General & Basic Information
Chhindwara district was formed on 1st November 1956. It is located on the South-West region of the 'Satpura Range of Mountains', spread from 21.28 to 22.49 Deg. North latitude and 78.40 to 79.24 Deg. East longitude, spanning an area of 11,815 Sq. Km. (occupying 3.85% of Madhya Pradesh).
The region is bounded by the plains of Nagpur District (Maharashtra) on the South, Hoshangabad and Narsinghpur on the North, Betul on the West, and Seoni on the East. It includes key tahsils such as Sausar, Pandhurna, Chhindwara, Tamia, Parasia, Amarwara, Chourai, and Junnardeo.
Geographical Profile & Major Rivers
From a geographical perspective, the district comprises three natural zones:
- 1. The Southern Plains: Bordering Nagpur, comprising Sausar and Pandhurna tahsils (home to LKSHS).
- 2. The Central Plateau: The Satpura mountain region around Chhindwara and Amarwara.
- 3. The Northern Highland: Scenic hilly terrain and dense forest reserves.
Five major lifelines flow through the terrain: the Kanhan, Pench, Jam, Kulbehra, Shakkar, and Doodh rivers.
Etymology & Historical Chronicles
It is believed that the district was historically abundant in "Chhind" (Date-Palm) trees, giving rise to the name "Chhind-Wada" (place of date palms). Another enduring local tradition narrates that owing to the presence of lions (Sinh), entering the territory was akin to stepping into a lion's den — thus termed "Sinh Dwara" (entrance of the lion), which transformed over time into Chhindwara.
Ancient history records the region under the rule of King Bakht Buland over the Satpura ranges. Ancient plaques from the Rashtrakuta dynasty (ruling until the 7th Century) were unearthed at Neelkanth village. Later, the Gondwana Kingdom established its capital at the majestic Devgarh Fort, constructed by King Jatav of the Gond community. British East India Company forces assumed control on 17 September 1803 following the defeat of Raghuji II.
Freedom Movement Heritage
The spark of liberty was ignited in 1857-58 with the arrival of revolutionary hero Tantia Tope. The people of Chhindwara and Sausar actively participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement, Rowlatt Act protests, Simon Commission resistance, Jhanda Satyagraha, Jungle Satyagraha, and the Quit India Movement.
Historic National Visits
- • Dada Saheb Khaparde & Dr. B.S. Moonje: 11th May 1906
- • Mahatma Gandhi: 6th January 1921
- • Sarojini Naidu: 18th April 1922
- • Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru: 31st December 1936
Martyrs & Stalwarts of Freedom
Sri Chain Shah (Jagirdar of Sonpur), Sri Thakur Rajba Shah (Partapagadh), Sri Mahaveer Sinh (Harrakot), Badal Bhai (Pagara), Swami Shyamanand, Rajaram Shukla, Nathu Lakshman Gosai (Sausar), Waman Rao Patel (Wanora), Vishwanath Salpekar, and 138 registered freedom fighters.
Cultural Tapestry & World-Renowned Fairs
The cultural fabric of Chhindwara and Pandhurna is celebrated for its tribal heritage, including the Gond, Pardhan, Bharia, and Korku communities. Hindi, Marathi, and Gondi are spoken with warmth and harmony. Celebrated festivals include Pola, Bhujalia, Meghnath, Akhadi, and Harijyoti.
Pandhurna is globally renowned for the traditional 'Gotmar Mela', while thousands of devotees congregate each Shivratri at the sacred 'Mahadev Mela' on Chauragarh peak in the Satpuras.