Bilaspur District is a famous district in Chhattisgarh. Bilaspur District has a major contribution in the naming "Dhan Ka Katora" for Chhattisgarh. The headquarters of the district is Bilaspur. Bilaspur city is approximately 400 years old and the name `"Bilaspur" has originated from fisher-woman named "Bilasa". Over the years Bilaspur has developed a lot, despite several natural calamities.

Location of Bilaspur District
The total area covered by Bilaspur District is around 6377 sq km. The total population is approximately 1,993,042. Bilaspur District is situated between 21 degree 47 minutes and 23 degree 8 minutes North latitudes and 81 degree 14 minutes and 83 degree 15 minutes` East latitudes.

History of Bilaspur District
Bilaspur got its name from a fisherwoman by the name "Bilasa" in the 17th century. It was because only the fishermen were residing there. In reality, Bilaspur was a part of Kalchuri dynasty of Ratanpur. In 1908, weaving of Tasar silk and cotton clothes were recorded as major industries of Bilaspur. After the invasion of Maratha Empire in 1741, the Marathas began to build this ancient district. They even constructed the fort which was never completed. Bilaspur city came into prominence in 1854. The city was taken over by the British East India Company of Great Britain when the Maratha ruler died without descendants.

Geography of Bilaspur District
Bilaspur District is bounded by Korea District (Chhattisgarh) on the North, Anuppur District and Dindori District of Madhya Pradesh on the West, Kawardha on the South West, Durg and Raipur on the south and Korba district and Janjgir-Champa on the East. The climate of Bilaspur District is sub-tropical, semi arid, continental and monsoon type. Thus, it has hot summers, cool winters and small rainy season. The winter season starts towards the later half of November and extends up to the middle of March followed by summer, which continues up to the end of June when maximum temperature reaches up to 45 degree Celsius. The dust cyclones are common. The rainy months are July to September.

The post monsoon months October and November constitute a transitional period from monsoon to winter season. The climate of the region is ideal for agriculture development, particularly for wheat, rice, sugarcane and cotton. This type of limited rainy season and healthy climate is suitable for industrial development also. Annual rainfall of the district is near about 58 cm. Rainfall is unevenly distributed and it basically starts from July to September. About 80 percent of the total rainfall is received during this period. Some amount of rainfall is received from western disturbances during the winter season. Due to less rainfall and its short duration the agricultural activity is mostly dependent upon canal irrigation and tube wells. The major river of Bilaspur district is Arpa River. The river originates in Khodri Khongsara of Pendra sub division and is the largest river in the district. Other major rivers of the district are as Leelagar and Maniyari.

Demography of Bilaspur District
Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh has a population of 2,662,077 according to 2011 census. Bilaspur district is ranked in 152 in India, out of all 640 villages and towns. The district has a population density of 322 residents per square kilometre. Its population growth rate over the decade 2001-2011 was 33.21%. Bilaspur has a sex ratio of 972 females for every 1000 males.

Administration of Bilaspur District
Bilaspur District consists of 11 tehsils. These tehsils are Bilaspur, Pendra, Pendra road, Lormi, Kota, Mungeli, Patharia, Takhatpur, Bilha, Marwahi and Masturi. Moreover, the administration of Bilaspur District includes 10 blocks and the total number of villages in the district is 1635. It is the second largest city in the state and the seat of the High Court of Chhattisgarh.

Culture of Bilaspur District
Bilaspur has a rich cultural heritage. Bilaspur has its own style and fashion in dance, cookery, music and traditional folk songs. The traditional folk songs are Sohar songs, Bihav song and Pathoni songs. These are very well-known in Bilaspur and all over India. The Sohar songs are related to child birth. The Bihav songs are related to marriage celebration in the Bilaspur community. The main parts of Bihav songs are Chulmati, Telmati, Maymouri, Nahdouri, Parghani, Bhadoni and other songs related to Bhanver, Dowry and Vidai songs. Pathoni songs are related to "Gouna" that is the departure of bride to bridegroom home. The seasonal Chhattisgarhi folk songs are Fag (Basant Geet), Baramasi (the song of 12 months) and Sawnahi (in rainy seasons). The festival related Chhattisgarhi folk songs that are prevalent in Bilaspur. These are Cher-Chera songs, Dohe of Rout Nacha and Sua songs (Diwali).The regional folk songs are Goura songs are Mata Seva songs, Janvara songs, Bhojali songs, Dhankul songs, songs of Nag panchami. The Loriya & playing songs of child are Loriya, Fugdi, Kau-Mau, Chau-Mau, Khuduwa (Kakdi), Dandi Pouha. The karma songs, Danda songs and Dewar songs are most popular entertainment songs in Bilaspur district.

Gond, Uranv, Korva, Kol, Halba and many schedule tribes are found in Bilaspur. The people of Bilaspur specially celebrate dance, music, marriage and other cultural festivals like Navakhani, Ganga Dusherra, Sarhul Chherka and Diwali. Chandaini-Gonda, Sonha-Bihan, Lorik-Chanda, Kari, Hareli, Gammatiha are the Bilaspur`s most famous and popular folk plays. Rahas is modern folk plays of Bilaspur.

Education of Bilaspur District
Bilaspur is the pride of Chhattisgarh. The most important colleges and universities in Bilaspur are Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur, Pt. Sundarlal Sharma (Open) University, Bilaspur Chhattisgarh, Dr. CV Raman University and many other colleges and universities present in Bilaspur. The literacy rate of Bilaspur is 71.59%.

Economy of Bilaspur District
The district of Bilspur also has the largest number of cement factories in the state consisting of manufacturers such as Lafarge, Century, and ACC. etc. The Bilaspur railway zone has been fifth time in a row awarded as the most profitable railway zone by the ministry of Indian railways this year. The district is also well linked to the rest of the country by means of rail and road network. Therefore it is improving the economy of the city. The city`s main commercial centre is Vyapar Vihar. Others are Telipara, Link Road, Sepath Road, Bus Stand Road, Rajiv Plaza and Goal Bazar. Bilaspur is also the Regional Headquarter of Chhattisgarh State Electricity Board.

Tourism in Bilaspur District
Bilaspur is famous for Kanan Pendari Zoo Park. The other major attractions of Bilaspur District comprise Ratanpur, Mallhar, Talagram, Kuthaghat, Achanakmar Wildlife sanctuary, Belpan, Malhar, Tala, Jethani Temple, Khadia Dam and Kabir Chobutara. This district offers some amazing sightseeing options.

Bilaspur District is popular across the country due to its unique characteristics like rice quality, Kosa industry as well as its cultural background.