Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh

Historically, Bilaspur was controlled by the Kalachuri dynasty of Ratanpur. The city, however, came into prominence around 1741, the year of the Maratha Empire rule, when a Maratha official took up his abode there.

The management of Bilaspur district was taken over by the British East India Company in 1818 after Bhosale lost territory in Third Anglo-Maratha War. Under Bhosale of the Nagpur kingdom there were many subedars or zamindars/landlords like Akbar Khan, Vazeer Khan, Sao and others in Bilaspur.

Bilaspur district was constituted in 1861, followed by Bilaspur municipality in 1867. Famines in the Bilaspur district were recorded by the British administration in 1828–9, 1834–5, 1845–6, 1868–9 and 1899–1900. In 1868-9 and 1899–1900, the rains failed almost completely, resulting in severe distress, migration and desertion of villages. After the 1868-9 famine there was prosperity for the next 25 years; but in 1895 there was a very poor harvest, followed in 1896 by a complete failure of crops, and severe famine continued throughout 1897. In that year the mortality rate was as high as one in six people. The famine of 1897 was followed by two favorable years; but in 1899 the monsoon failed completely and the rice crop was wholly destroyed.

Guru Ghasidas (1756–1836) started a religious movement, Satnamis (meaning the worshippers of Satnam), between 1820 and 1830 primarily around the Sonakhan forests. This religious movement preached against idol-worship, and instead stressed that God is synonymous with truth. His community was a farming community. The university at Bilaspur is named after him as Guru Ghasidas University.

Railways arrived at Bilaspur in the decade 1880–90, with the arrival of the Bengal Nagpur Railway. In 1888 Mistri Jagmal Gangji and other Mistri Railway Contractors laid the first railway tracks from Rajnandgaon to Bilaspur, and in that same year fellow Kutchi contractor Khoda Ramji and others built the line from Bilaspur to Jharsuguda, including the bridge over the Champa river.

In 1890, the present railway station and yard were constructed by the Gujarati railway contractor Jagmal Gangji. His son Mulji Jagmal Sawaria was later given the title of "Rao Sahib" by the British for his contribution to the development of the town, railways and the district. Jagmal Block and Jagmal Chowk in the city are named after Jagmal Gangji Sawaria.

In 1901, the population of Bilaspur was 18,937 and it was the eighth-largest town in the Central Provinces of British India. In 1908, weaving of tasar silk and cotton clothes were recorded as the major industries of Bilaspur.

Bilaspur enjoys the distinctiveness of being one of the major cities in Chhattisgarh with considerable historical significance. Located in the eastern part of Chhattisgarh, Bilaspur is nearly four centuries old. Referred to as the "Rice Bowl of India", Bilaspur abounds in lush greenery and boasts of a myriad number of tourist attractions. If the historical records are to be given any credence, then there is no reason to disbelieve the fact that Bilaspur owes its name to a fisherwoman, Bilasa in the 17th century. Bilaspur during that time and for many more years to come remained a fishing hamlet consisting of a few fishermen's huts. According to the census conducted in 1901, the total population of Bilaspur was somewhere around 18,937 and it was considered the 8th largest town in the Central Provinces of British India. One interesting fact that one comes across while flipping through pages of history is that even as early as in 1908, Bilaspur had already made a mark as home to the major tasar silk and cotton clothes manufacturers.

Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh

Historical records like Imperial Gazetteer of India, Vol 8, 1908 note that the city is said to be named after a fisherwoman by the name of "Bilasa" in the 17th century, and for a long period it consisted only of a few fishermen's huts.

Bilaspur is located at 22.09°N 82.15°E / 22.09; 82.15.[2] It has an average elevation of 264 metres (866 ft).

Bilaspur is situated on the banks of the rain-fed Arpa River, which originates from the Maikal Range of Central India. It's an dolomite rich region surrounded by dense forests in the north and the coal mines of the Hasdeo Valley in the east.

Bilaspur District is surrounded by Koria District in the north, Anuppur District of Madhya Pradesh, Mungeli and, Balauda Bazar-Bhata Para District in the south and Korba and Janjgir-Champa District in the east.

Major metro cities around Bilaspur are:

• Raipur in South-West
• Nagpur in West
• Jabalpur in North-West
• Durg-Bhilai in South-West
• Varanasi in North
• Asansol, Jamshedpur and Ranchi in North-East
• Hyderabad in South
• Kolkata in East
• Cuttack & Bhubaneswar in East

As of 2011 India census, Bilaspur Municipal Corp had a population of 365,579.[3] Bilaspur urban area population was estimated at 452,851.[4] In August 2019, adjacent 18 towns and sub-urban areas were included in the Bilaspur Municipal Corporation. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Bilaspur has an average literacy rate of 91.29%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with male literacy of 92.94% and female literacy of 88.33%. 15% of the population is under 6 years of age.

According to the 2011 census, Bilaspur District, Chhattisgarh has a population of 2,662,077,[5] roughly equal to the nation of Kuwait[6] or the US state of Nevada.[7] Bilaspur District ranks 152nd in India (out of a total of 640).[5] The district has a population density of 322 inhabitants per square kilometre (830/sq mi) .[5] Its population growth rate over the decade 2001–2011 was 33.21%.[5] Bilaspur has a sex ratio of 972 females for every 1000 males,[5] and a literacy rate of 71.59%.[5]

The main languages spoken are Chhattisgarhi, Hindi, English language and Odia.

Bilaspur Division consists of six districts -

1) Bilaspur

2) Korba

3) Raigarh

4) Janjgir-Champa

5) Mungeli

6) Gaurella-Pendra

The district consists of 8 tehsils - Bilaspur, Gaurella, Pendra Road, Marwahi, Kota, Takhatpur, Bilha and Masturi. The total number of villages in the district is 1635.

Bilaspur City runs under the administration of the Bilaspur Municipal Corporation (BMC). Ram Sharan Yadav is the current Mayor of Bilaspur, a member of Indian National Congress Party.

Raut Dance of Bilaspur Chhattisgarh

Bilaspur is rich in its cultural heritage. Bilaspur has its own dance styles, cuisine, music and traditional folk songs, of which Sohar songs, Bihav songs and Pathoni songs are very famous. Sohar songs are related to child birth, and Bihav to marriage. The parts of Bihav songs are Chulmati, Telmati, Maymouri, Nahdouri, Parghani, Bhadoni and other songs related to Bhanver, Dowery and Vidai songs. Pathoni songs are about Gouna or Bidaaee (the departure of a bride to the bridegroom's home). In rural areas, women wear garlands made of one rupee coins. This has gone out of fashion in recent times. The city celebrates all the major festivals of India. There are some local festivals such as the colorful Rout Dance (November), harley, and pola. The Rawat Nach Mahotsav is the folk dance festival of Bilaspur celebrated by Rawat tribes.

The town has been the home of several literary personalities including Bimal Mitra.

Over the years, Bilaspur has developed many 4 – lane and 6 – lane roads, street lighting and squares. However, the last decade has seen large-scale unregulated urbanization and residential and commercial expansion, over-straining the water resources and generally defunct civic amenities due to indifferent officials and politicians. There is a master plan for the city and surrounding areas.

Electricity is government-regulated and, as of now, no power cuts are effected, thanks to the massive expansion in energy generating capacity both by public and private companies in the energy sector.

Bilaspur is home to more than 100 hospitals & nursing homes, some run by the state government and others by the private sector. City has a government medical college named Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Science(CIMS- web site www.cimsbilaspur.ac.in) which is around 500 bedded. There is Apollo Hospitals in the private sector, which is 300 bedded super specialty hospital. A new mental hospital is established in village Sendri(Ratanpur Road) which provides quality treatment. More than 25 Sanjivni express and Mahatari express are running in city. It also has private dental colleges in the city area.

The nearest commercial airport is the (Swami Vivekananda Airport Raipur), approximately 131 km away. At that airport, Indigo, Air Vistara and Air India have regular flights to/ from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Goa, Nagpur, Kochi, Hyderabad, Indore, Kolkata, Patna, Bhopal and Visakhapatnam.

Bilaspur also has an airport at Chakarbhatta for VIP and military operations (Bilaspur Airport).

There are two additional airstrips on Kota Road – Mohanbhata and Mulmula – that have been lying unused since the Second World War. These are under the Defence Ministry.

Temple Carvings in Malhar Bilaspur Chhattisgarh

Various archeological sites and temples in Bilaspur attract tourists from all over the world. Achanakmar Wildlife sanctuary is one of the renowned ecotourism spots in Chhattisgarh. Hasdev Bango Dam is 105 km from Bilaspur. Malhar and Ratanpur are the centre of archeology. Ruins of forts to ancient temples are found here. Talagram is the location for the "Deorani-Jethani" temple. Bubble Island and Radhika water park are the parks which amuse the local people as well as tourists. Belpan has a huge pond as well as samadhi. Khutaghat is a scenic spot and is wanted by nature lovers. Forests, dam and hills comprise the surrounding of Khutaghat. Kabir Chobutara at a distance of 41 km from Bilaspur is a hub for mahatmas (saints). Bilaspur is situated on the banks of the Arpa, the main river. Leelagar and Maniyari are other small rivers of the district. Sonmuda is another tourist attraction which gives a panoramic view of valleys, hills and forest. The River Sone originates from Sonmuda. Places of interest in and around Bilaspur include:

• Malhar, which is of historical significance, as it was visited by Xuanzang, the Chinese historian. It is situated at 40 km. by road from Bilaspur. In Malhar, so many ancient temples have been found by extraction such as Pataleshwar temple, Devri temple and Dindeshwari temple. The four-handed idol of Lord Vishnu is also very famous. Malhar has a museum also.
• Amarkantak – The Narmada River and Son River originate from Amarkantak.
• Kanan Pendari Zoo. (Within city limits)
• Tala, 20 km away, is famous for Rudra Shiva.
• Ratanpur for its Mahamaya temple. According to holidayiq.com Ratanpur ranked no. 1 of 19 places in Bilaspur to visit.
• Shri Aiyyappa Mandir (Sani dosha haarak) near Tifra over bridge (Bhartiya Nagar).
• Mungeli Maa Mahamaya Temple.
• Malhar, Chhattisgarh – 10th Century Ancient Hindu and Jain temples. The four handed idol of Vishnu is significant. The remains found here are of the period from approximately 1000 BCE to the Ratnapura Kalachuri regime.
• Pali – Mahadev Temple
• Smriti Vatika
• Dams Khudiya dam, Lormi, and Khutaghat dam, Ratanpur.
• Rani Sati Temple, a religious temple built in the city of Bilaspur by the Marwaris where the deity of Jhunjhunu's temple is worshipped.
• Two amusement parks are also here. (Bubble Island and Radhika water park)
• Smritivan and Urja Park are also situated in Rajkishore Nagar area of the city.
• Maa Didneshwari Devi Temple, Malhar.
• Maa Marimai Temple is also a temple of Bilaspur.

Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve is top ranked places to visit near Bilaspur. Besides having places associated with its ancient and cultural heritage, the city is also famous for its wildlife variety. This is because of its situation within the state. It is reputed to have some of the densest forests in the country and an even spread of hills and rivers. One of the places worth visiting is the Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary.[8] Home to a variety of wildlife, the sanctuary is spread over an area of 551 km² (213 mi²) and was set up in 1975 under the Wildlife Protection Act. The sanctuary is 55 km (34 mi) away from Bilaspur and is closed during the monsoon season.

Just before entry into Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary, is the Ghongapani Jalashya (dam). Although there is no place to stay, it can be visited in the daytime on the way to Achanakmar.

Beyond the sanctuary, on the way to Amarkantak, there are government guest houses in Achanakmar, Keonchi and Lamni. These guest houses can be booked with governmental officials in the district headquarters. These guest houses are well built and the arrangements are also good.

The forest guest house at Lamni was built by the then British Officials. It is 1850 feet above sea level. It was built in June 1913 at the cost of Rs.3055.8 paise and 5 anas.

Within the sanctuary the presence of guar (Indian bison) and tigers are very much in evidence, as reported by the multiple sightings by the visitors. Other animals include the leopard, chital, panthera, striped hyena, canis, sloth bear, dhole, sambar deer, nilgai, Indian four-horned antelope and chinkara, which populate the sanctuary in equal numbers.

Trips to the sanctuary can be organized via private taxi operators.

• Khutaghat: Located 55 km (34 mi) away is Khutaghat, where there is a dam and reservoir and it is possible to stay in the prebooked Irrigation Department.
• The Khudia Dam, is 75 km (47 mi) away from the city.

• Radhika Water Park
• Wonder World Theme Park
• Kanan Pendari Zoo (Monday closed)
• Vivekanand Udyan
• Deendayal Udyan
• Urja (Energy) Park (weekly off on Wednesday)
• Smriti Van
• Traffic Park
• Bilasa Taal
• Ramkrishna Ashram
• River View Road
• Bubble Island
• Bandhwapara lake and fountain
• Subhash Udyaan (gec Bilaspur)
• Crocodile park, KotmiSonar (30 km away from Bilaspur)
• Company garden (Vivekanand Udyan)
• Rama Magneto Mall (Vyapar Vihar)
• 36 City Mall (Mungeli Road)
• Mahima Supermarket (Vyapar Vihar)
• Big Bazar (link road)
• Amarkantak & Achanakmaar

Local memorabilia include the handicrafts that are available in Khadi Bhawan, near Satyam Cinema. Kosa silk saris and cloth are available in Sadar Bazaar. Mahaveer city RK nagar Parbati bhawan

Bilaspur is famous for Doobraj rice, fara, chila, rice roll, gulgula bhajiya, angakar roti, thetri-khurmi, arsaa, tamatar fatka (tomato chutney), different types of bhajis (leafy vegetables) etc.

New IT building GGV Bilaspur

Bilaspur has developed as a centre of education for Chhattisgarh with students from all over the state coming to Bilaspur to study engineering, medical and administrative officers' competitive exams. Along with the older schools, which provided excellent education, many new schools make Bilaspur the center for excellent school education, too. As of 2012 Bilaspur has 5 universities. Bilaspur has following educational institutions:

• Leslie Claudius, former Olympic field hockey player
• Balakrishna Shivram Moonje (B. S. Moonje) was a leader of the Hindu Mahasabha
• Makhanlal Chaturvedi wrote Pushp ki Abhilaashaa (Hindi: पुष्प की अभिलाषा) in Bilaspur Central Jail when he was prison by British for sedition charges.
• Satyajeet Dubey, voice and film actor
• Ajit Jogi, first chief minister of the state of Chhattisgarh
• Ingrid Mcleod, a nominated Lok Sabha member representing India's Anglo-Indian community
• Shrikant Verma, a noted poet and Member of Parliament
• Lakhan Lal Sahu, a politician and member of parliament to
• Arun Sao, elected (2019) MP (Member of Parliament) from Bilaspur Lok Sabha seat.

Bilaspur is the center of electric power generation in India. Bilaspur and the surrounding area generate 10,000 MW of electricity, and an additional 50,000 MW are planned in the next few years. As many as 22 companies are interested to tap an estimated power generation potential of 50,000 megawatts in the region. The railways have gotten a major boost with big energy sector players set to invest Rs.5,000 crore in three proposed railways corridors around Bilaspur.[11] Chhattisgarh is also known as "The Rice Bowl" – Dhan ka katora. Bilaspur is the centre of agri products. There are approx. 500 rice and dall mills in the surrounding area. Bilaspur (South East Central Railway) is the highest revenue generating railway zone in India among 17 zones. The Bilaspur railways zone comprises the divisions of Bilaspur, Nagpur and Raipur. South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a subsidiary of Public Sector Unit Coal India Limited (CIL) – A Maharatna Company, is situated with headquarters at Bilaspur. SECL is a Miniratna PSU under the Ministry of Coal, with several awards in its credentials including best PSU award in 1997–98. An integrated action plan for development of civic infrastructure, including hi-tech water purifier system, proper drainage facilities and cleanliness, is being planned by the state government for cities and towns, while the proposed 'Arpa Project' would give a new life to the city of Bilaspur, minister for urban administration and health Amar Agrawal said in an interview to the Times of India, a leading newspaper of India. The State Government has drawn up an ambitious plan of Rs2,000 crore to develop the Arpa river bank in Bilaspur district during the next seven years. For this, the Government has constituted a ‘Special Area Development Authority’ (SADA) for the development of the Arpa river bank near Bilaspur city.

The Government has invited proposals from interested national and international institutions for the development of the river bank on a PPP model. The Authority has prepared a project for the development of the river and is now in search of organisations that would be interested in developing the river on a Public Private Partnership (PPP).

According to SADA, about 653 hectares of area on the banks of the river would be developed. This area is 13.4 km in length. Commercial, residential, entertainment and other institutional facilities would be developed in this area. On both the sides of the river, 13.4-km-long retaining wall, houses and commercial complexes would be constructed, besides bridge, roads and walkways. Water supply, sewerage, drainage, electricity supply would be provided in the area.

The estimated cost of all the works is Rs2,000 crore. The development works would be taken up in phases during the next seven years.

Of the total 653-hectare area, some of the land is owned privately. In lieu of acquisition of private land, the affected people would be given land at other areas. After development about 267 hectares of land will be made available for sale. By selling this land, the developer could recover the invested amount. The downtown is called Gol Bazaar (Circular Market). Gol Bazaar, Sadar Bazaar and company Garden Chowk are buzzing and vibrant but overcrowded with slow-moving traffic. In contrast there are some newly developed areas as well. The Vyapar Vihar is a newly developed commercial and goods transport area. Bilaspur has Chhattisgarh's first hi-tech bus stand at Bodri.

It has the High Court of Chhattisgarh which is Asia's largest court (in area).

• Industries: Around Bilaspur, there are many industrial areas, including Tifra, Sirgitti and Silpahri Industrial Growth Centres. Sirgitti, Silpahri and Tifra around Bilapur are major industrial areas near Bilaspur. Located on the outskirts of Bilaspur city Sirgitti Industrial Centre is spread over an area of approx. 338 hectares. With about 324 industries it provides direct employment to 4431 persons. Silpahari Industrial Centre is another industrial area near Bilaspur and is home to many sponge iron industries. Tifra Industrial Area situated on the outskirts of Bilaspur city is spread over an area of approx. 65 hectares. Many chemical, PVC footwear, HDPE woven sacks, polythene bags and sheets, soft drinks and other units are located here. CSIDC or Chhattisgarh State Industrial Development Corporation Limited is responsible for the development of maintenance of all these industrial areas in and around Bilaspur. Chhattisgarh Laghu Evam Sahayak Udyog Sangh or CLSUS is an association of industries which represents all major industries of Bilaspur and Chhattisgarh. BEC Fertilizers – a unit of Bhilai Engineering Corporation is situated in the Sirgitti Industrial Area.
• Power plants – Bilaspur has India's second largest power plant of NTPC at Sipat which generates power of 2980 MW with 3 units of 660 MW each and 1 unit of 1000 MW. Many thermal power plants are coming up in the surrounding area of Bilaspur. Also notable are Nova, KSK, Gitanjali, Mahanadi etc.
• Shopping mall(s) – City Mall-36 (near Mangla Chowk) and Rama Magneto Mall (Srikant Verma Marg) and Big Bazaar at Rao Trade Center have opened here, providing ultra modern shopping facilities and movie multiplexes, and upcoming malls with City Center Mall, Rama Port and Rama Orchid Mall, which will be opened around 2014.
• Multiplex – Glitz at City Mall 36 and PVR Cinemas at Rama Magneto Mall are the only good cinema halls. Inox might be coming soon.
• Legal: The day the state of Chhattisgarh was constituted (1 November 2000) with its capital at Raipur, the High Court of Chhattisgarh was established at Bilaspur. It is the 19th high court of India.
• Banks: All major Indian banks have branches and ATMs in the city. SBI have approx. 80 ATMs in the city as of 2013.
• Website: A website dedicated to provide information on Bilaspur is maintained by NIC.
• A new Indoor stadium is under construction at Behtarai Road.

The census has been taken from Hari Bhoomi Bilaspur Bhaskar Edition dated 23/12/2013.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh.

• Official website
• Map of Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh