Dantewada District is a district of Chhattisgarh and is also known as Dakshin Bastar District (South Bastar District). The district headquarters are located at Dantewada. This district is known for the being oldest inhabitance of India holding its own world without losing its way of life, its virtues, its dancing, its songs and its folklore. This district is bounded by Orissa in the east, by Bijapur District in the West, by Andhra Pradesh in the south and by Bastar District in the north. Dantewada District covers a total area of around 9046 sq kms.
History of Dantewada District
As per the history of Dantewada District, it was a part of princely state of Bastar before the independence of the country. After 1947, the former Bastar state became a part of Bastar District which was further divided into three districts - Bastar, Dantewada, and Kanker in the year 1999. In 2000 Dantewada District (till then which was a part of Madhya Pradesh) constituted in the formation of new state Chhattisgarh.
Geography of Dantewada District
Geography of Dantewada District encompasses hilly tracks, valleys, rivers and lush green forests. Dantewada is described as a paradise to the nature lovers. Dantewada District is also a home of different species of wild life such as the Tiger, Leopard, Deer, and Bison etc. Two species, which give Dantewada a cut above the rest, are Pahadi Maina and the Wild Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Dantewada District is blessed with various mines and minerals. Bailadila contains one of the largest deposits of Iron Ore in the world. The Iron content is as high as 68 per cent. Similarly deposits like Uranium, Granite, Graphite, Lime Stone and Marble are also found in the district. Dantewada District is rich in natural resources. Iron, high quality Granite and Silica are some of the valuable minerals found in this district.
Demography of Dantewada District
As per the census report of 2001, the total population of Dantewada District is 4,78,314. Dantewada District is inhabited by several tribal groups such as Maria, Muria, Dhurwa, Halba, Bhatra and Gond Tribe. The songs and dances they perform during various fairs adds color to the calm and pleasant rural life of the district. `Dandami Mariyas` or `Gonds of Bison Horn` dancing in groups is one of the main attractions of the tribal culture of this district. Tribes of Dantewada are also famous for their artistic excellence. They prepare outstanding artisans related to Terracotta, Bell Metal and Bamboo.
Tourism in Dantewada District
Dantewada District has several tourist attractions. Apart from Goddess Danteshwari Temple, this district has several ancient and historically important temples and sculptures. The sculptures of `Barsur` lets one to explore the glorious past of this region while the `Memory Pillars` which are found in many places of the district are handy in understanding the rich culture and tradition of the local tribes.
Dantewada District is one of the least literate districts of the country.
