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The name Chhattisgarh is not
ancient and has come into popular usage in the last few centuries.
In ancient times the region was called Dakshin Kosala. All
inscription, literary works and the accounts of foreign travelers,
call this region Kosala of Dakshin Kosala. According to Hari
Thakur, the contest between Jabalpur and Chhattisgarh for the name
Mahakosala is settled beyond doubt in favour of Chhattisgarh in
the light of available evidence. Even during the reign of the
Mughals, it was called Ratanpur territory and not Chhattisgarh.
The word Chhattisgarh was popularized during the Maratha period
and was first used in an official document in 1795.
A British Chronicler, J.B. Beglar provides and interesting story
explaining the origins of the name Chhattisgarh. It becomes very
relevant in the context of contemporary caste consciousness and
the caste configuration of the region. According to Beglar "the
real name is Chhattisghar and not Chhattisgarh. There is a
tradition saying that ages ago about the time of Jarasandha,
thirty six families of dalits (leather workers) emigrated
southwards from Jarasandha's kingdom and established themselves in
country, which after them is called Chhattisgarh". Another common
explanation regarding the origins of the name Chhattisgarh is that
it denotes the number of forts in the region, which are supposed
to be thirty six in number. However, experts do not agree with
this explanation, as thirty-six forts cannot be identified in the
region. An explanation popular with the experts and historians in
that Chhattisgarh is the corrupted form of 'Chedisgarh' or the
political seat of the Chedis. |
