The capital of Chhattisgarh, Raipur is the largest city in the state. With more than hundreds of steel mills and six steel plants, Raipur is also one of the largest industrial centres of the country. Besides steel, it is also […]
The capital of Chhattisgarh, Raipur is the largest city in the state. With more than hundreds of steel mills and six steel plants, Raipur is also one of the largest industrial centres of the country. Besides steel, it is also home to the aluminium and coal industries. A primary business and industrial hub, Raipur is even fast emerging in the tourism sector, attracting tourists from across the world. The city is known for its temples, lakes, factories, educational centres as well as the development of Naya Raipur. Naya Raipur is a newly planned city and is about 17km away from the current town. The Swami Vivekananda Airport lies in between Raipur and Naya Raipur facilitating travel.
History
Raipur district is important in historical and archaeological point of view. This district was once part of Southern Kosal and considered to be under Mourya Kingdom. Raipur city had been the capital of the Haihaya Kings, controlling the traditional forts of the Chhattisgarh for a long time. The town of Raipur has been in existence since the 9th century, the old site and ruins of the fort can be seen in the southern part of the city. Satawahana Kings ruled this part till the 2nd-3rd century AD.
In the 4th Century AD the king Samudragupta had conquered this region and established his domination till Fifth-Sixth Century AD when this part had come under the rule of Sarabhpuri Kings. For some period in Fifth-Sixth Century A.D., Nala kings dominated this area. Later onSomavanshi kings had taken the control over this region and ruled with Sirpur (Sripur-The city of Wealth) as their capital city. MahashivguptBalarjun was the mightiest emperor of this Dynasty. His mother, the widow Queen of Harshgupta of the Somavansh, Rani Vasata built the famous brick temple of Lakshman. The Kalchuri Kings of Tumman ruled this part for a long time making Ratanpur as capital. The old inscriptions of Ratanpur, Rajim and Khallari refer to the reign of kalchuri kings. It is believed that the King Ramachandra of this dynasty established the city of Raipur and subsequently made it the capital of his kingdom.
Another story about Raipur is that King Ramachandra’s son Brahmdeo Rai had established Raipur. His capital was Khalwatika (Now Khallari) . The newly constructed city was named after Brahmdeo Rai as ‘Raipur’. It was during his time in 1402 A.D. that Hajiraj Naik the temple of Hatkeshwar Mahadev was constructed in the banks of river Kharun.The decline of this dynasty’s rule came with the death of king Amarsingh Deo. This region had become the domain of Bhosle kings after the Amarsinghdeo’s death. With the death of Raghuji the III, the territory was assumed by the British Government from Bhonsla’a of Nagpur and Chhatisgarh was declared a seperateCommissionery with its Headquarters at Raipur in 1854. After independence Raipur district was included in Central Provinces And Berar.
Raipur has a rich history and until 2000 was a part of Madhya Pradesh. After the formation of the new state of Chhattisgarh, Raipur was made its capital, primarily because of its centralised location. Located in the centre of the plains that are also called the ‘rice bowl of India’, Raipur is surrounded by the districts of Durg and Bemetara. The city is a bustling capital city with a multicultural and multi-religious society. With many festivals, shopping outlets and city landscapes Raipur is also an excellent base for venturing into the surrounding attractions. These include the Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary, Dandak Caves, Bilaspur, Chitrakoot Falls, Amarkantak, Bhilai, Kanha National Park and the Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary.
Suggested Itinerary
Day -1: Sirpur: From Raipur, head 84 km towards Sirpur on NH6. The main attractions here are the 8th-century Lakshman Temple, set in serene grounds, and the excavations of a Buddhist settlement. From this historical town, Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary, home to thick forests, wildlife and over 150 species of birds, is an easy northerly journey. Overnight at Barnawapara.
Day -2: Champaran: Next day, visit Champaran, the birthplace of Shri Vallabhacharya of the Vaishnav sect. It’s located an hour away in a southerly direction, about 10 km before Rajim town. This 520-year-old shrine houses one of India’s 108 Jyotirlingas. Free accommodation is available here for pilgrims. Consider packing in Rajim, which has the historic Mahadeo Kuleshwar Temple at the confluence of the Mahanadi and Payari rivers. From Rajim, turn back to Raipur for the night (30 km away), or head further south to include the Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary.
Day- 3: Dongargarh: From Raipur, head west on NH6 towards Dongargarh, which has the Bamlesvari Devi Temple. The truly devout climb the 500 steps up to the temple; but you can take the cable car (Rs 40). It’s possible to spend a whole day here since you can see other religious sites on surrounding mountain tops. Head to Kawardha, taking the Dongargarh-Khairagarh Road. The Raj Mahal, or the Kawardha Palace Hotel is the main draw. This royal residence has been converted to a luxurious hotel. Trips to the nearby wildlife parks as well as tribal villages are also arranged. If in Kawardha, a must-see is the fabulous 11th-century temple at Bhoramdeo, 16 km away. The temple is covered with erotic sculpture, and surrounded by forest. Overnight Kawardha/ Bhoramdeo.
