Dantewara

Dantewara is located to the south of Bastar, Chhattisgarh. The place is named after the presiding deity of the place, Devi Danteshwari. Here the Goddess is idolized and venerated as an embodiment of Shakti or strength, with a special reference to female power. It is considered to be one of the 52 sacred seats of divine strength and power of the Goddess (Shakti Peethas), as mentioned in the Hindu legends. It is also believed that Lord Rama had taken refuge here during the period of his 14 years exile, as mentioned in the Ramayana, the oldest epic. The place was under the reign of various rulers with gradual passage of time like the Nagas, Satwanas, Nalas and Chalukyas. There are evidences of Buddhism and Jainism which prevailed here, probably way back to the 3rd century era. The Dantewada forests host a number of wildlife species like the Hill Myna and wild buffalo. The Hill Myna is a perfect mimic and very apt in picking up human voice. It is much in demand and hence becoming an endangered species for being hunted illegally and more frequently.  It is a booming hub of rich natural resources. It houses abounding reserves of limestone, uranium, corundum, granite and graphite. Bailadila has one of the largest iron ore deposits across the globe. It is undoubtedly a growing foremost mining region with a promising future. It is chiefly a tribal dominated area. The main tribes dwelling here are the Dhurwa, Maria, Halba, Muria, Gonds and Bhatra. These tribal societies embrace the section of people who understand the meaning of living together and join hands to work together to achieve any shared interest to cater to the benefits of their society. Every society has its own set of rules with respect to business and trade. These improve and strengthen their unity to live and work together, as one. The tribal groups although have undertaken various forms of odd jobs at present, yet their basic source of revenue depend on hunting and cultivation. In the ancient times, the tribal land areas were never surveyed and they did not lead a settled life. The tribal people carried out shifting cultivation, taking into consideration that they were the possessors of the natural resources like the river water, forest trees and the lush green lands. This practice of self cultivation still continues till date.