Singrauli district facts for kids
Singrauli is an important city and district in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It's often called the "Energy Capital of India" because of its many power plants and coal mines. The area includes parts of eastern Madhya Pradesh and a nearby district called Sonebhadra in Uttar Pradesh.
Long ago, Singrauli was known as Shringavali, named after a wise person called Sage Shringi. It was a wild place with thick forests and many animals. The kings of Rewa State, who ruled this area until 1947, even used it as a kind of outdoor prison for people who caused trouble!
In the 1800s, Singrauli (which was then part of Sidhi) had three different rulers. One was from the Chandela family in Bardi. Another was Rajasahab Madwas, a Baland Rajput, who ruled mostly in the Majhauli area. And the third was the Rajasahab of Singrauli.
On May 24, 2008, the government of Madhya Pradesh made Singrauli its 50th district. It was separated from the Sidhi district. At first, it had three main areas called tehsils: Singrauli, Chitrangi, and Deosar. Later, on April 1, 2012, two more tehsils were added: Mada and Sarai.
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Ancient Caves of Singrauli
Singrauli is home to some amazing ancient caves that were carved out of rocks. These caves are found in the Mada area, about 32 kilometers from Waidhan. They were made a very long time ago, between the 7th and 8th centuries AD.
Exploring the Mada Caves
Some of the most famous caves in Mada include:
- Vivah Mada
- Ganesh Mada
- Shankar Mada
- Jaljalia
- Ravan Mada
These caves are important historical sites that show us about the past.
Prehistoric Rock Paintings
Besides the rock-cut caves, Singrauli also has ancient rock shelters with paintings inside them. These special places are found in the Chitrangi tehsil, at spots like Ranimachi, Dholagiri, and Goura Pahad.
Art from the Stone Age
These painted rock shelters date back to the Mesolithic Age, which was a time when people used small stone tools. The paintings are made with red ochre, a natural pigment, and are a great example of early Indian art. They tell us stories about how people lived thousands of years ago.
Environmental Concerns
Unfortunately, these valuable ancient sites are facing threats from pollution. Also, the roads in Singrauli are not very good, which makes it hard for people to visit these historical places. Improving the roads and protecting the environment are important steps for Singrauli's future.