Jagdalpur

Jagdalpur is a city and the administrative headquarters of Bastar district in the southern part of Chhattisgarh, India. Located on the banks of the Indravati River, it functions as the commercial, administrative, and cultural center of the Bastar region. The city developed as the seat of the Bastar princely state before Indian independence and later became part of Madhya Pradesh in 1956, before joining the new state of Chhattisgarh in 2000.

Jagdalpur is known for its tribal culture and traditional crafts. Bastar art is notable for Dhokra metalwork, wood carving, and hand-weaving. The region hosts the Bastar Dussehra festival, celebrated over several days with distinctive rituals and processions that attract visitors from across the country.

Natural and architectural attractions near Jagdalpur include the Kanger Valley National Park, which contains the Kutumsar Caves and the Tirathgarh Falls, both popular with visitors. The Bastar Palace in Jagdalpur is a remnant of the former princely state and an example of regional architectural heritage.

The local economy centers on agriculture, forest produce, and crafts, with markets trading in timber, spices, and handicrafts. The city serves as a gateway for tourists visiting southern Chhattisgarh and the Bastar region, and it hosts educational institutions and government offices that support regional administration.