Koriya district General information

Koriya district is a district of Chhattisgarh. The District came into existence on 25th May 1998 in Madhya Pradesh State. Its parent District was Surguja. After the formation of New State of Chhattisgarh on 1st November 2000, the District falls under the Chhattisgarh State. The District has derived its Name from the Korea State, the former princely State Korea.The town of Koriya is about 369 km away from Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh.

Koriya district covers an area of 5977 sq. km and lies between North latitudes 22°56’ and 23°48’ and East longitudes 81°56’ to 82°47’ with population of 585455 as per 2001 census. The District is bounded on the North by Sidhi District of Madhya Pradesh, on the South by Bilaspur Districts on the East by its parent District Surguja and on the West by Shahdol District of Madhya Pradesh. The District is a vast mass of Hill Ranges. The General Height of the lower table land is 1800 feet above Sea Level. The Sonhat Plateau has a maximum Elevation of 2477 feet. The Highest Peak in the District is Deogarh, which is 3370 feet. About 60% of the geographical area is covered by forests


Geography

Koriya District lies between 22°56′ and 23°48′ North and 81°56′ and 82°47′ East. It is bounded on the north by Sidhi District of Madhya Pradesh, on the south by Bilaspur District, on the east by Surguja District, and on the west by Shahdol District of Madhya Pradesh.

The area of the district is 5977 km², of which 59.9% is forest area. According to the 1991 census, the total population of the district was 500,758, of which 260,061 were male and 240,697 were female. 66.9% of this population was rural, and 51.87% belonged to the scheduled castes and tribes.

Koriya District consists of the four tehsils of Baikunthpur, Sonhat, Manendragarh, and Bharatpur; five blocks of which four are named the same as the tehsils, the other being Kadgawaon. The district encompasses 223 villages, 5 Janpad Panchayats, 2 Nagar Panchayats and 3 municipal corporations.

[edit] Nature's bounty

Koriya District has rich scenic beauty; its mountains, valleys, plains, and rivers all add to its natural beauty. It is extremely rich in wildlife and mineral resources, especially coal. The climate is mild with a bountiful monsoon, a mild summer and a bearable winter.

The district is a vast mass of hill ranges. The general height of the lower tableland is 550 m (1800 feet) above sea level. The Sonhat Plateau has a maximum elevation of 755 m (2477 feet). The highest peak in the district is Deogarh, which is 1027 m (3370 feet) high.

History

Little is known of the area before the 16th century. Koriya was a princely state of British India; the other princely state that lay within the Koriya District was Chang Bhakhar. After Indian Independence in 1947, the rulers of Koriya and Chang Bhakhar acceded to the Government of India, and Koriya was made part Surguja District of Madhya Pradesh state. The District of Koriya came into existence on May 25, 1998, when it was carved out of Surguja District. After the formation of the new state of Chhattisgarh on November 1, 2000, Koriya District became part of the new state.

Culture

Three community dances, the Karma, Saila, and Suga Dance, are celebrated mainly in the district during different festivals. The main festivals of India such as Diwali, Dashehra, and Holi are also celebrated in Korea District. Some other festivals are also special among the Korean communities, such as Ganga Dashera, Charta, Navakhai, and Surhul.

The original inhabitants of Korea were probably the Kols, Gonds and Bhuinhars (Pando). All other communities in the district claim to have come from outside the district. Migration into Korea District was a continuous process. These migrants include the Cherva, Rajwars, Sahu, Ahir, Gwalas, Oraon, Gadaria, Koir, Bargah, Basods, Muslims, Kahars, Kunbi, Kewats, Guptas, Jaiswal, Schedule Caste, Agrawals, and Jains,and panika.


Places of interest
Amrit Dhara Water fall: This is extremely beautiful natural waterfall on the Hasdo River. It is about seven kms. far away from Nagpur on the Manendragarh-Baikunthpur Road. Height of water fall is about 80-90 feets. and width is about 10-15 feets. It creates a beautiful cloudy atmosphere around the fall. In 1936, Ramanuj Pratap Singh Judeo, King of Koriya State, started a Mela (fare) on Mahashiv Ratri duration that is follow by people of Koriya to day also. Shiva's Temple is also added the extra beauty of this place.

Ramdaha Water fall: This is another natural water fall in the District Korea .About 160 Kms. far away from Baikunthpur ,this fall is situated on the Banas river near the Bhavarkhoh village .Hight of this water fall is about 100-120 fts.and width is about 20-25 fts.Forests ,rocks add extra beauty to the spot

Gavar Ghat Water fall: This is the another natural water fall in Korea.About 40 kms. from Baikunthpur this fall is situated on the Hasdo river about 5 kms. from Tarra village . Height of this water fall is nearly 50-60 feets and width about 10 fts. This area is full of forests and rocks.

Akuri Nala: This is called the natural AC of Korea district . About 65 kms. from Baikunthpur near Bansipur village this place exist. Small water fall is also there .About 100 mt. area is covered from both sides by rocks . In side people can walk freely. Water drops are continuosly drop there in summer season. anybody can bath from these drops. There are also naturare are also natural rops in that area by using that one can hang and enjoy with water drops . On extreme summer this place is very cold. The surrounding area is full of forests and rocks.