Raigarh
Raigarh (Hindi: रायगढ़) is a city and a Municipal Corporation in Raigarh district in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. It is the administrative headquarter of Raigarh district.
History
Prior to Indian Independence, Raigarh was a Princely state. The former king and his sons still live here. They still lead a royal life but with no rent to collect. Their palace - 'Moti Mahal' - is in very bad shape. It was declared a heritage site very recently by the state government.The palace is open to visit,however not a great beauty to see is left. There are many rumours around related to this palace.
Geography & Climate
Raigarh is located at 21.9°N 83.4°E.[1] It has an average elevation of 215 metres (705 feet). The Kelo river flows through the city, which is one of its main water sources.
The minimum - maximum temperature range is 29.5 - 49 °C in summer, and 8 - 25 °C in winter.
Demographics
As of 2001 India census,[2] Raigarh district had a population of 12,69,925,[3] and the city of Raigarh a population of 364,287. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Raigarh has an average literacy rate of 71%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 79%, and female literacy is 62%. About 80% of the population are Hindus, 15% Christians and remaining 5% are other religions. In Raigarh, 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.
The major languages spoken are Chhattisgarhi, Hindi and Oriya.
Culture
Raigarh has been considered the cultural capital of Chhattisgarh. Raigarh is now famous for its cultural heritage with its own Kathak Gharana - Raigarh Gharana and its annual classical music concert - Chakradhar Samaroh. Chakradhar smaroh is fast becoming a national faestival with the artists coming around from all over the country.
Economy
Raigarh is famous for its 'kosa' or tasar (a kind of fine silk created by the silk worm feeding on mulberry fruit).
It is also on the industrial map, with the world's largest sponge iron plant and 62 industries surrounding this hill city. It has transformed into a growing industrial hub for the steel market. Just 8 km from Raigarh city is the world's largest sponge iron and steel plant owned by Jindal Steel and Power Limited. It has provided employment to large number of people. The chairman of the company is the renowned MP, Naveen Jindal. The Jindal township also includes, O. P. Jindal School, O. P. Jindal Institute of Technology,O.P.Jindal College, O.P. Jindal General Hospital and Heart Research Centre among many modern amenities.
Raigarh is an old city and the market place is congested with narrow and curving roads. Now the situations are changing drastically. It has become an industrial hub. More than 50 sponge iron plants have already been started in the vicinity of Raigarh and various industries are looking forward for opportunities. The new Raigarh consists of various shopping complex, broad four-lane roads, star hotels and much more.
Apart from these mainstream attractions, 'Dhokra Casting' or 'Bell Metal Casting' is world acclaimed art form of Raigarh. Based in the village of Ektal, the bell metal structures are famous for their aesthetic value.
Tendu patta collection is one of major source of economy for villagers, Raigarh District is one of major producer of rice.
Education
Raigarh is not far developed in terms of education but Raigarh still has of many schools and colleges which serve the students with the required education for a child.
Colleges
The major colleges consists of:
1. O.P. Jindal institute of technology
2. Kirodimal institute of technology (K.I.T.)
3. Kirodimal Govt Polytechnich (KGP)
4. P.D.Commerce & Arts College
5. K.G. Arts & Science College
6. Swami Balkrishna Puri Law College
7. Aricent College (Sarguja University) 8. O.P. Jindal Community College
Schools
The major schools are:
1. Govt Natwar Higher Sec School
2. Carmel Convent Senior Secondary School
3. O.P. Jindal School
4. Aricent Public School
5. Kendriya Vidyalaya
6. Sanskar Public School
7. Maharshi Vidya Mandir
8. Govt Girls Higher Sec School
9. Saraswati Shishu Mandir
10. Anand Vidya Bharati
11. Dav Public School
12. Delhi Public School (DPS)
13. Municipal Higher Secondary School
14. Guru Dronacharya Higher Sec School
15. Aadarsh gramya bharti vidya mandir
16. Bachpan, 151 Gulmohar Colony(A Play School)
17.salini public school ,boirdadar raigarh 18. Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya,Raigarh
source: Wikipedia(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raigarh)