The state of Chhattisgarh is bordered by the states of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa and Jharkhand. It came into being as India’s 26th state on November 1, 2000. Uttaranchal (now known as Uttarakhand) and Jharkhand were also formed in November 2000. Chhattisgarh was formed from the sixteen Chhattisgarhi speaking districts in the south-east of Madhya Pradesh. The name Chhattisgarh derives from the words ‘Chhattis’ meaning thirty-six and ‘garh’ meaning fort and refers to the thirty-six princely states in the area in older times. The area of the state is 135,194 km (52,199 sq mi) and is the tenth largest state of India area wise. The capital of Chhattisgarh is Raipur.

The state is rich in minerals, primarily coal, iron ore and limestone yet agriculture is the mainstay of the population. Chhattisgarh and two other states have most of the coal deposits in India. This has turned Chhattisgarh into a power hub. The state is the richest in terms of tin ore. Chhattisgarh has the fifth largest quantity of iron ore in the country and the Bailadila iron ore mines are well known. Bauxite, dolomite and corundum are also major minerals that are found in the state. The proximity of the ores lowers the cost of production.

Chhattisgarhi and Hindi are the two most spoken languages in the state. Religion is very strong in Chhattisgarh. Religion is also mixed with superstition and belief in older ways of life. Traditional forms of healing such as those including herbs are popular. People also resort to older forms of healing and ‘Baigas’ (doctors using traditional methods) have their own ways (called ‘Jhad phook’) to treat diseases and heal snake bites. People enjoy forms of entertainment such as communal dances and musical festivities. The culture of Chhattisgarh is rich in its music and dance forms. Dewar Nacha, Padki, Pandwani, Panthi and Soowa, and Raut Nacha are some of the styles of music and dance dramas. Pandwani is a form of music which is famously used in Chhattisgarh to sing the Mahabharata. Teejan Bai and Ritu Verma are two well known exponents of the Pandwani style of music.

The clothes worn by the people of Chhattisgarh are marked by their vibrant colors. Though they may seem exotic to people outside India, such clothes are a way of life for the people of Chhattisgarh. A variety of intricately made ornaments are also worn by the people. Women wear sarees in a typical ‘Kachhora’ manner. The ‘Lugda’ (saree) and ‘Polkha’ (blouse) worn by the women and their beautiful ornaments are an identifiable symbol of the people of Chhattisgarh. Some jewellery that the women wear are the ‘Baandha’ (necklace made of coins), ‘Suta’ (silver necklace), ‘Phuli’ (nose ring), ‘Bali’ and ‘Khunti’ (ear rings), ‘Ainthi’ (silver bangles), ‘Patta’ and ‘Choora’ (bangles), ‘Kardhani’ (silver girdle), ‘Pounchhi’ (armlet) and ‘Bichhiya’(toe ring). Men wear jewellery like ‘Koundhi’ (bead necklace) and ‘Kadhah’ (bangle).