9th-10th October, 2021
After soaking admist the nature at Jagdalpur, we continued the journey to Raipur, the capital of Chattisgarh and an important district in terms of history and archaeology. Raipur city had been the capital of the Haihaya Kings, controlling the forts of the Chhattisgarh for a long time. The town of Raipur came into existence since the 9th century. Raipur is located near the centre of the large plain and referred as the “rice bowl of India” because hundreds of rice varieties are grown. There are three urban cities Raipur, Bhilai and Durg in West central of Chhattisgarh together creating Raipur-Bhilai-Durg Tri City Metro area.
IIM Raipur and AIIMS Raipur two of the premier institutes are located here.
History
Raipur district was once part of the Southern Kosal and considered to be under Maurya Kingdom. Satawahana Kings ruled from the 2nd to the 3rd century AD.
In the 4th Century AD, king Samudragupta conquered and dominated his rule in this region till the 5th Century AD. During the 6th Century AD the region came under the rule of Sarabhpuri Kings. For some period in 5th-6th Century AD, Nala kings dominated the area. Later, Somavanshi kings took control over this region and ruled with Sripur(The city of Wealth) as their capital city. MahashivguptBalarjun was the mightiest emperor of this Dynasty. His mother, the widow Queen of Harshgupta of the Somavansh, Rani Vasata built the famous brick temple of Lakshman.
The Kalchuri Kings of Tumman ruled this part for a long time making Ratanpur as capital. It is believed that the King Ramachandra of Kalchuridynasty established the city of Raipur and subsequently made it the capital of his kingdom.
Another story about Raipur is that King Ramachandra’s son Brahmdeo Rai had established Raipur. His capital was Khalwatika (present Khallari). The newly constructed city was named after Brahmdeo Rai as ‘Raipur’. In 1402 A.D. the temple of Hatkeshwar Mahadev was constructed on the banks of river by Kharun Hajiraj Naik. After the decline of this dynasty the region became the domain of Bhosle kings. Later the territory was assumed by the British Government from Bhonsla’a of Nagpur and Chhatisgarh was declared a separate Commissionery with its Headquarters at Raipur in 1854. After independence Raipur district was included in Central Provinces And Berar
Thing To Do
Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum
The museum was built by Raja Mahant Ghasidas of Rajnandgaon in 1875, and is one of the oldest museums in the country. This historical octagonal building flaunts a quaint library, spanning across 2 floors and 5 galleries. Check out the myriad ancient coins, sculptures, carvings, inscriptions, Buddhist bronzes, ornaments and clothes, belonging to the tribes of Chhattisgarh.
The most interesting sculpture is the one right beside the ticket window-Rudra Shiv. Do not forget to notice how faces emanate from every body part. Frogs as eye-lids, each holding an eyeball; the moustaches are actually fishes and ears are peacocks.
The museum’s library at the second-floor stocks the finest collection of images, coins, sculptures, inscriptions etc
Open to public on all days from 9.30AM to 6PM
Buddha Talab/ Burha Talab (old lake)-
The largest statue of Swami Vivekananda measuring 37-feet, is recorded in Limca book of records.
Vivekananda was 14 when his family shifted to Raipur because of his father’s professional work and the family resided near Buda Talab which is now called as Vivekananda Sarovar.
While reaching Raipur, they had to travel through Jabalpur, and travelled on Bullock cart. The journey changed his life completely where he was immersed in the thoughts of spirituality. It is believed that Swami Vivekanand visited the lake for a bath every morning during his 2 years stay in Raipur.
Timings : 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM / 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Dudhari Temple/Math
Sree Dudhdhari Math was founded by Shri Swami Balabhadradas Ji Maharaj, a monk belonging to 16th Century. As per legends Shir Swami Balabhadradas Ji Maharaj survived only on milk and hence became popular as Dudh Ahaari Maharaj (one who consumes only milk). With time, for the ease of pronunciation, the term evolved as Dudhdhari and thus the Math takes the name after the same.
Dudhdhari temple is an ancient temple built in 1610 by king Jitsingh. The temple is more than 400 years old but the spark still remains. A temple dedicated to Lord Rama and Vishnu. There is a stone inside called the floating stone from the Ramayana period.
Marine Drive
Situated in the heart of the city, along the periphery of Telibandha Lake, the Marine Drive is a Government initiative to attract tourists, with International tourist standard in place. The walls of the building adjoining the drive are painted with graffiti art by local artists giving the drive a splash of colors.
One can have a relaxing time with family or go on a run or cycle on the path admiring the beauty of the sunrise or sunset. The distinct ‘Mor Raipur’ meaning ‘My Raipur’ inscription statue, marks the famous selfie-point in the drive.
We were elated to meet people with different purpose. Sameer, a businessman and a wildlife photographer from Mumbai who loves to drive around India and was driving back to Mumbai from Raipur. Mr. Vikas Chhugani, owner of Hotel Kingsway in Raipur, who as a young firebrand entrepreneur keeps the vibe of the city alive through various activities like hosting stand comedy events. Three young boys at Marine Drive were talking to people and creating awareness about burning issues through their YouTube channel.
This story was covered during the ongoing All India Road trip in association with Indiatourism Bengaluru, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and is a Rustik Travel initiative.