Chaugan Village - Madhya Pradesh
If Rudyard Kipling had to name a home for Mowglie and his friends, it would definitely be Chaugan on the edge of the alluring Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh. This picturesque tribal settlement of ‘Baiga’ and ‘Gond’ communities is about 32 km from Mandla, close to the route for Kanha National Park which inspired Kipling to chronicle his famous 'Jungle Book'.
Chaugan consists of 100 households inhabited by the by the Baigas and Gonds, who comes under the indigenous section of Madhya Pradesh. There are also some Yadav families in the villages. People of the Chaugan village are mainly dependent on the agriculture and forest produce for their livelihood. Gonds practice cultivation of crops and raise cereals in their fields. Baigas posses good information about herbal plants in the forests. While the Yadav families mainly herd cattle's in the village.
Chaugan villagers are expert in making handicrafts items out of the fiber and bamboo. A famous plant species known as Ram Phul is used to make beautiful wood items. If you are interested in learning the art and crafts work from the villagers you can stay at their houses and learn this unique art. Wood carvings are the another major attractions of Chaugan village which can be collected as souvenir. You can also witness the process of harvesting honey in the dense forests.
Tourists who are interested in experiencing the tribal life, Chaugan village is a absolutely right place for them. You can converse with the indigenous people in the village and know about their lifestyle. You can also take a walk around the village enjoying its beauty. Explore the forts, palaces and tribal communities of the village.
If you are planning to stay here for the longer time to can also hire the cottages in the village. During the day time you can venture in the fields to observe the villagers working hard in the fields. If you want you can also work with with the tribals in the farms.
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