Chhindwara district General information
Chhindwara district is one of the districts of Madhya Pradesh state of India, and Chhindwara town is the district headquarters. The district is part of Jabalpur Division.
Chhindwara District ranks 1st in area (11,815 km².) in Madhya Pradesh State and occupies 3.85% of the area of the state. Chhindwara district was formed on 1 November 1956. It is located on the South-West region of 'Satpura Range of Mountains'. It is spread from 21.28 to 22.49 Deg. North (longitude) and 78.40 to 79.24 Deg. East (latitude) and spread over an area of 11,815 km². This district is bound by the plains of Nagpur District (in Maharashtra State) on the South, Hoshangabad and Narsinghpur Districts on the North, Betul District on the West and Seoni Districts on the East.
History
History records the place from the time of the rule of Bhakth Bulund King, whose kingdom was spread over the Satpura range of hills and it is believed that his rule was up to the 3rd Century. One ancient plaque, belonging to "Rashtrakut" dynasty, found in "Neelkanth" village. This dynasty ruled up to the 7th Century. Then came the "Gondvana" dynasty which ruled the area with "Devgarh" as the capital. King 'Jatav' of 'Gond' community has built the Devgarh fort. Bhakth Bulund King was most powerful in the dynasty and he has adopted Muslim religion during the rule of Emperor "Aurangjeb". Later the power has changed many hands and finally 'Maratha rule' ended in 1803. On 17 September 1803, East India Company had taken over this kingdom by defeating 'Raghuji II', starting the British rule. After Independence 'Nagpur' was made the capital of Chhindwara District, and on 1 November 1956 this district was re-constituted with Chhindwara as the capital.
Geography
From the Geographical point of view Chhindwara district can be divided into three main regions - 1) The plains near Nagpur region comprising of Tahsils Sausar and Pandhurna, 2) the central region comprising of Chhindwara, Southern part of Amarwara region and Northern part of Sausar region. This region is also known as the Satpura mountain region and 3) The third region is mostly the Northern region comprising of hilly terrain.
The geographical height of district varies from 1,550 ft (470 m) to 3,820 ft (1,160 m) above sea level with an average elevation of 2215 feet (675 m). There are five major rivers which flow through the district namely Kanhan, Pench, Jam, Kulbehra, Shakkar and Doodh. Kanhan river flows in the Southern direction through the western parts of Chhindwara Tahsil and mixes with the Wenganga river. Jam river flows mostly through the Sausar region and joins with the Kanhan river. Pench river flows in the border areas of Chhindwara and Seoni Districts and mixes with the Kanhan river in Nagpur District. Kulbehra river starts at Umreth and flows through Chhindwara and Mohkhed and joins with Pench river. Around 4212.556 km². area of the district is covered under forest. Bamboo, Teak, Harra, Saalbeej, Tendu Patta are the major forest wealth.
Demography
There are 1984 villages in the district, out of which 1903 villages are habitated. The district is divided into 19 Revenue Circles, 319 Patwari Halkas. There are 808 Panchayats in the district. 'Chhindwara' is the Parliamentary Constituency in the district and there are 8 Assembly Segments (Jamai, Chhindwara, Parasia, Damua, Amarwara, Chourai, Sausar and Pandhurna). As per Census 2001 the total population of Chhindwara town is 1,22,309 and of the district is 18,48,882 with a population density of 156 people per km². There are 953 females for every 1000 males. The sex ratio of Rural Chhindwara is more (962) than that of Urban Chhindwara (926).As per Census 2001, the average literacy rate of the district is 66.03%, which is above the average of the MP state's 64.08%. The literacy rate in the rural area of the district is 60.76% and that of urban area is 81.46%.
Division
The District is divided into 9 Tahsils (Chhindwara, Parasia, Junnardeo, Tamia, Amarwara, Chourai, Bicchua, Sausar and Pandhurna), 11 Development Blocks (Chhindwara, Parasia, Junnardeo, Tamia, Amarwara, Chourai, Bicchua, Harrai, Mohkhed, Sausar and Pandhurna). There are 8 Nagar Palikas (Chhindwara, Parasia, Junnardeo and Pandhurna), 8 Nagar Panchayats (Sausar, Amarwara, Chandameta Butaria, Newton Chikli, Harrai, Mohgaon, Chourai, and Lodhikheda). Apart from this there are 10 small towns (Dighawani, Jatachapar, Iklehara, Pagara, Kalichapar, Damua, Pala Chourai, Bhamori, Ambada and Badkuhi).
Climate
Chhindwara has a subtropical climate. Like most of north India it has a hot dry summer(April-June) followed by monsoon rains (July-September) and a cool and relatively dry winter. Average annual rainfall is 1,183 mm. Minimum temperature during winder is 4 to 6 degree Celsius while maximum temperature during summer is 38 to 42 degree Celsius.
Industry
Following are few recognizable industries that have contributed to the industrial development of Chhindwara:
Hindustan Unilever Limited is a multinational company, originally from England. Earlier this company's name was Hindustan Lever Limited. Chhindwara Hindustan Unilever Limited is situated at village Lahgadua, 5 km from Chhindwara. This company has completed 75 years in 2008. There are 210 workers in Hindustan Unilever, who work in 3 shifts. The Chhindwara factory produces 3 main products: Rin washing soap, Wheel washing powder and Surf Excel washing powder. It is the only factory of Hindustan Unilever in Madhya Pradesh. In the year 2007 the production was 70,000 units.[citation needed]
Raymond Group The Raymond Chhindwara plant, set up in 1991, is a state-of-the-art integrated manufacturing facility located 65 km away from Chhindwara. Built on 100 acres (0.40 km2) of land, the plant produces premium pure wool, wool blended and polyester viscose suiting. This plant has achieved a record production capacity of 14.65 million meters, giving it the distinction of being the single largest integrated worsted suiting unit in the world.
Spices Park India's first spice park was opened in Chhindwara on 25th Feb 2009. The park, first in a series of seven parks planned by the Spices Board is being set up with an investment of Rs 20 cr. The initial phase of the park consists of a Garlic Dehydration Plant set up by the Spices Board and a Steam Sterilization Unit set up by STCL Ltd., a public sector company. The park has come up in an area of 18 acres (73,000 m2) in Laas village, Umranala, near Chhindwara in Madhya Pradesh on Chhindwara-Nagpur Highway.
Coal Mines: Parasia, situated about 30 km from Chhindwara, is known as the "Coal Mines Belt". There were 24 mines in this area, of which 20 mines are still working. The principal mines are: Eklahara Mines, Burkuhi Mines, Chandametta Mines, Newton Mines, Donger Chikhali Mines, Mahadev Puri Mines. Ravanwara Mines, Ravanwara Khash, Vishnu Puri 11 No., Vishnu Puri 12 No., Chhinda Mines, Setiya Mines, Shivpuri Mines, Shivpuri Mines, Chhury Mines, Mathani Mines, Thisgora Mines, Nahariya Mines, Pench Mines, and Urdhan Project. The coal mines at Junnardeo (part of Pench Mines) were closed in the year 2000-2001.
Amongst other large scale industries are, Super Pack (Bajaj) at Village Sawli near Sausar, Bhansali Engineering Polymers at village Satnur near Sausar, P.B.M.Polytex Ltd. at village Borgaon near Sausar and Suryawanshi Spinning Mills at village Rajna near Pandhurna.
Tourist Place
Patalkot: situated in the hilly block 'Tamia' of Chhindwara District, has acquired great importance because of its Geographical and Scenic beauty. Patalkot is a lovely land scape located at a depth of 1200-1500 feet in a velley. Because of the great depth at which it is located this place is christened as 'Patalkot' ('Patal menas very deep, in Sanskrit). When one looks down the place sitting at the top of the valley, the place looks like a horse shoe in shape. People belive it as the entrance to 'Patal'. There is one more belief that after worshipping 'Lord Shiva' Prince 'Meghnath' had gone to Patal-lok through this place only. People say that this place was ruled by Kings in 18th and 19th Century and that there was a long tunnel connecting this place to 'Pachmarhi' in Hoshangabad District.
The place is spread over an area from 22.24 to 22.29 Deg. North, 78.43 to 78.50 Deg. East. The place is located at a distance of 62 Km from the district headquarters in the North-West direction, and 23 Km from Tamia in North-East direction. Patalkot is spread over an area of 79 Sq.Km. at an average height of 2750-3250 feet above Mean Sea Level. 'Doodh' river flows in the picturesque valley. It is a treasure of forest and herbal wealth. There are 12 villages and 13 hamlets in this valley, with a total population of 2012 (1017 male and 995 female). Most of the people belong to 'Bharia' and 'Gond' tribes. Because of the inaccessibility of this area, the tribals of this region were totally cut off from the civilised world. But, with the constant efforts being made by the Government, tribals of this area started tasting the advantages of adopting civilised life. 'Patalkot Development Agency' has taken up the overall development of this area and people. Now, there are Primary Schools, Primary Health Centres, Veterinary Health Centres etc. serving the needs of these people. The Government has built stop dams for irrigation purpose, people started using modern cultivation methods, tools. They employ diesel/ electric pump sets to irrigate their land, use improved seeds, fertilisers. Every effort is being made to bring these people to the main stream. The day is not far away when we can see our tribal brothers of Patalkot mixing well with the modern world. 'Patalkot' is attracting many tourists because of its geographical location, scenic beauty, culture of the people who live here, and the immense and rare herbal wealth.
CHOTA MAHADEV CAVE AT TAMIA: Tamia village is situated at a distance of 32 miles from Chhindwara on Chhindwara - Pachmari Road. The steep hills, dense forests, and big winding ghats have all combined to make Tamia a beauty spot and a tourist place. A P.W.D. rest house is picturesquely situated on a steep hill commanding an extensive view of the deep jagir forests and mountainous ranges of Satpura notably Mahadeo and Chaura Pahad in the background. The view from the rest house is noted for its constantly shifting natural scenary which is inspiring to the visitors to this place.
The government postal bungalow situated in Tamia is a pleasant place as it is located in hilly range at 3765 feet height above Mean Sea Level surrounded by dense forest. The sunrise and sunset scenes give a breath taking experience to the visitors. About 1.5 Km from this bungalow there is a cave where in the holy 'Shivling' (the diety of Lord Shiva) of 'Chota Mahadev' exists. Just beside the cave is a small water fall. Both of these provide a feast to the eyes of the visitors.
DEVGARH FORT: This famous historical fort of Devgarh is situated 24 miles south of Chhindwara beyond Mohkhed. The fort is built on a hill which is fortified by a deep valley clothed with dense reserve forest. The fort is approachable upto its foot by motor road. The nature is bountiful here. It was the capital of 'Gond' empire till 18th Century and had its glory and glitter at that time. Now, one can find only the delapitated remains of the mighty kingdom and fort. Devgarh kingdom was considered to be the largest tribal kingdom in Central India. The archeological structures like palace, fort and other buildings make it a beautiful tourist place and remind us of the past glory. It is believed that there was a secret underground passage connecting Devgarh to Nagpur, which was used by the kings to escape at times of emergency.
Among the remnants of the fort the main gate facing North speaks of its past glory. Besides this, there remain Nagarkhana, a place of cattle drum, scattered remnants of the fort walls and ruins of the Darbar Hall. There is a curious reservoir named 'Mortitanka' at the top of the fort. It is said that at one time the water stored in the reservoir remained so clear that one could have a clear view of even a coin lying at its bottom. It is believed to be built by King Jatava of Gond Dynasty. The design of Devgarh fort is much akin to Moghul architecture, and hence some historians are of the view that the fort was built by Bakhta Buland who succeeded King Jatava. At present Devgarh village is a small inhabitance. The ruins at this place speak of its past glory.
WATERFALLS AT KUKDI KHAPA & LILAHI: The picturesque location of Kukdi khapa water fall falls in the Chhindwara to Nagpur narrow gauge railway line, between the stations Umaranala and Ramakona. The water fall is situated in the panoramic 'Sillevani' Mountain range. The height of this fall is approximately 60 feet. The location is more beautiful immediately after a spell of good rains. While travelling in the train along the narrow gauge towards Nagpur one can visualise this beautiful picnic spot.
The Lilahi Water fall is located in the down stream of the District's second biggest river 'Kanhan'. This fall is situated in the route from Mohkhed to Pandhurna via Devgarh. It is close to the place called 'Narayan Ghat' near Lilahi village on the Kanhan river. The lovely sight of the water fall surrounded by mountain rocks and colourful nature is in deed a feast to the visitor. The water fall will have sufficient down flow water from July to January months.
GOTMAR MELA (FAIR) OF PANDHURNA: Sixty five kilometers from Chhindwara, in the headquarters of 'Pandhurna' tahsil a unique fair (mela in hindi) by name 'Gotmar Mela' is celebrated every year on the second day to 'Bhadrapad' New Moon day. This fair is celebrated on the banks of the river 'Jam'. A long tree is erected in the middle of the river with a flag at its very top. The residents of the villages 'Savargaon' and 'Pandhurna' gather on either bank of the river, and start pelting stones ('Got') at the persons of the opposite village who try to cross into the mid of the river and remove the flag on top of the tree trunk. The village whose resident succeeds in removing the flag will be considered victorious. The whole activity happens amidst the chanting of the sacred name of 'Maa' Durgaji. Several people get wounded in this celebration and the District Administration makes elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of this rare fair.
TRIBAL MUSEUM: The Tribal Museum started in Chhindwara on 20th April 1954 has acquired 'State Museum' status in the year 1975. And on 8th September 1997 the Tribal Meseum name has been changed to "Shri Badal Bhoi State Tribal Museum". Shri Badal Bhoi was a revolutionary tribal leader of the district. He was born in Dungria Titra village of Parasia tehsil in 1845. Under his leadership thousands of tribals were demonstrated at collectors bunglow in 1923, held Lathi charge and he was arrested. On 21st August 1930 he was arrested by English Ruler for breaking the Forest rule at Ramakona (under the leadership of Shri Vishnath Damodhar) and sent to Chanda jail. He left his last breath in jail in 1940 after the english ruler given poison to him. Due to his contribution to the national freedom strugle, the Tribal museum name has been changed to "Shri Badal Bhoi State Tribal Museum". Since 15th August 2003, the Tribal Museum remains opened for tourists on Sundays also.
NEELKANTHI: Some ruins of a temple can be seen by the side of Siphna stream which flows at some distnace of Neelkanthi, a village which is 14 miles south-east of Chhindwara town. The entrace gate to the main temple is said to date back between 7th and 10th century. It is believed that at one time an area of 264 x 132 Sq. feet inside the gate was surrounded by a rampart. The stone slabs of the gate are fastened together with iron hooks. An illegible insciption can be found on one of the stone pillars of the temple. There is a reference to Raja Krishna III of Rashtrakut kingdom. The design of the gate is Bahmanic style.
ANHONI: Anhoni village is situated near Mahuljhir Police Station and at a distance of 2 miles from the village Jhirpa on Chhindwara-Piparia road. The place is within forest area. A hill stream with hot and boiling Sulphur springs flow near the village. These springs at a further distance assume the form of a nullah. The water of this spring is believed to be beneficial for skin diseases and for certain impurities of the blood.