Raigarh

For the district in Maharashtra see Raigad.

Raigarh
Raigarh Location of Raigarh in Chhattisgarh and India
Coordinates	21°54′N 83°24′E / 21.9°N 83.4°E / 21.9; 83.4
Country	India
State	Chhattisgarh
District(s)	Raigarh
Population	364,287 (2003[update])
Sex ratio	1000/985 ♂/♀
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
Area • Elevation	• 215 m (705 ft)
Codes • Pincode • 496 001 • Vehicle • CG 13
Website	www.raigarh.nic.in

Raigarh is a city and a Municipal Corporation in Raigarh district in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. It is the administrative headquarter of Raigarh district. Major languages spoken are Chhattisgarhi, Oriya and Hindi.

History

Prior to Indian Independence, Raigarh was a Princely State. The former king and his sons still live here. They still lead a royal life, but with no rent to collect, their palace - Moti Mahal - is in a very bad shape. It was declared a heritage site very recently by the state government.

Raigarh is now famous for its cultural heritage with its own Kathak Gharana - Raigarh Gharana and its annual classical music concert - Chakradhar Samaroh. It is also on the industrial map, with the World's largest sponge iron plant and 62 industries surrounding this hill city.

Geography

Raigarh is located at 21°54′N 83°24′E / 21.9°N 83.4°E / 21.9; 83.4^[1]. It has an average elevation of 215 metres (705 feet).

Raigarh is an old city and the market place is congested with narrow and curving roads. Now the situations are changing drastically. It has become an industrial hub. More than 50 sponge iron plants have already been started in the vicinity of Raigarh and various industries are looking forward for opportunities.

Kelo river flows through the city, which is one of the water sources to it.

The minimum - maximum temperature range is 29.5 - 49 °C in summer, and 8 - 25 °C in winter.

Demographics

As of 2001^[update] India census^[2], Raigarh district had a population of 790,987, and the city of Raigarh consisting of 364,287. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Raigarh has an average literacy rate of 71%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 79%, and female literacy is 62%.

About 80% are hindus, 15% Christians and rest.

In Raigarh, 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Seth Kirodimal has built lot of structures in Raigarh, including Kirodimal Arts and Science College, Kirodimal Polytechnic College, Buji Bhavan, Kusum Kunj, Seva Kunj, Kirodimal General Hospital, Kirodimal Eye Hospital, Kirodimal Ladies Hospital and Kirodimal Dental Hospital. Many old and robust building can be seen in Old Raigarh too.

Economy

Raigarh is famous for its 'kosa' or tasar (a kind of fine silk created by the silk worm feeding on mulberry fruit).

It has transformed into a growing industrial hub for the steel market. Just 8 km from Raigarh city is the world's largest sponge iron and steel plant owned by Jindal Steel and Power Limited. It has provided employment to large number of people. The chairman of the company is the renowned MP, Naveen Jindal.

The Jindal township also includes, O. P. Jindal School, O. P. Jindal Institute of Technology, O.P. Jindal General Hospital and Heart Research Centre among many modern amenities.

In addition to all, Raigarh has varied tourist attractions including Ram Jharna, Chandrahasini Temple, Singhanpur and Kabra Pahad caves, Teepa Khol, Gomarda National Park.

Apart from these mainstream attractions, 'Dhokra Casting' or 'Bell Metal Casting' is world acclaimed art form of Raigarh. Based in the village of Ektal, the bell metal structures are famous for their aesthetic value.

Tendu patta collection is one of major source of economy for villagers, Raigarh District is one of major producer of rice .

KIT(Engineering College ) is Presitigous engineering College in Chhattisgarh

References