Rajnandgaon District came into existence on 26th Jan` 1973, by way of division of Durg District. Rajnandgaon state was ruled by Somvanshis, Kalchuris and Marathas. It was originally called Nandgram, but it was again divided on 1st July 1998 and the new district of Kawardha was formed. Situated distinctly on the lap of nature the place is surrounded by numerous beautiful ponds and rivers which adds to the attraction of the region. The remnants of the palaces and towns whisper its own tale of the rulers, their society and culture and the splendid tradition during that time. The contribution of Gajanan Madhava Muktibodh, Padumlal Punnalal Bakshi and Baldeo Prasad Mishra in the field of Hindi literature has a special mention. The District Kawardha was later bifurcated from the District on 1st July 1998.
History of Rajnandgaon District
The Rajnandgaon was originally called Nandgram. The Rajnandgaon state was ruled by Somvanshis, Kalchuris and Marathas. The contribution of Gajanan Madhav Muktibodh, Padumlal Punnalal Bakshi and Baldeo Prasad Mishra in the field of Hindi literature has a special mention. The city was also ruled by the Gond Rajas. The foundation of the city can be traced to a religious celibate, who descended from Punjab towards the end of the 18th century. Until 1879 it was ruled through succession and later the British Government identified the ruler as a hereditary chief and thus bestowed upon his son the title of Raja Bahadur. The chief rulers had been Mahant Ghasi Das, Raja Mahant Balram Das Bahadur, Raja Mahant Balram Das Bahadur, Mahant Rajendra Das, Mahant Sarveshwar Das. The last ruler, Ghasi Das was recognized as a feudal chief by the British government in 1865 and was granted a sanad, or right of adoption.
Geography of Rajnandgaon District
The District Rajnandgaon lies in the central part of Chhattisgarh. The District headquarter Rajnandgaon is on the Mumbai - Howrah line of south-eastern railways. Even the National Highway 6 (Great Eastern Road) also passes through the town of Rajnandgaon. The nearest airport to the District is at Mana (Raipur), about 80 kms away. The principal river of the District is Sheonath which thrives to be the tributary of Mahanadi. The river originates in the border of Chowki block and flows in north eastern direction. The main tributaries of Sheonath are Kharkhara, Sonbarsa, Amner, Surhi, Karra, Murkati, Sankari, Fonk and Hanf. The three blocks of the District namely Mohla, Manpur and Chowki are tribal blocks. The main tribes of the District are Gond, Kanwar, Halba & Baiga. The tribal population of the District is around 25.16% of the total population. These tribal areas are adjoining to Gadchiroli District of Maharashtra and Bastar District of Madhya Pradesh. The economic and social conditions of these tribes are similar to that of tribal of Bastar. They mostly live in far flung areas and dense forests. The economic activities of these tribes are focused on tendu leaf collection and minor forest products.
Festivals of Rajnandgaon District
Diwali is one the most celebrated festivals of Rajnandgaon. It is known as the `festival of lights and crackers. Ganesh Chaturthi is another festival celebrated in honour of Lord Ganesha. Even the Ganpati Visarjan is enthusiastically done in Rajnandgaon. On the Visarjan Day people take out huge Jhakki, chanting names of `Ganpati Bappa Morya.`
Sports of Rajnandgaon District
The District has a rich culture of sports, which has produced many national and international sports personalities. Rajnandgaon District is well know as Nursery of Hockey and has a great history of organizing Hockey and Cricket tournaments every year at international and national level respectively.
