Patalkot

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Author:Laxman Burdak, IFS (R)
Map of Chhindwara District‎
Patalkot - Tamia - Sitadongri - Kapoornala - Jhingariya

Patalkot (पातालकोट) is a beautiful deep valley in the Tamia tehsil of Chhindwara district in Madhya Pradesh, India. Patalkot is of great importance because of its geographical and scenic beauty. This valley is home to a tribal culture and enormous herbal wealth. Doodhi River flows in the picturesque Tamia valley. The Patalkot Forest was so well hidden that people on the outside didn't even know it existed.

Variants

Origin of name

Patalkot name comes from Sanskrit word Patala (पाताल) that means "very deep" and Kot (कोट) means "a place to live." or "Fort"

Jat Gotras Namesake

Bharashiva (भारशिव)/Bharshiv (भारशिव)[1] [2] Bhar (भार)[3] [4] is gotra of Jats. Bhar gotra of Jats are found in Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. [5]. Bhar clan is found in Afghanistan.[6] Bhar (भार), a Jat clan is found in Multan,Pakistan.[7]

Bhar, Bhargote and Bharashiva Gotras originated from Bhar Nagavanshi Kings of the period of Mahabharata. The ancient place of historical importance of Buddhist period, Bharhut gets the name after its rulers of clan Bhar. [8] They are also called Bharashiva. This gotra started from their ancestral people of Nagavansh who started the new system of worship of Shiva with sivalinga carrying on shoulders. This fact is derived from an Inscription of Bharashiva people found at Balaghat mentioned in Epigraphia Indica Vol.I. [9][10] [11]

Patalkot valley, the habitation of Bharias, is completely isolated valley some 400 metres below Tamia in Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh. This valley is the source of Dudhi River. Patalkot is totally inaccessible by road and one enters along a footpath only. But recently The Madhya Pradesh government established good road inside the Patalkot valley.

It is a matter of research if Bharshiv (भारशिव) people have any connection with Bharia people of Patalkot.

Location

Patalkot Map
Tamia - Sitadongri - Kapoornala Map
Sitadongri - Delakhari - Shrijhot - Ghatlinga- Gudichhatri - Satalba- Chhindi-Dudhi River Map

The Patalkot valley is located at a distance of 78 km from Chhindwara in the North-West direction. This deep valley is situated on the way to Bhopal from Chhindwara. Patalkot is 78 km away from Chhindwara, on a diversion route towards Tamia at a distance of 20 km from Tamia in the North-East Direction. It can be reached through taxi from Chhindwara. There is no facility of accommodation in the valley, the nearest accommodation facility is in Tamia at the Forest or PWD guest house. Patalkot valley is spread over an area of 79 km2 at an average height of 2750–3250 feet above Mean Sea Level from 22.24 to 22.29° North and 78.43 to 78.50° East.

The Patalkot valley is a deep, horse shoe/ cup shaped valley. It takes almost two hrs to arrive at Rated, a village that can be seen from the top of the valley. There is another way to enter in the valley; one can attain Chimtipur from Chhindi road. Chhindi is 6 kilometers away from the real gateway of Patalkot.[12]

Geography

Patalkot View

Patalkot is of great importance because of its geographical and scenic beauty. The Patalkot valley is spread over an area of 79 Sq. km. at an average height of 2750-3250 feet above Mean Sea Level from 22.24 to 22.29° North and 78.43 to 78.50° east. Doodhi River flows in the picturesque Tamia valley. The Patalkot Forest was so well hidden that people on the outside didn't even know it existed. It is a very special place, rich with plants and animals.The natives who live there know how to collect and grow the plants they need for food, clothing and building their homes. They also have a special skill that has been passed down every generation. [13]

Patalkot View

Doodhi River flows in the valley. This horse–shoe shaped valley is surrounded by hills and there are several pathways to reach the villages located inside the valley. The rocks are mostly by the Archaean era which are nearly 2500 million years and comprised with Granite gneiss, green schists, basic rocks, quartz with Gondwana sediments including conglomerate sandstone, shales and carbonaceous shales. The composite carbon on the rocks called Shilajit is also found on few patches in upper zones.

Villages in Patalkot

There are in total 12 main villages and 13 hamlets with a total population of 2012 (1017 male and 995 female) in the valley. These villages are located at the distance of 2–3 km each. The main villages of the valley are [14]:

Author's Visit

Author (Laxman Burdak) visited it many times during stay at Chhindwara from 25.07.1988 to 18.07.1990. Author (Laxman Burdak) visited it on 04.06.1989, 09.09.1988, 18.10.1988, 10.01.1989, 20.03.1989, 03.06.1989, 07.06.1989, 04.07.1989, 15.07.1989, 10.09.1989,

Images from Patalkot
  • Patalkot.04.06.1089

    Patalkot.04.06.1089

  • Patalkot.04.06.1089

    Patalkot.04.06.1089

  • Patalkot.04.06.1089

    Patalkot.04.06.1089

  • Patalkot.04.06.1089

    Patalkot.04.06.1089

  • Patalkot.04.06.1089

    Patalkot.04.06.1089

  • Patalkot-Tamia

    Patalkot-Tamia

  • Patalkot-Tamia

    Patalkot-Tamia

  • Patalkot-Tamia

    Patalkot-Tamia

  • Patalkot-Tamia

    Patalkot-Tamia

Tourism

The Bhonsle King after defeated by British Army found this place suitable for hiding and went deep into the forest of Patalkot. The area is called Rajakho in Patalkot. Traditionally, the site is believed to be the entrance to Patala. This valley had long been cut off from the outside and was discovered only a few years back. Patalkot has been a home to a tribal culture and custom since its origin.

In recent years, the government has been trying to make Patalkot an eco-tourism destination. The monsoon season is a popular time for visitors, as it is a sheltered area. Tourism marketing focuses on the local nature and adivasi culture connections – though this may change with increased impact from tourism and outside pressures. Patalkot is known for retaining its original culture and customs for a long time. Until a few years back, it was a world in its own with no influence from outside. To reverse the process of deforestation and forest degradation by positioning in ecotourism as a joint product. The Patalkot model of ecotourism, with the involvement of indigenous communities, has demonstrated its operational deliverance, adaptive evolution capabilities as well as been recognized as a successful model with several elements for replication. It started in 2009 with the joint effort of the ‘Centre for Forestry Research’ and HRD Poama, District Administration and District Olympic Association in which 3000 tribal youth were trained in adventure activities like parasailing, paragliding, rock climbing, trekking, bird watching and water sports. Every year a festival called Satpuda Adventure sports festival is organised during the month of October.

Patalaloka

The true history of Patalkot is not known. Patalkot is known for the entry to Patalaloka (Gate to enter Patalaloka). Patalkot name comes from Sanskrit word Patala (पाताल) that means very deep an Kot means “a place to live” or a Fort. Patala (पाताल) or Patalaloka (पाताललोक) is a mythological region composed of seven lokas, the seventh and lowest of them is also called Patala or Nagaloka, the region of the Nagas. Nagaloka (नागलोक) is mentioned in Mahabharata (III.81.12).[15].....Proceeding next to Sarpadarvi (सर्पदर्वी) (III.81.12), that excellent tirtha of the Nagas, one obtaineth the merit of the Agnishtoma sacrifice and attaineth to the region of the Nagas (Nagaloka).

Patalaloka (पाताललोक), in Hindu cosmology, denotes the seven lower regions of the universe - which are located under the earth. Patala is often translated as underworld or netherworld. Patala is composed of seven regions or lokas, the seventh and lowest of them is also called Patala or Naga-loka, the region of the Nagas. The Danavas, Daityas , Yakshas and the snake-people Nagas live in the realms of Patala.[16] According to Hindu cosmology, the universe is divided into the three worlds: Svarga (Heaven: six upper regions), Prithvi (earth) and Patala (the seven lower regions)- the underworld and netherworld.[17]

Different realms of Patala are ruled by different demons and Nagas; usually with the Nagas headed by Vasuki assigned to the lowest realm.[18] Vayu Purana records each realm of Patala has cities in it. The first region has the cities of the daitya Namuchi and Naga Kaliya; in the second Hayagriva and Naga Takshaka; in the third, those of Prahlada and Hemaka; in the fourth of Kalanemi and Vainateya; in the fifth of Hiranyaksha and Kirmira and in the sixth, of Puloman and Vasuki. Bali rules as the sovereign king of Patala.[19]

Patala or Nagaloka, is the lowest realm and the region of the Nagas, ruled by Vasuki. Here live several Nagas with many hoods. Each of their hood is decorated by a jewel, the light of which illuminates this realm.[20]

Patala region

Alexander The Great campaign India 326 BC

Patala (पाताल) was an ancient region in Sindh, Pakistan on the bank of Indus River around present Karachi and Hyderabad.[21] The identity of Patala is much debated among scholars.

Our purpose to discuss Patala region here is to find out any inter-connection with two far-off regions with similar names Patala (पाताल) and Patalkot (पातालकोट). Probably Alexander The Great's campaign India 326 BC might have forced people to migrate from Patala in Sindh and settle in safe region of Patalkot? Alternately natural calamities may have forced to migrate people from Patala and settle in Patalkot region.

Variants of name Patala: Patala region was known by different names as under:

History: The 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica says that a Scythian horde was seated at Pattala on the Indus, in 625 BC; this may have been the Sibi.

Regio Patalis is Latin for "the Region of Patala". It took its name from the ancient city of Patala at the mouth of the Indus River in Sindh, Pakistan. The historians of Alexander the Great state that the Indus parted into two branches at the city of Patala before reaching the sea, and the island thus formed was called Patalene, the district of Patala. Alexander constructed a harbour at Patala.[22][23]

While the Patala was well known to mariners and traders of the Ancient Mediterranean, by the European Middle Ages, mapmakers no longer knew its location. Regio Patalis appeared on late 15th and early 16th century maps and globes in a variety of increasingly erroneous locations, further and further east and south of India. It even appeared on some maps as a promontory of Terra Australis.

Some scholars identify Patala with Thatta, a one-time capital of Sindh. But the identity of Patala is much debated among scholars.

Legend

There is a belief that after worshipping Lord Shiva, Prince Meghnad son of Ravana had gone to Patalaloka through this place only. People say that Bhonsle Kings ruled this place in the 18th and 19th Centuries and that there was a long tunnel connecting this place to Pachmarhi in Hoshangabad District. Traditionally, the site is believed to be the entrance to Patalaloka and discovered just few years back. Also this the same place from where Lord Hanuman entered Patalaloka to save Rama and Lakshmana from Ahiravana (King of Patalaloka and Ravana brother) when Ahiravana (also known as Mahi Ravana) kidnapped Rama and Lakshmana.[24]

Culture

Gonds and Bharias mainly constitute the population of Patalkot. It is said that Bharias have been living here for more than 500 years.

Tribal men, women and children wear traditional dresses during their festive times. Chulki, Mundri, Binoria, Toda, Hasli, Kardona, Paijan, Mohanmala, Kushmala, Mungiamala, Markadhana mala and Patli are the common ornaments they wear at this time.

Tribal members perform prayers and rituals every day. The place where they perform Pooja (prayer) is called as Devghar. Tribals worship Mahadev, Badadev, Madai, Madmi Mai, Doolhadev, Nandia, Surjadev, Agiadev as their gods and goddesses.

Nagda, Timki, Shehnai, Chakule, Singa, Tambura, Chikara, Bansuri, Ghunghru, Khadtaal, Madar, Dhol, Dahak and Tudiya are the common instruments played during certain ceremonies and rituals.[25]

As mentioned by Dr Deepak Acharya in an article published in ECOS MAGAZINE- Australia Wisdom from the Heart of India, Patalkot is home to a tribal culture and custom. The valley now faces threats of deforestation.[26]

Rituals and Tradition: Tribals perform dance in each of their social and culture gatherings. Few important dances include: Holi, Gusai, Karma, Rreena, Saila, Gendi, Dadariya, Jharpat, Bilma, Tapadi, Cherta, Sing Madiya, Hulki, Rela, Choli, Ghanti, Madri, Gour, Sahul, Tunta, Karama, Dumkuch, Dhuriya, Thapti, etc.[27]

Saila Dance: In the Gondwana region of central India, a festival called Bhujaliya is celebrated with a lot of joy and excitement. This festival is celebrated throughout the month. In this, a group of 8-10 men perform dance. They hold a drum stick (1-1/2 feet long) in their hands. They dance in a circle. They keep on singing folk songs too. Dhol and Timki instruments are played.

Karma Dance: Karma basically is a dance of Baigas who live in Mandla district but tribals in this valley also perform this ritual. Tribals bring Karmi/ Kalmi or Haldu (Adina cordifolia) twig from the forest. They put this twig in a drench or pit and cover the soil. Before putting the twig inside the soil, the twig is covered with a cloth. Madar, Dhol and Bansuri are played. These tribals dance near the place where they put the twig. They dance overnight.

At one side, a group of men hold their hands and dance in semi lunar pattern. At the other side, girls and ladies hold their hands in other’s waist. They also dance. Tribals keep in on singing their folklores at this time. In the songs, they ask questions and receive answers from their counterparts. Dhol and Madar players stand in between both the group.

Important festivals: Meghnath is one the most important fair of Gonds of the valley. This fair is celebrated on Chait Purnima (full moon night). On this occasion, tribals make a wish and revolve themselves on a big pillar. The Meghnath worshipping place in each village is predestined and it is said to be a holy place in the village. A dais is made on the base of 4 big Saal (Shorea robusta) trunks. Thick trunk of Saal tree is also put near the Meghnath. This is known as Jheri. Oil, ghee and other lubricants are applied on the trunk of this. One the distal end of Jheri, coconut, ghee and few coins are tied. Tribal men try to climb on this trunk and in the meantime, women try to stop them. They hit them with a stick. Whosoever climbs and plucks this, is awarded in the fair. If none is succeeded, the award is given to the ladies those who stop them.[28]

Madai: Tribals get together on a pre-decided date and place to worship their lords. This is known as Madai festival. Here they fulfill their social and cultural requirements. This festive time somewhere near Deepawali time brings happiness among the tribal community. Idols of their respective Gods and Goddesses are brought to a place. Tribals dance all through the day and night. Madai is generally the last festival time of the tribals in any year. They try to enjoy it as much as they can.[29]

Cultivation pattern

Bharia tribes perform Dahiya cultivation. The time has changed the method but, still, they perform such type of cultivation in Patalkot. In this method of cultivation, soil is not ploughed. They dig the soil by their own hands using a Khurpi. There is less plain land therefore, ladder shaped or canal shaped rifts are made on the soil. They plant the seedlings here. Bharias believe that soil is their mother and they should not use Bhakkhar (Plough). It may give pain to their motherland. Nari, Basula, Girma, Pans, Hasiya, Tapar, Khant, Por, etc. are the basic requirements for the cultivation.[30]

Gonds and Bharias mainly constitute the population of Patalkot. They cultivate their own crops viz., Maize, Millets, Rice and Wheat etc. Men, women and children wear traditional dresses. Chulki, Mundri, Binoria, Toda, Hasli, Kardona, Paijan, Mohanmala, Kushmala, Mungiamala, Markadhana mala and Patli are the common ornaments they show off in their festive times.[31]

Edibles and Beverages: It includes various types of food. Tribals cook roti (Chapati) for the lunch and dinner. Grain powder (Atta) of Maize, Jowar, Bajra, Kodo, Wheat, Gram, Udad, Kulthi and Jhurjhuru is prepared in their home itself. After mixing water in this grain powder, they roast it on iron pot called Tava. They like to make Daal in their dinner. Daal is prepared by using Masur, Tuar, Chana, Moong, Kulthi and Tevda pulses. Sometimes they make a special dish called as Daliya. Maize, Jowar and Wheat are mixed together for this. They like to have Bhaat (Rice) everyday in their meals. Bhaat, Kodo, Kulthi, Bhadli, Sama, Dodma is taken for this. For curry making, they prefer to cook Kaddu, Tumdi, Karela, Gataru, Rethu, Bhura, Bhata, Kacharia, Kunduru, Bathua, Chirota, Rajbhaji and Rirua. Peja is also a special dish in each tribal hut. Bhaat, Kodo, Kutki and Sama are mixed together and fermented for 3-4 days. Buttermilk is added for better flavor. Tribals are non-vegetarians. They hunt animals and cook flesh of Goat, Sheep, Sambhar, Deer, Rabbit, Wild Pig or Bore, Cheetal, Keetri, Teetar, Fadki, Hariyal, Peacock, Cock, Hen, Fish, Crab, Pigeon, etc. Common spices for all such dishes contain chili, salt, turmeric, coriander, amchor, tamarind, ambadi, gud (Jaggery). Tribals smoke Beedi and Ganja. They prepare liquor known as Gapai, Chhidi, Sulphi, Mahua and Handi. They use Gulli (Fruit of Madhuca indica) and Jowar oils for cooking purposes.[32]

Bharia people

Bharia Tribes with wild Tubers (Bada Kaandaa) gathered from the forest

Main article: Bharia people

Bharia is one of Dravidian-speaking tribes of Madhya Pradesh in India. The Bharias live in Patalkot, which is completely isolated valley some 400 metres below Tamia in Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh. This valley is the source of Dudhi River. Patalkot is totally inaccessible by road and one enters along a footpath only. But recently The Madhya Pradesh government established good road inside the Patalkot valley.

There are hundreds of medicinal plant species in the Patalkot valley, and the Bharias have a deep knowledge of the herbs and medicinal plants growing within their valley. Herbal healers from Bharia community are known as Bhagats.

Inscriptions about Bharashiva people: We get mention of rule of Bharashiva people in following Inscriptions:

Bharshiv (भारशिव) is a Jat clan. It is a matter of research if Bharshiv (भारशिव) people have any connection with Bharia people of Patalkot.

Herbs in Patalkot

This valley is known as a treasure of medicinal plants. According Madhya Pradesh Vigyan Sabha (MPVS), which is working in the area for past 10-12 years more than 300 varieties of medicinal plants has been identified in the area. The tribal of Patalkot are skilled in using the forest plants to make effective medicines. Herbal healers locally known as Bhumka are real knowledge bank. They utilize medicinal plants that are grown in the valley.[33]

Few important and highly effective medicinal plants of this valley are included in following list. Over-exploitation of plants like safed musli, chironji, sarpagandha and bach has made them endangered species.[34]

Addhajira (Chaff Tree), Adusa (Malabar nut), Ajgandha, Anantmul (Indian sarparilla), Arjun (Arjuna), Bach (Cowhage), Bach (Sweet Flag), Baheda (Beleric-myrabolam), Baichandi (Wild Yam), Ban Karela (Bitter gourd), Banda (Vanda/orchid), Bhilwa, Brahmi (Indian pennywort), Chandrajot, Cheeval, Chitavar (Rove colour leadwort), Dudhi, Giloy/Guduchi, Gular, Hadjori, Harra (Myrabolam), Jaljamani, Jangali Piyaz (Indian squill), Kachnaar (Variegated mountain ebony), Kalihaldi, Kalimusli, Kalmegh (Andrographis), Khatua (Sprout leaf plant), Maida Lakdi, Makoy (Black night shade), Musakani, Narbod/ Satavar (Wild Asperagus), Patharchata (Indian rockfoil), Pithkarenti, Punarnava (Spreading Hogweed), Safed musli, Sahdehi, Sankhpusphi, Sarpagandha, Shitaab, Shivlingi, Soorankand (Corm), Van Karonda, Van kela,

पातालकोट में छह मिलियन वर्ष पुराना इतिहास

राज्य सरकार ने वर्ष 2019 के राजपत्र में पातालकोट को जैव विविधता विरासत स्थल घोषित किया। उससे पता चलता है कि यह स्थल 1700 फीट गहरी घाटी तथा 6 मिलियन वर्ष की अनुमानित आयु वाला पारिस्थितिकी एवं दुर्लभ वनस्पति तथा प्राणियों वाला क्षेत्र है । जिसमें ब्रायोफा इट्स एवं टेरिडोफ गइटस भी है । इस क्षेत्र के समुदाय विशेषकर भारिया को जंगली पेड़ पौधे एवं जड़ी बूटियों का अनोखा पारंपरिक ज्ञान है जिसका उपयोग वे औषधियां प्रभावी बनाने करते हैं ।[35]

पातालकोट का इतिहास

नागवंश इतिहास के अनुसार छिंदवाड़ा का नाम संभवत: छिंदक नाग के नाम पर पडा है जो छत्तीसगढ़ और उड़ीसा प्रान्तों में शासक रहे हैं. नागवंशी राज्यों में वृक्ष अथवा प्राणी उनके राज्य-चिन्ह हुआ करते थे. छिन्द पेड़ उनका रज्य-चिन्ह था. छिंदवाडा के दक्षिण में नागपुर था जो नागवंशी शासकों की राजधानी थी. छिंदवाडा का प्रसिद्द स्थान पातालकोट का नाम भी संभवत: सिन्धु घाटी के विस्थापित शिव के उपासक और नागवंशी मूल के लोगों ने दिया है. सिकंदर महान के आक्रमण 326 ई. के समय सिंध में पाताल नामक राज्य का उल्लेख हुआ है. पुराणों में इसे ही नागवंशी लोगों के पाताललोक के रूप में वर्णित किया है. संभवत: सिकंदर महान के आक्रमण 326 ई. के परिणाम स्वरुप नागवंशी लोगों ने सिंध से विस्थापित होकर सुरक्षित क्षेत्रों में संरक्षण ली हो. सिंध प्रान्त के पाताल राज्य में तत्समय सीथियन लोग भी आबाद थे, जिनको भारत में शक कहा गया है, यही लोग शिवी थे. [36] कालांतर में भारत में ये नागवंशी और सीथियन लोग भारत में आबाद हुए और अधिकांश जाट जाति में समाहित हो गए. इसलिए भारत के विभिन्न भागों के स्थानों के नाम जाट गोत्र के साथ समानता मिलती है.

छिंदवाड़ा भू-भाग पर नागवंशी लोगों के शासन के कोई स्पष्ट अभिलेख नहीं मिले हैं परन्तु नागवंशी-भारशिव शासक भावनाग का उल्लेख वाकाटक नरेश प्रवरसेन द्वितीय (c.400 - 415) के छिंदवाड़ा से लगे हुए क्षेत्रों से प्राप्त ताम्र-दानपट्ट अभिलेखों यथा सिवनी प्रशस्ति (18वां वर्ष), तिरोडी प्रशस्ति बालाघाट (23वां वर्ष), चमक प्रशस्ति अमरावती (18वां वर्ष) में मिलता है....शिव के प्रति बढ़ती हुई श्रद्धा का प्रदर्शन करने के लिए नागवंशियों ने ‘भारशिव’ नाम धारण करके जनता के समक्ष अपने आपको नवीन रूप में प्रस्तुत किया। दिलीपसिंह अहलावत[37] ने इस बारे में पर्याप्त प्रकाश डाला है। उन्होंने लिखा है कि शिवलिंग का अपने कन्धे पर भार ढोने से जिन्होंने भलीभांति शिव को सन्तुष्ट कर दिया था - जिन्होंने अपने पराक्रम से प्राप्त की हुई भागीरथी गंगा के स्वच्छ जल से राज्याभिषेक कराया और जिन्होंने अश्वमेध करके अवभृथ-स्नान किया था, इस प्रकार के भारशिवों के महाराजा द्वारा नागवंश का पुनरुत्थान किया गया। इनके राजा शिवनन्दी ने पद्मावती का शासन करते हुए कनिष्क से पराजय पाई थी।

पातालकोट घाटी

पातालकोट, मध्य प्रदेश के छिन्दवाड़ा जिले के तामिया तहसील में स्थित एक घाटी है। दक्षिण मध्यप्रदेश के छिंदवाड़ा शहर से लगभग 78 किलोमीटर दूरी पर स्थित यह विशालकाय घाटी धरातल से लगभग 3000 फीट नीचे है। इस विहंगम घाटी में गोंड और भारिया जनजाति के आदिवासी रहते हैं। इन आदिवासियों के लिए प्राथमिक स्वास्थ्य सुविधाएँभी उपलब्ध नहीं हैं, किंतु ये आदिवासी आमजनों से अधिक स्वस्थ हैं। ये आदिवासी घने जंगलों, ऊँची-नीची घाटियों पर ऐसे चलते हैं, मानो किसी सड़क पर पैदल चला जा रहा हों। आधुनिकीकरण से कोसों दूर पातालकोट घाटी के आदिवासी आज भी अपने जीवन-यापन की परम्परागत शैली अपनाए हुए हैं। रोजमर्रा के खान-पान से लेकर विभिन्न रोगों के निदान के लिए ये आदिवासी वन संपदा पर ही निर्भर करते हैं। भुमका वे आदिवासी चिकित्सक होते हैं तो जड़ी-बूटियों से विभिन नरोगों का इलाज करते हैं।

पातालकोट घाटी 79 किमी2 के क्षेत्र में फैली हुई है। समुद्र तल से 2750-3250 फीट की औसत ऊंचाई पर 22.24 से 22.2 9 डिग्री उत्तर और 78.43 से 78.50 डिग्री पूर्व तक विस्तृत है। घाटी उत्तर-पश्चिम दिशा में छिंदवाड़ा से 78 किमी और उत्तर-पूर्व दिशा में तामीया से 20 किमी की दूरी पर स्थित है। घाटी में दुधी नदी बहती है। यह घोड़े के जूते के आकार की घाटी पहाड़ियों से घिरी हुई है। घाटी के अंदर स्थित गांवों तक पहुंचने के कई रास्ते हैं।

हाल के वर्षों में, सरकार पाटलकोट को पर्यावरण-पर्यटन स्थल बनाने की कोशिश कर रही है। मानसून का मौसम आगंतुकों के लिए एक लोकप्रिय समय है। पर्यटन विपणन स्थानीय प्रकृति और आदिवासी संस्कृति कनेक्शन पर केंद्रित है। पाटलकोट लंबे समय तक अपनी मूल संस्कृति और रीति-रिवाजों को बनाए रखने के लिए जाना जाता है। कुछ साल पहले तक, यह एक अलग ही दुनिया थी जिसपर बाहरी दुनिया का कोई प्रभाव नहीं था।

पाताल में बसे हैं भारत के ये 12 गांव

भारत के मध्यप्रदेश में स्थ्ति पातालकोट को पाताल लोक माना जाता है। यहां ऐसे 12 गांव हैं, जो धरातल से 3000 फुट नीचे जाकर बसे हैं। तीन गांव तो यहां ऐसे हैं, जहां कड़ी धूप के बाद भी शाम जैसा जारा दिखाते हैं। हिंदू पौराणिक कथाओं के अनुसार, पाताल लोक राक्षस और नागों का घर है। लेकिन मध्यप्रदेश के छिंडवाड़ा में एक ऐसी जगह है जिसे पाताल लोक कहा गया है। अनोखी बात यह है कि यहां इंसान रहते भी हैं और जीवन जीते भी हैं। छिंदवाडा के तामिया क्षेत्र में घनी हरी-भरी पहाडिय़ों में 12 गांव में फैली 2000 से ज्यादा भारिया जनजाती के लोग रहते हैं। यहां हर गांव 3-4 गांव किमी की दूरी पर स्थित है। यह जगह औषधियों का खजाना मानी जाती है। इतना ही नहीं यहां पर 3 गांव तो ऐसे हैं, जहां सूर्य की किरणें भी नहीं पहुंच पाती हैं। ऐसे में कड़ी धूप के बाद भी यहां का नजारा शाम जैसा दिखता है। ऐसा इसलिए क्योंकि यह गांव धरातल से लगभग 3000 फुट नीचे बसे हुए हैं। इतना ही नहीं, पातालकोट में ऐसा बहुत कुछ है, जो काफी दिलचस्प है और सच है। पातालकोट कई सदियों से गोंड और भारिया जनजातियां द्वारा बसा हुआ है। यहां रहने वाले लोग बाहरी दुनिया से कटे हुए रहते हैं। भारिया जनजाति के लोगों का मानना है कि पातालकोट में ही रामायाण की सीता पृथ्वी में समा गई थीं। जिससे यहां एक गहरी गुफा बन गई थी। एक और किवदंती यह भी है कि रामायण के हनुमान ने इस क्षेत्र के जरिए जमीन में प्रेवश किया था, ताकि भगवान राम और लक्ष्मण को राक्षस रावण के बंधनों से बचाया जा सके। Source - नवभारतटाइम्स.कॉम, 20.02.2022

वर्ल्ड बुक ऑफ रिकॉर्ड में नाम दर्ज

विश्व का सबसे अनोखा स्थान पातालकोट, वर्ल्ड बुक ऑफ रिकॉर्ड में नाम दर्ज, दुर्लभ जड़ी-बूटियों का खजाना

सतपुड़ा की वादियों के बीच बसे पातालकोट के नाम अब एक और उपलब्धि जुड़ गई। वर्ल्ड बुक ऑफ रिकॉर्ड ने पातालकोट का नाम अपनी सूची में दर्ज किया है। वहीं, इस स्थान को विश्व का सबसे अनोखा स्थान माना है।

भारत सरकार ने भी पातालकोट को एडवेंचर प्लेस ऑफ गोंडवाना के नाम पर नई पहचान दी है। शनिवार 28.01.2023 को छिंदवाड़ा जिले के चिमटीपुर में आयोजित हुए कार्यक्रम में स्विट्जरलैंड से आए संस्था के विल्हेम जेजलर ने ये प्रमाण पत्र जुन्नारदेव एसडीएम मधुवंतराव धुर्वे को प्रदान किया। ये पहला मौका है, जब विश्व की सबसे बड़ी रिकॉर्ड बुक में जिले के पातालकोट को शामिल किया गया है। ये जिले के लिए बड़ी उपलब्धियों में शामिल है। अब विश्व पटल पर भी छिंदवाड़ा के पातालकोट का नाम होगा। पातालकोट के बारे में ये जानकारी संस्था को डीएसपी प्रदीप वाल्मीकि और बीएससी अरविंद भट्ट द्वारा प्रदान की गई थी।

गौरतलब है, भारत सरकार ने भी पातालकोट को एडवेंचर प्लेस ऑफ छिंदवाड़ा का खिताब दिया है। यहां की नैसर्गिक सुंदरता को अब एक बार फिर से एक नया खिताब मिला है, जो छिंदवाड़ा के लिए कीर्तिमान से कम नहीं। पातालकोट की पहाड़ियों में मौजूद जड़ी-बूटियों के भंडार और यहां की प्राकृतिक सुंदरता ने हमेशा ही पर्यटकों का ध्यान आकर्षित किया है। रहस्य, रोमांच और विशेष पिछड़ी जनजाति का निवास स्थान माने जाने वाले पातालकोट को देखने के लिए दूर-दूर से लोग आते हैं।

पातालकोट के जंगलों में कई दुर्लभ जड़ी-बूटियों का खजाना है। इनमें से कई बूटियां तो सिर्फ हिमालय में मिलती हैं। शोधकर्ताओं के लिए ये आज भी रहस्य का विषय है कि इन दुर्लभ बूटियों के यहां विकसित होने का मुख्य कारण क्या है? जिसको लेकर लगातार कई जानकार खोह में उतर कर रिसर्च कर रहे हैं। लेकिन अभी तक यह पता नहीं हो पाई है कि आखिरकार यहां पर ऐसा क्या है कि यहां की जड़ी-बूटी अत्यंत दुर्लभ हैं।

छिंदवाड़ा के पातालकोट में कुल 12 गांव तलहटी में बसे हुए हैं, जिनमें आज भी कई साल पुरानी सभ्यता पल रही है। यहां पाई जाने वाली भारिया जनजाति को विशेष जनजाति का दर्जा शासन ने दिया है। ये जनजाति सिर्फ पातालकोट में पाई जाती है। इनके संरक्षण के भी प्रयास किए जा रहे हैं, इन्हें कई सुविधाएं भी शासन द्वारा दी जाती हैं।

यहां रहने वाले आदिवासी रावण के पुत्र मेघनाथ का सम्मान करती है। चेत्र पूर्णिमा पर इस मौके पर मेले का भी आयोजन किया जाता है। यहां आदिवासियों के अलग धार्मिक स्थल है। जबकि यहां रहने वाले परिवार में मुख्य रूप से पातालकोट के भारिया जनजाति के लोग इस आधुनिक युग में भी कोदो, कुटकी, महुआ की खीर और बाजरे की रोटी का सेवन करते हैं। आदिवासियों के परंपरागत भोजन आज भी यहां प्रचलित हैं।

Source - अमर उजाला, छिंदवाड़ा, अरविंद कुमार, 30.01.2023

सतपुड़ा नेशनल पार्क का प्रवेश द्वार तामिया देलाखारी

तामिया, चिमटीपुर, पातालकोट, झिंगरिया के पर्यटक अब सीधे सतपुड़ा नेशलन पार्क के वन्यप्राणियों का दीदार कर सकेंगे। सतपुड़ा नेशनल पार्क के बफर जोन का नया गेट बन रहा है, जहां तामिया देलाखारी पातालकोट आने वाले पर्यटक अब देलाखारी, सीतोडोंगरी होते हुए डूडी गांव से सतपुड़ा टाइगर रिजर्व पार्क की सैर कर सकेंगे। सतपुड़ा नेशनल पार्क के बफर जोन के हिस्से में प्रवेश द्वार तामिया देलाखारी होते हुए बनाया जा रहा है। यानी इस नेशनल पार्क में प्रवेश का नया गेट बन रहा है, जिसका सीधा फायदा जिले में आने वाले पर्यटकों को पहुंचेगा। बताया जा रहा है कि सतपुड़ा नेशनल पार्क के अधिकारी और स्थानीय वनमंडल के अधिकारियों के बीच पिछले दिनों हुई बैठक में लगभग सबकुछ तय हो चुका है और एक अक्टूबर से यह गेट खुल जाएंगे। यदि सब कुछ ठीक रहता है और मौसम साथ देता है तो सतपुड़ा नेशनल पार्क में जाने का नया गेट खुल जाएगा। यह क्षेत्र सतपुड़ा नेशनल पार्क का बफर जोन क्षेत्र है। [38]

Notable persons

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See also

External links

References

  1. ↑ Jat History Dalip Singh Ahlawat/Parishisht-I, s.n. भ-55
  2. ↑ O.S.Tugania:Jat Samuday ke Pramukh Adhar Bindu, p.54, s.n. 1894
  3. ↑ Jat History Dalip Singh Ahlawat/Parishisht-I, s.n. भ-41
  4. ↑ O.S.Tugania:Jat Samuday ke Pramukh Adhar Bindu, p.54, s.n. 1888
  5. ↑ Jat History Thakur Deshraj/Chapter VIII,s.n. 64,p-585
  6. ↑ An Inquiry Into the Ethnography of Afghanistan, H. W. Bellew, p.126
  7. ↑ A glossary of the Tribes and Castes of the Punjab and North-West Frontier Province By H.A. Rose Vol II/B , p.84
  8. ↑ Prof. Suddyumn Acharya, Bharhut Stoopa Gatha (Hindi), Ed. Ramnarayan Singh Rana, Satna, 2007, p. 41
  9. ↑ Epigraphia Indica Vol.I, p.269
  10. ↑ Jat History Dalip Singh Ahlawat/Chapter III ,p.242
  11. ↑ Mahendra Singh Arya et al.: Ādhunik Jat Itihas, Agra 1998, p. 272
  12. ↑ https://patalkot.tripod.com/id1.html
  13. ↑ Socioeconomics of Patalkot, Chhindwara Madhya Pradesh, India by Mona Dwivedi and Anita Sakalle
  14. ↑ Socioeconomics of Patalkot, Chhindwara Madhya Pradesh, India by Mona Dwivedi and Anita Sakalle
  15. ↑ सर्पदर्वीं समासाद्य नागानां तीर्थम उत्तमम, अग्निष्टॊमम अवाप्नॊति नागलॊकं च विन्दति (III.81.12)
  16. ↑ Wilson, Horace Hayman (1865). "Chapter V". The Vishnu Purana (Translation) II. London: Trubner & co. pp. 209–213.
  17. ↑ Swami Parmeshwaranand. Encyclopaedic Dictionary of Purāṇas 1. pp. 762–3.
  18. ↑ Wilson, Horace Hayman (1865). "Chapter V". The Vishnu Purana (Translation) II. London: Trubner & co. pp. 209–213.
  19. ↑ Wilson, Horace Hayman (1865). "Chapter V". The Vishnu Purana (Translation) II. London: Trubner & co. pp. 209–213.
  20. ↑ Mani, Vettam (1975). Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary With Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass. pp. 580–1. ISBN 0-8426-0822-2.
  21. ↑ Dr Naval Viyogi - "Nagas: the Ancient Rulers of India, p.330
  22. ↑ Dani, Ahmad Hasan (1981), "Sindhu-Sauvira", in Hamida Khuhro (ed.), Sind through the centuries: proceedings of an international seminar held in Karachi in Spring 1975, Oxford University Press, pp. 35–42, ISBN 978-0-19-577250-0,p.37
  23. ↑ Eggermont, Pierre Herman Leonard (1975), Alexander's Campaigns in Sind and Baluchistan and the Siege of the Brahmin Town of Harmatelia, Peeters Publishers, ISBN 978-90-6186-037-2, p. 13.
  24. ↑ https://isatyasadhak.wordpress.com/2017/11/27/patallok/
  25. ↑ "My Endeavor".
  26. ↑ Acharya, Deepak and Shrivastava Anshu (2008): Indigenous Herbal Medicines: Tribal Formulations and Traditional Herbal Practices, Aavishkar Publishers Distributor, Jaipur- India. ISBN 978-81-7910-252-7. pp 440.
  27. ↑ https://patalkot.tripod.com/id1.html
  28. ↑ https://patalkot.tripod.com/id1.html
  29. ↑ https://patalkot.tripod.com/id1.html
  30. ↑ https://patalkot.tripod.com/id1.html
  31. ↑ https://patalkot.tripod.com/id1.html
  32. ↑ https://patalkot.tripod.com/id1.html
  33. ↑ https://isatyasadhak.wordpress.com/2017/11/27/patallok/
  34. ↑ https://patalkot.tripod.com/id1.html
  35. ↑ https://www.patrika.com/chhindwara-news/world-heritage-day-witness-of-the-sixteenth-century-the-devgarh-for-7473395
  36. ↑ 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica
  37. ↑ Jat History Dalip Singh Ahlawat/Chapter V (Page 488-490)
  38. ↑ Bhaskar, 22.09.2022
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