Overview
Kondagaon district is an administrative district in the state of Chhattisgarh in central India. It lies in the Bastar region of southern Chhattisgarh and was carved out of the larger Bastar district as a separate revenue district. The headquarters of the district is the town of Kondagaon, which gives the district its name.
Key facts
| Country | India |
|---|---|
| State | Chhattisgarh |
| Region | Bastar division |
| Headquarters | Kondagaon |
| Parent district | Bastar district (prior to bifurcation) |
| Type | Revenue district |
Geography
Kondagaon district is situated in the southern part of Chhattisgarh, on the Bastar plateau. The terrain is characterised by undulating land, forested tracts and small rivers that drain through the Bastar region. The district shares boundaries with other districts of the Bastar division, including Bastar to the south and Kanker to the north. Forests of sal, teak and mixed deciduous species form a significant part of the land cover, and the district forms part of the broader tribal heartland of central India.
Administration
For administrative purposes the district is divided into tehsils and development blocks, with Kondagaon town serving as the seat of the district collectorate, the office of the Superintendent of Police and other district-level offices. The district falls within the Bastar revenue division of Chhattisgarh.
Demographics and society
The population of Kondagaon district has a substantial proportion of Scheduled Tribes, with communities such as the Gond, Maria, Muria and Bhatra historically inhabiting the area. Chhattisgarhi, Hindi and several Gondi-related tribal languages are spoken across the district. Local society retains strong traditions of community festivals, weekly haats (markets) and indigenous governance practices.
Economy and crafts
The economy of Kondagaon is largely agrarian, with paddy as the principal crop, supplemented by minor millets, pulses and the collection of non-timber forest produce such as tendu leaves and mahua. The district is widely known for its tribal handicrafts, particularly bell metal (dhokra) casting, wrought iron craft, terracotta and wood carving, which are produced by artisan communities and marketed under Bastar craft traditions.
Culture
Kondagaon shares the cultural landscape of Bastar, including festivals, ritual dances and tribal art forms. Traditional craft villages in the district have received recognition for preserving indigenous techniques, and several artisans from the area have been honoured at state and national levels for their contribution to Indian folk and tribal art.
Related topics
References
- Wikidata entity: Q12420995
- Government of Chhattisgarh, district administration portals