Chhindwara

This article is about the municipality in Madhya Pradesh, India. For its namesake district, see Chhindwara District.

Chhindwara
—  town  —
Chhindwara Location of Chhindwara in Madhya Pradesh and India
Coordinates	22°04′N 78°56′E
Country	India
State	Madhya Pradesh
District(s)	Chhindwara
Population	122,309 (2001)
Time zone	IST (UTC+05:30)
Area • Elevation	• 675 metres (2,215 ft)
Codes • Pincode • 480001

Chhindwara is a town and a municipality in Chhindwara district in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is the administrative headquarters of Chhindwara District. Chhindwara is reachable by rail or road from adjacent cities Nagpur and Jabalpur. The nearest airport is in Nagpur (130 km), however a small airport (air-strip) is available at Chhindwara for landing charter aeroplanes/helicopters. The population of the Distt. is 2090306 ,with growth rate of 13%,sex ratio is 966,and literacy percentage is 72.2% .(2011 census).

Geography

Chhindwara is one of the bigger towns located in Satpura range. It is situated on a plateau, surrounded by the lush green fields,rivers and sagaun trees. Chhindwara is surrounded by dense forest with diverse flora,fauna.

History

It is believed that Chhindwara District was full of "Chhind" (Date-Palm or Phoenix dactylifera) trees many years ago, and the place was named "Chhind"-"Wada" (wada means place). There is also another story that because of the population of Lions (called "Sinh" in Hindi), it was considered that making entry into this district is akin to passing through the entrance of Lions' den. Hence it was called "Sinh Dwara" (means through the entrance of lion). In due course of time it became "Chhindwara".

It is said that one Ratan Raghuwanshi who came from Ayodhya and killed the Gaoli chief of this region founded Chhindwara. Then he let loose a goat and on the place where it lay down built a house, burying the goat alive under its foundations. A platform was erected afterward on the spot. It is worshiped as the tutelary deity of the town. There is a ruined mud fort at Chhindwara, within which there is an old stone house, supposed to have been that of Ratan Raghuwanshi. A military force was stationed at Chhindwara before the Great Revolt of 1857-58. For a short period the house was used as a sanatorium for the Kamptee garrison.

The Gole Ganj market of the city, with its two large gateways (known today as Kamania Gate), was built by Captain Montgomery, who administrated the district as a regent of Richard Jenkins (1818–1830). The municipality of Chhindwara was founded in 1867. It is also the place where well known industrialist 'SCB' spends his vacations with Nain.

Industries

The city has some old industries of pottery, leather moots and ornaments of zinc, brass and bell metal. On the outskirts, vegetables, especially potatoes are raised in large quantities and exported to nearby districts. The town, which is a center for local trade and market for the sale of cattle grain and timber, contains a grain market near the railway station. Following are few recognizable industries that have contributed to the industrial development of Chhindwara:

Hindustan Unilever Limited is a multinational company, originally from England. Earlier this company's name was Hindustan Lever Limited. Chhindwara Hindustan Unilever Limited is situated at village Lahgadua, 5 km from Chhindwara. This company has completed 75 years in 2008. There are 210 workers in Hindustan Unilever, who work in 3 shifts. The Chhindwara factory produces 3 main products: Rin washing soap, Wheel washing powder and Surf Excel washing powder. It is the only factory of Hindustan Unilever in Madhya Pradesh. In the year 2007 the production was 70,000 units.^{[citation needed]}.

Raymond Group The Raymond Chhindwara plant, set up in 1991, is a state-of-the-art integrated manufacturing facility located 65 km away from Chhindwara. Built on 100 acres (0.40 km²) of land, the plant produces premium pure wool, wool blended and polyester viscose suiting. This plant has achieved a record production capacity of 14.65 million meters, giving it the distinction of being the single largest integrated worsted suiting unit in the world.

Spices Park India's first spice park was opened in Chhindwara on 25 February 2009. The park, first in a series of seven parks planned by the Spices Board is being set up with an investment of Rs 20 cr. The initial phase of the park consists of a Garlic Dehydration Plant set up by the Spices Board and a Steam Sterilization Unit set up by STCL Ltd., a public sector company. The second phase consists of a Green Chilly Extraction Plant and an Effluent Treatment Plant which is being set up by Spices Board. KITCO Ltd, Estd. in 1972 by IDBI and Govt of Kerala is the consultants for the entire project. The park has come up in an area of 18 acres (73,000 m²) in Laas village, Umranala, near Chhindwara in Madhya Pradesh on Chhindwara-Nagpur Highway.

Tech Packs One of only kind of corrugated paper box manufacturing unit situated at Industrial Area, Imalikheda, 7 km from Chhindwara city on Nagpur road.

Coal Mines Out of 7 coal mines area of Weastern Coalfield Limited, 2 comes under Chhindwara district; Kanhan area & Pench area. Mostly ignite coal is found in these mines. Parasia, situated about 30 km from Chhindwara, is known as the "Coal Mines Belt". This coal belt is divided into two coal area namely Pench Area and Kanhan Area. There were 24 mines in this area, of which 20 mines are on roll. only 10 of Pench Area are producing coal. and about 9 mines in Kanhan area is producing coal.The principal mines in Pench Area are:

Eklehra Mines (closed), Barkuhi Mines (closed), Chandametta Mines(closed), Newton Mines(closed), Donger Chikhali Mines(closed), Mahadev Puri Mines. Rawanwara Mines (closed), Rawanwara Khas, Vishnu Puri 1 No., Vishnu Puri 2 No., Chhinda Mines(closed), Setiya Mines(closed), Shivpuri OC Mines, Shivpuri Mines(closed), Mathani Mines, Thisgora Mines, Nehariya Mines, Pench East Mines, and Urdhan OC Project.

The coal mines at Junnardeo (part of Pench Mines) were closed in the year 2000-2001.

CII at Chhindwara

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) started their operations in August 2007 at Chhindwara with opening of a secretariat at Madhuvan Colony. Initially CII worked largely upon small agricultural conferences, "Kisan Goshthis" as the district is predominantly an Agrarian economy. Next year in September 2008 CII inaugurated first of its kind the National Center of Excellence for Skill Development catering to the need of skilled workforce for the Indian industry. Companies such as Punj Lloyd, JCB India Ltd. and Toyota Kirloskar Motors (TKM) are imparting training in various trades. Initially Ambuja Cement and L&T ECC division also started trades of masonry and bar bending respectively, but have to wind up as the trades were not very well taken by the masses. However Ambuja Cement has recently started a training center at Amarwara and L&T ECC is constantly picking up youth from the rural areas for training at their well established centers at Chennai and Hyderabad. As of now, the CII's National Center of Excellence for Skill Development is operating out of WCL's Campus, Parmanand Rehabilitation Center at Chakkar Road near Satpuda Club. 600 odd trainees have been trained in various trades such as Welding and Fitting by Punj Lloyd, backhoe loader operation by JCB and TTEP (a motor mechanic course) by TKM. CII has got ambitious plans about the CoE; in near future the center will move to its own campus at Imlikhera where it will operate out of a 10 acres (40,000 m²) of premises with 20 acres (81,000 m²) extra completely devoted for driving. Companies such as CAT, Cummins, Mahindra & Mahindra and GMR will also start their training here. The center is under the aegis of Mr. Kamalnath, the MP from Chhindwara and the Minister for Road Transport and Highways. The future is very bright for this unique center as it is helping the cause of Indian Government's skill development program.

Tourist attractions

Panaroma of Chhindwara city.

The main tourist attractions in and around Chhindwara include:

• Devgarh Fort This famous historical fort of Devgarh is situated 24 miles (39 km) south of Chhindwara beyond Mohkhed. The fort is built on a hill which is fortified by a deep valley clothed with dense reserve forest. The fort is approachable up to its foot by motor road. The nature is bountiful here. Davgarh fort built by king Jatav of Gond. It was the capital of Gondwana dynasty until 18th century. The architecture of the fort is somewhat similar to that of Mughal. There are a big fort palace and beautiful buildings. It is believed that there was a secret underground passage connecting Devgarh to Nagpur. Here is a tank called "motitaka" and there is famous saying that the water in this tank never finishes. At present, Devgarh village is a small inhabitant's area. The ruins at this place speak of its past glory.

• Patalkot is situated in the hilly block 'Tamia' of Chhindwara District, has acquired great importance because of its Geographical and Scenic beauty. Patalkot is a lovely land scape located at a depth of 1200–1500 feet in a velley. Because of the great depth at which it is located this place is christened as 'Patalkot' ('Patal menas very deep, in Sanskrit). When one looks down the place sitting at the top of the valley, the place looks like a horse shoe in shape. Earlier, people believed it as the entrance to 'Patal'. There is one more belief that after worshiping 'Lord Shiva' Prince 'Meghnath' had gone to Patal-lok through this place only. People say that this place was ruled by Kings in 18th and 19th Century and that there was a long tunnel connecting this place to 'Pachmarhi' in Hoshangabad District. Because of the inaccessibility of this area, the trials of this region were totally cut off from the civilized world. But, with the constant efforts being made by the Government, tribal of this area started tasting the advantages of adopting civilized life. 'Patalkot' is attracting many tourists because of its geographical location, scenic beauty, culture of the people who live here, and the immense and rare herbal wealth.

• Tamia hills are around 45 km from Chhindwara. The steep hills, dense forests, and big winding ghats have all combined to make Tamia a beauty spot and a tourist place. A PWD rest house is picturesquely situated on a steep hill commanding an extensive view of the deep forests and mountainous ranges of Satpura notably Mahadeo and Chaura Pahad in the background. The view from the rest house is noted for its constantly shifting natural scenery which is inspiring to the visitors to this place. The government postal bungalow situated in Tamia is a pleasant place as it is located in hilly range at 3,765 feet (1,148 m) height above Mean Sea Level surrounded by dense forest. The sunrise and sunset scenes give a breath taking experience to the visitors. About 1.5 km from this bungalow there is a cave where in the holy 'Shivling' (the deity of Lord Shiva) of 'Chota Mahadev' exists. Just beside the cave is a small water fall. Both of these provide a feast to the eyes of the visitors.

• Gotmar Mela (Fair) of Pandhurna Ninety-Seven km from Chhindwara, in the headquarters of 'Pandhurna' tahsil a unique fair (mela in Hindi) by name 'Gotmar Mela' is celebrated every year on the second day to 'Bhadrapad' New Moon day. This fair is celebrated on the banks of the river 'Jam'. A long tree is erected in the middle of the river with a flag at its very top. The residents of the villages 'Savargaon' and 'Pandhurna' gather on either bank of the river, and start pelting stones ('Got') at the persons of the opposite village who try to cross into the mid of the river and remove the flag on top of the tree trunk. The village whose resident succeeds in removing the flag will be considered victorious. The whole activity happens amidst the chanting of the sacred name of 'Maa' Durgaji. Several people get wounded in this celebration and the District Administration makes elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of this rare fair. People are often left dead or injured so the festival has now been banned.

• Tribal Museum This Museum started in Chhindwara on 20 April 1954, and acquired 'State Museum' status in the year 1975. And on 8 September 1997 the Tribal Museum name has been changed to "Shri Badal Bhoi State Tribal Museum". This museum is maintained by Museum In-charge Officer with the help of artists and peons. It comprises 14 rooms, 3 galleries and two open galleries. It depicts the Tribal culture of 45 (approx.) tribal communities living in Madhya Pradesh & Chhatisgarh states. It is the oldest and the biggest Tribal Museum in Madhya Pradesh. It is a treasure house storing the antique and rare collection of items related to the tribal living in the district. One can find items related to the houses, clothes, ornaments, arms, agriculture tools, art, music, dance, celebrations, the deities worshiped by them, religious activities, herbal collection and so on. The museum throws light on the rich tradition and ancient culture of the tribal community. Gound & Baiga, the prime tribes living in the district, it has depicted the family living styles. Also it has shown how the Agria tribes uses to mould iron, Patalkots Dehia agricultural system pictures etc. which attracts the tourists and looks like living items. To put it in a nut-shell, the museum is a one stop collection-cum-information centre on the tribes of this district.

• Shrashti Mata Mandir is located at Kapurda, almost 45 km north of Chhindwara. This temple is very old and famous for its cultural influence on the region. It attracts a number of tourists almost everyday, but the Tuesday is considered to be the best day for worship. Also, it is believed that if this deity is invoked with faith, she dispels the disease. A section of the visitors come for the mundan ceremony (the first hair cutting ceremony of a child) of their children and offer the crop of hair at the altar of goddess. Among other visitors married couples also come to invoke the blessings of the goddess for a happy married life. This temple was built by late B.L. Shrivastava in the year 1939. At present the management is taking care of by his sons L.L. Shrivastava and S.S. Shrivastava. The temple can be reached by local buses or taxis from Chhindwara.

• Waterfalls of Kukdi-khapa and Lilahi The picturesque location of Kukdi khapa water fall falls in the Chhindwara to Nagpur narrow gauge railway line, between the stations of Umaranala and Ramakona. The water fall is situated in the panoramic 'Sillevani' Mountain range. The height of this fall is approximately 60 feet (18 m). The location is more beautiful and picturesque immediately after a spell of good rains. While travelling in the train along the narrow gauge towards Nagpur one can see this beautiful picnic spot. The Lilahi Water fall is located in the down stream of the District's second biggest river 'Kanhan'. This fall is situated in the route from Mohkhed to Pandhurna via Devgarh. It is close to the place called 'Narayan Ghat' near Lilahi village on the Kanhaan river. The lovely sight of the water fall surrounded by mountain rocks and colorful nature is in deed a feast to the visitor. The water fall will have sufficient down flow water from July to January months.

• Anhoni Anhoni village is situated near Mahuljhir Police Station and at a distance of 2 miles (3.2 km) from the village Jhirpa on Chhindwara-Piparia road. A hill stream with hot and boiling sulphur springs flows near the village. These springs at a further distance assume the form of a nullah (short stream). The water of this spring is believed to be beneficial for skin diseases and for certain impurities of the blood.

• Neelkanthi Some ruins of a temple can be seen by the side of Siphna stream which flows at some distance of Neelkanthi, a village which is 14 miles (23 km) south-east of Chhindwara town. The entrance gate to the main temple is said to date back between 7th and 10th century. It is believed that at one time an area of 264 x 132 sq ft (12.3 m²) inside the gate was surrounded by a rampart. The stone slabs of the gate are fastened together with iron hooks. An illegible inscription can be found on one of the stone pillars of the temple. There is a reference to Raja Krishna III of Rashtrakut kingdom. The design of the gate is Bahmanic style.

• Hinglag Mata Mandir*** is located at Ambada (Mohan colliery, muari road) almost 40 km (parasia road) south of Chhindwara is one of the very famous temples in Chhindwara. It attracts a number of tourists almost everyday, but Tuesday and Saturday is considered to be the best days for worship.

• Ram Mandir a very famous hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ram located at heart of city ,is considered the oldest temple of city. The is constructed with old beam and bracket system. In front of Ram mandir there is Chhoti Mata Mandir that is dedicated to goddess Durga.

• Jama Masjid , a very famous Masjid, is located at gol ganj area, which is almost at the centre of Chhindwara. It is considered as a historical place because it was constructed by famous freedom fighters named Shaukat Ali Brothers. The Masjid is decorated by Arabic calligraphy, Mughal and Turkish style.

• Sahaja Yoga -Thousands of followers of Sahaja Yoga [1] come every year to Chhindwara to visit birth place of H.H.Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, founder of Sahaja Yoga. She was born on March 21, 1923 to a Christian family in Chhindwara, India (http://www.chhindwara.org).

Her parents were Prasad and Cornelia Salve, direct descendants of the royal Shalivahana dynasty. Seeing the beauty of this child who was born with a spotless brilliance, they called her Nirmala, which means 'Immaculate'. Later on she came to be known by the multitudes by the name of H.H.Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi - the revered Mother who was born with her complete Self Realization and knew from a very young age that she had a unique gift which had to be made available to all mankind (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shri_Mataji_Nirmala_Devi ). Her parents played a key role in India's Liberation Movement from under British rule. Her father, a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi, was a member of the Constituent Assembly of India and helped write free India's first constitution. He was a renowned scholar, master of 14 languages, and translated the Koran in Marathi. Her mother was the first woman in India to receive an Honors Degree in Mathematics

Culture

Chhindwara District has majority of tribal population. The tribal communities include Gond, Pardhan, Pawar, Bharia, Korku. Hindi, Marathi, Gondi, Urdu, Korku, Musai, Parvari etc. languages/dialects are in use in the district. The majority of the tribal peoples speak in Gondi and Hindi mixed with Marathi.

Among the most celebrated cultural functions/festivals in the district are Pola, Bhujalia, Meghnath, Akhadi, Harijyoti etc. are famous ones. 'Gotmar Mela' of Pandhurna is unique and world renowned fair. On Shivrathri day 'Mahadev Mela' is celebrated each year on "Choudagadh".

Chhindwara is the home of many famous temples and mosques. The cheery and lovable nature of its people has made Chhindwara a peaceful town with rich culture. Many types of famous festival and dances are celebrated in Chhindwara and nearby villages. For example, sela dance, gedi dance, Nagpanchmi dance, etc. Famous festivals in nearby villages include Chouth ka dangal and panchmi ka mela.

Education

Chhindwara is relatively developed from its neighbouring districts in terms of education and there are opportunities available for students in almost all disciplines. In the recent past, few good educational institutions have sprouted in the region and marked the educational development of Chhindwara. Few notable institutes of Chhindwara are:

• Govt. PG College is situated at Dharam Tekri near Khajri. It was started in 1961 and affiliated to Harisingh Gaur Univ, Sagar.
• Satpura Law College, which was established by the Satpura Education Society, Chhindwara, in the year 1961-62. It is located in Mohan Nagar near Bus Stand.
• Danielson Degree College, situated at Nagpur Road, came into existence in July - 1970 under the guidance and initiative of Late Rt. Rev. Rubin Israelson (Bishop Of Chhindwara).
• R.S. Govt. Girls College is situated at the heart of the town. Established in 1982, this college has now strength of around 2500 girl students.
• Indira Priyadarshini College, situated at Parasia Road, is offering some professional courses like B.B.A, B.C.A, Microbiology, Biotechnology. This was established in 2001.

Other than these colleges, Chhindwara is also a house for some notable schools. The oldest Higher Secondary school is Government Model Multipurpose Higher Secondary School. Among other notable schools are MLB Girl's School, Denialson school, St. Joseph School, Vidya Niketan School, Saraswati Shishu Mandir, Kendry Vidhyala etc. The town also has two famous schools which are also affiliated to C.B.S.E. they are Vidya Bhumi Public School which is the only ISO certified school in the region and the other is the First Step English Medium School. The oldest C.B.S.E. affiliated school in the town is the Maharashi Vidya Mandir Maharishi Vidya Mandir Schools which has its branches all over India, notable for teaching Trancendental Meditation. Kailashpath Singhaniya School and Don Bosco Public School are another two prestigious schools of the district. In technical education,women polytechnic college is also situated in Chhindwara.

Connectivity

Chhindwara is well connected to its neighbouring districts through rail and road. The nearest airport is Nagpur Airport (130 km).A small airport(airstrip)is also available at chhindwara for landing 5 to 10 seater charter aeroplane. Chhindwara is well connected to nearby big cities like Nagpur, Jabalpur and Bhopal with frequent buses and taxi services round the clock. Chhindwara railway station is called Chhindwara Junction. It has the following trains running daily:

• Panchvalley Express between Chhindwara and Indore Junction
• Patalkot Express between Chhindwara and Dehli via. Bhopal - Bina.
• Gwalior - Chhindwara Express between Chhindwara and Gwalior Junction via. Bhopal - Bina Junction.
• Nagpur Passenger - Chhindwara to Nagpur (This narrow-gauge passenger covers the distance of 128 km in around 5 hours and travels through some beautiful scenic valleys)
• Panchvalley Passenger - In this train a couple of bogies connect to Delhi, Amritsar,and Lucknow, Kanpur, Gorakhpur as well
• Amla Passenger - Chhindwara to Amla
• Nainpur Passenger - Chhindwara to Nainpur

Narrow gauge to broad gauge conversion is undergoing between Chhindwara and Nagpur and it is expected to change the current face of Chhindwara junction, making it more connecting town in the region.

Chhindwara Personalities

• Kamal Nath, Minister for Road & Transport with Cabinet Rank, and a member of the Congress Party
• Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, the founder of Sahaja Yoga

Interesting facts

• Few shots for a famous Indian film "Tere Mere Sapne" was shot in 1973 near Newton Chikali, which is 30 km away from Chhindwara. Actors of this movie were Dev Anand & mumtaj.
• Patalkot drew attention of many TV-documentary programmes like 'Surabhi' (Doordarshan) for its unique hidden culture. Surabhi also documented the Gotmar Mela of Pandhurna during one of its episodes.

See also

• Ashraf Hussain, (Subedar before 1857)

References

• Dr Deepak Acharya and Dr Anshu Shrivastava (19 November 2009) (PDF). Indigenous Herbal Medicines: Tribal Formulations and Traditional Herbal Practices. http://www.patalkot.com/images/BOOK%20Presentation.pdf. 

External links

• Chhindwara district website