Bhilai

Bhilai is a city in the district of Durg, Chhattisgarh, in eastern central India. The city is located 32 kilometres (20 mi) west of the state's capital, Raipur, on the main Howrah–Mumbai rail line, and National Highway 6. Bhilai is known for the Bhilai Steel Plant, the only manufacturer of rails in the country used by Indian Railways.

Etymology

It is believed that the name "Bhilai" has been coined from the Bhil tribe which originally inhabited this region and continues to dwell in the nearby forests till date. As per another story, the city adopted the name of a nearby village Bhilai Gaon.

History

Not much is known about the past of this town. Bhilai was ruled by the Haihaivanshi Rajput clan in the 12th century. The Rajputs were defeated by the Bhonsle dynasty in 1740 and the city became a part of the Maratha empire. In 1853, the East India Company overthrew the Marathas in the region.

The city remained a part of the British Empire until India gained independence on August 15th, 1947. Post independence, the city shot into prominence following the establishment of the Bhilai Steel Plant. The plant was constructed with aid from the Soviet Union. Work on the plant began in 1950 and was finally completed in 1959. Bhilai Steel Plant was inaugurated by the first Indian President Dr. Rajendra Prasad.