 Jabalpur is located in Madhya Pradesh, a province earlier known as the Central Province. Madhya Pradesh is the Central State of the Indian Territory and Jabalpur becomes the central city of the nation.
There is a bit of difference of opinion on the origin of the name Jabalpur. Some believe the trading community of Jabalpur with links with Middle East Arabs derived the name from the Arabic word Jabal which means hills. The others feel that the name is based on the name of an Indian Saint Jabali Pattanam, who had the distinction of learning the Vedas despite being from the lower caste. The name may have its etymological references to Arabs or Saints, but the city is an inescapable tourist destination in Madhya Pradesh.
The city is also known by a typical Hindi name, Sanskardhani, or a veritable urn of culture. The salubrious environs of the virgin hills and the charm of River Narmada was an attraction for the Saints and hermits from all over India. The city was the favorite of Kings and Maharajas looking for relaxation amid hills, lakes and waterfalls. 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.
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 town, on the Varanasi-Nagpur NH-7 is well connected with the North and South India. The Jabalpur Airport located about 12 miles from the city has limited facilities. Recently the low priced Deccan Airlines has started flights from Delhi and Bhopal to the city. The authorities realizing the importance of the city on the tourist map have made plans of upgrading the airport.
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 and winters bring it to the freezing point of water. 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.
The city of about one and half million people has had its share in the freedom struggle of India, with personalities like Lokmanya Tilak, Mahatama Gandhi, Subhash Chandra Bose conducting rallies in Jabalpur. The city is also home to many reputed educational institutions, contributing a large professional workforce to the developing Indian economy.
It is a city with leftist leanings, loathing the capitalist juggernaut with vehemence. It is the breeding grounds for many movements; the famous Narmada Bachao Andolan got resounding support from this city. The city with anathema for capitalism is a fairly inexpensive and highly satisfying tourist destination. |
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