View source for Chhattisgarh

{{Short description|State in central India}}
{{protection padlock|small=yes}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2022}}
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2017}}
{{Infobox Indian state or territory
| name = Chhattisgarh
| official_name = State of Chhattisgarh
| type = State
| image_skyline = {{multiple image
| border                   = infobox
| total_width              = 300
| image_style              =
| perrow                   = 1/2/2/2/1
| image1        = Bhoramdeo Temple, Kawardha.jpg
| caption1      = [[Bhoramdeo Temple]]
| image2        = Secretariat in Naya Raipur.JPG
| caption2      = [[Naya Raipur|Nava Raipur]]
| image3        = Waterfall at Tirathgarh.jpg
| caption3      = [[Teerathgarh Falls]]
| image4        = Baloda-bazar.jpg
| caption4      = [[Giraudpuri|Ghasidas Jaitkham]]
| image5        = Bastar Dusshera Unexplored Bastar.jpg
| caption5      = [[Bastar Dussehra]]
| image6        = Kanger valley1.JPG
| caption6      = [[Kanger Ghati National Park]]
| image7        = The Chitrakote Falls.jpg
| caption7      = [[Chitrakote Falls]]
}}
| image_seal = Coat of arms of Chhattisgarh.svg
| etymology = "Thirty-six forts"
| nickname = Rice bowl of India
| motto = [[Satyameva Jayate]] ([[Sanskrit]])<br>"Truth alone triumphs"
| anthem = [[Arpa Pairi Ke Dhar]] ([[Chhattisgarhi language|Chhattisgarhi]])<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.naidunia.com/chhattisgarh/raipur-arpa-parry-ke-dhar-become-chhattisgars-state-song-3299534|title=Chhattisgarh State Song : अरपा पैरी के धार... बना छत्तीसगढ़ का राजगीत|date=4 November 2019|website=Nai Dunia|access-date=21 March 2020|archive-date=21 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321160340/https://www.naidunia.com/chhattisgarh/raipur-arpa-parry-ke-dhar-become-chhattisgars-state-song-3299534|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/politics/chattisgarhs-official-song-to-play-after-vande-mataram-to-mark-commencement-of-assembly-session20191122084816/|title=Chattisgarh's official song to play after Vande Mataram to mark commencement of assembly session|website=ANI News|access-date=21 March 2020|archive-date=21 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321160339/https://www.aninews.in/news/national/politics/chattisgarhs-official-song-to-play-after-vande-mataram-to-mark-commencement-of-assembly-session20191122084816/|url-status=live}}</ref><br>"The Streams of Arpa and Pairi"
| image_map = IN-CT.svg
| coordinates = {{coord|21.25|81.60|region:IN-CT_type:adm1st|display=inline}}
| region = Central India
| before_was = Part of [[Madhya Pradesh (1956–2000)|Madhya Pradesh]]
| formation_date4 = 1 November 2000
| capital = Raipur
| largestcity = capital
| districts = [[List of districts of Chhattisgarh|33 (5 divisions)]]
| Governor = [[Ramen Deka]]
| Chief_Minister = [[Vishnudeo Sai|Vishnu Deo Sai]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vishnu Deo Sai to be Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh: Sources |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/vishnu-deo-sai-to-be-the-chief-minister-of-chhattisgarh-2474216-2023-12-10 |access-date=2023-12-10 |website=India Today |date=10 December 2023 |language=en |archive-date=10 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210101328/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/vishnu-deo-sai-to-be-the-chief-minister-of-chhattisgarh-2474216-2023-12-10 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| party = [[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]]
| Deputy_CM = [[Arun Sao]] ([[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]]) <br />
[[Vijay Sharma (politician)|Vijay Sharma]] ([[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]])
| judiciary = [[Chhattisgarh High Court]]
| Chief_secretary = Amit Jain (IAS)
| legislature_type = Unicameral
| assembly = [[Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly]]
| assembly_seats = 90 seats
| rajya_sabha_seats = 5 seats
| lok_sabha_seats = 11 seats
| area_footnotes = <ref name="censusofficial">{{cite web|title=Official site of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, India|url=http://mospi.nic.in/mospi_new/upload/SYB2013/ch2.html|access-date=20 July 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203163229/http://mospi.nic.in/mospi_new/upload/SYB2013/ch2.html|archive-date=3 December 2013}}</ref>
| area_total_km2 = 135192
| area_rank = 9th
| length_km = 435
| width_km = 750
| elevation_m = 
| elevation_max_m = 1,276
| elevation_max_point = Nandiraj<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-05-17 |title=छत्तीसगढ़ के सर्वोच्च शिखर गौरलाटा पर 5 वर्ष की एडविना कांत |url=https://www.naidunia.com/special-story-chhattisgarh-on-the-highest-peak-of-5-edwina-kant-gurlata-369871 |access-date=2023-03-24 |website=Nai Dunia |language=hi |archive-date=24 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324204249/https://www.naidunia.com/special-story-chhattisgarh-on-the-highest-peak-of-5-edwina-kant-gurlata-369871 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| elevation_min_m = 
| elevation_min_point = [[Mahanadi River]]
| population_footnotes = <ref name="auto">{{Cite web|title=Projected Population of Indian States|url=https://uidai.gov.in/images/state-wise-aadhaar-saturation.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190116035945/https://uidai.gov.in/images/state-wise-aadhaar-saturation.pdf |archive-date=16 January 2019 }}</ref>
| population_total = {{Increase}}2,94,36,231
| population_as_of = 2020
| population_rank = 17th
| population_urban = 23.24%
| population_rural = 76.76%
| population_density = 220
| population_demonym = Chhattisgarhiya
| 0fficial_Langs = [[Hindi]], [[Chhattisgarhi language|Chhattisgarhi]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.indiacode.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/12800/1/the_chhattisgarh_official_language_act%2c_1957_no._5_of_1958%2c_date_24.01.1958.pdf |title=The Chhattisgarh Official Language (Amendment) Act, 2007 |publisher=indiacode.nic.in |year=2008 |access-date=25 December 2022 |archive-date=25 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225172224/https://www.indiacode.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/12800/1/the_chhattisgarh_official_language_act,_1957_no._5_of_1958,_date_24.01.1958.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
| official_script = [[Devanagari script]]
| GDP_total = {{INRConvert|6.35|lc}} (2025–26 est.)<ref name="Chhattisgarh_Budget_Analysis_2023-24"/>
| GDP_year = 2025-26
| GDP_rank = 18th
| GDP_per_capita = {{IncreaseNeutral}}{{INRConvert|162869|lk=r}}<ref name = "Chhattisgarh_Budget_Analysis_2023-24"/>
| GDP_per_capita_rank = 26rd
| HDI = {{Increase}} 0.625<ref>{{cite web |title=India: Subnational HDI |url=https://globaldatalab.org/shdi/table/shdi/IND/ |website=Global Data Labs |access-date=8 June 2025}}</ref>  {{color|#fc0|medium}}
| HDI_year = 2022
| HDI_rank = 28th
| literacy = 78.5%<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/publication_reports/AnnualReport_PLFS2023-24L2.pdf |title=Annual Report, Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) (July 2023 – June 2024) |date=23 September 2024 |publisher=National Sample Survey Office, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of India |pages=A-10 |chapter=Appendix-A: Detailed tables, Table (7): Literacy rate (in per cent) of persons of different age groups for each State/UT (persons, age-group (years): 7 & above, rural+urban (column 6))}}</ref>
| literacy_year = 2024
| literacy_rank = 29th
| sex_ratio = 991[[female|♀]]/1000 [[male|♂]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sex ratio of State and Union Territories of India as per National Health survey (2019-2021)|url=https://main.mohfw.gov.in/basicpage-14|website=Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India|access-date=8 January 2023|archive-date=8 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108164803/https://main.mohfw.gov.in/basicpage-14|url-status=live}}</ref>
| sexratio_year = 2011
| sexratio_rank = 13th
| iso_code = IN-CG <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:code:3166:IN|title=Standard: ISO 3166 — Codes for the representation of names of countries and their subdivisions|access-date=24 November 2023|archive-date=17 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617031837/https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:code:3166:IN|url-status=live}}</ref>
| registration_plate = CG<ref>{{cite web|url=https://1drv.ms/b/s!AoSY7m8bBHQlkxAnCvnuRK7v7Ui2?e=cdtfs9|title=CG Vehicle Registration Mark, Amendment in the Notification No. S.O. 444(E) dated 12th June, 1989|publisher=eGazette of India|access-date=22 January 2020}}</ref>
| website = cgstate.gov.in
| foundation_day = Chhattisgarh Rajyotsava
| mammal = [[Wild water buffalo]]
| bird = [[Common hill myna]]
| fish = [[Walking catfish]]
| flower = [[French marigold]]
| tree = [[Shorea robusta|Sal tree]]
| fruit = [[Jackfruit]]
| image_highway = SH IN-CT.png
| SH_numbers = [[List of state highways in Chhattisgarh|CT SH1 – CT SH29]]
}}

'''Chhattisgarh''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|tʃ|æ|t|ɪ|s|ɡ|ɑː|r}}; {{IPA|hi|ˈtʃʰət̪ːiːsgəɽʱ|lang}}) is a landlocked [[States and union territories of India|state]] in [[central India]]. It is the [[List of states and union territories of India by area|ninth largest state by area]], and with a population of roughly 30 million, the [[List of states and union territories of India by population|seventeenth most populous]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Chhattisgarh Population 2020/2021|url=https://www.populationu.com/in/chhattisgarh-population|access-date=22 August 2021|website=www.populationu.com|archive-date=11 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411061048/https://www.populationu.com/in/chhattisgarh-population|url-status=live}}</ref> It borders seven states – [[Uttar Pradesh]] to the north, [[Madhya Pradesh]] to the northwest, [[Maharashtra]] to the southwest, [[Jharkhand]] to the northeast, [[Odisha]] to the east, [[Andhra Pradesh]] and [[Telangana]] to the south.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com/maps/place/Chhattisgarh,+India/|title=Google Maps|publisher=Google Maps|access-date=6 December 2015|archive-date=31 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531185712/https://www.google.com/maps/place/Chhattisgarh,+India/|url-status=live}}</ref> Formerly a part of [[Madhya Pradesh]], it was granted statehood on [[Chhattisgarh Rajyotsava|1 November 2000]] with [[Raipur]] as the designated state capital.<ref name="cgfinance.nic.in">{{cite web |url=http://cgfinance.nic.in/Rules%20%26%20Act/Reorganisation%20Act-2000/Reorganisation%20Act%2C2000%28English%29.PDF |title=Madhya Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2000 |access-date=29 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130718013901/http://cgfinance.nic.in/Rules%20%26%20Act/Reorganisation%20Act-2000/Reorganisation%20Act%2C2000%28English%29.PDF |archive-date=18 July 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The [[Jogimara and Sitabenga Caves|Sitabenga Caves]] in Chhattisgarh, one of the earliest examples of theatre architecture in India, are dated to the [[Maurya Empire|Mauryan period]] of 3rd century BCE.
The region was split between rivaling dynasties from the sixth to twelfth centuries, and parts of it were briefly under the [[Chola dynasty]] in the 11th century. Eventually, most of Chhattisgarh was consolidated under the [[Kingdom of Haihaiyavansi]], whose rule lasted for 700 years until they were brought under Maratha suzerainty in 1740. The [[Bhonsles of Nagpur]] incorporated Chhattisgarh into the [[Kingdom of Nagpur]] in 1758 and ruled until 1845, when the region was annexed by the [[East India Company]], and was later administered under the [[British Raj|Raj]] until 1947 as the [[Chhattisgarh Division]] of the [[Central Provinces]]. Some areas constituting present-day Chhattisgarh were [[princely state]]s that were later merged into Madhya Pradesh. The [[States Reorganisation Act, 1956]] placed Chhattisgarh in Madhya Pradesh, and it remained a part of that state for 44 years.

Chhattisgarh is one of the fastest-developing states in India.<ref>{{cite web|title=Chhattisgarh Steel |url=http://india.gov.in/knowindia/st_chhattisgarh.php |access-date=22 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707025600/http://india.gov.in/knowindia/st_chhattisgarh.php |archive-date=7 July 2011 }}</ref> Its [[Gross regional domestic product|Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP)]] is {{INRConvert|5.09|lc}} (2023–24 est.),<ref name="Chhattisgarh_Budget_Analysis_2023-24"/> with a [[per capita]] GSDP of {{INRConvert|152348|lk=r}}<ref name = "Chhattisgarh_Budget_Analysis_2023-24"/> (2023–24 est.). A resource-rich state, it has the third largest [[coal]] reserves in the country and provides electricity, coal, and steel to the rest of the nation.<ref name="Ministry of Coal">{{cite web|url=https://coal.gov.in/major-statistics/coal-reserves|title=Coal reserves|access-date=26 May 2022|archive-date=30 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330013125/https://coal.gov.in/major-statistics/coal-reserves|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Chhattisgarh State – Power Hub |url=http://cg.gov.in/power/power1.htm |access-date=22 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101120182905/http://cg.gov.in/power/power1.htm |archive-date=20 November 2010 }}</ref> It also has the third largest forest cover in the country after [[Madhya Pradesh]] and [[Arunachal Pradesh]] with over 41.21% of the state covered by forests.

== Etymology ==
There are several theories as to the origin of the name ''Chhattisgarh'', which in ancient times was known as [[Dakshina Kosala]] (South Kosala),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/dakshinakosala|title=Dakshinakosala, Dakshina-kosala, Dakṣiṇakosala: 1 definition|last=www.wisdomlib.org|date=21 May 2017|website=www.wisdomlib.org|access-date=29 December 2019|archive-date=29 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229121804/https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/dakshinakosala|url-status=live}}</ref> the native place of [[Rama]]'s mother [[Kausalya]]. "Chhattisgarh" was popularised later during the time of the [[Maratha Confederacy|Maratha Empire]] and was first used in an official document in 1795.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mapsofindia.com/chhattisgarh/history.html|title=History of Chhattisgarh|website=www.mapsofindia.com|access-date=11 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170826100529/http://www.mapsofindia.com/chhattisgarh/history.html|archive-date=26 August 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Bastar district|Bastar]] region was previously referred to as {{IAST|Chakrakotya}} and {{transliteration|ta|ISO|Cakkarakoṭṭam}}.<ref>{{citation |first1=R.K.|last1=Sharma|first2=Om Prakash|last2=Misra |title= Archaeological Excavations in Central India |publisher=Mittal Publications|isbn=9788170998747|year=2003|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=o0ISjDDWJwQC}}</ref>

The most popular theory claims that Chhattisgarh takes its name from the 36 ancient forts (from ''chhattis'' meaning thirty-six and ''garh'' meaning [[fort]]) in the area.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 October 2003 |title=Origin of Chhattisgarh |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/origin-of-chhattisgarh/story-2WXetgxu5aBPXiqcBMavGK.html |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-25 |title=Chhattisgarh {{!}} History, Map, Capital, Government, & Facts {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Chhattisgarh |access-date=2025-01-25 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref> The old state had 36 demesnes (feudal territories): [[Ratanpur, Chhattisgarh|Ratanpur]], Vijaypur, Kharound, Maro, Kautgarh, [[Nawagarh]], Sondhi, Aukhar, Padarbhatta, Semriya, Champa, Lafa, Chhuri, Kenda, Matin, Aparora, Pendra, Kurkuti-kandri, Raipur, Patan, Simaga, Singarpur, Lavan, Omera, Durg, Saradha, Sirasa, Menhadi, Khallari, Sirpur, Figeswar, Rajim, Singhangarh, Suvarmar, Tenganagarh and Akaltara.<ref>Dr. Bhagvan Singh Verma, ''Chhattisgarh ka Itihas'' (A History of Chhattisgarh&nbsp;– in Hindi), Madhya Pradesh Hindi Granth Academy, Bhopal (M.P.), 4th edition (2003), p. 7</ref> However, most historians disagree with this theory as 36 forts have not been found and identified.

According to the opinion of Hiralal, it is said that at one time there were 36 strongholds in this area, that is why its name was Chhattisgarh. But even after the increase in the number of strongholds, there was no change in the name, Chhattisgarh is the [[State of India]] which has been given the status of 'Mahtari' (Mother).{{citation needed|date=June 2023}} There are two regions in India which are named for special reasons – one was '[[Magadha (Mahajanapada)|Magadha]]' which became "[[Bihar]]" due to the abundance of [[Buddhism]] viharas and the other was '[[Dakshina Kosala]]' which became "Chhattisgarh" due to the inclusion of thirty-six strongholds.{{citation needed|date=June 2023}}

Another view, more popular with experts and historians, is that Chhattisgarh is the corrupted form of ''Chedisgarh'' meaning ''Raj'' or "[[Kalachuris of Tripuri|Empire of the Chedis]]".{{citation needed|date=June 2020}} In ancient times, Chhattisgarh region had been part of the [[Mahameghavahana|Chedi dynasty]] of [[Kalinga (historical region)|Kalinga]], in modern [[Odisha]]. In the medieval period up to 1803, a major portion of present eastern Chhattisgarh was part of the [[Sambalpur State|Sambalpur Kingdom]] of [[Odisha]].

== History ==
{{See also|Sirpur Group of Monuments|Malhar, Chhattisgarh}}

=== Ancient and medieval history ===
During post Vedic period the Chhattisgarh region south-east to [[Daśārṇa]]s was referred as [[Pulinda]]. Pulinda tribe were dominating tribe in this region.<ref>*{{cite book |last=Raychaudhuri |first=Hemchandra |author-link=Hem Chandra Raychaudhuri |date=1953 |title=Political History of Ancient India: From the Accession of Parikshit to the Extinction of Gupta Dynasty |publisher=[[University of Calcutta]] |page=94}}</ref>

[[Surguja]] District of Chhattisgarh is notable for finding of Mauryan and Nanda period coins. Few gold and silver coins of the Nanda - Mauryan ages, picked up at Akaltara and Thathari of the adjacent district of [[Bilaspur district, Chhattisgarh|Bilaspur]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Shukla |first=Hira Lal |url=https://archive.org/details/archaeologyofind0000shuk/page/17/mode/1up?q=Coins |title=Archaeology of the Indian cave theatre : a study of Ramgarh Hill, of Chhattisgarh |date=2002 |publisher=Delhi : B.R. Pub. Corp.; New Delhi : Distributed by BRPC (India) Ltd. |page=17|quote='' few gold and silver coins of the Nanda-Maurya ages, picked up at Akaltara and Thathari of the adjacent district of Bilaspur, indicate the Mauryan influence in Surguja (Surguja District Gazetteer, 1989, p. 36).''|others=Internet Archive |isbn=978-81-7646-260-0}}</ref> Another major discovery was [[Sirpur, Mahasamund|Sirpur]] of Chhattisgarh.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Hira Lal |title=The Extent and Capital of Daksina Kosala |journal=Indian Antiquary |volume=62 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aG5DAAAAYAAJ |year=1986 |orig-year=1933 |publisher=Swati | pages=160–165 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2010-08-07 |title=The nether regions of Sirpur |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/the-nether-regions-of-sirpur/articleshow/6270614.cms |access-date=2024-05-07 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> According to the Chinese traveler [[Hiuen Tsang]], Ashoka erected Buddhist stupas in Shripura (modern-day [[Sirpur, Mahasamund|Sirpur]]), the ancient capital of Dakshina Kosala.<ref>{{cite web |last=Mishra |first=Nitesh Kumar |title=Buddhism and Buddhist Monuments of Sirpur: An Analytical Study |url=https://ijassonline.in/HTML_Papers/International%20Journal%20of%20Advances%20in%20Social%20Sciences__PID__2013-1-2-8.html |website=International Journal of Advances in Social Sciences |publisher=Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University |access-date=16 June 2025}}</ref>

[[Jogimara and Sitabenga Caves|Sitabenga Caves]] are one of the earliest examples of [[Theatre of India|theatre]] architecture in India located on [[Ramgarh, Chhattisgarh|Ramgarh hill]] of Chhattisgarh dated to Mauryan period of 3rd century BCE.<ref name=sitaoup>{{cite book|title=The Oxford Companion to Indian Theatre| year=2004| editor=Anand Lal|publisher = Oxford University Press| isbn= 9780195644463 |pages=15, 415, 449–450}}</ref>

{{Blockquote|
<poem>
[[File:2nd-century BCE Jogimara cave inscription, Brahmi script, Chhattisgarh.jpg|thumb|left|Jogimara cave inscription, Brahmi script, Chhattisgarh (300–160 BCE).]]
'''Line1'''     ''Poets venerable by nature kindle the heart, who'' (.... lost ....)
'''Line2'''     ''At the swing-festival of the vernal full-moon, when frolics and music abound, people thus tie (....lost...) thick with jasmine flowers.''
</poem>
| Translated by T. Bloch<ref name=bloch>{{cite book|author=T. Bloch|title= Caves and Inscriptions in Ramgarh Hills, in Annual Report of the Archaeological Survey of India 1903–4 |url = https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.207529/page/n221/mode/2up| publisher= ASI, Government of India | year=1906 }}</ref>
}}

[[Jogimara and Sitabenga Caves|Jogimara Caves]] contain ancient Brahmi inscription and the oldest painting known in India. The inscription can be translated as either a love proclamation by a girl or a dancer-painter creating a cave theatre together.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Singh|first=Upinder|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H3lUIIYxWkEC|title=A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India: From the Stone Age to the 12th Century|date=2008|publisher=Pearson Education India|isbn=978-81-317-1120-0|pages=50|language=en|access-date=30 October 2020|archive-date=28 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328162240/https://books.google.com/books?id=H3lUIIYxWkEC|url-status=live}}</ref> In ancient times, this region was known as [[Dakshina Kosala]]. This area is also mentioned in Ramayana and Mahabharata.One of the earliest statues of [[Vishnu]] has been excavated from [[Shunga Empire|Shunga]] period site at [[Malhar, Chhattisgarh|Malhar]].
[[File:8th century couple embraced and mouth kissing at Tivara Deva temple, she stands on his feet, Sirpur monuments Chhattisgarh India.jpg|thumb|Carved statue in the medieval city of Sirpur]]
[[File:6th 7th century Bhima Kichak Temple, Malhar Chhattisgarh India - 7.jpg|thumb|6th 7th century Bhima Kichak Temple, Malhar Chhattisgarh India]]

The plains region of Chhattisgarh was formerly under the Mauryas, although they likely did not exercise much direct control in the region. After the collapse of the Mauryas, [[Kharavela]] of the [[Mahameghavahana dynasty]], which was based in neighbouring [[Kalinga (region)|Kalinga]], took over most of Dakshina Kosala. Later in the third century, the [[Satavahana dynasty|Sathavahanas]] took over Dakshina Kosala, but this was contested and it returned to Megha rule. [[Mahendra of Dakshina Kosala]], who is believed to be identified with a Megha monarch, was the ruler when [[Samudragupta]] carried out his [[Dakshinapatha]] conquests and conquered Dakshina Kosala, as recorded in Gupta inscriptions in the early 4th century CE. Afterwards the Guptas held control over Chhattisgarh through vassal rulers, and shared control with the contemporaneous [[Vakataka dynasty|Vakatakas]]. In the late 5th century CE, the Vakataka ruler Harisena recorded his conquest of the Dakshina Kosala region.

After the death of Vakataka ruler Harisena, the [[Rajarsitulyakula|Rajarsitulyakula dynasty]] centred at [[Arang]], former Gupta feudatories, took power and briefly ruled all of Dakshina Kosala. They were contemporaneous with the [[Nala dynasty]], which was centered on the Bastar and Koraput regions.<ref>{{cite book |author=Om Prakash Misra |title=Archaeological Excavations in Central India: Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=o0ISjDDWJwQC&pg=PA13 |year=2003 |publisher=Mittal Publications |isbn=978-81-7099-874-7 }}</ref> Both these dynasties were succeeded by the [[Sharabhapuriya dynasty|Sharabhpurias]] in the early 6th century, who were likely also former Gupta vassals who had their capital at present-day [[Sirpur, Mahasamund|Sirpur]].<ref name=":0" /> The [[Panduvamshis of Mekala|Panduvanshis of Mekala]], centered in the northern Chhattisgarh plain, and the [[Panduvamshis of Dakshina Kosala]] both ruled parts of Chhattisgarh, but the chronology of these kingdoms is not certain. These kingdoms variously controlled the region from the 6th to 8th centuries CE.<ref name="Patnaik">{{cite web |last1=Patnaik |first1=Jeeban Kumar |title=Temples of South Kosala 6th century A D 11th century A D a case study of stellate temples-Chapter II: Historical background of South Kosala |url=https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/187259/13/13_chapter%202.pdf |website=Shodaganga Inflibnet}}</ref> There is some evidence that the [[Somavamshi dynasty|Somavanshis]], who later gained power in Kalinga, originated from the Panduvanshis of Dakshina Kosala and were driven out by the [[Kalachuris of Tripuri]] in the late 8th century.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Ajaya Mitra Shastri |title=Inscriptions of the Śarabhapurīyas, Pāṇḍuvaṁśins, and Somavaṁśins: Part I |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Idd9i5nP160C&pg=PA89 |year=1995 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |isbn=978-81-208-0635-1 |ref={{harvid|A. M. Shastri I|1995}} }}</ref> The Kalachuris of Tripuri held on to the region for the next 200 years, splitting off their territories in Kosala in the late 10th century to be given to a vassal branch which also called itself Kalachuris.<ref name="mirashi">{{cite book |last1=Mirashi |first1=Vasudev Vishnu |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=c0JgAAAAMAAJ&q=chakrakota+kingdom |title=Inscriptions of the Kalachuri-Chedi Era |date=1955 |publisher=Government Epigraphist for India |language=en}}</ref>

The [[Kalachuris of Ratnapura]], who were these vassals, became independent at the start of the 11th century to rule and fight off challenges to their authority by neighbouring kingdoms, most notably the [[Eastern Ganga dynasty|Eastern Gangas]]. The last known successor is from the late 13th century, after which the records become less available. By the early 14th century, it appears as if the dynasty split into two branches: one ruling from [[Ratanpur, Chhattisgarh|Ratnapur]] and another moving to [[Raipur]]. This is attested to by inscriptions of the king Vahara in the late 15th century, identified with a figure Bahar Sahai in local tradition at the end of the 18th century.<ref>{{cite book |author=R. K. Sharma |title=The Kalachuris and Their Times |publisher=Sundeep Prakashan |year=1980 |oclc=1075715791}}</ref> Vahara fought against the Afghans and shifted the capital to Kosgain from Ratnapur. These rulers are now identified as the [[Kingdom of Haihaiyavansi|Haihaiyavanshis]] and acknowledged the nominal overlordship of the Mughals when they arrived. In the late 14th century, Bastar was ruled by a dynasty which claimed descent from the brother of [[Prataparudra]], the last [[Kakatiya dynasty|Kakatiya]] king, Annamaraja.

Most of Chhattisgarh was consolidated under the [[Kingdom of Haihaiyavansi|Haihaiyavanshi Kingdom]], who ruled central Chhattisgarh and held smaller [[Kanker State|kingdoms like Kanker]] under their authority.<ref>{{cite book |title=Imperial Gazetteer2 of India, Volume 14, page 402 – Imperial Gazetteer of India – Digital South Asia Library |url=https://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/gazetteer/pager.html?objectid=DS405.1.I34_V14_408.gif |access-date=13 March 2023 |archive-date=13 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813160937/https://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/gazetteer/pager.html?objectid=DS405.1.I34_V14_408.gif |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Commercial & General Directory of Madhya Pradesh |publisher=T.N. Joshi |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RFg1AQAAIAAJ&q=haihayavanshi |language=en |access-date=18 March 2023 |archive-date=25 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425211031/https://books.google.com/books?id=RFg1AQAAIAAJ&q=haihayavanshi |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Mishra |first1=Prabhu Lal |title=The Political History of Chhattisgarh, 1740-1858 A.D. |date=1979 |publisher=Vishwa Bharati Prakashan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5EdI7ItORw8C&q=chhattisgarh+history |language=en |access-date=18 March 2023 |archive-date=25 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425211045/https://books.google.com/books?id=5EdI7ItORw8C&q=chhattisgarh+history |url-status=live }}</ref> The Haihaiyavanshis continued to rule the region for 700 years until they were [[Siege of Ratanpur|invaded by the Marathas]] in 1740 and came under their authority. Chhattisgarh was directly annexed to the Maratha [[Nagpur Kingdom]] in 1758 on the death of [[Mohansingh (ruler)|Mohan Singh]], the last independent ruler of Chhattisgarh.<ref name="m">{{cite journal |last1=Mishra |first1=P. L. |title=Mohansingh (The Last Kalachuri King) |journal=Proceedings of the Indian History Congress |date=1969 |volume=31 |pages=207–213 |jstor=44138363 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/44138363 |access-date=24 March 2023 |archive-date=8 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108111648/https://www.jstor.org/stable/44138363 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="virginia">{{cite book |last1=McEldowney |first1=Philip Fredric |title=Colonial Administration and Social Developments in Middle India: The Central Provinces, 1861-1921 |date=August 1980 |publisher=University of Virginia |pages=22–24 |url=https://asianstudies.github.io/area-studies/SouthAsia/Ideas/CP/intro.html |language=English |chapter=Administrative and Social Regions of Middle India, 1500-1920 |access-date=13 March 2023 |archive-date=4 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204074357/https://asianstudies.github.io/area-studies/SouthAsia/Ideas/CP/intro.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Modern history ===
{{See also|Chhattisgarh Division}}
Chhattisgarh was under [[Maratha Empire|Maratha Rule]] ([[Bhonsles of Nagpur]]) from 1741 to 1845. It came under British rule from 1845 to 1947 as the [[Chhattisgarh Division]] of the [[Central Provinces]]. Raipur gained prominence over the capital Ratanpur with the advent of the British in 1845. In 1905, the [[Sambalpur district]] was transferred to Odisha and the estates of Surguja were transferred from Bengal to Chhattisgarh.

The area constituting the new state merged into Madhya Pradesh on 1 November 1956, under the [[States Reorganisation Act, 1956]], and remained a part of that state for 44 years. Prior to that, the region was part of the [[Central Provinces and Berar]] (CP and Berar) under British rule. Some areas constituting the Chhattisgarh state were [[princely state]]s under [[British rule]], but were later on merged into Madhya Pradesh.<ref>{{cite web|title=State Finance Report - Chapter 4|url=http://cgfinance.nic.in/FSFC/State%20Finance%20Report/English/Chap-4.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502133300/http://cgfinance.nic.in/FSFC/State%20Finance%20Report/English/Chap-4.pdf|archive-date=2 May 2013|access-date=1 April 2012}}</ref>

=== Separation of Chhattisgarh ===
[[File:Secretariat in Naya Raipur.JPG|thumb|Mantralaya in [[Naya Raipur]] ]]
The demand for Chhattisgarh to be a separate state first rose in the 1920s, with similar demands appearing at regular intervals; however, a well-organised movement was never initiated. Several all-party platforms were created and usually resolved around petitions, public meetings, seminars, rallies and strikes.<ref name="Prithak Chhattisgarh">{{cite web|title=Prithak Chhattisgarh|url=http://cg.gov.in/profile/corigin.htm#prathak|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100704202817/http://cg.gov.in/profile/corigin.htm|archive-date=4 July 2010|access-date=22 July 2011}}</ref> The demand was raised by the Raipur Congress unit in 1924 and was also discussed in the Indian Congress at [[Tripuri, Madhya Pradesh|Tripuri]]. A discussion about forming a Regional Congress organisation for Chhattisgarh took place. In 1954, when the State Reorganisation Commission was set up, the demand was put forward but was rejected. In 1955, the demand was raised in the Nagpur assembly of [[Madhya Bharat]].<ref name="Prithak Chhattisgarh" />

In the 1990s, the demand became more prominent, resulting in the formation of a statewide political forum known as the Chhattisgarh Rajya Nirman Manch. The forum was led by Chandulal Chadrakar and several successful region-wide strikes and rallies were organised under it, all of which were supported by major political parties, such as the [[Indian National Congress]] and the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]].<ref name="Prithak Chhattisgarh" />

The new National Democratic Alliance government sent the Separate Chhattisgarh Bill for approval by the Madhya Pradesh Assembly, where it was unanimously approved and then submitted to the [[Lok Sabha]]. The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha and the [[Rajya Sabha]], which allowed the creation of the state of Chhattisgarh. [[K. R. Narayanan]] gave his consent to the [[Madhya Pradesh Reorganisation Act]] on 25 August 2000 and the government of India set 1 November 2000 as the day Chhattisgarh would be separated from Madhya Pradesh.<ref name="Prithak Chhattisgarh" /> As such, Chhattisgarh was formed from Madhya Pradesh.<ref name="cgfinance.nic.in" />

== Geography ==
The northern and southern parts of the state are hilly, while the central part is a fertile [[plain]]. The highest point in the state is the Gaurlata near Samri, Balrampur-Ramanujganj district.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.naidunia.com/search/chhattisgarh-highest-peak|title=Chhattisgarh Highest Peak: Latest Chhattisgarh Highest Peak News in Hindi – Naidunia|website=naidunia.jagran.com|access-date=13 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518144953/http://naidunia.jagran.com/search/chhattisgarh-highest-peak|archive-date=18 May 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Deciduous forests of the Eastern Highlands Forests cover roughly 44% of the state.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cgclimatechange.com/ongoing-projects/|title=Ongoing Projects|language=en-GB|access-date=29 December 2019|archive-date=29 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229122359/http://cgclimatechange.com/ongoing-projects/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In the north lies the edge of the great [[Indo-Gangetic plain]]. The [[Rihand River]], a tributary of the [[Ganges River|Ganges]], drains this area. The eastern end of the [[Satpura Range]] and the western edge of the [[Chota Nagpur Plateau]] form an east–west belt of hills that divide the [[Mahanadi River]] basin from the Indo-Gangetic plain. The outline of Chhattisgarh is like a sea horse.

The central part of the state lies in the fertile upper basin of the [[Mahanadi River|Mahanadi]] and its tributaries, of which [[Shivnath River]] is a major one running around 300&nbsp;km long. This area has extensive rice cultivation. The upper Mahanadi basin is separated from the upper [[Narmada River|Narmada]] basin to the west by the [[Maikal Hill]]s (part of the Satpuras) and from the plains of Odisha to the east by ranges of hills. The southern part of the state lies on the [[Deccan Plateau|Deccan plateau]], in the watershed of the [[Godavari River]] and its tributary, the [[Indravati River]]. The Mahanadi is the chief river of the state. The other main rivers are [[Hasdeo River|Hasdeo]] (a tributary of Mahanadi), [[Rihand]], [[Indravati]], [[Jonk River|Jonk]], Arpa and [[Shivnath River|Shivnath]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.india-wris.nrsc.gov.in/wrpinfo/index.php?title=Major_Rivers_Flowing_in_Chhattisgarh|title=Major Rivers Flowing in Chhattisgarh -|website=india-wris.nrsc.gov.in|access-date=5 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005120535/http://www.india-wris.nrsc.gov.in/wrpinfo/index.php?title=Major_Rivers_Flowing_in_Chhattisgarh|archive-date=5 October 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:The Mahanadi River , Chhattisgarh.png|thumb|The Mahanadi River, in Chhattisgarh]]

=== Forest ===
[[File:Achankmar Tiger.jpg|thumb|[[Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve]] ]]
The state has the third largest forest by area in India. The state animal is the ''van bhainsa'', or [[Wild water buffalo|wild Asian buffalo]]. The state bird is the ''pahari myna'', or [[Common hill myna|hill myna]]. The state tree is the [[Shorea robusta|Sal (Sarai)]] found in Bastar division.

[[File:Shorea robusta in Chhattisgarh.jpg|thumb|''[[Shorea robusta]]'', the State Tree of Chhattisgarh]]

Chhattisgarh has the 3rd largest forest cover in the country. The state is surrounded by the forests in [[Madhya Pradesh]] (1st), [[Odisha]] (4th), [[Maharashtra]] (5th), [[Jharkhand]] and [[Telangana]] making it India's largest covered forests across state boundaries. There are multiple National Parks, Tiger Reserves across the state. [[Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve]] is [[UNESCO]] recognised [[Biosphere]] with total area of {{convert|383,551|ha|km2 mi2|abbr=off}}[[File:Landuse landcover imgae of Chhattisgarh.jpg|thumb|<ref>{{cite web | url=https://daac.ornl.gov/VEGETATION/guides/Decadal_LULC_India.html | title=Decadal Land Use and Land Cover Classifications across India, 1985, 1995, 2005 | access-date=28 February 2019 | archive-date=28 February 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228192208/https://daac.ornl.gov/VEGETATION/guides/Decadal_LULC_India.html | url-status=live }}</ref>]]

=== Climate ===
{{main|Climate of Chhattisgarh}}
Chhattisgarh has a tropical [[climate]]. It is hot and humid in the summer because of its proximity to the [[Tropic of Cancer]] and its dependence on the [[monsoon]]s for rains. Summer temperatures in Chhattisgarh can reach up to {{convert|49|°C|°F|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://chtenvis.nic.in/Climate.html|title=Chhattisgarh {{!}} Institute|website=chtenvis.nic.in|access-date=5 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813230036/http://www.chtenvis.nic.in/Climate.html|archive-date=13 August 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> The monsoon season is from late June to October and is a welcome respite from the heat. Chhattisgarh receives an average of {{convert|1292|mm}} of rain. Winter is from November to January. Winters are pleasant with low temperatures and less humidity. Ambikapur, Mainpat, Pendra Road, Samri and Jashpur are some of the coldest places in the state.<ref>{{cite web|author=Pragati Infosoft Pvt. Ltd. |url=http://chhattisgarhonline.in/Profile/Geography/Climate.asp |title=Chhattisgarh Climate, Climate of Chhattisgarh, Chhattisgarh Temperature, Temperature of Chhattisgarh |publisher=Chhattisgarhonline.in |access-date=29 August 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>{{New archival link needed|date=April 2026}}

== Transport ==

=== Roads ===
Chhattisgarh has four-lane or two-lane roads that provide connectivity to major cities. A total of 20 national highways pass through the state, together measuring {{convert|3,078|km|abbr=on}}. Many national highways exist only on paper and are not fully converted into four-lane, let alone six-lane or eight-lane, highways. These include:
{{div col|colwidth=15em}}
* NH 130A New
* NH 130B New
* NH 130C New
* NH 130D New
* NH 149B New
* NH 163A New
* NH 343 New
* NH 930 New
* NH 53
* NH 16
* NH 43
* NH 12A
* NH 78
* NH 111
* NH 200
* NH 202
* NH 216
* NH 217
* NH 221
* NH 30
* NH 930 New.
{{div col end}}

The [[State Highway (India)|state highways]] and major district roads constitute another network of {{convert|8,031|km|abbr=on}}.

=== Rail network ===
[[File:Bilaspur Junction Railway Station.jpg|thumb|Bilaspur Junction Railway Station]]
[[File:Raipur Railway Station Entrance.jpg|thumb|[[Raipur Junction railway station]] ]]
Almost the entire railway network spread over the state comes under the geographical jurisdiction of the [[South East Central Railway]] Zone of Indian Railways centred around [[Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh|Bilaspur]], which is the zonal headquarters of this zone. Almost 85% of tracks are electrified, the non-electrified route is the Maroda–Bhanupratappur line from the Durg–Bhanupratappur branch line, which is 120&nbsp;km long. The main railway junctions are [[Bilaspur Junction]], {{rws|Durg Junction}}, and Raipur, which is also a starting point of many long-distance trains. These three junctions are well-connected to the major cities of India and also these station comes under the top 50 booking stations in India.<ref name="rail-secr">{{cite web|url=http://www.secr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,1,652,653|title=South East Central Railways|publisher=South East Central Railway|access-date=23 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130709223243/http://www.secr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,1,652,653|archive-date=9 July 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The state has the highest freight loading in the country, and one-sixth of the Indian Railway's revenue comes from Chhattisgarh. The length of the rail network in the state is 1,108&nbsp;km, while a third track has been commissioned between Durg and Raigarh.<ref>{{cite web|title=Department of Commerce & Industry Chhattisgarh |url=http://industries.cg.gov.in/connectivity.htm |publisher=Government of Chhattisgarh |access-date=23 May 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130715035303/http://industries.cg.gov.in/connectivity.htm |archive-date=15 July 2013 }}</ref> Construction of some new railway lines include Dalli–Rajhara–Jagdalpur rail line, Pendra Road–Gevra Road rail line, Raigarh–Mand Colliery to Bhupdeopur rail line and Barwadih–Chirmiri rail line.<ref>{{cite news|title=Proposed new rail line to bring Mumbai, Kolkata closer|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/proposed-new-rail-line-to-bring-mumbai-kolkata-closer-110030300025_1.html|access-date=23 May 2013|newspaper=Business Standard|date=3 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140506202213/http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/proposed-new-rail-line-to-bring-mumbai-kolkata-closer-110030300025_1.html|archive-date=6 May 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Freight/goods trains provide services mostly to coal and iron ore industries in east–west corridor (Mumbai–Howrah route). There is a lack of passenger services to the north and south of Chhattisgarh.

==== Major railway stations of Chhattisgarh ====
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* {{rws|Bilaspur Junction}}
* {{rws|Durg Junction}}
* {{rws|Raipur Junction}}
* {{rws|Ambikapur}}
* {{rws|Raigarh}}
* {{rws|Korba}}
* {{rws|Champa Junction}}
* {{rws|Mahasamund}}
* {{rws|Rajnandgaon}}
* {{rws|Dongargarh}}
* {{rws|Gevra Road}}
* {{rws|Pendra Road}}
* {{rws|Bhatapara}}
{{div col end}}

===Air===
[[File:Swami vivekananda Airport terminal Raipur. Night view.jpg|thumb|230px|Swami Vivekananda Airport]]
The air infrastructure in Chhattisgarh is gradually improving. [[Swami Vivekananda Airport]] in [[Raipur]] is the primary airport (domestic) and is well connected to all major cities of India. Besides this, the smaller [[Bilaspur Airport]], [[Jagdalpur Airport]]  and [[Ambikapur Airport]] are regionally connected with scheduled commercial services. A massive reduction in sales tax on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) from 25 to 4% in Chhattisgarh in 2003 contributed to a sharp rise in passenger flow. The passenger flow increased by 58% between 2011 and November 2012.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pranab hopes Raipur airport's new terminal will support Chhattisgarh's growth|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/pranab-hopes-raipur-airports-new-terminal-will-support-chhattisgarhs-growth/article4075110.ece|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=8 November 2012|access-date=22 April 2013|location=Chennai, India|first=Suvojit|last=Bagchi|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904045832/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/pranab-hopes-raipur-airports-new-terminal-will-support-chhattisgarhs-growth/article4075110.ece|archive-date=4 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Governance ==
{{Main|Government of Chhattisgarh|Legislative Assembly of Chhattisgarh}}
The State Legislative Assembly is composed of 90 members of the Legislative Assembly. There are 11 members of the Lok Sabha from Chhattisgarh. The [[Rajya Sabha]] has five members from the state

== Administration ==
Each division is headed by a [[Divisional commissioner|Divisional Commissioner]], a senior [[Indian Administrative Service|IAS]] officer, appointed by the government. Each division comprises several districts under its administrative jurisdiction. The district administration is headed by a [[District magistrate|Collector & District Magistrate]], an IAS officer. Each district is further divided into subdivisions, tehsils, and villages for revenue administration, while for development administration it is divided into blocks.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Administrative Setup {{!}} District Raipur, Government of Chhattisgarh {{!}} India |url=https://raipur.gov.in/en/administrative-setup/ |access-date=2026-01-04 |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Divisions ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: left;"
|-
![[Bastar division]]
![[Durg division]]
![[Raipur division]]
![[Bilaspur division]]
![[Surguja division]]
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|
* [[Bastar district|Bastar]] ([[Jagdalpur]])
* [[Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh|Bijapur]]
* [[Dantewada district|Dakshin Bastar Dantewada]] (Dakshin Bastar)
* [[Kondagaon]]
* [[Narayanpur district|Narayanpur]]
* [[Sukma district|Sukma]]
* [[Kanker district|Uttar Bastar Kanker]] (Uttar Bastar)
|
* [[Balod district|Balod]]
* [[Bemetara district|Bemetara]]
* [[Durg district|Durg]]
* [[Kabirdham district|Kabirdham]] (Kabirdham)
* [[Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai district|Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai]]
* [[Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki district|Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki]]
* [[Rajnandgaon district|Rajnandgaon]]
|
* [[Baloda Bazar]]
* [[Dhamtari district|Dhamtari]]
* [[Gariaband district|Gariaband]]
* [[Mahasamund district|Mahasamund]]
* [[Raipur district|Raipur]]
|
* [[Bilaspur district, Chhattisgarh|Bilaspur]]
* [[Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district|Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi]]
* [[Janjgir–Champa district|Janjgir–Champa]]
* [[Korba district|Korba]]
* [[Mungeli district|Mungeli]]
* [[Raigarh district|Raigarh]]
* [[Sarangarh-Bilaigarh district|Sarangarh-Bilaigarh]]
* [[Sakti district|Sakti]]
|
* [[Balrampur district, Chhattisgarh|Balrampur-Ramanujganj]]
* [[Jashpur district|Jashpur]]
* [[Koriya district|Koriya]] ([[Baikunthpur, Koriya|Baikunthpur]])
* [[Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur district|Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur]]
* [[Surajpur district|Surajpur]]
* [[Surguja district|Surguja]] ([[Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh|Ambikapur]])
|}

=== Districts ===
{{Main|List of districts of Chhattisgarh}}

[[File:Chhattisgarh districts map.svg|thumb|Districts of Chhattisgarh state in 2020]]
Chhattisgarh comprises 33 districts.<ref name="economictimes.indiatimes.com">{{Cite news|url = https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/chhattisgarh-to-have-4-new-districts-says-cm-baghel-on-independence-day/articleshow/85345132.cms|title = Chhattisgarh to have 4 new districts, says CM Bhupesh Baghel on Independence Day|newspaper = The Economic Times|access-date = 15 August 2021|archive-date = 15 August 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210815184510/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/chhattisgarh-to-have-4-new-districts-says-cm-baghel-on-independence-day/articleshow/85345132.cms|url-status = live}}</ref> The following are the list of the districts of Chhattisgarh State with major cities:

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: left;"
|-
! District !! Headquarter !! Largest City !! class=unsortable| Other Major Cities
|-
| [[Raipur District|Raipur]] || [[Raipur]] || [[Raipur]] || [[Arang]], [[Tilda Newra|Tilda-Neora]]
|-
| [[Bilaspur district, Chhattisgarh|Bilaspur]] || [[Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh|Bilaspur]] || [[Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh|Bilaspur]] || Kota (Kargi Road), [[Bilha, India|Bilha]]
|-
| [[Durg District|Durg]] || [[Durg]] || [[Bhilai]]|| [[Bhilai Charoda|Charoda]], [[Kumhari]], [[Patan, Chhattisgarh|Patan]]
|-
| [[Korba District|Korba]] || [[Korba, Chhattisgarh|Korba]]|| [[Korba, Chhattisgarh|Korba]] || [[Katghora]], Dipka, Pali
|-
| [[Raigarh District|Raigarh]] || [[Raigarh]] || [[Raigarh]]|| [[Kharsia]], Gharghora
|-
| [[Rajnandgaon District|Rajnandgaon]] || [[Rajnandgaon]] || [[Rajnandgaon]] ||  [[Dongargarh]], [[Dongargaon Assembly constituency|Dongargaon]]
|-
| [[Koriya District|Koriya]] || [[Baikunthpur, Koriya|Baikunthpur]] || [[Baikunthpur, Koriya|Baikunthpur]] || [[Ramgarh, Chhattisgarh|Ramgarh]]
|-
| [[Surguja District|Surguja]] || [[Ambikapur, India|Ambikapur]] || [[Ambikapur, India|Ambikapur]]|| [[Sitapur, Chhattisgarh|Sitapur]]
|-
| [[Balrampur district, Chhattisgarh|Balrampur-Ramanujganj]] || [[Balrampur]] || [[Balrampur]] || [[Ramanujganj]]
|-
| [[Jashpur District|Jashpur]] || [[Jashpur Nagar]]|| [[Jashpur Nagar]]|| Kunkuri, [[Pathalgaon|Patthalgaon]], [[Jashpur district|Tapkara]]
|-
| [[Surajpur District|Surajpur]] || [[Surajpur, Chhattisgarh|Surajpur]]|| [[Surajpur, Chhattisgarh|Surajpur]] || [[Telgaon]], [[Bishrampur, Chhattisgarh|Bishrampur]]
|-
| [[Janjgir–Champa]] ||   [[Janjgir]] ||[[Champa, Chhattisgarh|Champa]] || [[Janjgir]], [[Akaltara]], [[Shivrinarayan]]
|-
| [[Mungeli District|Mungeli]]||[[Mungeli]]||[[Mungeli]]||[[Lormi]], [[Takhatpur]]
|-
| [[Kabirdham District|Kabirdham]] || [[Kawardha]] || [[Kawardha]] || [[Pandariya]], Pandatarai
|-
| [[Bemetara district|Bemetara]] || [[Bemetara]] || [[Bemetara]] ||  Nawagarh, Saja
|-
| [[Balod district|Balod]]|| [[Balod]] || [[Balod]] || [[Dalli Rajhara|Dalli-Rajhara]]
|-
| [[Baloda Bazar District|Baloda Bazar-Bhatapara]] || [[Baloda Bazar]] || [[Bhatapara]] || [[Simga]], Palari, Lawan, [[Kasdol Assembly constituency|Kasdol]]
|-
| [[Gariaband district|Gariaband]]||[[Gariaband]] || [[Gariaband]] || [[Rajim]], [[Deobhog]]
|-
| [[Mahasamund district|Mahasamund]] || [[Mahasamund]] || [[Mahasamund]] || [[Saraipali]], [[Bagbahara|Bagbahra]]
|-
| [[Dhamtari District|Dhamtari]] || [[Dhamtari]] || [[Dhamtari]] || [[Kurud]]
|-
| [[Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh|Bijapur]]||[[Bijapur, Chhattisgarh|Bijapur]] || [[Bijapur, Chhattisgarh|Bijapur]] ||  Sangampal, Kasiguda
|-
| [[Narayanpur district|Narayanpur]] || [[Narayanpur, Chhattisgarh|Narayanpur]] ||[[Narayanpur, Chhattisgarh|Narayanpur]] ||  Kodenar, Orchha
|-
| [[Kanker District|Kanker]] || [[Kanker, Chhattisgarh|Kanker]] ||[[Kanker, Chhattisgarh|Kanker]] ||  [[Bhanupratappur|Bhanupratapur]], [[Pakhanjur|Pakhanjore]]
|-
| [[Bastar District|Bastar]] || [[Jagdalpur]] || [[Jagdalpur]] || [[Bastar (town)|Bastar]]
|-
| [[Dantewada district|Dantewada]] || [[Dantewada]] || [[Dantewada]] || [[Kirandul]], [[Geedam]]
|-
| [[Kondagaon district|Kondagaon]]|| [[Kondagaon]] || [[Kondagaon]] || [[Keshkal]]
|-
|[[Sukma district|Sukma]] || [[Sukma]] || [[Sukma]] ||  Tadmetla, Murtonda
|-
| [[Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district|Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi]] || [[Gaurella]] || [[Pendra]] ||  [[Marwahi]], Basti-Bagra, Rajmergarh, Pasan
|-
| [[Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur district|Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur]] || [[Manendragarh]] || [[Chirmiri]] || [[Bharatpur (Chhattisgarh)|Bharatpur]], [[Khongapani]], Jhagrakhand, New Ledri, Janakpur
|-
| [[Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki district|Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki]] || [[Mohla Khurd|Mohla]]|| [[Ambagarh Chowki]]||  [[Manpur, Chhattisgarh|Manpur]], Chilamtol
|-
| [[Sakti district|Sakti]] || [[Sakti, Chhattisgarh|Sakti]] || [[Sakti, Chhattisgarh|Sakti]] || Baradwar, Malkharoda
|-
| [[Sarangarh-Bilaigarh District|Sarangarh-Bilaigarh]] || [[Sarangarh]] || [[Sarangarh]] || [[Bilaigarh]]
|-
| [[Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai district|Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai]]|| [[Khairagarh]] || [[Khairagarh]] || [[Gandai]], [[Chhuikhadan]]
|}

=== Major cities ===
{{Main|List of cities in Chhattisgarh}}

{| class="wikitable" style="margin:0.2em auto"
!colspan="12" style="padding:0.3em 0; line-height:1.2em; font-size:110%;"| [[List of cities in Chhattisgarh by population|Largest cities in Chhattisgarh]]<br />{{nobold|<small>(2011 Census of India estimate)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_2_PR_Cities_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf|title=Cities having population 1 lakh and above, Census 2011|publisher=The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|access-date=25 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120507135928/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_2_PR_Cities_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf|archive-date=7 May 2012|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref></small>}}
|-
! Rank !! City !! District !! Population
|-
| align=center | 1 ||align=left | '''[[Raipur]]''' || [[Raipur district|Raipur]] ||1,010,087
|-
| align=center | 2 ||align=left | '''[[Bhilai]]-[[Durg]]''' || [[Durg district|Durg]] || 1,003,406
|-
| align=center | 3 ||align=left | '''[[Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh|Bilaspur]]''' || [[Bilaspur District, Chhattisgarh|Bilaspur]] || 717,030
|-
| align=center | 4 ||align=left | '''[[Korba, Chhattisgarh|Korba]]''' || [[Korba district|Korba]] || 365,253
|-
| align="center" | 5 || align="left" |'''[[Ambikapur, India|Ambikapur]]'''|| [[Surguja district|Sarguja]]|| 214,575
|-
| align="center" | 6 || align="left" | '''[[Rajnandgaon]]'''|| [[Rajnandgaon district|Rajnandgaon]]|| 163,122
|-
| align="center" | 7 || align="left" | '''[[Raigarh]]'''|| [[Raigarh district|Raigarh]]|| 150,019
|-
| align="center" | 8 || align="left" | '''[[Jagdalpur]]'''||[[Bastar district|Bastar]]|| 125,463
|-
| align=center | 9 ||align=left | '''[[Chirmiri]] ''' ||[[Koriya district|Koriya]] || 103,575
|-
| align=center | 10 ||align=left | '''[[Dhamtari]] ''' ||[[Dhamtari district|Dhamtari]] || 101,677
|-
| align=center | 11 ||align=left | '''[[Mahasamund]] ''' ||[[Mahasamund district|Mahasamund]] || 54,413
|}

== Economy ==
{{Infobox economy
| country = Chhattisgarh
| image = 
| image_size = 
| caption = 
| currency = 
| organs = 
| gdp = {{INRConvert|6.359|lc}} (2025–26 est.)<ref name="Chhattisgarh_Budget_Analysis_2023-24"/>
| gdp rank = [[List of Indian states and union territories by GDP|17th]]
| growth = 8% (2020–21)<ref name="Chhattisgarh_Budget_Analysis_2023-24" />
| per capita = {{INRConvert|152348}} (2023–24)<ref name="Chhattisgarh_Budget_Analysis_2023-24" />
| per capita rank = 
| sectors = Agriculture 32% <br /> Industry 32% <br /> Services 36% (2023–24)<ref name="Chhattisgarh_Budget_Analysis_2023-24" />
| components = 
| inflation = 
| bankrate = 
| poverty = 
| gini = 
| hdi = 
| labor = 
| occupations = 
| unemployment = 
| average gross salary = 
| gross median = 
| average net salary = 
| net median = 
| industries = 
| edbr = 
| exports = 
| export-goods = 
| export-partners = 
| imports = 
| import-goods = 
| import-partners = 
| FDI = 
| current account = 
| gross external debt = 
| NIIP = 
| debt = 23.8% of GSDP (2023–24 est.)<ref name="Chhattisgarh_Budget_Analysis_2023-24" />
| balance = {{INRConvert|-17461|c}} (3.33% of GSDP) (2023–24 est.)<ref name="Chhattisgarh_Budget_Analysis_2023-24" />
| revenue = {{INRConvert|106301|c}} (2023–24 est.)<ref name="Chhattisgarh_Budget_Analysis_2023-24" />
| expenses = {{INRConvert|121495|c}} (2023–24 est.)<ref name="Chhattisgarh_Budget_Analysis_2023-24"/>
| aid = 
| credit = 
| spelling = Oxford
| presentUS$asdefault = no
}}

Chhattisgarh's nominal gross state domestic product (GSDP) is estimated at {{INRConvert|5.09|lc}} in 2023–24, the [[List of Indian states and union territories by GDP|17th]] largest state economy in India. The economy of Chhattisgarh recorded a growth rate of 11.2% in 2023–24.<ref name="Chhattisgarh_Budget_Analysis_2023-24">{{Cite web |title=Chhattisgarh Budget Analysis 2023-24 |url=https://prsindia.org/budgets/states/chhattisgarh-budget-analysis-2023-24 |access-date=2023-07-26 |website=PRS Legislative Research |language=en-US |archive-date=26 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726083529/https://prsindia.org/budgets/states/chhattisgarh-budget-analysis-2023-24 |url-status=live }}</ref> Chhattisgarh's success factors in achieving high growth rate are growth in agriculture and industrial production.

[[File:GEVRA DUMPERS.jpg|thumb|[[Dumper|Dumper trucks]] at the [[Korba Coalfield#Gevra Open Cast Mine|Gevra Open Cast Mine]]]]
[[File:NTPC Korba Power Plant - panoramio.jpg|thumb|NTPC Korba Power Plant - panoramio]]

=== Agriculture ===
Agriculture is counted as the chief economic occupation of the state. According to a government estimate, the net sown area of the state is 4.828&nbsp;million hectares and the gross sown area is 5.788&nbsp;million hectares.<ref name="Agriculture in Chhattisgarh">{{cite web|title=Agriculture in Chhattisgarh |url=http://cg.gov.in/development/cdevelopment.htm#irrigation |access-date=22 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721155523/http://cg.gov.in/development/cdevelopment.htm |archive-date=21 July 2011 }}</ref> Horticulture and animal husbandry also engage a major share of the total population of the state.<ref>{{cite web|title=Economy of Chhattisgarh|url=http://www.mapsofindia.com/chhattisgarh/economy/|access-date=22 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110507072918/http://www.mapsofindia.com/chhattisgarh/economy/|archive-date=7 May 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> About 80% of the population of the state is rural and the main livelihood of the villagers is agriculture and agriculture-based small industry.

The majority of the farmers are still practicing the traditional methods of cultivation, resulting in low growth rates and productivity. The farmers have to be made aware of modern technologies suitable to their holdings. Providing adequate knowledge to the farmers is essential for a better implementation of the agricultural development plans and to improve productivity.<ref name="nhm.nic.in">http://nhm.nic.in/ActionPlan/ActionPlan_Chhattisgarh.pdf{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

Considering this and a very limited irrigated area, the productivity of not only rice but also other crops is low, hence the farmers are unable to obtain economic benefits from agriculture and it has remained as subsistence agriculture till now.
<gallery mode="packed" heights="134">
File:Chloroxylon from India.JPG|Chloroxylon is used for pest management in organic rice cultivation in Chhattisgarh
File:Medicinal Rice.jpg|Medicinal rice of Chhattisgarh used as an immune booster
File:Aloe Farming.jpg|Aloe vera farming in Chhattisgarh
File:Gulbakawali Farming.jpg|Herbal farming in Chhattisgarh: Gulbakawali
</gallery>

==== Agricultural products ====
The main crops are rice, maize,<ref>Oudhia, P. (1999) Allelopathic effects of Lantana camara L. on germination of soybean. Legume Research 22(4): 273–274.</ref> ''kodo-kutki'' and other small millets and pulses (''tuar''<ref>Oudhia, P. (2000). Positive (inhibitory) allelopathic effects of some obnoxious weeds on germination and seedling vigour of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.). Research on Crops. 1 (1):116–118.</ref> and ''kulthi''); oilseeds, such as groundnuts (peanuts), soybeans<ref>Oudhia, P. (2001). Stimulatory allelopathic effects of Ageratum conyzoides L. on soybean. Agric. Sci. Digest. 21 (1):55–56.</ref> and sunflowers are also grown. In the mid-1990s, most of Chhattisgarh was still a monocrop belt. Only one-fourth to one-fifth of the sown area was double-cropped. When a very substantial portion of the population is dependent on agriculture, a situation where nearly 80% of a state's area is covered only by one crop, immediate attention to turn them into double crop areas is needed. Also, very few cash crops are grown in Chhattisgarh, so there is a need to diversify the agricultural produce towards oilseeds and other cash crops. Chhattisgarh is also called the "rice bowl of central India".<ref name="Agriculture in Chhattisgarh" />
<gallery mode="packed" heights="134">
File:Kodo Millet in Chhattisgarh.jpg|Kodo Millet is used as a life-saving medicine in Chhattisgarh
File:Bastar Beer.jpg|Bastar beer prepared from Sulfi
</gallery>

==== Irrigation ====
[[File:Amritdhara chirimiri.jpg|thumb|Amritdhara chirimiri]]
In Chhattisgarh, rice, the main crop, is grown on about 77% of the net sown area. Only about 20% of the area is under irrigation; the rest depends on rain. Of the three agroclimatic zones, about 73% of the Chhattisgarh plains, 97% of the Bastar plateau, and 95% of the northern hills are rainfed. The irrigated area available for double cropping is only 87,000&nbsp;ha in the Chhattisgarh plains and 2300&nbsp;ha in Bastar plateau and northern hills. Due to this, the productivity of rice and other crops is low, hence the farmers are unable to obtain economic benefits from agriculture and it has remained as subsistence agriculture till now, though agriculture is the main occupation of more than 80% of the population.<ref name="nhm.nic.in" />

In the Chhattisgarh region, about 22% of the net cropped area was under irrigation as compared to 36.5% in Madhya Pradesh in 1998–99, whereas the average national irrigation was about 40%. The irrigation is characterised by a high order of variability ranging from 1.6% in Bastar to 75.0% in Dhamtari. Based on an average growth trend in the irrigated area, about 0.43% of additional area is brought under irrigation every year as compared to 1.89% in Madhya Pradesh and 1.0% in the country as a whole. Thus, irrigation has been growing at a very low rate in Chhattisgarh and the pace of irrigation is so slow, that it would take about 122 years to reach the 75% level of net irrigated area in Chhattisgarh at the present rate of growth.<ref name="nhm.nic.in" />

Chhattisgarh has a limited [[irrigation]] system, with dams and [[canal]]s on some rivers. Average rainfall in the state is around 1400&nbsp;mm and the entire state falls under the rice agroclimatic zone. The Large variation in the yearly rainfall directly affects the production of rice. Irrigation is the prime need of the state for its overall development and therefore the state government has given top priority to the development of irrigation.<ref name="Agriculture in Chhattisgarh" />

A total of four major, 33 medium, and 2199 minor irrigation projects have been completed and five major, nine medium, and 312 minor projects are under construction, as of 31 March 2006.{{Update inline|date=August 2019|reason=These numbers are from over ten years ago. Needs updating}}

=== Industrial sector ===

==== Power sector ====
Chhattisgarh is one of the few states of India where the power sector is effectively developed. Based on the current production of surplus electric power, the position of the State is comfortable and profitable. The Chhattisgarh State Electricity Board (CSEB) is in a strong position to meet the electricity requirement of the state and is in good financial health. According to [[Central Electricity Authority (India)|Central Electricity Authority]] (CEA), Chhattisgarh provides electricity to several other states because of surplus production.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2019/state-editions/chhattisgarh-is-power-surplus-state--confirms-cea-report.html|title=Chhattisgarh is power surplus state, confirms CEA report|last=Pioneer|first=The|website=The Pioneer|language=en|access-date=31 December 2019|archive-date=31 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231114615/https://www.dailypioneer.com/2019/state-editions/chhattisgarh-is-power-surplus-state--confirms-cea-report.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In Chhattisgarh, [[National Thermal Power Corporation Limited]] (NTPC) has [[Sipat Thermal Power Station]] with a capacity of 2,980 MW at Sipat, Bilaspur; [[LARA Super Thermal Power Station]] with a nameplate capacity of 1600MW and [[Korba Super Thermal Power Station]] with a capacity of 2,600 MW at Korba, while CSEB's units have a thermal capacity of 1,780 MW and hydel capacity of 130 MW. Apart from NTPC and CSEB, there are several private generation units of large and small capacity. The state government has pursued a liberal policy with regard to captive generation which has resulted in a number of private companies coming up.<ref name="Power Sector in Chhattisgarh">{{cite web|title=Power Sector in Chhattisgarh|url=http://cserc.nic.in/power_sector.htm|access-date=22 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041211023325/http://www.cserc.nic.in/power_sector.htm|archive-date=11 December 2004|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The state has a potential of 61,000 MW of additional thermal power in terms of availability of coal for more than 100 years and more than 2,500 MW hydel capacity. To use this vast potential, substantial additions to the existing generation capacity are already underway.<ref name="Power Sector in Chhattisgarh" />

==== Steel sector ====
The steel industry is one of the biggest heavy industries of Chhattisgarh. [[Bhilai Steel Plant|Bhilai Steel Plant, Bhilai]] operated by [[Steel Authority of India Limited|SAIL]], with a capacity of 5.4&nbsp;million tonnes per year, is regarded as a significant growth indicator of the state. More than 100 steel rolling mills, 90 sponge iron plants, and ferro-alloy units are in Chhattisgarh. Along with Bhilai, today Jagdalpur, Raipur, Bilaspur, Korba and Raigarh have become the steel hub of Chhattisgarh. Today, Raipur and Jagdalpur has become the centre of the steel sector, the biggest market for steel in India.<ref name="Industries in Chhattisgarh">{{cite web|title=Industries in Chhattisgarh|url=http://www.mapsofindia.com/chhattisgarh/economy/chhattisgarh-industries.html|access-date=22 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110810083204/http://www.mapsofindia.com/chhattisgarh/economy/chhattisgarh-industries.html|archive-date=10 August 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:RID2433a.jpg|thumb]]

==== Aluminium sector ====
The aluminium industry of Chhattisgarh was established by the erstwhile [[Bharat Aluminium Company]] (now [[Vedanta Resources]]) in [[Korba, Chhattisgarh]], which has a capacity of around 5,700,000 tonnes each year.<ref name="Industries in Chhattisgarh" />

=== Natural resources ===
'''Gevra, Dipka, Kusmunda''' open cast coal mines in [[Korba, Chhattisgarh|Korba]] are the largest in India and the biggest man-made structure visible in satellite images of India. Major coal companies are [[South Eastern Coalfields|SECL]], [[Adani Group|Adani]], [[Jindal Steel and Power|Jindal]] which operate multiple coal mines across northeast Chhattisgarh.

====Central India Coalfields====
The  [[Central India coalfields|Central India Coalfields]] are spread over the districts of [[Surguja district|Surguja]], [[Koriya district|Koriya]] (both in Chhattisgarh), [[Shahdol district|Shahdol]] and [[Umaria district|Umaria]] (both in Madhya Pradesh). The group covers an area of about {{convert|5345|km2}} with estimated reserves of 15,613.98 million tonnes. The deposits are at a depth of 0–1200 meters. Therefore, extraction is mainly amenable to underground mining except for a few blocks in the eastern part of these coalfields which have opencast potential.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://secl.gov.in/ | title = Central India Coalfields | work = Coalfields | publisher = South Eastern Coalfields Ltd | access-date = 2011-09-03 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110902005800/http://secl.gov.in/ | archive-date = 2011-09-02 | url-status = dead }}</ref>

'''Jhilimili Coalfield''' located in [[Surguja district]] is spread over an area of {{convert|180|km2}}. Estimated total reserves are 215.31 million tonnes, out of which about half have been indicated to be Grade I.<ref>Shri Kamal Sharma, Resource Development in Tribal India, p. 166, 1989, Northern Book Centre, 4221/1 Ansari Road, New Delhi, {{ISBN|81-85119-57-0}}</ref> According to the [[Geological Survey of India]], total reserves of non-coking coal (as of 1 January 2004) in Jhilimili Coalfield (up to a depth of 300m) was 267.10 million tonnes.<ref>{{cite web| url =http://www.portal.gsi.gov.in/gsiDoc/pub/IndiaCoalResources2004.pdf| title =Coal Resources of India (As on 1.1.2004)| publisher =Coal Wing, Geological Survey of India, Kolkata| access-date =2011-09-06| url-status =dead| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120327022156/http://www.portal.gsi.gov.in/gsiDoc/pub/IndiaCoalResources2004.pdf| archive-date =2012-03-27}}</ref>

The '''Sonhat''' is a large coal field representing one of the largest [[coal]] reserves in [[India]] having estimated reserves of 2.67 billion tonnes of [[coal]].<ref name="auto1">{{cite web|url=http://ibm.nic.in/IMYB%202011_Coal%20&%20Lignite.pdf|title=Coal in India|year=2012|publisher=ibm.nic.in|accessdate=2013-07-23|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130811050549/http://ibm.nic.in/IMYB%202011_Coal%20%26%20Lignite.pdf|archivedate=2013-08-11}}</ref>

'''Bisrampur coal field''' represents one of the largest [[coal]] reserves in [[India]] having estimated reserves of 1.61 billion tonnes of [[coal]].<ref name="auto1"/>

'''Chirimiri Coalfield''' is located in the valley of the [[Hasdeo River]], a tributary of the [[Mahanadi River|Mahanadi]]. Opened in 1930 with production starting in 1932, and has been owned by several companies and owners such as Chirimiri Colliery Company Pvt. Ltd., Dababhoy's New Chirimiri Ponri Hill Company (Private) Limited, United Collieries Limited, K.N. Dhady and Indra Singh & Sons (Private) Limited. These were nationalized in 1973.{{citation needed|date=May 2018}}
This coalfield is spread over {{convert|125| km2}} of hilly country and includes both the sections – Kurasia and Chirimiri. Total reserves in the Chirimiri coalfield have been estimated to be around 312.11 million tonnes.<ref name=sharma>Shri Kamal Sharma, Resource Development in Tribal India, p. 165, 1989, Northern Book Centre, 4221/1 Ansari Road, New Delhi, {{ISBN|81-85119-57-0}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://chhattisgarhmines.gov.in/Coal.htm | title = Coal Deposits in Chhattisgarh | last =  | first =  | publisher = Directorate of Geology and Mining, Chhattisgarh | accessdate = 2011-09-06 | archive-date = 13 August 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110813125126/http://chhattisgarhmines.gov.in/Coal.htm | url-status = live }}</ref> According to [[Geological Survey of India]] reserves of non-coking coal up to a depth of 300 m in Chirimiri Coalfield was 362.16 million tonnes.<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.portal.gsi.gov.in/gsiDoc/pub/IndiaCoalResources2004.pdf | title =Coal Resources of India (As on 1.1.2004) | publisher =Coal Wing, Geological Survey of India, Kolkata | accessdate =2011-09-08 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120327022156/http://www.portal.gsi.gov.in/gsiDoc/pub/IndiaCoalResources2004.pdf | archive-date =2012-03-27 | url-status =dead }}</ref>

====South Chhattisgarh coalfields====
The [[South Chhattisgarh coalfields|South Chhattisgarh Coalfields]] are made up of the Mand Raigarh, Korba, and Hasdo Arand coalfields. Of at least twelve seams in the Mand Valley, the Mand and Taraimar seams are important.<ref>Shri Kamal Sharma, Spatial Framework and Economic Development, Northern Book Centre, 4221/1 Daryaganj, Ansari Road, New Delhi 110 002, 2000, p. 158, {{ISBN|81-7211-111-8}}</ref>

'''Mand Raigarh Coalfield''' includes the areas earlier known as North Raigarh, South Raigarh, and Mand River Coalfields and is located in [[Raigarh district]] and lies in the valley of the [[Mand River]], a tributary of the [[Mahanadi River|Mahanadi]]. This coalfield is spread over an area of {{convert|520|km2}}. The field has a potential for mining power-grade coal, much of which can be extracted through open-cast mining. Gare block has been identified for captive mining by private companies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.geologydata.info/coal_03.htm |title=Mand Raigarh Coalfields |publisher=geologyata.info |accessdate=2011-09-19 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331115928/http://www.geologydata.info/coal_03.htm |archivedate=2012-03-31 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://secl.nic.in/mcoalfields.htm |title = Mand Raigarh Coalfields |last =  |first =  |publisher = South Eastern Coalfields |accessdate = 2011-09-19 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110907070627/http://www.secl.nic.in/mcoalfields.htm |archive-date = 2011-09-07 |url-status = dead }}</ref>

According to the [[Geological Survey of India]] total reserves (including proved, indicated, and inferred reserves) of non-coking coal in the Mand Raigarh Coalfield is 18,532.93 million tonnes. Out of this 13,868.20 million tonnes is up to a depth of 300 metres, 4569.51 million tonnes is at a depth of 300–600 metres and 95.22 million tonnes is at a depth of 600–1200 m.<ref>{{cite web| url =http://www.portal.gsi.gov.in/gsiDoc/pub/IndiaCoalResources2004.pdf| title =Coal Resources of India (As on 1.1.2004)| publisher =Coal Wing, Geological Survey of India, Kolkata| accessdate =2011-09-19| url-status =dead| archiveurl =https://web.archive.org/web/20120327022156/http://www.portal.gsi.gov.in/gsiDoc/pub/IndiaCoalResources2004.pdf| archivedate =2012-03-27}}</ref>

<gallery mode="packed" heights="134">
Maikal Hills.jpg|Mineral deposits in the Maikal Hills
Mineral wealth of Chhattisgarh.jpg|Mineral Wealth from Chandidongri
</gallery>

==== Mineral deposits ====
Chhattisgarh is rich in minerals. It produces 50% of the country's total cement production. Due to its proximity to the western States of Maharashtra and Gujarat, it has the highest producing [[coal mine]]s in India. It has the highest output of coal in the country with the second-highest reserves. It is third in iron ore production and first in tin production. [[Limestone]], [[Dolomite (rock)|dolomite]] and [[bauxite]] are abundant. It is the only [[tin]] ore-producing state in India. Other commercially extracted minerals include [[corundum]], [[garnet]], [[quartz]], [[marble]], [[alexandrite]] and diamonds.

Rowghat iron ore deposits are located in the Antagarh Tahsil of [[Kanker district]] and contain the largest [[iron ore]] deposits after the Bailadila Iron Ore Mine. Rowghat Mines' reserves have been assessed at 731.93 Mn tonnes. Bailadila has reserves assessed at 1.343 Bn tonnes.<ref name="chhattisgarhmines.gov.in">{{Cite web |url=http://chhattisgarhmines.gov.in/Iron-Ore.htm |title=Directorate of Geology and Mining, Chhattisgarh &#124; Directorate of Geology &#124; Chhattisgarh Mines &#124; Mines Chhattisgarh &#124; State Mines &#124; Department of Steel & Mines |access-date=2012-02-22 |archive-date=2011-07-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721165825/http://chhattisgarhmines.gov.in/Iron-Ore.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> Iron ore deposits in Rowghat were discovered in 1899 and in 1949 [[Geological Survey of India]] investigated the area.<ref name="financialexpress.com">{{Cite web|url = http://www.financialexpress.com/news/sc-flags-green-signal-for-forestry-clearance-to-rowghat/372170/0|title = SC flags green signal for forestry clearance to Rowghat|date = 13 October 2008|access-date = 16 March 2024|archive-date = 28 March 2024|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240328162226/https://www.financialexpress.com/archive/sc-flags-green-signal-for-forestry-clearance-to-rowghat/372170/|url-status = live}}</ref>
Rowghat deposit is {{convert|29|km|abbr=on}} NNW of Narayanpur, and about {{convert|140|km|abbr=on}} from [[Jagdalpur]]. Fe content varies in the various blocks - A Block (62.58% Fe), B Block (50.29% Fe), C Block (57.00% Fe), D Block (60.00% Fe), E Block (52.93% Fe), and F Block (59.62% Fe).

=== Information and technologies ===
In recent years, Chhattisgarh has also received exposure in [[information technology]] (IT) projects and consultancy. Its government is also promoting IT and has set up a body to take care of IT solutions. The body, known as CHiPS, is providing large IT projects such as Choice, Swan, and so forth.

=== Major companies ===
Major companies with a presence in the state include:
* Metal: [[Bhilai Steel Plant]], [[Jindal Steel and Power]], [[Bharat Aluminium Company]]
* Oil: [[Indian Oil Corporation]], [[Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited]]
* Mining: [[National Mineral Development Corporation|NMDC]], [[South Eastern Coalfields]]
* Power : [[NTPC Limited|NTPC]], [[Lanco Infratech]], KSK Energy Ventures, [[Jindal Power Limited]]

=== Exports ===
Chhattisgarh's total exports were US$353.3&nbsp;million in 2009–10. Nearly 75% of exports come from Bhilai and the remaining are from Urla, Bhanpuri, and Sirgitti. The major export products include steel, handicrafts, handlooms, blended yarn, food and agri-products, iron, aluminum, cement, minerals, and engineering products. CSIDC (Chhattisgarh State Industrial Development Corporation Limited) is the nodal agency of the government of Chhattisgarh for export promotion in the state.

=== Media ===
Mainline print media present in Chhattisgarh are [[Hari Bhoomi]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.haribhoomi.com/local/chhattisgarh|title=Chhattisgarh News, CG News, Chhattisgarh News in Hindi, Coronavirus Update|website=www.haribhoomi.com|access-date=8 July 2020|archive-date=10 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710091039/https://www.haribhoomi.com/local/chhattisgarh|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Dainik Bhaskar]], [[Rajasthan Patrika|Patrika]], Navabharat, and Nai Duniya.

== Human Development Indicators ==

=== HDI ===
As of 2018, Chhattisgarh state had a [[Human Development Index]] value of 0.613 (medium), ranking 31st in Indian states & union territories. The national average is 0.647 according to Global Data Lab.<ref name="ihdr-2001">{{Cite web|title=Sub-national HDI - Subnational HDI - Global Data Lab|url=https://globaldatalab.org/shdi/shdi/IND/?levels=1+4&interpolation=0&extrapolation=0&nearest_real=0&colour_scales=global|access-date=23 February 2021|website=globaldatalab.org|archive-date=4 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211004170955/https://globaldatalab.org/shdi/shdi/IND/?levels=1+4&interpolation=0&extrapolation=0&nearest_real=0&colour_scales=global|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Standard of living ===
The standard of living in Chhattisgarh is extremely imbalanced. The cities such as [[Durg]], Raipur, Bhilai and Bilaspur have a medium to high standard of living, while the rural and forested areas lack even the basic resources and amenities. For example, Bhilai has a literacy rate of 86%, while [[Bastar district|Bastar]] has a literacy rate of 54%.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census2011.co.in/census/city/279-bhilai-nagar.html|title=Bhilai Nagar City Population Census 2011 – Chhattisgarh|website=census2011.co.in|access-date=10 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808042729/http://www.census2011.co.in/census/city/279-bhilai-nagar.html|archive-date=8 August 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh, is one of the fastest-developing cities in India.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/raipur/chhattisgarh-among-fastest-growing-states/articleshow/62005292.cms|title='Chhattisgarh among fastest growing states' – Times of India|website=[[The Times of India]]|date=10 December 2017 |access-date=10 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821074041/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/raipur/chhattisgarh-among-fastest-growing-states/articleshow/62005292.cms|archive-date=21 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Naya Raipur|Atal Nagar]] (Formerly ''Naya Raipur''<ref>{{cite news |title=Chhattisgarh Govt Renames It New Capital Naya Raipur To 'Atal Nagar', Pays Tribute in Unique Way |url=https://headlinestoday.org/national/1802/chhattisgarh-govt-renames-it-new-capital-naya-raipur-to-atal-nagar-pays-tribute-in-unique-way/ |access-date=21 August 2018 |agency=Headlines Today |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821191859/https://headlinestoday.org/national/1802/chhattisgarh-govt-renames-it-new-capital-naya-raipur-to-atal-nagar-pays-tribute-in-unique-way/ |archive-date=21 August 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>) is the new planned city that is touted to become the financial hub of the [[Central India|Central Indian region]]. New world-class educational institutions and hospitals have already been established in the city.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/gk-current-affairs/story/naya-raipur-953494-2017-01-06|title=Naya Raipur becomes the world's first integrated city|website=India Today|date=6 January 2017 |access-date=10 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810112437/https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/gk-current-affairs/story/naya-raipur-953494-2017-01-06|archive-date=10 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

According to the NITI Aayog's Fiscal Health Index 2025, Chhattisgarh ranks second with a score of 55.2.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-28 |title=India's top 10 best-performing states in the Fiscal Health Index 2025 |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/trending/top-10-listing/indias-top-10-best-performing-states-in-the-fiscal-health-index-2025-9801341/ |access-date=2025-02-17 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>

=== Education Index ===
[[File:Girls students, Chhattisgarh, India.jpg|thumb|School children in Chhattisgarh]]
Chhattisgarh has an Education Index of 0.526 according to the 2011 NHDR, which is higher than that of the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The Average Literacy rate in Chhattisgarh for Urban regions was 84.05 percent in which males were 90.58% literate while female literacy stood at 73.39%. Total literates in the urban region of Chhattisgarh were 4,370,966.{{citation needed|date=July 2022}}

Among the marginalized groups, STs are at the bottom of the rankings, further emphasizing the lack of social development in the state. Bastar and Dantewada in south Chhattisgarh are the most illiterate districts and the dropout ratio is the highest among all the districts. The reason for this is the extreme poverty in rural areas.

[[Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Narainpur|Ramakrishna Mission Asharama Narainpur]] serves the tribals in the abhjhmad jungle region of Chhattisgarh for their upliftment and education.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CgCcEqqa-C8C&q=ramakrishna+mission+ashrama+narainpur+serves+tribals|title=Social Welfare|date=1998|publisher=Publications Division|language=en|access-date=20 October 2021|archive-date=28 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328162253/https://books.google.com/books?id=CgCcEqqa-C8C&q=ramakrishna+mission+ashrama+narainpur+serves+tribals|url-status=live}}</ref>

As per census 2011, the State has a population of 25.5&nbsp;million and six medical colleges (five Government and one private) with an intake capacity of 700 students and a doctor-patient ratio of 1:17,000.<ref>{{cite web |title=Chhattisgarh a poor State with low health indices: CAG |url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2017/state-editions/chhattisgarh-a-poor-state-with-low-health-indices-cag.html |website=The Pioneer |access-date=29 September 2018 |date=31 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929233452/https://www.dailypioneer.com/2017/state-editions/chhattisgarh-a-poor-state-with-low-health-indices-cag.html |archive-date=29 September 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Under The NITI Aayog released Health Index report titled, "Healthy States, Progressive India", Chhattisgarh has an index of 52.02 Out of 100, which is better than states such as Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Odisha, Bihar, Assam and Uttar Pradesh.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pandey |first1=Kundan |title=NITI Aayog's Health Index: Kerala on top; Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh among worst performers |url=https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/niti-aayog-s-health-index-kerala-on-top-rajasthan-uttar-pradesh-among-worst-performers-59663 |website=Down To Earth |access-date=29 September 2018 |date=9 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810142701/https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/niti-aayog-s-health-index-kerala-on-top-rajasthan-uttar-pradesh-among-worst-performers-59663 |archive-date=10 August 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Despite different health-related schemes and programs, the health indicators such as the percentage of women with BMI<18.5, Under Five Mortality Rate and underweight children, are poor. This may be due to the difficulty in accessing the remote areas in the state. The prevalence of female malnutrition in Chhattisgarh is higher than the national average—half of the ST females are malnourished. The performance of SCs is a little better than the corresponding national and state average. The Under Five Mortality Rate among STs is significantly higher than the national average.

=== Net state domestic product ===
Chhattisgarh is one of the emerging states with relatively high growth rates of net state domestic product (NSDP) (8.2% vs. 7.1% All India over 2002–2008) and per capita NSDP (6.2% vs. 5.4% All India over 2002–2008). The growth rates of the said parameters are above the national averages and thus it appears that Chhattisgarh is catching up with other states in this respect. However, the state still has very low levels of per capita income as compared to the other states.

=== Urbanisation ===
Out of the total population of Chhattisgarh, 23.24% live in urban regions. The total population living in urban areas is 5,937,237, of which 3,035,469 are males and the remaining 2,901,768 are females.

Raipur, Durg, Bhilai Nagar, Bilaspur, Korba, Jagdalpur, Rajnandgaon, Ambikapur and Raigarh are some of the urban towns and cities in the region.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chhattisgarh : Exp CG: Major Cities of Chhattisgarh: Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg-Bhilai, Raigarh, Korba, Jagdalpur, Ambikapur, Kawardha |url=https://explore-chhattisgarh.blogspot.com/2010/01/cities-of-chhattisgarh.html |access-date=2024-07-15 |website=Chhattisgarh}}</ref>

=== Sex ratio ===
There are more than 13 million males and 12.9&nbsp;million females in Chhattisgarh, which constitutes 2.11% of the country's population. The [[human sex ratio|sex ratio]] in the state is one of the most balanced in India with 991 females per 1,000 males, as is the child sex ratio with 964 females per 1,000 males (Census 2011)

=== Fertility rate ===
Chhattisgarh has a fairly high fertility rate (2.4) as of 2017 compared to All India (2.2) and the replacement rate (2.1). It has a rural fertility rate of 2.6 and an urban fertility rate of 1.9

=== SC and ST population ===
With the exception of the hilly states of the north-east, Chhattisgarh has one of highest shares of Scheduled Tribe (ST) populations within a state, accounting for about 10 percent of the STs in India. Scheduled Tribes make up 30.62% of the population. The tribals are an important part of the state population and mainly inhabit the dense forests of Bastar and other districts of south Chhattisgarh. The percentage increase in the population of the scheduled list of tribals during the 2001–2011 decade had been at the rate of 18.23%. The Scheduled Caste (SC) population of Chhattisgarh is 2,418,722 as per the 2001 census constituting 11.6 percent of the total population (20,833,803). The proportion of Scheduled Castes has increased from 11.6 percent in 2001 to 12.8% in 2011.

=== Poverty ===
[[File:Diospyros melanoxylon Tendu.jpg|thumb|[[Tendu (tree)|Tendu]] Patta (Leaf) collection in Chhattisgarh, India.]]
The incidence of poverty in Chhattisgarh is very high. The estimated poverty ratio in 2004–05 based on uniform reference period consumption was around 50 percent, which is approximately double the all-India level. The incidence of poverty in the rural and urban areas is almost the same.

More than half of the rural STs and urban SCs are poor. In general, the proportion of poor SC and ST households in the state is higher than the state average and their community's respective national averages (except for rural SC households). Given that more than 50 percent of the state's population is ST and SC, the high incidence of income poverty among them is a matter of serious concern in the state.

This indicates that the good economic performance in recent years has not percolated to this socially deprived group, which is reflected in their poor performance in human development indicators.

=== Access to drinking water ===
In terms of access to improved drinking water sources, at the aggregate level, Chhattisgarh fared better than the national average and the SCs of the state performed better than the corresponding national average. Scheduled Tribes are marginally below the state average, but still better than the STs at the all-India level.

The proportion of households with access to improved sources of drinking water in 2008–09 was 91%. This proportion was over 90% even in states like Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. This was largely because these states had over 70% of their households accessing tube wells/hand pumps as sources of drinking water.

=== Sanitation ===
Sanitation facilities in the state were abysmally low with only about 41 percent having toilet facilities before the [[Swachh Bharat Mission]] was launched by the Government of India. The Urban areas of Chhattisgarh attained the title of open defecation free on 2 October 2017 and the rural areas have achieved a 90.31% sanitation coverage. What sets Chhattisgarh apart from other states of India is an approach to bring in behavioral change in order to get open defecation-free status. In Chhattisgarh, people don't get toilet incentives before the construction of toilets, so they have to construct the toilet with their own money, and only after using the toilet for 3 months are they entitled to the incentive amount.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://swachhindia.ndtv.com/commendable-progress-urban-rural-sanitation-chhattisgarh-way-open-defecation-free-12041/|title=With Commendable Progress in Both Urban And Rural Sanitation, Chhattisgarh Is on Its Way To Be Open Defecation Free – Swachh Report Card|date=19 September 2017|access-date=10 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810143753/https://swachhindia.ndtv.com/commendable-progress-urban-rural-sanitation-chhattisgarh-way-open-defecation-free-12041/|archive-date=10 August 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2020, it again won the title of the cleanest state with more than 100 [[Urban Local Bodies]], as announced by [[Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs|Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs]] [[Hardeep Singh Puri]] following the 'Swachh Survekshan 2020'.<ref>{{Cite web|date=20 August 2020|title=Swachh Survekshan 2020 Results: Indore Is India's Cleanest City And Chhattisgarh The Cleanest State, Follow The Highlights {{!}} News|url=https://swachhindia.ndtv.com/swachh-survekshan-2020-results-hardeep-singh-puri-announces-winners-follow-the-highlights-48556/|access-date=20 August 2020|website=NDTV|language=en-US|archive-date=20 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820092731/https://swachhindia.ndtv.com/swachh-survekshan-2020-results-hardeep-singh-puri-announces-winners-follow-the-highlights-48556/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the Swachh Survekshan Awards-2023, Chhattisgarh secured the third rank in the 'Best Performing States' category.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023 conferred |url=https://pib.gov.in/pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1995159 |access-date= |website=pib.gov.in}}</ref>

=== Teledensity ===
Across states, it has been found that [[teledensity]] (telephone density) was below 10 percent in 2010 for Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, reflecting a lack of access to telephones in these relatively poorer states. But due to development of new technology the teledensity in 2017 is 68.08 percent which shows improvement of telecom infrastructure. On the other hand, for states like Delhi and Himachal Pradesh and metropolitan cities like Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai, teledensity was over 100 percent in 2010 implying that individuals have more than one telephone connection.

=== Road density ===
The total density of National Highways (NHs) in Chhattisgarh is at 23.4&nbsp;km per 1,000&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> out of the total length of 3,168&nbsp;km in the State, the Central Government has informed.
Chhattisgarh Government had completed construction of 5,266 cement concrete (CC) roads having a total length of 1,530&nbsp;km in various villages of the State as on 31 May 2016 under 'Mukhyamantri Gram Sadak Yojana'.<ref>{{cite web |title=23.4&nbsp;km per 1000 sq. kms NH road density in Chhattisgarh: Centre |url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2016/state-editions/234-kms-per-1000-sq-kms-nh-road-density-in-chhattisgarh-centre.html |website=The Pioneer |access-date=29 September 2018 |date=15 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929233445/https://www.dailypioneer.com/2016/state-editions/234-kms-per-1000-sq-kms-nh-road-density-in-chhattisgarh-centre.html |archive-date=29 September 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Witchcraft ===
{{More citations needed section|date=August 2023}}
[[File:Mission Against Witchcraft.jpg|thumb|Social Mission Against Blind Faith|alt=|right]]To bring about social reforms and with a view to discourage undesirable social practices, Chhattisgarh government has enacted the Chhattisgarh Tonhi Atyachar (Niwaran) Act, 2005 against witchery.{{citation needed|date=September 2021}} Much has to be done on the issue of law enforcement by judicial authorities to protect women in this regard, bringing such persecution to an end.<ref name="womennewsnetwork.net" />

Some sections of tribal population of Chhattisgarh state believe in [[witchcraft]].<ref name="womennewsnetwork.net">{{cite web|title=India: Protective Laws Fall Short for Women Charged with Witchcraft|url=http://womennewsnetwork.net/2010/03/21/witchcraft-india-89/|access-date=22 July 2011|date=21 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110702111614/http://womennewsnetwork.net/2010/03/21/witchcraft-india-89/|archive-date=2 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> Women are believed to have access to supernatural forces and are accused of being witches (''tonhi'') often to settle personal scores.

As of 2010, they are still hounded out of villages on the basis of flimsy accusations by male village sorcerers paid to do so by villagers with personal agendas, such as property and goods acquisition.<ref name="womennewsnetwork.net" /> According to [[National Geographic Society|National Geographic]] Channel's investigations, those accused are fortunate if they are only verbally bullied and shunned or exiled from their village.

== Demographics ==
{{Historical population
| source = [[Census of India]]<ref name="Census Population">{{cite web|url=http://indiabudget.nic.in/es2006-07/chapt2007/tab97.pdf|title=Census Population|work=Census of India|publisher=Ministry of Finance India|access-date=18 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081219073658/http://indiabudget.nic.in/es2006-07/chapt2007/tab97.pdf|archive-date=19 December 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="2011census">{{cite web|url=http://www.census2011.co.in/states.php|title=States Census 2011|work=Census of India|publisher=Ministry of Finance India|access-date=18 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214170814/http://www.census2011.co.in/states.php|archive-date=14 February 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 1901 | 4181554
| 1911 | 5191583
| 1921 | 5264976
| 1931 | 6028778
| 1941 | 6814886
| 1951 | 7457000
| 1961 | 9154000
| 1971 | 11637000
| 1981 | 14010000
| 1991 | 17615000
| 2001 | 20834000
| 2011 | 25540198
}}

Chhattisgarh has an urban population of 23.4% (around 5.1&nbsp;million people in 2011) residing in urban areas. According to a report by the government of India,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ncw.nic.in/pdfreports/Gender%20Profile-Chhattisgarh.pdf |title=NCW Report, page 4 |publisher=National Commission of Women, Government of India |access-date=22 August 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090619081035/http://ncw.nic.in/pdfreports/Gender%20Profile-Chhattisgarh.pdf |archive-date=19 June 2009 }}</ref> at least 30% are [[Scheduled Tribes]], 12% are [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes|Scheduled Castes]] and over 45.5% belong to the official list of [[Other Backward Class]]es. The plains are numerically dominated by castes such as [[Teli]], [[Ghasidas|Satnami]] and [[Yadav]] while forest areas are mainly occupied by tribes such as [[Gondi people|Gond]], [[Halba (tribe)|Halba]], [[Kamar language|Kamar]]/Bujia and [[Oraon people|Oraon]]. There is also a major [[Odia people|general]] population like [[Rajput]]s, [[Brahmin]], [[Kurmi]], [[Bania (caste)|Bania]], etc. A community of [[Bengalis]] has existed in major cities since the times of the [[British Raj]]. They are associated with education, industry, and services.

[[File:Danteswari Temple 0034.jpg|thumb|[[Danteshwari Temple]] is one of the [[Shakti Pitha|Shakti peethas]]|alt=|left]]

=== Religion ===
{{Pie chart
|thumb = right
|caption = Religion in Chhattisgarh (2011)
|label1 = [[Hinduism]] |color1 = DarkOrange |value1 = 93.25
|label2 = [[Islam]] |color2 = Green |value2 = 2.02
|label3 = [[Christianity in Chhattisgarh|Christianity]] |color3 = Blue |value3 = 1.92
|label4 = [[Buddhism]] |color4 = Gold |value4 = 0.28
|label5 = [[Sikhism]] |color5 = DarkKhaki |value5 = 0.27
|label6 = [[Jainism]] |color6 = Brown |value6 = 0.24
|label7 = Other <small>(Tribal religion)</small> |color7 = Chartreuse |value7 = 1.94
|label8 = None or not stated |value8 = 0.09 |color8 = black
}}

According to the 2011 census, 93.25% of Chhattisgarh's population practised Hinduism, while 2.02% followed [[Islam]], 1.92% followed Christianity and a smaller number followed [[Buddhism]], [[Sikhism]], [[Jainism]] or other religions.<ref name="census2011">{{cite web|date=2011|title=Details of communities shown under 'Other Religions and Persuasions'|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/DDW00C-01%20Appendix%20MDDS.xlsx|url-status=live|website=censusindia.gov.in|publisher=Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803134400/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/DDW00C-01%20Appendix%20MDDS.xlsx |archive-date=3 August 2016 }}</ref>

Hindus are the majority in the state and are the dominant religion in all districts of the state. One sect particular to Chhattisgarh are the Satnamis aka [[Satnampanth]]is, who follow [[Ghasidas|Guru Ghasidas]], a saint who promoted bhakti towards God and against the caste system. Chhattisgarh has many famous pilgrimage sites, such as the [[Bambleshwari Temple]] in [[Dongargarh]] and [[Danteshwari Temple|Danteshwari temple]] in the [[Dantewada]], one of the Shakti Peethas. Buddhism was once a major religion in Chhattisgarh.

Islam is the second-largest religion, concentrated in urban centres. Most Christians are tribals from the Surguija region.

=== Language ===
{{Main|Chhattisgarhi language}}

{{Pie chart
| caption = Language data from 2011 census<ref>{{cite web|url=http://censusindia.gov.in/2011Census/Language_MTs.html|title=Table C-16: Language by States and Union Territories - Chhattisgarh|website=censusindia.gov.in|access-date=2 January 2021|archive-date=3 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203011431/https://censusindia.gov.in/2011Census/Language_MTs.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
| label1 = [[Chhattisgarhi language|Chhattisgarhi]] (including [[Surgujia]])
| value1 = 68.7
| label2 = [[Hindi]]
| value2 = 10.61
| label3 = [[Gondi language|Gondi]]
| value3 = 3.95
| label4 = [[Halbi language|Halbi]]
| value4 = 2.76
| label5 = [[Odia language|Odia]]
| value5 = 2.68
| label6 = [[Sadri language|Sadri]]
| value6 = 2.53
| label7 = [[Kurukh language|Kurukh]]
| value7 = 2.02
| label8 = [[Bengali language|Bengali]]
| value8 = 0.95
| other = yes
| other-color = grey
}}
[[File:Language Map of Chhattisgarh (2011 Census).svg|left|200px|thumb|Prominent languages spoken by district<br />
{{legend-col
|'''Chhattisgarhi'''
|{{legend|#f3ead8|30–40%}}
|{{legend|#e1caa8|50–60%}}
|{{legend|#dab98b|60–70%}}
|{{legend|#cca266|70-80%}}
|{{legend|#cca266|80-90%}}
|{{legend|#ac7c39|90–100%}}
|'''Hindi'''
|{{legend|#ffe0d1|30–40%}}
|'''Gondi'''
|{{legend|#5cc2d6|50–60%}}
|{{legend|#31abc3|60–70%}}
|'''Nagpuri'''
|{{legend|#edcec5ff|40–50%}}
|'''Halbi'''
|{{legend|#e6e1cc|30–40%}}
|{{legend|#d9d0b0|40–50%}}
}}
]]
The official languages of the state are [[Modern Standard Hindi]] and [[Chhattisgarhi language|Chhattisgarhi]], both of which are [[Central Indo-Aryan languages]] (also known as ''Hindi languages'', forming a part of the [[Hindi Belt]]). Chhattisgarhi is spoken and understood by the majority of people in Chhattisgarh and is the dominant language in the Chhattisgarh plain. Chhattisgarhi is called Khaltahi by tribals and Laria in [[Odia language|Odia]]. Chhattisgarhi is itself divided into many dialects, one of the most distinct being [[Surgujia dialect|Surgujia]] from the Surguja region, which is sometimes considered its own language. Near the Uttar Pradesh border this dialect merges into [[Bhojpuri language|Bhojpuri]], while it merges with [[Bagheli language|Bagheli]] near the Madhya Pradesh border. Surgujia also merges into [[Sadri language|Sadri]] in the northeast along the border with Jharkhand. Standard Hindi is spoken by many migrants from outside the state, and is a major language in the cities and industrial centres, while many whose language is actually Chhattisgarhi record their speech as "Hindi" in the census. [[Odia language|Odia]] is widely spoken in eastern Chhattisgarh, especially near the Odisha border. Telugu and Marathi speaking minorities can be found along the Telangana and Maharashtra borders respectively. In the eastern Bastar region, [[Halbi language|Halbi]] and [[Bhatri language|Bhatri]] are major languages.

In addition, Chhattisgarh has several indigenous languages. [[Kurukh language|Kurukh]] and [[Korwa language|Korwa]] are both spoken in the Surguja region. [[Gondi language|Gondi]] is a major language in southern Chhattisgarh: Bastar and the adjoining districts. Gondi has many dialects, such as [[Muria language|Muria]] in north Bastar, which transitions to [[Madiya language|Madia]] further south and Dorli, transitional between Gondi and [[Koya language|Koya]], along the borders of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. In the east of Bastar. Most Gonds in the north and east of Bastar, as well as the rest of the state, speak regional languages and have largely forgotten their original tongue.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kanker.gov.in/art.html|title=District - North Baster, Kanker|date=8 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008235722/http://kanker.gov.in/art.html|archive-date=8 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bastar.gov.in/people_and_culture.htm|title=District-Bastar, Chhattishgarh|publisher=bastar.gov.in|access-date=13 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916000959/http://bastar.gov.in/people_and_culture.htm|archive-date=16 September 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.languageinindia.com/junjulaug2001/bastar.html|title=Language in India|publisher=languageinindia.com|access-date=13 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202231005/http://www.languageinindia.com/junjulaug2001/bastar.html|archive-date=2 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cmijag.in/Bastar.html|title=BASTAR REGION|website=cmijag.in|access-date=13 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913230846/http://www.cmijag.in/Bastar.html|archive-date=13 September 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Gender ratio ===
Chhattisgarh has a high female-male [[human sex ratio|sex ratio]] (991)<ref>{{cite web|title=Chhattisgarh, At a glance|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/data_files/Chhattishgarh/2.%20Chhattishgarh%20Figures%20at%20a%20glance.pdf|publisher=Census 2011, Ministry of Home Affair, India|access-date=22 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110813034404/http://censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/data_files/Chhattishgarh/2.%20Chhattishgarh%20Figures%20at%20a%20glance.pdf|archive-date=13 August 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> ranking at the fifth position among other states of India. Although this ratio is small compared to other states, it is unique in India because Chhattisgarh is the 10th-largest state in India.

The gender ratio (number of females per 1,000 males) has been steadily declining over 20th century in Chhattisgarh. But it is conspicuous that Chhattisgarh always had a better female-to-male ratio compared with national average.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year !! 1901 !! 1911 !! 1921 !! 1931 !! 1941 !! 1951 !! 1961 !! 1971 !! 1981 !! 1991 !! 2001 !! 2011
|-
| India || 972 || 964 || 955 || 950 || 945 || 946 || 941 || 930 || 934 || 927 || 933 || 940
|-
| Chhattisgarh || 1046 || 1039 ||1041 || 1043 || 1032 || 1024 || 1008 || 998 || 998 || 985 || 989 || 991
|}
Rural women, although poor, are independent, better organised, and socially outspoken. According to another local custom, women can choose to terminate a marriage relationship through a custom called ''chudi pahanana'', if she desires. Most of the old temples and shrines follow [[Shaktism]] and are goddess-centric (e.g., [[Shabari]], [[Mahamaya]], [[Danteshwari Temple|Danteshwari]]) and the existence of these temples gives insight into the historical and current social fabric of this state. However, a mention of these progressive local customs in no way suggests that the ideology of female subservience does not exist in Chhattisgarh. On the contrary, male authority and dominance are seen quite clearly in social and cultural life.<ref>{{cite web|title=Social Structure in Chhattisgarh |url=http://www.korbacity.com/index.php/know-more-about-chhattisgarh/chhattisgarh-social-structure.html |access-date=22 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720005404/http://www.korbacity.com/index.php/know-more-about-chhattisgarh/chhattisgarh-social-structure.html |archive-date=20 July 2011 }}</ref>

== Culture ==
{{See also|List of folktales of Chhattisgarh}}

=== Dance ===
Panthi, the folk dance of the Satnami community, has religious overtones. Panthi is performed on Maghi Purnima, the anniversary of the birth of [[Ghasidas|Guru Ghasidas]]. The dancers dance around a jaitkhamb set up for the occasion, to songs eulogising their spiritual head. The songs reflect a view of ''[[nirvana]]'', conveying the spirit of their guru's renunciation and the teachings of saint poets like [[Kabir]], Ramdas and Dadu. Dancers with bent torsos and swinging arms dance, carried away by their devotion. As the rhythm quickens, they perform acrobatics and form human pyramids.<ref>{{cite web|title=Panthi Dance|url=http://www.sangeetnatak.org/deshparva/desaj/panthi.htm|access-date=27 July 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002123235/http://www.sangeetnatak.org/deshparva/desaj/panthi.htm|archive-date=2 October 2011}}</ref>

==== Pandavani ====
[[Pandavani]] is a folk ballad form performed predominantly in Chhattisgarh. It depicts the story of the Pandavas, the leading characters in the epic Mahabharata. The artists in the Pandavani narration consist of a lead artist and some supporting singers and musicians. There are two styles of narration in Pandavani, Vedamati, and Kapalik. In the Vedamati style, the lead artist narrates in a simple manner by sitting on the floor throughout the performance. The Kaplik style is livelier, where the narrator actually enacts the scenes and characters. Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan [[Teejan Bai]] is most popular artist of Pandavani<ref>{{cite web|title=Pandawani|url=http://durg.gov.in/DistrictProfile_ArtsAndCulture.html|access-date=27 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110830152418/http://durg.gov.in/DistrictProfile_ArtsAndCulture.html|archive-date=30 August 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==== Raut Nacha ====
Raut Nacha, the folk dance of cowherds, is a traditional dance of Yaduvanshis (clan of [[Yadu]]) as symbol of worship to [[Krishna]] from the 4th day of Diwali (Goverdhan Puja) till the time of Dev Uthani Ekadashi (day of awakening of the gods after a brief rest) which is the 11th day after Diwali according to the Hindu calendar. The dance closely resembles Krishna's dance with the gopis (milkmaids).<ref>{{cite web|title=Rawat Nacha Traditions|url=https://www.oneindia.com/2008/11/09/chhattisgarh-reverberates-with-rawat-nach-1226225007.html|access-date=27 July 2011|date=9 November 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009155057/http://news.oneindia.in/2008/11/09/chhattisgarh-reverberates-with-rawat-nach-1226225007.html|archive-date=9 October 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Raut nacha|url=http://durg.gov.in/DistrictProfile_ArtsAndCulture.html|access-date=27 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110830152418/http://durg.gov.in/DistrictProfile_ArtsAndCulture.html|archive-date=30 August 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In Bilaspur, the Raut Nach Mahotsav folk dance festival has been organised annually since 1978. Tens of hundreds of Rautt dancers from remote areas participate.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rawat nacha mahotsva|url=https://www.oneindia.com/2008/11/09/chhattisgarh-reverberates-with-rawat-nach-1226225007.html|access-date=27 July 2011|date=9 November 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009155057/http://news.oneindia.in/2008/11/09/chhattisgarh-reverberates-with-rawat-nach-1226225007.html|archive-date=9 October 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Suwa Nacha ====
Soowa or Suwa tribal dance in Chhattisgarh is also known as Parrot Dance. It is a symbolic form of dancing related to worship. Dancers keep a parrot in a bamboo pot and form a circle around it. Then performers sing and dance, moving around it with clapping. This is one of the main dance forms of tribal women of Chhattisgarh.<ref>{{cite web|title=Suwa Dance |url=http://www.cgculture.in/CulturalProgrammePurkhautMuktangan.html |access-date=27 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318142948/http://www.cgculture.in/CulturalProgrammePurkhautMuktangan.html |archive-date=18 March 2012 }}</ref>

==== Karma ====
Tribal groups like Gonds, the Baigas and the Oraons in Chhattisgarh have the Karma dance as part of their culture. Both men and women arrange themselves in two rows and follow the rhythmic steps, directed by the singer group. The Karma tribal dance marks the end of the rainy season and the advent of spring season.{{clarify|date=July 2012}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Arts and Culture of Chhattisgarh |url=http://www.cgculture.in/CulturalProgrammePurkhautMuktangan.html |access-date=27 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318142948/http://www.cgculture.in/CulturalProgrammePurkhautMuktangan.html |archive-date=18 March 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Karma Tribal Dance in India|url=http://tribes-of-india.blogspot.com/2009/04/karma-tribal-dance-in-india.html|access-date=27 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110831114524/http://tribes-of-india.blogspot.com/2009/04/karma-tribal-dance-in-india.html|archive-date=31 August 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Cinema ===
[[Chhollywood]] is Chhattisgarh's film industries. Every year many Chhattisgarhi films are produced by local producers.

[[Lata Mangeshkar]] sang a song for Chhattisgarhi film [[Bhakla]] of Dhriti pati sarkar.

[[Mohammed Rafi]] sang a song for Chhattisgarhi film. He had also sung songs for various Chhattisgarhi films like Ghardwaar, [[Kahi Debe Sandesh]], Punni Ke Chanda, etc.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.patrika.com/raipur-news/raipur-first-chhattisgarhi-film-kahi-debe-sandesh-complete-50-years-1104391/|title=हिंदी खबर, Latest News in Hindi, हिंदी समाचार, ताजा खबर|website=Patrika News|date=18 September 2015 |access-date=10 August 2020|archive-date=4 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211004193202/https://www.patrika.com/raipur-news/raipur-first-chhattisgarhi-film-kahi-debe-sandesh-complete-50-years-1104391/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kosalkatha.com/manu-nayak-kahi-debe-sandesh/|title=इन्होंने तब छत्तीसगढ़ी फ़िल्म बन दी जब छत्तीसगढ़ ही नही बना था, कथा मनु नायक की।|first=Shubham|last=Thawait|date=24 January 2018|access-date=10 August 2020|archive-date=2 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002084739/https://kosalkatha.com/manu-nayak-kahi-debe-sandesh/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Cuisine ===
{{Main|Cuisine of Chhattisgarh}}
Chhattisgarh is known as the rice bowl of India and has a rich tradition of food culture.
The typical Chhattisgarhi [[thali]] consists of roti, bhat, dal or kadhi, curry, chutney and bhaji. Few Chhattisgarhi dishes are Aamat, Bafauri, Bhajia, Chousela, Dubkikadhi, Farra, Khurmi, Moong Bara, Thethari, and Muthia.<ref>Oudhia, P. (1999) Chhattisgarh farmer's response on control of weeds in direct seeded rice. Agril. Sci. Digest. 19(4): 261–263.</ref><ref>Das, G.K. and Oudhia, P. (2001). Rice as the medicinal plant in Chhattisgarh (India): A survey. Agric. Sci. Digest. 21(3):204–205.</ref><ref>Oudhia, P. (2002). Rice-Acorus intercropping: A new system developed by innovative farmers of Chhattisgarh (India). International Rice Research Notes (IRRN).27(1):56.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mapsofindia.com/chhattisgarh/|title=Chhattisgarh|publisher=mapsofindia.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110802034713/http://www.mapsofindia.com/chhattisgarh/|archive-date=2 August 2011|access-date=22 July 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiawaterportal.org/sites/indiawaterportal.org/files/Farmers_groups_conserve_traditional_rice_varieties_in_Bastar_region_of_Chhattisgarh.pdf|title=Rice Bowl of India|website=India Water Portal|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215101855/http://www.indiawaterportal.org/sites/indiawaterportal.org/files/Farmers_groups_conserve_traditional_rice_varieties_in_Bastar_region_of_Chhattisgarh.pdf|archive-date=15 December 2017|access-date=29 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gktoday.in/quiz-questions/which-of-the-following-district-is-called-as-the-rice-bowl-of-andhra-pradesh/|title=Which of the following district is called as the 'Rice Bowl of Andhra Pradesh' ?|work=gktoday.in|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714164456/http://www.gktoday.in/quiz-questions/which-of-the-following-district-is-called-as-the-rice-bowl-of-andhra-pradesh/|archive-date=14 July 2015|access-date=14 July 2015}}</ref>

=== Festivals of Chhattisgarh ===
{{Main|Festivals of Chhattisgarh}}

Major festivals of Chhattisgarh include [[Bastar Dussehra]]/ [[Durga Puja]], [[Bastar Lokotsav]], [[Madai Festival]], [[Rajim Kumbh]] Mela, and [[Pakhanjore]] Mela ([[Nara Narayan Mela]]).

== Tourism ==
{{Main|Tourism in Chhattisgarh}}

Chhattisgarh, situated in the heart of India, is endowed with a rich cultural heritage and attractive natural diversity. The state is full of ancient monuments, rare wildlife, exquisitely carved temples, [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] sites, [[palace]]s, [[waterfall]]s, caves, rock paintings, and hill plateaus.

[[Maitri Bagh]] in [[Bhilai]] is the largest and oldest [[zoo]] of [[Madhya Pradesh]] and Chhattisgarh.

Mainpat is mini Shimla of Chhattisgarh.

There are many waterfalls, hot springs, caves, temples, dams and national parks, tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries in Chhattisgarh.

India's first man-made jungle safari is also situated in Raipur.

=== Sports ===
[[Abujhmad Peace Marathon]] is the largest sports event of Narainpur.

The [[Chhattisgarhiya Olympics]] are an annual Chhattisgarhi celebration of [[traditional Indian games]] such as [[kabaddi]] and [[kho-kho]]. The inaugural 2022 edition drew in around 2.6 million participants (almost 10% of the state's population).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chhattisgarhia Olympics begins in Raipur on the occasion of the Hareli festival |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/chhattisgarhia-olympics-begins-in-raipur-on-the-occasion-of-the-hareli-festival/cid/1952737 |access-date=2023-08-12 |website=www.telegraphindia.com |language=en |archive-date=12 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230812021527/https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/chhattisgarhia-olympics-begins-in-raipur-on-the-occasion-of-the-hareli-festival/cid/1952737 |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Education ==
{{Main|Education in Chhattisgarh}}

{{See also|List of institutions of higher education in Chhattisgarh}}

According to the census of 2011, Chhattisgarh's literacy, the most basic indicator of education, was at 71.04 percent. Female literacy was at 60.59 percent.

=== Absolute literates and literacy rate ===
Data from Census of India, 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/data_files/Chhattishgarh/2.%20Chhattishgarh%20Figures%20at%20a%20glance.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=22 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110813034404/http://censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/data_files/Chhattishgarh/2.%20Chhattishgarh%20Figures%20at%20a%20glance.pdf |archive-date=13 August 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Description !! 2001 census !! 2011 census
|-
| Total ||20,833,803 || 25,540,196
|-
| Male || 10,474,218 || 12,827,915
|-
| Female|| 10,359,585 || 12,712,281
|-
| % Total|| 64.66 || 71.04
|-
| % Male || 77.38 || 81.45
|-
| % Female || 55.85 || 60.99
|}

== Notable people ==
{{Main|List of people from Chhattisgarh}}

== See also ==
* [[Dadaria]] <!--- park this wikilink here for now; possibly move to spot about local music, folklore? --->
* [[List of states and union territories of India by area]]
* [[Outline of Chhattisgarh]]

== References ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

== Further reading ==
* C. K. Chandrakar, "Chhattisgarhi Shabadkosh"
* C. K. Chandrakar, "Manak Chhattisgarhi Vyakaran"
* C. K. Chandrakar, "Chhattisgarhi Muhawara Kosh"
* Chad Bauman, [https://www.proquest.com/openview/532249644e3e5de7b576297b3b9a245d/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y ''Identifying the Satnam: Hindu Satnamis, Indian Christians and Dalit Religion in Colonial Chhattisgarh, India (1868–1947)''] (Ph.D. dissertation, Princeton Theological Seminary, 2005)
* Deshbandhu Publication Division, "Chhattisgarh: Beautiful & Bountiful (Study in Biodiversity of Chhattisgarh)"
* Dr. Suresh Chandra Shukla & Dr. (Smt.) Archana Shukla - Chhattisgarh Ka Samagra Itihas (Matushree Publication, Raipur {{ISBN|978-81-939385-0-8}})
* Durg district gazetteer Hindi [https://36.gurturgoth.com/2019/08/1921-history-of-durg-district-durg.html दुर्ग-दर्पण] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190912230840/http://36.gurturgoth.com/2019/08/1921-history-of-durg-district-durg.html |date=12 September 2019 }}<ref>{{Cite web |title=दुर्ग दर्पण - दुर्ग जिले का इतिहास सन् 1921 |url=http://36.gurturgoth.com/2019/08/1921-history-of-durg-district-durg.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508020106/https://36.gurturgoth.com/2019/08/1921-history-of-durg-district-durg.html |archive-date=8 May 2021 |access-date=16 June 2021}}</ref>
* Hashmi, Amir. "Johar Gandhi: The Journey of Mahatma Gandhi in Chhattisgarh." ''Meer Publication'' 1 (2021)<ref>{{Cite book |last=Hashmi |first=Amir |url=https://www.amazon.in/Johar-Gandhi-Amir-Hashmi/dp/B09MYXSK1L/ |title=Johar Gandhi The Journey of Mahatma Gandhi in Chhattisgarh |publisher=Meer Publication |year=2021 |isbn=9798778794061 |location=India |language=English |access-date=13 May 2022 |archive-date=28 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328162224/https://www.amazon.in/Johar-Gandhi-Amir-Hashmi/dp/B09MYXSK1L/ref=sr_1_2?crid=ZJ0T02B0OWPP&keywords=johar+gandhi&qid=1652416528&sprefix=johar+gandhi%2Caps%2C304&sr=8-2 |url-status=live }}</ref> {{ISBN|979-8778794061}}
* Lawrence Babb, "The Divine Hierarchy: Popular Hinduism in Central India"
* Raipur district gazetteer Hindi [https://36.gurturgoth.com/2019/09/raipur-rashmi-gazeteer-history-of.html रायपुर-रश्मि] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190911032006/http://36.gurturgoth.com/2019/09/raipur-rashmi-gazeteer-history-of.html |date=11 September 2019 }}<ref>{{Cite web |title=रायपुर-रश्मि : रायपुर जिले का इतिहास Raipur-Rashmi Gazeteer History of Raipur District |url=http://36.gurturgoth.com/2019/09/raipur-rashmi-gazeteer-history-of.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602152405/https://36.gurturgoth.com/2019/09/raipur-rashmi-gazeteer-history-of.html |archive-date=2 June 2021 |access-date=16 June 2021}}</ref>
* Ramdas Lamb, "Rapt in the Name: Ramnamis, Ramnam and Untouchable Religion in Central India"
* Ramesh Dewangan & Sunil Tuteja, "Chhattisgarh Samagra"
* Saurabh Dube, "Untouchable Pasts: Religion, Identity and Power among a Central Indian Community, 1780–1950" (on the Satnamis)
* डाॅ. सुरेश चन्द्र शुक्ला एवं डाॅ. (श्रीमती) अर्चना शुक्ला - छत्तीसगढ़ का समग्र इतिहास (मातुश्री पब्लिकेशन, रायपुर, {{ISBN|978-81-939385-0-8}})
* ड़ा.संजय अलंग-छत्तीसगढ़ की जनजातियाँ Tribes और जातियाँ Castes (मानसी पब्लीकेशन,दिल्ली 6, {{ISBN|978-81-89559-32-8}})
* ड़ा.संजय अलंग-छत्तीसगढ़ की पूर्व रियासतें और जमीन्दारियाँ (वैभव प्रकाशन,रायपुर 1, {{ISBN|81-89244-96-5}}) [https://www.scribd.com/doc/72030961/Dr-Sanjay-Alung-CG-Ki-Riyaste-Jamindariya-Hindi DR Sanjay Alung-CG Ki Riyaste & Jamindariya (Hindi)]

== External links ==
{{Sister project links|s=1911 Encyclopædia Britannica/Chhattisgarh|voy=Chhattisgarh|Chhattisgarh}}
* [https://www.cgstate.gov.in/en/web/guest/home The Official Site of the Government of Chhattisgarh] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150920041757/http://www.cgstate.gov.in/en/web/guest/home |date=20 September 2015 }}
* [https://www.britannica.com/place/Chhattisgarh Chhattisgarh] ''Encyclopædia Britannica'' entry
* {{OSM relation|1972004}}

{{Geographic location
|Centre    = Chhattisgarh
|North     = [[Uttar Pradesh]]
|Northeast = [[Jharkhand]]
|East      = [[Odisha]]
|Southeast = [[Andhra Pradesh]]
|South     = [[Andhra Pradesh]]
|Southwest = [[Telangana]]
|West      = [[Maharashtra]]
|Northwest = [[Madhya Pradesh]]
}}
{{Geography of India by state or territory}}
{{Chhattisgarh}}
{{States and territories of India}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Chhattisgarh| ]]
[[Category:2000 establishments in India]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 2000]]
[[Category:States and union territories of India]]