The monuments of Chhattisgarh are the major attractions for thousands of tourists. People from all over the world throng the state`s streets to get a glimpse of these beautiful monuments. The major monuments of Chhattisgarh are the historical ones comparing to that of the religious monuments and reflect ancient architectural style to all of its nook and corner. The most famous monuments of Chhattisgarh are Ratanpur Fort, Kawardha Palace, Shiva Bhoramdeo Temple and Khadia Dam to name a few.
Some of the Historical Monuments in Chhattisgarh
Famous monuments of Chhattisgarh can be found in cities like Bilaspur, Durg, Dantewada, Bastar, Raipur, Raigarh, Kawardha etc. Bilaspur is a historically important city that consists of major monuments and is the first artificially planed hill station of India. Some of the most popular ancient buildings are Malhar Fort, Ratanpur fort, ancient Mahadev temple, Ajmergarh Fort, Kashigarh Fort, Kotagarh Fort, and Kotmi Fort. These monuments are famous for their historical significance and impressive architecture. Most of these monuments are built with bricks along with Pali inscription on slab of Jasper.
Bastar Palace
The wonderful Bastar Palace was constructed in the early 14th century, supposedly by the rulers of Bastar dynasty when they shifted their capital to Jagdalpur from Bursur. The dazzling white colour and amazing architecture represent the glorious period and the chivalry and heroism of the bygone era of the ruling dynasties of the city.
Mahamaya temple
Mahamaya temple in Ambikapur is an extremely revered, ancient shrine belonging to the Kalchuri era. The presiding deity is Goddess Mahamaya, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. According to records, the idol of Mahamaya belongs to the 2nd or 3rd century.
Vishnu Temple
The Vishnu Mandir was built by kings of Hayhay Vansh, near Bhima Talab of Janjgir in the 12th Century. It was being constructed in two parts to make a full temple, but both the parts were not assembled in time and as a result the temple is still incomplete.
Bhoramdeo Temple
Bhoramdeo temple of Raipur is a complex of Hindu temples dedicated to the Lord Shiva. The earliest of the four temples is made of brick and the main temple is built in stone. The temple has a rich archeological history dating back to the Kalachuri period of 10th-12th centuries.
Laxman Temple
Dating back to 625-650 AD, the Laxman Temple in Sirpur is one of the best examples of brick temples in India. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The intricate carvings on the temple include Lord Vishnu, Krishna Leela symbols, Vaishnava Dwarpal, and pictures bearing resemblance to erotic artwork.
Kanker Palace
Built in the first quarter of the last century, Kanker Palace was rebuilt and set in a garden in 1937. The Palace was earlier known as Radhanivas Bagicha. The residence of the British Agent during the Raj, it is now lived in by the Royal family. The palace resembles Colonial style of architecture.
Palace of Kawardha
Built in the 1930s, the Kawardha Palace is a heritage site situated on the Maikal Hill. The Palace is believed to have been built under the rule of Maharaja Dharamraj Singh between 1936 and 1939. It now forms one of the prime Tourist attractions in Kawardha.
Devrani-Jethani Temples
Devrani-Jethani Temples are two ancient temples situated at a distance of a few meters from each other. As per the legend, they were built for the wives of two royal brothers of Sharbhpururiya dynasty. Archeologists believe it to be of 5th or 6th century. The temples made of red sand stone resemble Gupta and Kushana architectural styles.
Ratanpur Fort
Ratanpur Fort, situated near Bilaspur is an old fort whose exact date of construction is shrouded in mystery. The fort lies in a dilapidated state now but displays some exquisite rock carvings and architecture of the bygone era.
Chaithurgarh Fort
Chaithurgarh Fort is an Archaeological Survey of India protected monument. It is considered as one of the strongest natural forts dating back to the Kalchuri Era 933 (1181-82 CE). The unique feature of the fort is a Mahishasur Mardini temple that has the idol of Mahishasur Mardini with 12 hands.
Malhar Fort
Malhar Fort in Bilaspur is a significant archaeological site that lies in ruins now. Situated at a strategic location where the western part is surrounded by river Arpa and the southern and eastern part are guarded by Shivanath and Lilagar rivers respectively, the fort dates back to the 2000 BCE.
Jod Gumbaz
Jod Gumbaz are twin mosques situated in Bijapur. This is also known as Abdul Razaq darga built in the year 1687, in memory of Khan Muhammad and Abdul Razzaq Qadiri. The tombs have substantial elevation since the graves are built at the floor level with galleries within the domes.
Mama Bhanja Temple
Mama Bhanja Temple is dedicated to God Shiva. According to a legend, the temple was built by two people who were related as uncle and nephew. Surprisingly, they completed the construction in a day and hence the temple was given this name. The date of its construction is still unknown but the monument is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
