Bastar

THE PLACE

This land is richly endowed with minerals and forest resources. It has the largest strength of tribes anywhere in the world. The Gonds (a tribe) in Bastar remain perhaps the least in contact with the world outside.

TOPOGRAPHY

On the mountains of Abujmarh, spread over the tehsils of Narainpur, Bijapur, and Dantewada, live the Maria tribes of Bastar. This 3,900 square km area shelters the people in small villages.

PLACES TO VISIT

Bastar is, predominantly, a forest area, and home of Marias and Murias, both extremely colorful and picturesque tribes, who have preserved their ancient culture. At Jagdalpur, the colorful festival of Dussehra is celebrated on a grand scale every year.

Chitrakote Falls

. At this place, the river Indrawati has a fall of 96 ft.

Tirathgarh Falls

. The picturesque waterfalls are 100 ft. in height.

Kutumsar Caves. The place abounds in caves. The five chambers in the cave have several blind wells, all except one covered with a sheet of rock that, when struck, gives a hollow sound. Dantewada is famous for its Danteshwari Temple. At Barsur, an old Shiva temple has 12 pillars. In addition, there is a Ganesha Temple and Mama Bhanja ka Mandir as well.

TRIBAL HERITAGE

Maria is the largest group of tribes in Bastar. Goddess Danteshwari is the reigning deity of the Marias. Marias are steeped in superstition. They have immense faith in magic. The Marias have mongoloid blood in them. They have a coppery complexion with straight black hair, wide mouth, and thick lips. The women are graceful, light in complexion, and pretty. The jewelry the Maria women wear is even more exotic. Most of it is handmade—necklaces made of cane, grass, or beads.

The women enjoy a considerable amount of freedom. Both boys and girls are allowed to spend a night out in the ghotul (kind of rest house), every week. Ghotuls are regarded as a shrine, built by Lingo Pen, a Gond (a tribe) cult hero. Here, the unmarried boys of the village learn songs and dance from their leader. They also sleep in the Ghotuls. Every week, there is a dance carnival as well. Girls also take part in it. Moreover, It is treated like a pilgrimage. FOOD

Rice is the principal crop of the area. Red ants, flying ants, mushrooms, squirrels, and rats are special delicacies. In addition, Marias are addicted to the use of liquor, brewed from mahuwa. They are fond of fish as well. Pork is a major item in their diet and almost every major ceremony commences with the sacrifice of a pig.

DANCE AND MUSIC

Bastar often resounds and reverberates with the beats of the drum. Country-dances are the chief source of amusement. In addition, cockfighting is a favorite pastime.

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is available at Raipur, Bilaspur, and Jagdalpur in private hotels and lodges. Accommodation is also available at government circuit houses. For reservations, one can contact Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation.

HOW TO REACH

Raipur is the most convenient place from where one can explore Bastar. It is linked with Delhi and Nagpur through air as well as rails. Bus services are available from Raipur for all places of tourist interest in the circuit.