Malhar is Chhattisgarh’s most historic town and is of utmost archaeological prominence. Its outstanding sculptures and ancient charm has bagged a spot for this town on the ‘Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains of National Importance’ list that is […]
Malhar is Chhattisgarh’s most historic town and is of utmost archaeological prominence. Its outstanding sculptures and ancient charm has bagged a spot for this town on the ‘Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains of National Importance’ list that is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. Few of the remains found in Malhar date back to 1000 century BC and are attributed to the Kalchuri regime.
Malhar city is located on the road leading from Bilaspur to Shivri Narayan in South-West from Bilaspur, located 14 km from Musvur. Is located at a distance. Bilaspur district has 21.55 ° latitude North and longitude located in 82.20 ° East, in Malhar, from the stone stone period to medieval life becomes alive. The ancient route leading from Kaushambi to the southeastern seaside, went towards Jagannathpuri via Bharhut, Bandhavgarh, Amarkantak, Khurud, Malhsur and Sirpur. In the excavation of Malhar, the ekmranamudra written in the Brahmav script of the second century of the year has been received, which is written by Gamas Kosaliya (Kosli Gram). Kosli or Kosal Village is situated at a distance of 16 km from Malda Road. Can be done from kosla village located in northeast. The ancient fortress of the Kosala village and the ferry still exists today, which takes its antiquity to Samyugin of Maurya. He also got a coin of Kumbha ruler Vimcadfisys.
Satavahana Dynasty – The emblematic currency of the Satvahana rulers is received from Mohalla-at-excavation. Satavahana ruler of Raipur district was arrested from Balapur village of Sikkim. The name of Vedishri is found in Malinudhara in Malhar. Apart from this, many records in the Satavahana period have been received from places like Gunji, Kirari, Malhar, Semaral, Durg etc. The Kushan of the Chhattisgarh region also got the coins of the rulers. They are notable among the Vimcadfysis and Kanishka’s first coins. Some coins of yodayes have been achieved in this area. It is known from the excavation of Malhapur, that the planned town-building started in this area happened in Satavahana period. The buildings built from the brick of this era and the Thamnaginita mradabhandan are found here. There will be accommodation of Rajmahal and other elites in the Garhari area of Malhar.
Sharabhpuriya Dynasty – In the South Kossal, the first two major dynasties ruled by the Kalchuris ruled. They are, Sharabhpuriya and Somvanshi. These days, the reign of the genealogy can be kept between 425 and 655 AD. This period can be called the golden age of the Chhattisgarh.
Five main centres of religious and fine arts were developed :
- Malhar 2. Tala 3. Kharod 4. Sirpur 5. Rajim.
Kalchuri Dynasty – Shankargarh (Magdhattung), the son of Kaluchuri ruler Kokaldev I of Tripuri, attacked the Kausal from Dahal Mandal in the second half of the nineth century. After conquering Pali, he made his younger brother Tummad the ruler. This victory of the Kalchuryo did not last. The ruler of Somvans had become very strong till now, and he expelled Kalchurio from the spot. In about AD 1000, Kalinga Raj, son of one of the 18 sons of Kokaldev II, again made the capital of Kalchuryo the capital of the South Kosal. After Kalingaraj Kamalraj, Ratnarao Raj became the first and ruler of Kosal respectively. The rule of Kalchuri-dynasty was first established in Jajalldev on Malhar. During the reign of Prithdev II, Malchhar was the principal ruler of Kalcharyo, Brahmadev. At the time of his son Jajaldev II after Prithdevi, Somavraj named Somraj created the famous Kedareshwar temple in Malhar. This temple is now famous as the Pataleshwara Temple.
Maratha rule- The last ruler of the Kalachuri dynasty was Raghunath Singh. Year 1742, Raghuji Bhosale of Nagpur passed through Chhattisgarh for the victory of Orissa and Bengal under the leadership of his commander Bhaskar Pant. He attacked Ratanpur and conquered it. Thus, the rule of the Hahay Dynasty Kalchurio from Chhattisgarh ended after about seven centuries.
ART- The importance of Malhar has increased due to being situated on the main road leading to art-north India from the south east. This town gradually developed and the construction of the temples and monastery of Shaiv, Vishashva and Jain Dharmavalaibiyo became large. Vishnu has a unique statue in Malhar. There is an article written in Mauryan Bramhlipi on it. It is almost B.C. 200. Kalhar is found in Malhar and its proximity area, especially Shaiv temples, which have found the elevation of Shaivism in this area. The remarkable statue of Shiva, Kartikeya, Ganesh, Skandmata, Ardhanarishwar, etc. which was created from fifth to seventh century AD, has been received here. The story of Kachchhp Jatak is written on a sculpture. On the Shilapat, a swamp of a turtle has been taken from the dry pond and two swans have been taken to the reservoir. The second story is of the Ulook-Jatak. In it, the owl was seated on the throne to make the king of birds.
In the sculpture of Malhar, developed between the seventh and the tenth century, the North Gupta era characteristic is clearly reflected. The construction of Buddhist monuments and statues in Malhar is the specialty of this period.
Suggested Itinerary
Day -1: Ratanpur: Head 25 km out of Bilaspur towards Ratanpur, once the capital of Kalachuri kings. The ruins of a fort here have beautiful grounds. Visit the Sridevi Mahamaya Temple here. About 10 km north of Ratanpur is the dam site of Kuthaghat. Surrounded by forests and hills, and equipped with a rest house, this is a pleasant stopover. To see an excellent example of a 12th-century temple in the state, head 20 km northeast towards Pali. The Shiva Temple, built by the Kalachuri kings, has ornamentally carved pillars and decorated ceilings. Continue on the road towards Korba, noted for its cave that houses ancient idols of Ram, Sita and Lakshman. Return to Bilaspur for the night. Another option from Bilaspur is to visit the Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary (55 km), in the Mekhal range of hills.
Day- 2: Malhar: From Bilaspur, go south to Malhar, an archaeological site reported to date to the 3rd century BCE. Some important temples are found here. Carry on south-west to Talagaon, or Talagram, known for its Deorani- Jethani Temple and an intriguing, large statue, believed to be of Shiva.
