Bastar
Stay at Royal Bastar Farm and experience Bastar.
From the view point of tourists and tourism, Bastar is called
the 'Kashmir of Chhattisgarh. The deep forest, thick bamboo bushes, rare and
costly variety of trees such as Sal,
Teak, Sheesam, Bija etc. between high mountains, cool flowing stream,
sprawling green valleys, caves, high waterfalls, and in the valleys dot the
bamboo huts dwelled by the tribes with their
fearless life style fill our heart and soul with wonder and pleasure. Bastar has
also so many
places which are worth seeing not only in Bastar district, but also in
the neighbouring districts Dantewada and Kanker, which are in Bastar
division. Its often heard that there are many places of wonder which are yet to
be unexplored .Bastar imprints an
unerasable memory in the mind of a tourist.
Tourist Places
Chitrakoot and Tirathgarh Falls
Tirathgarh Falls |
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The fall is surrounded by religious ambience.
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The important tourist places in Bastar district are
Chitrakot and Tiratgarh , Kotamsar and Kailash caves, Kanger Valley National
Park etc.Indravati National Park, known for tigers and wild
buffaloes is situated at a distance of 200 Kms, west of Jagdalpur, is another
place worth seeing. Another virgin tourist spot is Kurschel Valley, with
its gigantics trees, situated at 40 Kms. north west of Narainpur.
Chitrakoot Falls |
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The fall is surrounded by religious ambience.
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This magnificent water fall of Chitrakoot is situated 38 km. west of Jagdalpur on the
river Indirawati. The scenic beauty of this fall provides an ideal place for tourists to
spend an entire evening with nature. (Height of fall-96.4feet, approx). Equi-distant from
Jagdalpur is another waterfall, called Tirathgarh Falls. This falls presents a place for
peaceful penance, venue for a picnic, loc for photography, almost anything related to
peace and tranquillity one can think of.
Kuttumsar, Kailash & Dandak Caves
Kuttumsar, Kailash, and Dandak caves are in 'Kanker
Velley National Park' 35 k.m. to South West of Jagdalpur. Stalactites and
stalagmites formation in these caves present an excellent samples of ancient,
untouched nature. Kailash caves have organ columns, that can produce wonderful
music.
Wildlife
Barnawapara Sanctuary
Barnawapara sanctuary occupies the Northern part of Mahasamund District and
covers an area of 244.66 sq. Kms
| Crocodile
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| Wildlife part-of-life.
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Sita Nadi Sanctuary
The Sitanadi
Sanctuary occupies the Southern most parts of Dhamtari Tehsil in Raipur District
land joins Orrisa State boundary. It covers over 552.55 Sq.Kms. of area.
Udanti Sanctuary
The Udanti Sanctuary occupies the South-Eastern
portion of Gariaband Tehsil of Raipur District and adjoins Orissa State in
Eastern side. It covers an area of 247.59 Sq. Kms. The Sanctuary is principally
created to protect the wild buffaloes. The other species are also abundant in
the area.
Artefacts
The long and close association of the tribes with
Nature has culminated in a craft heritage that is inspiring in all its elements.
Raw material is sourced entirely from the surrounding environment. Frequent
references to local mythology, rituals, religion and folklore in the exquisite
shapes and forms of handicrafts reflect the cultural legacy of the people that
craft them. There is a unique quality of rawness in the finish that adds to the
rustic appeal of the products.
| Bellmetal
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| Art-part-of-life.
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| Wrought Iron
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| Art-part-of-life.
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Bellmetal
(DHOKRA)
Exquisite dull gold figurines and objects de art are crafted
in the Bastar and Raigarh districts of Chhaiisigarh out of bell metal, brass and
bronze. Utlitarian pieces like combs, lamps, bowls, mythological icons like
Bhuda-deo, Karma jhaar, Mata Jhala, Jwellery and other themes are a few to
quote.
Wrought
Iron
Another form of art is the wrought iron art. Raw iron is used to
create various forms and figures ranging from the theme of daily life to utility
items like mirror frame, window frames,candle stand etc. The bell metal and the
wrought iron are mixed to create mixed metal artefacts. They have their unique
look and feel.
Woodcraft
The bountiful forests of Bastar form a large portion of the land cover of this
state. There are costly wood available for the rustic craftsman to let go his
creativity. Some of the very common themes are flutes, bows and arrows, toys and
panels vie for place on a connoisseur's shelf with the elaborately carved scenes
from mythology or even theme from dayto-day life.
| Sisal and Shell
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| Art-part-of-life.
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| Terracotta
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| Art-part-of-life.
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Terracotta
The soft soil from the river bed is gently
coaxed by the potter's hand into utility items as well as contemporary
decorative pieces. His nimble hands create pots or matkas, bowls or bandiyas,
elephants, horses and lamps.
Sisal and
shellcraft
The ivory coloured fibre of sisal are obtained from swaying reeds of the marshes
of Bastar. Traditionally this ropes were used to tie domestic animals but
now-a-days it is being used to revive the insignificant art form of creating
utility items with this rope and shells. Besides bamboo products like baskets,
lamps, decorative pieces are also some of the unique items people from outside
generally like to collect.
Tribes
There are a number of tribes in Bastar and in
Chhattisgarh as such. A few have been listed below.
Bison Horn Madia
Primarily found in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, the BisonHorn Marias
tribes are another major sub-castes of the Gonds. They mainly reside in
Jagdalpur Tehsil of Chhattisgarh, south of Indravati River. Like Abhuj Marias
these tribes also like to live in isolation into deep interiors of forests and
avoid contacts from outside world. The majority of BisonHorn Marias speak
various and, in part, mutually unintelligible dialects of Gondi, an unwritten
language of the Dravidian family. Their culture and traditions and daily life is
almost similar to Abhuj Marias. They also practice shifting cultivation method
of agriculture and collect forest produce for survival. Like Abhuj Marias, they
do not plough the earth, as it would mean inflicting pain on her body. Pointed
wood pieces are used for piercing for cultivation and stone implements are used
for harvesting produce. They derive their name from Bison Horn and very much
adorn the bison horns during their dancing rituals. They also perform the
marriages through Ghotul System. Divorces and widow remarriages are common but
adultery is strictly forbidden. Marriages amongst the blood relations including
brothers and sisters are common.
Muria Tribe
Murias, another major sub-castes of the Gonds, are found in the Narayanpur and
Kondagaon Tehsils of Bastar district. Unlike Marias who live in isolation deep
into the dense forests, the Murias live in plains and are comparatively more
civilized than the primitive Marias. But their primary activities are similar to
other Gond sub-castes and they survive on agriculture and collection of minor
forest produces.
As far as religious and social beliefs are concerned, Murias have several totems
and several gods of villages and tribal sub-groups and. They are highly
superstitious and strongly believe in sorcery practices. Unlike Hindus, there is
no functional division of castes in the society and they have their own
socio-legal hierarchy of tribal administration.
One of the main characteristics of Murias is that they prefer intoxicating and
traditional Mahua drinks rather than medicines for curing ailments. Like Gonds,
they also practice Ghotul System for marriages where the prospective couples
stay in separately built huts and interact with each other including free sex.
Divorces and remarriages are common but adultery is strictly prohibited.
Gonds
The Gonds are one of the most famous and important tribes in India, known for
their unique customs and traditions. They are mainly a nomadic tribe and call
themselves as Koytoria. The term 'Gond' is derived from the Telugu word 'Konda'
which means hill. Gond Tribes are primarily located in Madhya Pradesh,
Chhattisgarh, eastern Maharashtra, northern Andhra Pradesh and western Orissa.
With a population of over 4 millions, Gonds also form the largest tribal group
in central India. In Chhattisgarh, Gonds are the largest tribal group in terms
of population and are mainly concentrated in the southern part of the state.
More than 20 % of Gonds in Chhattisgarh live in Bastar region only. There are 3
major sub-castes of Gonds in Bastar - Maria, Muria and Dorla.
The Gonds are predominantly Hindus and like to live to live in groups in small
villages. The main language of the Gonds is Gondi but about half of Gond
populations also speak Indo-Aryan dialects including Hindi. The Gonds are
traditionally agriculturalists and some practice shifting cultivation even
today. Other major activities of Gonds include collecting forest produce,
fishing, hunting, forging metal goods in cottage industries and other primary
sector activities. Gonds also have a special skill that has been passed down
every generation and that is the secrets of the medicine plants. As there are no
proper health facilities in several areas, they still follow the traditional
system of medicines and use plants and herbs for curing various ailments. Gonds
are also known for practicing social hierarchy system like Hindus and the Gond
society is regarded as highly stratified and not conforming to the usual image
of egalitarianism among tribals.
But, the Gonds have gained enormous popularity for their unique and distinct
social customs and traditions and have become the subject of great interest
among sociologists and researchers all over the world. They prefer marriages
within the blood relations mostly according to Hindu rites and customs.
Sometimes mock elopements are also arranged. Divorces, remarriages, widow
marriages, marriages with the wives of the brothers and between brothers and
sisters are common. One of the unique characteristics of the Gonds marriages is
that the groom has to pay bridal price to the father of the girl and in this way
the system gives respect and power to women in the society. Other most popular
practice among Gonds of Bastar is the 'Ghotul' system. In this system, the
unmarried young boys and girls live together in separately made huts and allowed
to intermingle and practice everything they desire. During this period they
interact and enjoy themselves by participating in dancing, music, local story
telling and much more in a drunken mood. If everything is fine and both of them
are happy, they can get out of the Ghotul and marry. The Ghotul system is mainly
practiced among the Muria Gonds and the origin of this system is related with
their goddess 'Lingopan'.
Cultural Programmes
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| The tribal district Bastar is full
of festivals which includes harvest festivals like Navakhana ,'eating of the new
crop', Mati Puja ,'Worship of the earth', Goncha,the chariot festival etc. Many
of the Hindu festivals are not observed , while those that are observed are
carried out differently.For example during Diwali festival in Jagdalpur in the
morning following the Diwali , the bullocks are given 'Khichri' ( a food item )
and their horns are tied with a new piece of cloth which goes to the grazier. We
at Royal Bastar Farm try to associate our guest with similar functions by as and
when they are celebrated or otherwise by realistic demonstrations. Highlights of
the Durga Pooja and a few have been listed below.
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Durga
Pooja
The most important festival in Bastar is the
Dusshera when all the deities from all the villages congregate at the temple of
Danteshwari in Jagdalpur, the district head quarters. The Dusshera in Bastar,
unlike Dusshera in other parts of India, has nothing to do with the triumphant
return of Rama to Ayodhaya.Dusshera in Bastar is devoted entirely to the
goddess, Danteshwari Devi. Bastar Dusshera is believed to have been started by
Maharaj Purushaottam Deo, the fourth 'Chalukya' ruler of Bastar, in 15th
century.
The festival involves participation of all major tribes of Bastar.
Bastar Dusshera has several components, each of which has a history of itw own.
Dusshera is observed by the Raj family with great importance for ten days,
during which period the arms gifted by their family goddess are worshipped. The
special feature of the festival is the formal handing over of the charge of the
management of the state to the Diwan in the presence of the Zamindars, and other
leading men.
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Madai
Festival
One of the unique attractions of Bastar is the Madai festival held in the
different villages extending from Mandla to Bastar. It is especially dear to the
Gonds who come from far off places to meet their kith and kin and to purchase a
years supply of items like salt and cooking oil. Though the Madai is organized
in many villages, the most renowned Madai is that of Narayanpur in Bastar. Held
in the third or fourth week of February, it is a day of great religious
importance. Devotees gather under the shade of a sacred tree to sacrifice a goat
to the mother goddess. Amidst much singing, beating of drums and bells, the goat
is slaughtered and then taken round the entire village. The night is spent in
dancing, eating and making merry.
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Bhagoriya Festival
Ever heard of a festival where you are officially allowed to elope with your
lover? Check this one out, guys. Held in the Jhabua district, the Bhagoriya is
to the Bhils what the Madai is to the Gonds - a festival of fun and joy.
It is held a week before the Hindu festival of colours, Holi. Men and women
celebrate it with ritual dancing to the beat of drums and thalis and the sweet
melody of shehnai and bansuri (flutes). Bhagoradev or the god of dance is
worshipped on this occasion. The most respected village elder presides over the
ceremony and offers sweetmeats to the god.
The festival is special for Bhils because it could well mean love, romance and
even marriage. Young men go around applying gulal (red coloured powder used to
play Holi with) to the girls they like. If a girl reciprocates the sentiment
then she too applies gulal in return and that is all the permission a young man
needs to marry her. Even the mutual exchange of pan or betel leaf is a
declaration of love.
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