The word Chhattisgarh has historical roots. Both chronicles on this area and historians working in this area suggest that interpretation of the meaning of this word (Chhattisgarh) has changed with the change in the rulers in the area.
  • Chhattisgarh is not an ancient name and has come into popular usage only in the last few centuries. In ancient times the region was called Dakshin Kosala. But Chhattisgarh was known as Kosala of Dakshin Kosala in the inscriptions, literary works and accounts of all foreign travellers.
  • According to some, 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. However, the word Chhattisgarh was popularized during the Maratha period and was first used in an official document in 1795.
  • British Chronicler J B Beglar explains the origin of the name Chhattisgarh through an interesting story. He says this area becomes very relevant in the context of contemporary caste consciousness and the caste configuration of the region. The real name in fact is Chhattisghar and not Chhattisgarh. He justifies this by quoting a folk tale that says ages ago about the time of Jarasandha, thirty six families of Dalits (leather workers) emigrated southwards from Jarasandha`s kingdom and established themselves in a county. This county is called Chhattisgarh after them.
  • 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 till date have not been identified in the region.
  • Yet another popular explanation, which the historians propose strongly, is that Chhattisgarh is the corrupted form of the word `Chedisgarh` or the political seat of the Chedis.