State (pop., 2001 prelim.: 20,795,956), central India.
Bordered by Madhya Pradesh , Uttar Pradesh , Jharkhand , Orissa , Andhra Pradesh , and Maharashtra states, it occupies 52,199 sq mi (135,194 sq km); its capital is Raipur. The Chhattisgarh Plain covers much of the state, with the land becoming more hilly to the north and west. The area now comprising Chhattisgarh was the eastern portion of Madhya Pradesh state before it was made into a separate state in 2000. It is rich in minerals, but the population is mainly engaged in agriculture.