The Tribal Land Bastar

Geographical Structure

       Bastar, the tribal district, before being split into three districts, was one of the largest districts in India. It remained a district of the state Madhya Pradesh till 2000, with an area of 39171 sq. k.ms, which was even greater than the  state of  Kerala and some other countries like Belgium, Israel etc. Bastar region is situated between 17° 46' and 20° 34' North latitude and 80° 15' and 82° 15' East longitude and at an  altitude of 2000 ft . In the early centuries, during the British rule and even today Bastar is a misterious and very attractive land because of its primitive culture. It was a vast kingdom inclusive of the present Kotpad and Malkangiri in Orissa, Upper Godavari district in Andhrapradesh and Sihava in Damtari district of Cahttisgarh. As the history shows, soon after the independence, just before the merger of the kingdom of Bastar in Indian union it was reduced to about 13,000 sq kms. The present Bastar region, which covers an area of 39,171-sq. kms., was constituted after the independence attaching the Kingdom of Kanker, which was a separate kingdom with its own history. As per the recent political  developments Bastar division consists of five southern most districts of the newly formed state of Cahattisgarh: Bastar, Kanker, Dantewada, Bijapur and Narayanpur. Bastar region has four boarders: that of Andhraparadesh, Maharastra, Orissa and of Chattisgarh itself. Though these boarder cultures make much impact on Bastar, she keeps the uniqueness of her culture in many respects.

The Name Bastar

       Bastar is a small village situated 20 kms away to the north of Jagdalpur. The etymology of the name "Bastar" is a matter of dispute among scholars. According to a mythical tradition the family deity, goddess "Danteswari," of Chalukya (Kakatiya) dynasty helped Annam Dev, the brother of King Purushottam Dev of Warangal to establish a new kingdom by spreading her garment (vastra) over a vast area.  This mythical story tells that the name Bastar originated from the word "Vastra" (garment) of goddess Denteswari. According to some scholars the name Bastar is originated from the word "Bansthari" (Land of bamboo) because bamboo is seen all over Bastar in abundance, and some others attribute its origin to the word "vistrit" (vast) since it is a vast area. The name of a small village Bastar happens to be applied to the whole district because of its historical importance. From the time of Raja Annam Dev (13th Century) who was the first "Kakathia" King in Bastar, the king's palace went on being shifted from Barsoor to Dantewada, then to Madhotha and so on. In 1703 AD King Drugpal Dev transferred his capital from Chakrakot to Bastar. Bastar remained the capital of Kakatiya dynasty for a considerable time and this caused the kingdom to be named after the village Bastar.

A historical Survey

       Bastar is considered to be a part of the Dandakaranya region of the kingdom "Dandak-Janpad" mentioned in Puranas. The early history of this ancient land lies in obscurity. Archaeological surveys and investigations have not so far been carried out to unearth evidence regarding the antiquity and socio-political history of Bastar. Whatever is known about the history of Bastar is by way of chronological reconstruction of events on the basis of inferences drawn from Sanskrit literature, contemporary rock inscriptions and sporadic research based on copper plates, coins etc. found in this area. From the 4th century onwards there are evidences that Nala, Trikuta, Vakatakas and rulers of Sharabpuri ruled Bastar and its adjoining areas. These dynasties were engaged in intermittent battles and skirmishes for the control of the area and therefore the rulers of these dynasties ruled Bastar for short periods. From 400 AD to 700 AD Nala dynasty ruled over the area. The area, thereafter, seems to have passed into the control of the Ganga Dynasty. The Kings of Ganga Dynasty had Barsur as their capital and the antique remains at Barsur proclaim its glorious past. The Bastar region came under the reign of Naga dynasty known as Chhindaka Nagas of Chakrakot. A number of inscriptions belonging to this ruling family have been discovered in Bastar region. As the imperial Gazetteer of India shows the eastern Chalukyas of Godavari region ruled the post Naga Chakrakot. From the 13th century onwards Raja Annam Dev and his lineage ruled Bastar.  Lala Jagdalpuri, Historian of the place, in his book "Bastar: History and Culture" mentions about 19 descendants of King Annam Dev till Pravir Chandra Bhanj Dev who was shot dead in 1966.

The People of Bastar

       Bastar region is one of the major areas in the tribal map of India. The population of Bastar region according to 2001 census is 26 Hundred Thousand of which 69% are tribal. About 5.5% belong to scheduled castes and the rest are Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Parsees, Jains, etc.  The tribal population in Bastar is mainly rural, 98% of them live in rural areas. This tribal population is not a single homogenous society. There are seven major scheduled tribes in Bastar: Gonds, Muria, Maria, Dhorla, Bhatra, Halba, Dhurva. It has been observed that the tribal communities possess considerable degree of heterogeneity. They tend to live in homogeneous groups covering distinct and defined territories. In interior villages they live a very primitive life style having agriculture as the main source of income. They employ very primitive methods of agriculture; hence the agricultural outcome is very low. They are forced to depend also on forest for their livelihood.

The Halba: Halbas are mainly farmers. This tribe is found not only in yhe states of Bastar but they are spread in Madhyapradesh, Orissa and too Maharastra. They speak Halbi dialect. Halbi was the language the king of Bastar used to speak. Halbas of Bastar believe that their ancestors came from Warangal, Andhra Pradesh with Raja Annam Deo.

It seems that the origin of the name Halba is from the word Hal that means plough. One who bears Hal (Plough) is known as Halba. There is another legend regarding the origin of the name 'Halba'. Once goddess Parvati came to visit her people. She noticed that a few farmers were harvesting. There were four effigies kept to secure a better crop.  Goddes Parvati with her divine power made these effigies alive. These effigies started dancing by shaking their bodies. Seeing the lively effigies the king asked to which tribe they belonged.  The people could not say to which tribe they belonged. The Goddess Parvati told them you will be known as ' Hali Batta ' which means one who shakes himself or herself. (Hilnewala)

The Muria: The Murias are neat, industrious and good cultivators who constitute the major bulk of the tribal population in Bastar. Etymologically the word Mur is a word in Sanskrit. It means mool, that is, the root, the beginning etc. Therefore it denotes the first inhabitant (Moolnivasi). Because of this understanding the word Muria was used to identify all the inhabitants of Bastar. The concluding program of the famous Bastar Dasahara was known as Muria Darbar. It denoted the gathering of all inhabitants of Bastar. Later making the distinction with the Muria tribe the Muria Darbar is substituted with the name Adivasi Darbar. 

       There are three categories of Murias : Raj Muria, Ghotul Muria and Jhoria Muria. Rajmurias are found in Jagdalpur Thahasil. Ghotul Murias and Jhoria Murias are foungd in Kondagaon and Narayanpur areas. Now the Jhoria Murias are absorbed in Ghotul Muria.

The 'Ghotul' of Murias

       Though the name Ghotul Muria is prevalent the institution of Ghotul has almost faded away from Bastar. The 'Ghotul' of Murias, the village dormitory, the bachelor's hall, is peculiar to the Murias of Bastar. It is meant for the young unmarried members of both sexes. "'Ghotul' is an autonomous body of youth. It is organized to serve at important functions in life. The disciplining of youth for better life, organizing different work groups to serve the villagers on different occasions which demand collective effort, helping the clan of priests to organize clan festivals, the ceremonial hunting and fishing etc, are a few of the major activities of Ghotul

       The initiation to 'Ghotul' marks real steps towards maturity in the Muria community. According to Elwin, among the Murias the whole trend of life in the society is directed towards transferring the parent child relation to the 'Ghotul' relation. From an early age the children start going to the 'Ghotul'. The little boy or girl finds the 'Sirdar' and 'Belosa', the male and female leaders of 'Ghotul' community, taking place of their parents. "Though there is no fixed age for admission, children of six or seven normally start coming to 'Ghotul'

Organisation of a Ghotul

       Ghotul association normally gives membership only to unmarried boys and girls at times with an exception to widows and widowers. A male member is known as "Chelik" and girl "Motiari". Boy leader is known as "Sirdar", and girl leader "Belosa".

Ghotul Regulations

       There are traditionally defined routines for a Ghotul. Each Ghotul has a formal council to regulate its affairs. In the afternoon, the female members come and clean the compound of Ghotul.  At sunset they set a fire at the center of the compound and retire to their homes. After taking the evening meal the male members come to the Ghotul with their musical instruments and sleeping mats, axe, etc. The little boys bring wood as fuel for the fire. The female members come a little late because they have to finish the household works.  When all the members reach they discuss matters of importance and this follows music and dance. The young boys and girls salute all the senior members and they retire.

The Maria (Madia): The word madia is originated from the word Mad of Gondi dialect, which means the hill. Therefore Madia means the people who live in hills.  There are two categories of Marias. Abujj Madias and Dandami Madias. Abujj Marias are inhabited in Abujjmad areas of Narayanpur District. They are known also as hill Marias. The group that left the hill areas and inhabited in the planes of Bastar, Bijapur, and Dentewada districts is known as Dandami Madias. They are also known as Bison Horn Madias because of the peculiar crown decorated with the hones of Bison which the mail members use during their tribal dance.

The Bhatra: Bhatras are considered well advanced tribe of Bastar. They seem much advanced in the way of thinking, furnishing the houses and even cultural performances like Dramatics, dances etc. They are inhabited in the eastern part of Bastar region. According to the legends they are the few who went with King Purushotham Dev to Jagannathpuri and returned. As they returned the king gave them sacred thread as a special honor. While giving the thread the king addressed them "Bhadr" (civilized) and this makes the origin of Bhatra tribe. The Bhatra tribe speaks the dialect Bhatri. It is a mixture of the dialect Halbi and Odia language. 

The Dorla: We find people belonging to this tribe mainly in Konta and Bhopalpattanam areas of Bastar. Their dialect is Dorli which is highly influenced by Thelugu language. They believe that their ancestors came from Warangal, Andhraparadesh. According to a legend in the beginning a cow too was originated together with the Supreme Being. Therefore Dorla people keep much affinity with cows and they pay much respect to deity Bheema Dev. Dorlas are famous in celebrating the marriage feast of frogs to get sufficient rain. It is known as "Kappal Pandum" It is celebrated by the women flock. A date for the feast is fixed by the priest and on that day the ladies of the village collect frogs from the fields and keep them in a new pot. The pot will be covered with a new cloth and this will be taken to the village head's house and it remains there for a week and they are taken in a procession and left to the near by streams or ponds. During the feast days the aged women in the village pay special homage to the Clan gods.

The Dhurva: People of Dhurva tribe are found mainly in Darbha and Chintgarh areas of Bastar. They are courageous and known for their bravery. Therefore they were the people who used to get special appointment to take care of the Kings' Palace. This tribe had given birth to a famous warrior Gundadhur who led the tribal mutiny in 1910. People belonging to Parja tribe in Bastar are considered as a sub tribe of Dhurva tribe but at present they are merged into Durva tribe. Durva community celebrates a festival known as "Gurgal" continuously for one month every year which is known for its musical importance.

       Though we find differences between tribes in their thought pattern, life style, celebrations, rituals etc., there are a lot of common elements they share in their cultural expressions. Almost all the tribals are non-vegetarian. All of them venerate Danteswari mai, Mavli matha, Bhima dev, Bhairam, Pattdev, and Angadev. Singing and dancing are indispensable part of their life. Superstitions are prevalent among all tribes. Arranged marriage, love marriage and marriage by abduction are common among all the tribes. Majority lives in a joint family. Polygamy is not a crime among them. Tribals of Bastar do not have a natural attraction towards education even today. They hesitate to go to a doctor for treatment. They don't worry about the problems of their life.

Pravir Chandra Bhanj Deo

Pravir, King of Bastar (Pravir Chandra Bhanj Deo 25 June 1929 - 25 March 1966) was the first Oriya ruler and 20th Maharaja of Bastar state who was killed in 1966 by then Congress government of Madhya Pradesh for championing the cause of his subjects. He fought for rights of the tribal people.
The Last Kakatiya ruler of Bastar was adored by his subjects. He was born in 25 June 1929 and was educated at Rajkumar College, Raipur. He succeeded to throne on 28 October 1936.

He was immensely popular among his people, as he took up the cause of the local tribals, and provided political leadership against exploitation of natural resources of the region, and corruption in land reforms, thus he was perceived a threat by the then ruling congress people. On March 25, 1966 he was killed in police firing at the steps of his own palace at Jagdalpur along with many of the royal court. Officially the death toll was twelve including the king and wounded were twenty; the police had fired sixty one rounds.

Traditional Dhokra Crafts from Tribals of Bastar Chhattisgarh, India

Survival for the ethnic population is dependent on the unfathomed ways of nature. They seem to instinctively sense the very core of nature, converse with its magestic silence and learn from its ancient wisdom. Nature’s exuberance gaiety and colour with all its subtleties have left an indelible mark on their imagination and creativity. They do not attempt to dominate or outwit the natural forces, but have learn to live in harmony with them. All available natural resources are utilized to their optimum potential. Honed and perfected over the generation almost all object of daily use surpass their original function and are transforming into objects of great aesthetic value. As a result, what has evolved is an indigenous technology that is simple in concept but sophisticated in practice. Nowhere is this more clearly reflected than in the construction of their houses. The fences erected around the houses are constructed with bamboo sticks. Pigsties and hencoops are similarly constructed. The houses themselves are made of mud, branches, bamboos, and thatches, all materials sourced from their immediate environment, and skillfully utilized.

Bell Metal (Dhokra):

The BELL METAL or DHOKRA is one of the earliest known method of metal casting. This craft dates back to pre-historic time of Harrappa and Mohenjodaro period of Indus Civilization.

Dhokra metal casting is perhaps the only living tradition of metal image making in Eastern India. The technique has managed to survive many centuries and change of dynasties owing to its modesty of application in everyday lives if traditional tribal people of BASTAR, Chhattisgarh, INDIA by more than 10,000 traditional tribals.

Artwork is done with hand, without any advancement of technology.

The unique 13 stage process of DHOKRA/BELL METAL making is the original creative instinct of the craft persons, which is a beautiful amalgation of art and science.

The ancient art of cire-perdue or lost wax thread method of metal casting is still used by the tribal people of BASTAR, from Chhattisgarh over a last 200 years. They do not attempt to dominate or outwit the natural forces. But have learnt to live in harmony with them. All available natural resources are utilized to their optimum potential.

The DHOKRA/BELL METAL castings of figurines and different animals with their antique look, fits in with interior decor. DHOKRA/BELL METAL is an alloy of brass, nickel and zinc that gives an antique effects of the castings.

Earlier craftsmen used to create only traditional ritualistic items and decorative pieces but now with new designs inputs, there has been a lot of product diversification, resulting in numerous innovative utility items like door handles, lamp shades, hangers, boxes and caskets of different shapes and sizes. More than 10,000 unique old tradition and new design products are available right now and continuously increasing.

MINOR FOREST PRODUCES IN BASTAR

Bastar-The Paradise of  Tourists' Bastar , The Land of Tribals and Natural Resources , is also enriched with natural beauty and pleasant atmosphere. It is surrounded  with dense  forests ,hilly mountains , streams, waterfalls , natural caves , natural parks etc. It is firmly a tribal area, where the natural beauty can easily attract the tourists at first sight itself. Here the art & culture is the valuable ancient property of the Bastariyas.  From the view point of tourists and tourism , Bastar is called the 'Kashmir of Chhattisgarh'. If we place Bastar in the map of tourism , no doubt it definitely attracts the foreign tourists.                The deep forest area ,between bushes and bamboos  where one always felt the absence of sunlight , wide and thick forests , costly  woods such as Sal , Teak , Sheesam ,Bija etc., between high mountains  cool flowing stream , mountain valleys , caves , high waterfalls , sky-touching valleys and in the valleys the spread of greenary and in between this , the huts made by bamboo sticks, the fearless life style of the tribals and their culture, our heart and mind can be fill with new  wonders and pleasure.               There are 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..   It is being heard that there are many places of worth seeing which are still unexplored .Bastar will  imprint an  unerasable memory   in the mind of a tourist   if once he visit here .               The important tourist places in Bastar district are Chitrakot and Tiratgarh (both are water falls), 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 of worth seeing. There is another tourist spot virgin Kurschel Valley, with its gigantics trees, situated at 40 Kms. north west of Narainpur. There are two wild life sanctuaries Bhairamgarh and Pamed which are in Dantewada district. The famous historical  temple of  Goddess Danteshwari is situated in Dantewada.Another place of historical interest in Dantewada district is Barsur.               If you want to feel the complete joy of the Tourism , so let come , enter into the beautiful scenes of Bastar . Here you will get the same joy and peace where one gets at the places of tourism.
	About JAGDALPUR Town                        Jagdalpur, the  headquarters of Bastar district and entire Bastar division , is a small and developing town with all facilities. The area of the town is 8.50 sq.km. and the area of the Jagdalpur urban including the jagdalpur town is 23.75 sq.km. The Jagdalpur urban area not only includes Jagdalpur town but also includes the areas Frijarpur,Hotakachor,Sargipal and Dharampura which are  the outgrowth areas of  Jagdalpur town.All the higher education institutions such as Arts & Science Colleges, P.G College, Engineering & Polytechnic Colleges, Hostels etc and Anthropological Museum are located in Dharampura.                             Jagdalpur is one of the small and beautiful towns of not only in Chhatisgarh State , but also in Madhya Pradesh State where it was earlier , before the new state formation.Jagdalpur is rich in greenary, with big trees everywhere, and plantations surrounding the town providing a pleasant and healthy atmosphere and free from pollution.Because of this the temperature even in peak summer is moderate which is a key attraction of Jagdalpur.                           It   has a mixed culture of people pertaining to different states such as  Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Bengal, Punjab and etc. Most of them are settled as business men and as government servants.Jagdalpur is one of the few towns in India where people of different religion, caste and culture are living  in peace and harmony.                        The total Jagdalpur (urban) population is 84578 in which the male population is 43660 and that of female is 40918. As compared to other parts of Bastar district ,the tribal population is very less at Jagdalpur who are concentrated outside the district capital.The total ST population at Jagdalpur is 11662 (Male-6135, Female-5527) and the total SC population is 8695 (Male-4370, Female-4325). The total literate population is 51528 in which the male literate is 29967 and that of female is 21561.                                        In Jagdalpur town, the main shopping complexes are there   in the main  market areas namely, Gole Bazar and Sanjay Market,where   almost all types of items are available. The main vegetable market is also situated at Sanjay Market area where tribals from near by villages come and sell fresh vegetables. Especially the Gole Bazar is worth seeing during night hours and during Dusshera and Diwali festival seasons.Another place of interest for tourists in Jagdalpur is Kumhara Para area where all types of handicraft items made by the skilled hands of Bastar tribes are available.                    Apart from Government rest houses a number of good Hotels and Lodges are available in Jagdalpur . Three good cinema theatres are also available for the purpose of entertainment.There is a beautiful park which is a good means of amusement .A small but good Stadium , Akashavani(All India Radio ) and  Doordarsan stations  , Anthropological Museum, Forest Training College etc enriches the decency of the town. There are also a number of good schools(both Hindi & English medium)   for primary-middle-high school education.For details refer the District Profile Page.                      A modest MPSRTC bus stand is there in Jagdalpur which provides bus services  to various places connected to Jagdalpur .In addition to this a railway station is also there and a passenger train with sleeper coach is running daily to Vishakhapatnam and vice-versa. The railway station is located in a naturally beautiful area ,where sometimes film shootings are carried out.More over an  Air Strip is also situated in Jagdalpur; but presently no passenger services are rendering from here .

	Main Attractions The key attractions in Jagdalpur town are Danteshwari Temple, Bastar Palace, Handicraft shopping complexes, ,Anthropological Museum and a couple of beautiful lakes.		1				1
						Danteshwari Temple It is an ancient temple built by the kings of Bastar for inhabiting there family Goddess ,Devi Danteshwari. Devi Danteshwari  is the Goddess of entire Bastar division, equally worshipped by Hindus as well as tribals.This temple is located beside Bastar palace and near to  Gole Bazar.It is   worth seeing and pleasant  to watch the temple during the famous Bustar Dusshera festival season, decorated in color lights and lambs, where the main traditional functions of the festivals are being  carried out.	1
	Bastar Palace     It is another historical remain that is seen in Jagdalpur.It was  the head quarters of  Bastar Kigdom. It was built by the rulers of Bastar State when the capital of Bastar kingdom had been shifted from Barsur to Jagdalpur.At present   this is keeping as a monument by the government.	1

	Anthropological Museum    This Museum is located in the office of the Anthropological Survey of India situated at Dharampura.It provides a perfect window-view of the life-styles of various adivasi tribes in Bastar to a tourist hard-pressed for time.	1		Lakes     The prominent river of Bastar district- Indravati, passes through Jagdalpur.There are two lakes namely Ganga Munda and Dalpat Sagar with in the boundary of Jagdalpur town.These lakes will be a great attraction for tourists coming to Bastar in the future.		1
	Handicrafts   Various kinds of exotic handicrafts made by the skilled hands of Bastar tribals are available in shops which are concentrated at Kumharapara, Jagdalpur. These include  wooden crafts, bamboo crafts, terracota, bell metal items,wrought iron items and cotton fabrics(Kosa sari etc).	1					1

	MAIN TOURIST SPOTS  Chitrakot Waterfalls                 Chitrakot, the gorgeous waterfall is on the river Indravati, situated at a distance of 38 Km. in the west of Jagdalpur. Height of  this waterfall  is approximately 100ft.The Chitrakot waterfalls can be called as the smaller form of the world famous Nayagra waterfalls.The rainbow colors of the falls attracts the tourists at the first sight itself. This is the prime atttaction for all tourists and worth seeing in rainly season, between July and October. These waterfalls are in a horse-shoe shape and often compared to the great Niagara. A government rest house is available.
			Tiratgarh Waterfalls     These waterfalls are  situated at a distance of 35 Km. from Jagdalpur in south west direction and can be approached these waterfalls through the state highway of Jagdalpur to Sukma. The waterfall is actually situated in Kanger Valley National Park and the height is approximately 300 ft. This place is a favorite picnic resort, especially for large groups looking for a day-long picnic in a forest. The good season for visiting these waterfalls is from October to February. A Government rest house is also available.
	Kutumsar Caves and Kailash Gufa               This is a biggest tourist attraction, and are close to Tiratgarh waterfalls. Both Kutumsar Caves and Kailash Gufa are located in Kanger Valley National Park and situated at a distances of 38 Km. and 40 Km. from Jagdalpur respectively. The kutumsar caves are pitch-dark caves, which has Stalactites and Stalagmites in fantastic formations. A forest guard equipped with a torchlight  will be provided for necessary guidance. Kailash gufa is also similar to the Kutumsar caves.		Click on the Photo for full Picture
			Click on the Photo for full Picture
	KANGER VALLEY NATIONAL PARK             The park is Paradise for the nature lovers. The Moist Peninsular valley Sal forests and the South Indian Tropical Moist Deciduous forests are seen in their finest form here.The park is situated in a transitionzone where southern limit of sal forests and northern limit of teak forests overlap.Hence both sal and teak are seen together in this valley.            The valley is infact one of the last pockets of almost virgin forests still left in the Peninsular region.To protect this unique eco-system ,it has been proposed as a Biosphere Reserve under the MAB Programme.The valley is nearly 34 kms. long with average width of about 6 kms.The terrain is hilly mostly. The Park fauna consists of  tiger ,panther wildcat, cheetal,samber,barking deer,wild pig,jackal,langur,rhesus macaque,sloth bear,flying squirrel, python,hyena,rabbit,crocodile,otter,and civet.The avian fauna includes birds of prey ,scavenging birds, waterbirds, pheasants etc.The reptiles include snakes, lizards and the insects include butterflies,moths.dragonflies,grasshoppers etc.Lower forms of plants such as fungi,algae,bryophytes and pteridophytes are also quite common.All these put together with the virgin forests make the park a unique ecosystem. The Park derives its name from the Kanger river which flows throughout its length .There are many scenic spots along this perennial stream.Rather bigger tourist attraction are the Kotamsar Caves, Kailash Caves, limestone Caves etc.The gorgeous waterfall Tirthgarh is also here. Kanger Dhara and Bhaimsa Dharha are two good picnic resorts  and especially Bhaimsa Dharha is a crocodile park.

			Other Places Of Attraction There are a chain of waterfalls and many other tourist places in Bastar.The MANDAWA waterfalls is located 12 kms away from Tokapal of Jagdalpur Tehsil. It is also a natural place of tourism. Another waterfall in Bastar district is CHITRADHARA ,which is just 19 kms away from Jagdalpur and is in Potanar village of Lohandiguda block of Jagdalpur Tehsil. THAMADA GHUMAR water fall is another recently discovered waterfall which is also in Lohandiguda block.Its height is more than 100 feet and is generally formed from the water in rainy season.There are green fields on both sides of this waterfall . Indravati National Park situated in Narainpur Tehsil is famous for tigers and wild buffaloes.It is situated 200 kms. west of Jagdalpur.Also about 40 kms. north west of Narainpur is the virgin Kurschel Valley, with its gigantic trees.
	Tourist Spots in Dantewada      Dantewada , the neighbour district of Bastar is about 82 kms away from the district headquarters Jagdalpur whcih is also a hot cake for tourists. The ancient and historical temple of Goddess Danteshwari is situated at   Dantewada .Barsur is another historical place in Dantewada distict where many archaeological remains of the past can be seen.This place is famous for its natural beauty also.There are two wildlife sanctuaries Bhairamgarh and Pamed in Dantewada district.