Jabalpur

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?JABALPUR Madhya Pradesh • India
JABALPUR
Coordinates: 23°09′N 79°58′E / 23.15, 79.97
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
Area • Elevation	10,160 km² (3,923 sq mi) • 393 m (1,289 ft)
District(s)	Jabalpur
Population • Density	1,117,200 (2001) • 110 /km² (285 /sq mi)
Mayor	Sushila Singh
Codes • Pincode • Telephone • Vehicle	• 482 00x • +0761 • MP-20

Coordinates: 23°09′N 79°58′E / 23.15, 79.97 Jabalpur (Hindi: जबलपुर) is a city in the state of Madhya Pradesh in India. Jabalpur is one of the most important cities of Central India. Jabalpur is the administrative headquarters of Jabalpur district and Jabalpur division.

Contents 1 Overview 2 Origin of Name 3 History 4 Geography 5 Topography 6 Climate 7 Demographics 8 Education and Research 8.1 Universities 8.2 Engineering Colleges 8.3 Management Colleges 8.4 Medical College 8.5 Law Colleges 8.6 National Research Institutes 8.7 Undergraduate Colleges 8.8 Major Schools 9 Economy 10 Culture 11 Transportation 11.1 Air 11.2 Road 11.3 Railways 11.4 Local Transport 12 Media 13 Tourism 14 Snooker 15 Famous Personalities 16 Excursions 17 References 18 External links

[edit] Overview

Jabalpur is located in the Mahakoshal region in the geographic center of India. Jabalpur is the one of the largest cities of Madhya Pradesh. Jabalpur was the 27th largest urban conglomeration in India in 2001 (2001 Census)^[1]. On a global scale, Jabalpur was the 325th largest city or urban area in the world in 2006 ^[2] and Jabalpur it is estimated to be 294th largest city in the world by 2020^[3] . Jabalpur stands 121st in term of the fastest growing cities and urban areas in the world in 2006^[4]. Jabalpur is the first district in India who has been obtained the comprehensive ISO-9001 certificate. This has come into force from April 1, 2007^[5]

Jabalpur is one of the highest income tax paying city to Indian Government since headquarters of many important Central & State Departments are situated here where thousands of government employees work. It is also known as Sanskardhani ^[6](Cultural capital)

The numerous gorges in the neighboring rocks have been taken advantage of to surround the city with a series of lakes, which, shaded by trees and bordered by crags, add much greenery to the suburbs. However, many of these lakes now have been encroached upon for the purpose of fishing or for building works, although greenery still exists.

The city itself dates from the nineteenth century, and is laid out in wide and regular streets. It has a beautiful collection of Marble Rocks called Bhedaghat surrounding the holy Narmada River^[7]. Many visitors every year come to visit Jabalpur because of this major attraction. Jabalpur is an important junction for the Indian Railways.

Jabalpur has a big Defence and Military Center - HQ of the MPBO Area, the headquarters of West Central Railway Zone^[8], the Madhya Pradesh State Electricity Board,^[9] and the Madhya Pradesh High Courts.^[10] It is also known for housing spiritual leaders like Maharishi Mahesh Yogi of Transcendental Meditation and Bhagwan Rajneesh^[11].

[edit] Origin of Name

Jabalpur was previously known as Jubbulpore during the British Raj^[12]. The name of the city Jabalpur is basically derived from an Arabic word Jabal which means Mountain pointing to the ancient trade connection with Arab countries.^[13] The name reflects the influence of the Arab traders who visited the city during the Middle Ages.

Another Belief is that a mythological figure known as Sage Jabali apparently lived in the area during the Ramayana era.

[edit] History

It is believed that Jabalpur is the tapasya bhumi of a mythological figure known as sage Jabalie, from whom the name Jabalpur is derived. Ashokan relics have been found. Later on it was the capital of the famous Tripuri kingdom (9th–10th centuries).

In AD 875, it was taken over by the Kalachuri dynasty who made Jabalpur their capital. In the 13th century, the Gonds seized it and made it their capital. Inscriptions record the existence during the 11th and 12th centuries of a local line of princes of the Haihai people who are closely connected with the history of Gondwana.

In the 16th century the Gond raja of Garha-Mandla extended his power over fifty-two districts, including the present Jabalpur. During the minority of his grandson, Asaf Khan, the viceroy of Kara Manikpur, conquered the Garha principality and held it at first as an independent chief. Eventually he submitted to the Mughal emperor Akbar. From time to time, the Mughal rulers tried to overrun it. The legendary Gond Queen Rani Durgavati also died fighting the Mughal forces led by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar.

The Mughal Empire, however, enjoyed little more than a nominal supremacy; and the princes of Garha-Mandla maintained a practical independence until their subjugation by the Maratha governors of Sagar in 1781. In 1798 the Maratha Peshwa granted the Narmada valley to the Bhonsle princes of Nagpur, who continued to hold the district until the British occupied it in 1818 after defeating the Marathas. The British made Jabalpur the commission headquarters of the Narmada territories and established a cantonment here.

Under the British Raj, Jabalpur became the capital of the Saugor and Nerbudda Territories, which was part of the British North-Western Province. At that time it became infamous for the Thuggee murderers, but made more famous by the man who suppressed thugee, Col. Sleeman, who was also appointed commissioner at Jabalpur. The Saugor and Nerbudda Territories became part of the new Central Provinces in 1861 which in 1903 became the Central Provinces and Berar. By the early 20th Century Jabalpur was the headquarters of a brigade in the 5th division of the Southern Army.

An important landmark event was the holding of the Tripuri Congress session in 1939 that was presided over by Subhash Chandra Bose. Politically under Lokmanya Tilak's direction Jhanda Satyagraha was launched with success (who visited 3 times) Mahatma Gandhi visited 4 times and famous Congress session was held at Tripuri (Jabalpur) in 1939 when Subhash Chandra Bose was elected the Congress President against the wishes of Mahatma Gandhi. Methodology of two thoughts to achieve freedom was formulated in the session. A memorial Kamania gate was erected in city.

After India's independence in 1947, the Central Provinces and Berar became the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.

[edit] Geography

Jabalpur is located at 23.17° N 79.95° E.^[14] It has an average elevation of 411 metres (1348 feet).

The map of Jabalpur can be seen here at ^[15]

[edit] Topography

The exceptional Topography of Jabalpur with hills all around the city gives it a picturesque setting. Some of the Hindi movies have been shot here. The picturesque setting though is a nightmare for town planners and developers. The Central Railways has constructed railway lines winding along these hills, somewhat akin to a horseshoe. A railway journey to the city is a singular experience with beatific old world charm.

The hills of Jabalpur, with varied mineral content are the preferred destination for Geologists and Archeologists. Paleontologists, with the finding of a fossilized Dinosaur, come in hordes looking for some more clues on the world before the last Ice Age.

[edit] Climate

The city has the typical hot and dry temperate of the Great Indian Plateau. Jabalpur is hot during summers with temperatures up to 47 degree Celsius but the winters are quite comfortable. The July to September months bring heavy rains with the onset of the South Western monsoon. The October to March window during the winters is suitable for a visit to the city.

Climate Table

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average Temperature (°C)	17	20	25	31	33	31	27	26	27	25	21	17
Average High Temperature (°C)	23	26	32	37	40	35	30	28	30	30	27	23
Average Low Temperature (°C)	11	13	18	23	27	27	24	24	23	20	15	11
Average Precipitation	3	4	3	2	3	11	20	21	12	4	2	2
Source: [1]

[edit] Demographics

As of 2001 India census^[16], Jabalpur had a population of 1276853. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Jabalpur has an average literacy rate of 75%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 79%, and female literacy is 70%. In Jabalpur, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age. Jabalpur is among the cities having Million plus population in India according to the 2001 Census.

[edit] Education and Research

The city is considered to be a base for higher education. This was true particularly in earlier years. In the fifties and sixties, the colleges were widely known and famous in Madhya Pradesh and outside. Political activism of 1970s and 1980s briefly took away much of that sheen.

[edit] Universities

• Rani Durgavati University

The Rani Durgavati University, formerly Jabalpur University, enjoys the accredited status and has been graded as B++ by NAAC - National Assessment and Accreditation Council.This assessment was held in 2002.

• Jawaharlal Nehru Agricultural University

Jawaharlal Nehru Agricultural University is located in northern side of Jabalpur and provides Education, Extension, Research to students as well as farmers. The university has self evaluation system to offer B.Sc. Agriculture, M.Sc. Agriculture, B.Tech., Ph.D. in different areas. Mission to conduct Education, Research and Extension activities for enhancing productivity, profitability and sustainability of agricultural production systems and quality of rural livelihood in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Mandate to serve as a center of teaching and research in the field of agriculture and Allied Science. To disseminate technology to farmers, extension personnel and organizations engaged in agricultural development through various extension programme.

[edit] Engineering Colleges

• The Jabalpur Engineering College (JEC)^[17]

Jabalpur Engineering College previously know as Government Engineering College, Jabalpur (originally named Robertson Engineering College) was established in 1947. It has the distinction of being the second engineering college to be set up in India and is the premier institute of engineering education in Jabalpur. Other Engineering Colleges in the city are

• Gyan Ganga Institute of Technology & Sciences (GGITS)

• Gyan Ganga College Of Technology (GGCT)

• Pandit Dwarka Prasad Mishra Indian Institute of Information and Technology Design and Manufacturing ^[18]

• Hitkarni College of Engineering Technology ^[19]

• Guru Ramdas Khalsa Institute of Science & Technology^[20]

• Shri Ram Institute of Technology^[21]

• ^[22]

• Takshila Institute of Technology

[edit] Management Colleges

• College of Materials Management

• Xavier Institute of Development Action and Studies (XIDAS)^[23]

• University Institute of Management

• Centre for Management Studies

• Millennium College of Professional Education & Rese

gyan ganga institute of technology & science

[edit] Medical College

• Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College^[24]

The Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College graduates about one hundred doctors every year. It also runs residency programs in all major subjects including Surgery, Anesthesiology, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Orthopedics, Pathology, Obstetrics and Gynecology.

The other Colleges are

• Hitkarini Dental College & Hospital

• Government Ayurvedic College

• Anushree Homoeopathic Medical College

• Jabalpur Institute of Health Sciences, Jabalpur

• Shri Ram Nath Singh Institute of Pharamceutical Sciences

• Indian Institute of Para-medical Technology

• Swayamprabha Institute of Para-medical Technology

• Amarjyoti Institute of Nursing Science & Research

• Mahatma Gandhi Homeopathic College

• Jabalpur Institute of Nursing Science & Research

[edit] Law Colleges

• Hitkarni Law College

• Department of Law, Rani Durgavati University

• N.E.S. Law College

• Central India Law Institute

• Shri Neelkanth Law College

[edit] National Research Institutes

There are other research institutes having university status

• The Tropical Forest Research Institute (TFRI)^[25]

• State Forest Research Institute^[26]

• Weed Research Institute^[27]

[edit] Undergraduate Colleges

• Government Model Science College

Government Model Science College is one of the pioneering educational institutes of Jabalpur. It was established in 1836 and degree courses in science started in 1896. The institute is working under the autonomous scheme. Government Model Science College is accredited with grade A from NAAC.

• Government Mahakoshal Arts & Commerce Autonomous College

• Government M B Arts & Commerce Autonomous College for Women

• Government M H College of Home Science & Science for Women

• GS College of Commerce & Economics

• Mata Gujri Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Jabalpur

• St. Aloysius College

• Government College of Education (PSM)

• Hawabag Women's College

• Hitkarini Women's College

• D.N. Jain College

• C.P. Mahila College

• N.E.S. Science College

• Government State Science Institute

• Navyug Arts and Commerce College

• Hitkarini Women's Training College

• Shri Guruteg Bahadur Khalsa College

• Shri Jankiraman College

• Shri Guruteg Bahadur Khalsa College

• Sanjay Gandhi Sarvodaya Science College

• Government Autonomous Mankunwar Bai Women's College

• Priyadarshani Anjuman Islamiya Girls College

• St. Paul's College www.stpauls-jbp.com

• Vikramaditya Arts-Commerec College

• Dr. Hari Ram Mishra College of Education

• Gurukul College of Education

[edit] Major Schools

• Central Academy Senior Secoundry (affilated to CBSE) School , Vijay Nagar

• Saraswati Shishu Mandir, [ 20 branches approx. ]

• Maharishi Vidya Mandir

• Nachiketa Higher Secondary School

• Army Schools

• St. Aloysius Senior Secondary School

• St. Joseph's Convent School

• Central Schools (Kendriya Vidyalaya)

• Christ Church Boys' Senior Secondary School

• Christ Church Girls' Senior Secondary School

• Pt. Lajja Shankar Jha Govt. Model Higher Secondary School

• Maharastra Higher Secondary School

• Maharani Laxmi Bai Girls Higher Secondary School (MLB)

• Guru Gobind Singh Khalsa Higher Secondary School

• Guru Nanak Girls Higher Secondary School

• Gyan Ganga Public School, Bhedaghat Road

• Joy Senior Secondary School

• Delhi Public School

• St. Gabriel's Higher Secondary School ^[28]

• St. Thomas Higher Secondary School

• St. Xaviers High School

• Hitkarini Schools

• Mahakoshal Public School

• St. Paul's School ,4th Bridge Napier Town

• Noble Children Academy Higher Secondary School

[edit] Economy

Jabalpur district with River Narmada bringing in fresh water from the Vindyachal Ranges has developed into an agrarian economy. The land of the Narmada basin with its fertile alluvial soil gives good yields of sorghum, wheat, rice and millets in the villages around Jabalpur. The State of Madhya Pradesh is the largest producer of Soybeans and the district of Jabalpur occupies a place of pride in agriculture production.

Important among commercial crops are pulses, oilseeds, cotton, sugar cane and medicinal crops. The state is poised for a breakthrough in soybean cultivation. In the state Kharif crops occupy 60% and Rabi crops 40% area with 71.4% area under food grain production. Nearly 59% of landholders are marginal whereas small farmers share 18% of farmland. Low literacy (35.45%), undulating topography, large waste land (13.2%), under developed irrigation potential (23%), low ground water utilization, large proportion of rain fed agriculture (75%), practice of Kharif fallows (3.6%), low cropping intensity (131%), low fertilizer consumption (50 kg/ha), high proportion of low value crops, and high population of low productive live stock are the major constraints of the state.

Jabalpur has a variety of Industries too. Most of these have their bases in mineral substances of economic value found in the district. Ready-made garments industry is one of the most popular and profitable business in Jabalpur. Bidi manufacturing, lime stone related industries, Electrical goods, Saw mills, Food Processing Industries are the major business areas in this region. Some other industries are Telephone Parts, Furniture, Building Materials, Ammunitions and glassware.

The economy of Jabalpur primarily revolves around the Ordinance Factory and the Defence establishments started in the early 20th century. Jabalpur is having Four Ordinance Factories. The Gun Carriage Factory was started in the year 1904 well equipped and manufacture gun parts, mounting , shells and a variety of the other product for war purpose. Vehicle Factory Jabalpur (VFJ)^[29] was started as manufacturer of trucks named Shaktimann. Other two are Grey Iron Foundry (GIF) and Ordinance Factory Khamaria (OFK)^[30].

Jabalpur also has Head quarter of Madhya Pradesh State Electricity Board, Homeguards and many other State and Central Government Offices. Telcom Factory, Telcom Training Centre, Survey of India are some important offices.

• Revenue Layout^[31]

Jabalpur is an important Divisional Headquarters having 8 districts namely Jabalpur, Seoni, Mandla, Chhindwara, Narsimhapur, Katni, Dindori, Balaghat. The Jabalpur District has been reconstituted on May 25, 1998. It now has four tehsils Jabalpur, Sihora, Patan and Kundam.

There are 7 Blocks in the district with 1449 inhabited villages, 60 uninhabited, 1209 revenue villages and 4 forest villages.

[edit] Culture

The presence of the Narmada and the rule of Gond and Maratha dynasties has made Jabalpur a primarily Hindu dominated area. The Mughal rule brought in a sizable Muslim population. The city has seen the worst form of Hindu Muslim riots in the 60s. The rise in the population of the city especially village folk migrating to the city are settling in slums on the outskirts of Jabalpur. The estimates are that by the year 2015, the population of the city will double to a whopping two million people. Moreover setting up of Central government units increased the population of the city and made it more cosmopolitan.

Hindi is the first language of the state and spoken and understood in the city. The Mughals brought Urdu and the influence of Maratha rulers has given Marathi to the multilingual culture of Jabalpur.

[edit] Transportation

Jabalpur is one of the major cities in Madhya Pradesh so transportation is not an issue here.

[edit] Air

Jabalpur Airport is an ultra mordern airport with improved facilities,where both chartered and regular flight service fly, it is now possible to travel from Delhi to Jabalpur and back in a day, thus improving business. Air Deccan is providing regular services to Delhi-Bhopal-Jabalpur route & Kingfisher Airlines is also running daily services from Jabalpur to Indore & Mumbai also connecting Hydrabad and Nagpur via Indore.Indian Airlines runs four days a week service on Delhi-Gwalior-Jabalpur route.

[edit] Road

Jabalpur is well connected to Nagpur, Bhopal, Allahabad and Jaipur so you can travel easily by roads also. The city is connected with three National Highways

• NH-7 (Varanasi-Kanyakumari)^[32]
• NH-12 (Jabalpur-Jaipur)^[33]
• NH-12A (Simga, Chattisgarh-NH-26 near Jhansi), ^[34]

[edit] Railways

Jabalpur is the headquarter of west central railways and is well connected with mail and super-fast trains from Mumbai, New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Howrah, Patna, Lucknow, Chennai, Bangalore, Nagpur, Kota and Jaipur. Apart from broad-gauge railways, Jabalpur is notable for having narrow-gauge railways (which connect with Gondia). Work to convert this Gondia-Nainpur-Jabalpur narrow gauge to broad gauge has been started under Project Unigauge ^[35] and will provide new opportunities as southern India will be reachable quickly. This route will decrease the time taken by trains running from Delhi to Chennai by at least three hours.

[edit] Local Transport

Jabalpur, the city of marbles, is fast emerging as a centre of trade and commerce in the state of Madhya Pradesh. In the context of rapid growth of the city, increasing mobility, high travel demand, increasing intensity of traffic, congestion, delays, accidents and other such problems, public mass transport system of the city stands out as the most critical issue. The intra-city public transport system is essentially road based with 110 private mini buses and 250 tempos and 10000 auto rickshaws. Since there was no specialized and effective regulatory agency to monitor the system a special purpose vehicle in the form of public limited company Jabalpur City Transport Services Limited has been set up to operate and manage the public transport system in Jabalpur with PPP model to overcome financial constraints.^[36] Other than that Mini Buses, Autos, Tempos enable good and cheap transportation in the city. Cycle Rickshaws are also helpful in local routes.

[edit] Media

Jabalpur Media plays a monumental role in bringing the world to the doorstep of the residents of the Madhya Pradesh city. Both the print media and the broadcast media are actively involved in the process of enlightening people on all matters of national as well as global importance.^[37]

The Jabalpur media houses employ dedicated hard hitting journalists who provide a comprehensive coverage of all the important news. Although the popular English and Hindi newspapers of India are available in the city, the local Hindi newspapers record the maximum readership. The local newspapers issued, that have a large circulation include the following:

• Daily Deshbandhu
• The Hitwada
• Nav Bharat
• Nai Duniya
• Dainik Bhaskar

Electronic media is doing rather well in the city. The television channels, radio channels as well as the web portals are equally involved in bringing the daily news into the homes of the people at the very click of a button

All the popular Indian channels as well as some local television channels connect the city with the rest of the world

• Newspapers ^[38]

There are several newspapers in Jabalpur which are in circulation among the local populace. Being one of the important towns of Central India, it is only natural that there are a large number of newspapers to cater to the general public and sway the public opinion. These newspapers are an integral part of the Jabalpur Media.

The principal language of this region is Hindi. So the numbers of Hindi newspapers are quite high. Due to its proximity to Maharashtra, there are several Marathi editions as well. Among the Hindi newspapers, Dainik Bhaskar, Navbharat, Deshbandhu, Swatantra Mat, Nai Duniya are quite famous. These newspapers have a hoary history as well. They have been around for quite sometime and have shaped public opinion over the decades.

Among the English dailies, Central Chronicle, Hindustan Times, Times of India and Jabalpur Express are quite popular. The Times of India has a well distinguished record. It is one of the single largest dailies in the country. The same can be said for The Hindustan Times. The others cater to the urban populace in large numbers.

The newspaper, also called the fourth estate, is a powerful tool to sway public opinion. These newspapers are the part and parcel of the lives of the local populace. In spite of the modern gadgets like television and the Internet, the newspapers remain the primary choice for the localities.

• Radio^[39]

There are several Jabalpur Radio channels that are an integral part of the Jabalpur media.

These radio channels not only broadcast the local news, they also play a pivotal role in entertaining the people. The radio channels also have a host of entertaining programs, interviews, live dial in and chat shows as well as musical programs. Local music and chart busting numbers from popular Bollywood films, soapy dramas, live chat programs, celebrity interviews, cookery programs and well as other shows that cater solely to the women's world of domestic delights are also a part and parcel of the radio programs.

A list of the eminent radio channels of Jabalpur, an integral part of the Jabalpur media is hereby provided:

• Akashvani 102.9

• Gyan Vani 105.6

• Radio Mirchi 98.3 FM

• Radio Dhamaal 106.4 FM

• SFM 93.5 FM

• My FM 94.3

[edit] Tourism

[Image:Dhuandhar Bhedaghat.JPG|thumb|250px|Dhuandhar waterfall near Jabalpur is a major tourist attraction.]]

• Bhedaghat - Marble Rocks.^[40]

This small village of Jabalpur district situated on the banks of river Narmada and widely famous for its marble rocks is at a distance about 25 km from Jabalpur by road. Soaring in glittering splendour, the marble rocks at Bhedaghat rise to a hundred feet on either side of the Narmada. The serene loveliness of the scene is one of cool quiet, the sunlight sparkling on the marble-white pinnacles and casting dappled shadows on the pellucid waters. In his Highlands of Central India Captain J. Forsyth speaks eloquently about the infinitely varied beauty of the rocks

The eye never wearies of the . . . effect produced by the broken and reflected sunlight, now glancing from a pinnacle of snow-white marble reared against the deep blue of the sky as from a point of silver, touching here and there with bright lights the prominence of the middle heights and again losing itself in the soft bluish grays of their recesses.....Here and there the white saccharine limestone is seamed by veins of dark green or black volcanic rock; a contrast which only enhances like a setting of jet, the purity of the surrounding marble

• Dhuandhar^[41]

The famous waterfall is located just 25 km from Jabalpur. The Narmada making its way through the Marble Rock's narrows down and then plunges in a waterfall known as Dhuandhar or the smoke casade. So powerful is the plunge that its roar is heard from a far distance. The falls and the breaking of the volume of water at the crest present an awesome spectacle of Nature's power unleashed.

• Balancing Rocks.

Jabalpur is also famous for eroded volcanic rock formations called as Balancing Rocks of Jabalpur.

• Chausatyogini (Sixty Four Lady Yogis). ^[42]

Situated atop a hill rock and approached by a long flight of steps,the Chausat Yogini Temple commands a singularly beautiful view of the Narmada flowing through the jagged gorge of Marble Rocks in Bhedaghat. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this 10th century temple has exquisitely carved stone figures of deities belonging to the Kalchuri period. According to a local legend, this ancient temple is connected to the Gond Queen Durgavati's palace through an underground passage.

• Bargi Dam.

It is a multipurpose project on river Narmada. It's also a tourist spot, recently the local authorities have started a cruise boat which runs on the reservoir of Bargi dam.

• Rani Durgavati Memorial and Museum.

Dedicated to the memory of the great Queen Durgavati is her memorial and a museum which houses a fine collection of Sculptures, Inscriptions and Prehistoric Relics.

• Kanha National park.

Jabalpur is nearest big city to go to Kanha National Park which is one of the biggest national parks in India and has the distinction of successfully implemented Project Tiger, as tiger conservation program in India. Every year the park attracts large number of tourists for watching tigers from close proximity. The park is also the birth place of the Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling. Jabalpur also has Bandhavgarh and Pench national reserve forest very close by, and well connected through road.

• Madan Mahal Fort.

Built by the Gond ruler Raja Madan Shah, in 1116 atop a rocky hill, the fort dominates the skyline and provides a panoramic view of the town and the country side around it.

• Sangram Sagar and Bajnamath.

These medieval constructions were built by the famous Gond King Sangram Shah between 1480-1540.

• Tilwara Ghat

From where Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were immersed in the Narmada, and venue of the open session of the Tripuri Congress in 1939.

The major Hotels in Jabalpur are

• Gulzar Towers^[43]
• Hotel Arihant Palace^[44]
• Hotel Kalchuri^[45]
• Hotel Prestige Princess^[46]
• Hotel Rishi Regency^[47]
• Hotel Satya Ashoka^[48]
• Shikhar Palace
• The Samdariya^[49]
• Vijan Palace
• Narmada Jacksons^[50]
• Hotel Krishna^[51]

• Hotel Roopali^[52]
• Hotel Rishi Regency

[edit] Snooker

The game of Snooker was conceived in Jabalpur. Origins of the game of Snooker are generally regarded as being in the latter half of the 19th century. Billiards had been a popular activity amongst British army officers stationed in India who stole the idea from the Indian game Carrom, and variations on the more traditional billiard games were devised. One variation was to add coloured balls in addition to the reds and black which were used for pyramid pool and life pool. This gave birth to the game of Snooker. Although snooker’s origin is not recorded explicitly, it is generally held that a Colonel Sir Neville Chamberlain (no relation to the World War II Prime Minister) conceived the game in the Bristish Army Officer’s Mess in Jubbulpore, India, in 1875.^[53]

[edit] Famous Personalities

• Osho (Rajneesh Chandra Mohan), Philoshopher & Spiritual Leader
• Jaya Bachchan, Famous Bollywood Actress^[54]
• Prem Nath, Famous Bollywood Actor
• Harishankar Parsai (1924–1995), Hindi writer and satirist.
• Arjun Rampal, Famous Indian Model & Bollywood Actor^[55]
• Rajindernath, Famous Bollywood Actor
• Raghuvir Yadav, Famous Indian Television Actor of Mungerilal ke haseen sapne fame
• Ashutosh Rana, Bollywood Actor, Studied in Jabalpur
• Aadesh Shrivastava, Bollywood Music Director, Brought up in Jabalpur
• Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Founder of Transcendental Meditation^[56]
• Ashok Kumar, Student of Robertson College, Jabalpur
• Dr. Ghulam Mustafa Khan, Researcher, Author, Scholar of Urdu Literature & Linguistics, Educationists & Spiritual Leader of Pakistan ^[57]
• Subhadra Kumari Chauhan, Famous Hindi poet settled in the city after her marriage ^[58]
• Kamta Prasad Guru, Author of the First Authentic Vyakaran of Hindi approved by the Naagri Pracharini Sabha, Varanasi
• Lalit Kumar Pahwa, Managing Director and CEO of MNC,s Pune

[edit] Excursions

From Jabalpur one can go on daylong trips to Roopnath, Bilhari, Nohta, Mandla, Ramnagar, Rookhad, Pench National Park and National Park of Fossils. Mandla (95 km) was the capital of the ancient Gond kingdom of Garha-Mandla. A 17th century fort surrounded on three sides by the Narmada River is the main attraction here. Roopnath (84 km) is the site of a Shiva lingam while Bilhari has archaeological ruins of a bygone era. Nohta village, 81 km from Jabalpur, was the capital city of the Chandela kings in the 12th century. Rookhad and Pench National Parks are known for their wildlife while the National Park of Fossils houses plant fossils.

These are the Places to visit nearby destination Jabalpur

• Bilhari

Bilhari is situated at about 5 km from jabalpur. Archaeological excavations have unearthed many pieces of ancient sculptures here.

• Mandla

Mandla, located at 95 km south of Jabalpur, is known for its fort. The fort is situated in a loop of the Narmada River in such a way that the river protects it from three sides with a ditch on the fourth. The fort was built in the late 17th century. Today the fort is subsiding into the jungle, though some of its towers still stand. Nearby on a stretch of the Narmada, many temples dot the riverbank.

• Mandla Plant Fossils National Park

Spread over an area of 274,100 sq m, Mandla Plant Fossils National Park is home to plant fossils. Although covering a very small area, the whole park is strewn with fossils of a bygone era. The best time to visit the park is from October to mid-February.

• Nohta

Nohta is believed to have been the capital city of the Chandela kings in the early 12th century. The village is situated at about 81 km from Jabalpur. About 2 km from this village lies a Shiva temple. The temple is the venue of the annual Kartik fair. One can also see a few ruins of the Jain temples here.

• Pench National Park

The Pench National Park is spread over an area of 293 sq. km. The inhabitants of the park include Tiger, Leopard, Chital, Gaur, Sambar, Wild Boar, Muntjac and Nilgai.

• Ramnagar

About 15 km away from Jabalpur is Ramnagar. Here a ruined three-storey palace overlooks the Narmada River. The palace and the fort were both built by Gond kings.

• Rookhad

A wildlife sanctuary adjacent to the Pench National Park, Rookhad is situated at a distance of 101 km from Nagpur on the National Highway No. 7. A charming retreat in bison country, Rookhad is worth a visit.

[edit] References

If you visit Jabalpur and you are fond of eating, you should try the famous "kachauri" at the thirty year old shop " Dwarka Sweets" situated at the Bus Stand.

This article incorporates text from the Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition, a publication now in the public domain.

[edit] External links

• Official Website
• Jabalpur travel guide from Wikitravel

• FallingRain Map - elevation = 410m

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