The new state of Chhattisgarh was created out of Madhya Pradesh on November 1, 2000. Raipur is its capital. Its border spreads across our states from Maharashtra to Orissa.

The river Mahanadi flows through the Chhattisgarh plain making it very fertile. Plenty of rice is grown here. This region is often referred to as the rice bowl of India.

Chhattisgarh has extensive forests. The Bastar hills are covered with forests. They consist of the finest teak, sal, ebony and rosewood trees. The hills are covered with bamboos, beautiful flowering and fruit trees. We get lot of resin, gum and lac from these forests. Chhattisgarh is very rich in minerals. Iron ore, coal, manganese and bauxite are found in large quantities.

Chhattisgarh has a largely tribal population, especially in Bastar. Bastar is the largest district of India. Tribal of this area are very simple people. They collect wood, honey and gum from the forest. TENDU leaves, used for making bidis are grown here.

Chhattisgarh has important industries. One of the important towns of Chhattisgarh is BHILAI. It has a very large steel plant.

Chhattisgarh also has rich scenic beauty. The Chitrakoot falls on the Indravati River is a symbol of sheer power and grandeur.

Coastline: outline of the coast; the coast is an area of land next to sea.

Dam: a strong wall built across a rover to store water.

Mineral: a substance formed naturally in rocks and in earth.

Tribals: Groups of people living in primitive stages.

Lake: a large area of water surrounded by land.

Sanctuary: a place where birds and animals are allowed to live freely and are protected.

a) Madhya Pradesh lies in the middle o India and as such has no coastline.

b) Chhattisgarh, a new state has been created out of Madhya Pradesh.

c) Narmada, Chambal, Tapi, Betwa and son are important rivers of Madhya Pradesh. All these rivers are rain fed.

d) Chhattisgarh is very fertile and is known as the rice bowl of India.

e) Bastar is famous for its forests with teak, sal, ebony and rosewood trees.

f) Resin and gum are collected from these forests.

g) Madhya Pradesh is also famous for its wild life like tiger, panther Indian bison and other animals. The white tiger of Rewa, a rare animal, is found here.

h) Iron ore, coal, manganese and bauxite are the minerals found in Chattisgarh.

i) Bhilai is famous for its steel plant.