering undergraduate and postgraduate courses, there are many professional educational institutes viz.
* Govt. Polytechnic College
* Kamla Nehru College Korba
* Govt. P.G. College Korba
* Govt. Minimata Girls College Korba
* Korba City College
* Swami Vivekanand College [English medium].
One Engineering college .(2008)
* Institute of Technology Korba
Entertainment
Korba is having some entertainment places: Appoo Garden is one of the most popular entertainment place in Korba. Korba is also having some cinema halls some of them are:
* Chitra Talkies
* Niharika Talkies
* Bajrang Talkies
A new open theatre has also been built by city corporation. There are other parks also like the Traffic Park and City Park. There are talks about building a multiplex also. The city is growing everyday and so are its entertainment facilities.
Places of interest
Chaiturgarh: (Lafagarh) is situated around 70 kms away from Korba town. it is 25 KM north of Pali and situated at a height of 3060 height on the hill top. It was constructed by Raja Pratwidev First. Archeologists consider it as one of the strongest natural fort. Since it is protected by strong natuaral walls, only at some places walls have been built. The fort has three main entrances which are named as Menaka, Humkara, and Simhadwar.
Kanki: Kanki is a village situated on the banks of Hasdeo river near Urga, which is at 20 KM from Korba. Kanki is at a distance of 12 Kms From Urga. This religious place famous in the name of Kankeshwar or Chakreshwar Mahadev temple. It is believed that the temple at Kanki was built near AD 1857 by the Zamindars of Korba. Besides this, there is another ancient temple of goddess
Devapahari: is situated 58 KM. North East from Korba on the bank of Chornai river. This river made one lovely water fall named Govind Kunj in Devapahari.
Kosagaigarh: Kosagaigarh is a village situated 25 kms off Korba-Katghora Road on the hillocks of Putka Pahad. This was built by Raja. Natural walls protect it and so only at some parts the builders felt the need of constructing walls. From this place, which is situated 1570 feet from the sea level, a big part of Korba district is visible.
KENDAI FALL: At a distance of about 67 KM from District Head Quarter, Korba, in the Korba Development Block, in Hardimuha village, there is this Kendai Water Fall which is at a height of 55 Ft. Hardimuha village is also known as Tiger Point, as tigers and other wild animals can be seen easily here. This waterfall attracts tourists especially in the rainy season.Thousands of tourists come here to see the natural beauty and unique scenery
MADWARANI : Madwarani Mandir is 22 KM from Korba on the Korba-Champa Road. On top of the hill, there is a temple of Goddess Madwarani,who was unmarried. This temple was built when people said that at the time of Nawaratri, jowar was growing below Kalmi tree near the place. Every year, a fair(mela) is held during Nawratri(September. October) where thousands of local people gather.
KUDURMAL: Kudurmal is a small village on the right side of Urga, which is 15 KM from Korba. This has gained historical importance as there is a Samadhi of the disciple of Saint Kabir. This Samadhi is about 500 years old. Apart from this, there is a temple called Sankatmochan Hanuman Temple, which was built by Mahatma Kevlal Patel. This village is considered holy for the devotees of Saint Kabir. A Kabir Ashram was established in the year 1570 by Shri Mukhtamani Saheb, who was a disciple of Shri Satguru Kabir Saheb, considered to be the first. Acharya of the Kabir Sect.
Mouhargarh: The remnants of the fort is found at the height of 2000 ft. on Pouna Khara hill, which is situated around 15 kms north east of Rajgamar coal mines. An encient writing can be found on one of the pillars. Besides there are some idols. The dense forest around the fort is home for various types of wild animals and birds.
Pali: Pali is a tehsil headquarter in Korba district. This place situated around 50 km off from the district headquarters on the Korba-Bilaspur road. It is believed that pali was the worship place of Raja Vikramaditya who was a ruler belongs in Banna dynasty. There is an ancient Shiv Mandir , which is situated at the side of large pond. Many other remnenants can also be seen here. This temple is faced towards east and its enterance is in octagonal. Plinth of this temple is upon 5 platforms.
The archetecture of the sculptures carved on this temple are very much similar to the Jai Mandirs Mandirs of Abu Hills and temples of Sohagpur. And it is also very similar to the world famous temple of Khajuraho. Vikramaditya also known as 'Jayameyu', who was the son of Mahamandaleswar Malldeo, built it nearly in 870 B.C. In 11th and 12th century the king Jajwalyadeo First of Kalchuri repaired it. His name has been carved on the temple.
The pond near the entrance of this temple has nine corners. This pond has been found to be water filled throughout the year. Two statues and two coins were found here while the archeological department excavated this place for making boundary walls.
SARVAMANGLA: This temple of Goddess Durga is a sacred place for thousands of devotees and have deep faith in it. This temple was built by the ancestors of the landlord(Zamindar) of Korba, Rajeshwar Dayal. Near the temple, there is a cave, which goes under the river and comes out on the other side as Badal Mahal. This cave was being used by Rani Dhanraj Kunwar Devi, to visit the temple daily for 'darshan'. At present, this cave has been closed. To the left of the temple is Trilokinath Mandir and nearby there is also Kali Mandir and Jyoti Kalash Bhavan.
SITAMANI TEMPLES AND CAVES: In Korba city, on the road towards the Railway Station, there is an ancient cave. This is an ancient place and three caves have been formed by cutting the rocks found at the sides of the trench. In one cave, there are ancient idols of Ram, Sita and Laxman. People say that when Ram was living in the jungles during his Vanvas he passed through this area.
The foot prints found in the cave are said to those of Sita. Near the caves, there is an ancient stone inscription where there is mention of "Vedputra Shrivardhan, resident of Ashtadwar District. To the right of the caves, there is a big Ram Sita temple. Near this temple, there are smaller temples, where ancient idols can be found.
Tumman: Tumman is a small village situated at 10 km away from Katghora, which is 30 km away from district headquarter in the nort-west direction. The ancient history states that tumman was the capital of kings in Haihaya dynasty. One ancient Shiv Mandir is found here. It is believed that the mandir was built during the reign of Kalchuri (Near 11 A.D) by the king Ratnadev First. Besides this Shiv Mandir, some other remnents are also found there.
LAFAGARH (CHAITURGARH): Lafagarh is one of the countries most strong natural forts. This is situated on the Korba-Bilaspur road, about 19 KM from pali village in the Chaiturgarh hills of Katghora Tehsil. The walls of the forts are not uniform as this fort is a natural one. The fort has three entrance doors which are beautifully decorated by pillars and statues. At the main entrance of the fort, there is a small temple carved out at stones. This has been decorated in wonderful style. There is a big dome which has been supported by five rows of pillars with each row having five pillars.An idol of Goddess Durga killing Mahisasur has been installed at the main altar of the temple. At the center of the entrance door, an idol of Lord Ganesh has been carved. There is a pond near the temple.
BANGO DAM: This region is famous as a picnic spot. Surrounded by hills, the dam constructed here and the big power house is also a tourist attraction.