# Raipur

> capital of Chhattisgarh, India

**Wikidata**: [Q372773](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q372773)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raipur)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/raipur

## Summary

Raipur is the capital city of Chhattisgarh, a state in central India, serving as the administrative, commercial, and cultural hub of the region. It is a major urban center with a population of approximately 1,010,087 residents, located in Raipur district at coordinates 21.2379468°N, 81.6336833°E. The city functions as the capital of both Chhattisgarh state and Raipur district, as well as Raipur division and the Eastern States Union.

## Key Facts

- **Type**: City, big city (population ≥100,000)
- **Country**: India (independent since August 15, 1947)
- **State**: Chhattisgarh (established November 1, 2000)
- **District**: Raipur district
- **Population**: 1,010,087
- **Area**: 226 square kilometres (226,000,000 square metres)
- **Elevation**: 291 metres above sea level
- **Coordinates**: 21.2379468°N, 81.6336833°E
- **Timezone**: UTC+05:30
- **Postal Code**: 492001
- **Local Dialing Code**: 0771
- **UN/Locode**: INRPR
- **Website**: http://www.raipur.nic.in
- **Municipal Authority**: Raipur Municipal Corporation
- **Wikipedia Title**: Raipur
- **Wikidata Description**: capital of Chhattisgarh, India
- **Sitelink Count**: 93 (Wikipedia languages: 110+ including English, Hindi, Spanish, French, German, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and many others)

### Identifiers and Authority Records
- **FAST ID**: 1221907
- **VIAF ID**: 131375326
- **GND ID**: 4478349-8
- **Freebase ID**: /m/02t5s4
- **Geonames ID**: 1258980
- **OpenStreetMap Node ID**: 5308437250
- **GNS Unique Feature ID**: -2108614
- **Library of Congress Authority ID**: n82129127
- **Encyclopædia Britannica Online ID**: place/Raipur

### Aliases
- Raipoor, Ryepoor, ライプル (Japanese), راي بور (Arabic)

### Notable Institutions and Infrastructure
- **Swami Vivekananda Airport** — airport in Chhattisgarh
- **All India Institute of Medical Sciences Raipur** — established 2012
- **National Institute of Technology Raipur** — premier engineering institute, established 1956
- **Raipur Junction railway station** — railway junction established 1888
- **Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Raipur** — established 1964
- **Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium** — owned by the city

### Media
- **Cartoon Watch** — newspaper based in Raipur, established 1996

## FAQs

**What is Raipur known as the capital of?**
Raipur is the capital of Chhattisgarh, a state in central India. It also serves as the capital of Raipur district and Raipur division, and is the administrative center of the Eastern States Union.

**What is the population and area of Raipur?**
Raipur has a population of 1,010,087 residents and covers an area of 226 square kilometres (226 million square metres), making it a large urban settlement and big city by population classification.

**What are the major educational institutions in Raipur?**
Raipur is home to the National Institute of Technology Raipur (NIT Raipur), a premier engineering institute established in 1956, and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences Raipur (AIIMS Raipur), a major medical institute established in 2012.

**What transportation infrastructure serves Raipur?**
Raipur is served by Swami Vivekananda Airport for air travel, Raipur Junction railway station (established 1888) for rail connectivity, and road networks with the postal code 492001 and local dialing code 0771.

**What religious institutions are located in Raipur?**
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Raipur, established in 1964, is based in the city. The headquarters is located at .

**What is the administrative structure of Raipur?**
Raipur is governed by the Raipur Municipal Corporation and serves as the capital of Chhattisgarh state, Raipur district, Raipur division, and the Eastern States Union.

**What is Raipur's geographic location?**
Raipur is located in Raipur district in central India at coordinates 21.2379468°N latitude and 81.6336833°E longitude, with an elevation of 291 metres above sea level. The timezone is UTC+05:30.

**What media outlets are based in Raipur?**
Cartoon Watch is a newspaper headquartered in Raipur, established in 1996.

## Why It Matters

Raipur serves as the political, economic, and cultural nerve center of Chhattisgarh, one of India's younger states (established in 2000). As the state capital, it houses the headquarters of all major state government departments, making it the decision-making hub for policies affecting millions of residents in central India. The city's significance is amplified by its strategic location in the region known as the "Eastern States Union," positioning it as a coordinating center for multi-state initiatives.

The presence of premier educational institutions like NIT Raipur (established 1956) and AIIMS Raipur (established 2012) makes Raipur a critical center for technical and medical education in central India. These institutions attract students from across the country, contributing to human resource development and research output. The city's healthcare infrastructure, anchored by AIIMS, provides specialized medical services to a vast regional population.

Raipur's transportation infrastructure—including Swami Vivekananda Airport and Raipur Junction railway station (operating since 1888)—connects the region to major Indian cities, facilitating commerce, tourism, and movement of goods. The city's economic activities span manufacturing, agriculture, and services, driving regional development. Its elevation at 291 metres and position in central India creates a strategic gateway between eastern and western regions of the country.

The city's diverse population, reflected through its extensive Wikipedia presence in over 110 languages, demonstrates its growing international relevance. The presence of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese since 1964 highlights its religious diversity, while local media like Cartoon Watch (established 1996) contributes to its cultural landscape.

## Notable For

- Capital of Chhattisgarh, one of India's youngest states (established 2000)
- Home to National Institute of Technology Raipur, a premier engineering institute since 1956
- Location of All India Institute of Medical Sciences Raipur (AIIMS) since 2012
- Railway junction operational since 1888, making it one of the older railway stations in the region
- Administrative center for Raipur district, Raipur division, and the Eastern States Union
- Population exceeding 1 million, classifying it as a "big city"
- Wikipedia presence in over 110 languages, indicating international recognition
- Location of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Raipur since 1964
- Home to Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium
- Base of Cartoon Watch newspaper since 1996

## Body

### History and Establishment

Raipur's history is deeply intertwined with the formation of Chhattisgarh as a state. While the city existed as a significant settlement for centuries, its prominence increased dramatically when Chhattisgarh was carved out of Madhya Pradesh as a separate state on November 1, 2000. Prior to statehood, Raipur served as a major city in Madhya Pradesh and was the administrative center of the region. The city's historical significance is evidenced by its railway connectivity dating back to 1888, when Raipur Junction railway station was established during British colonial rule.

### Geography and Location

Raipur is situated in the central part of India within Raipur district at coordinates 21.2379468°N latitude and 81.6336833°E longitude. The city sits at an elevation of 291 metres above sea level, placing it in a relatively flat region of Chhattisgarh. The urban area spans 226 square kilometres (226,000,000 square metres), making it one of the larger cities in central India by land area. The timezone observed is UTC+05:30, consistent with Indian Standard Time. The city is located within the Mahanadi River basin, contributing to the region's agricultural productivity.

### Demographics and Population

With a population of 1,010,087 residents, Raipur qualifies as a "big city" under the classification of urban settlements with at least 100,000 inhabitants. The city's population has grown substantially since it became the capital of a full state in 2000, driven by migration from rural areas and the concentration of government and commercial activities. The postal code 492001 serves the city, and the local dialing code is 0771.

### Administration and Governance

Raipur functions as the capital of multiple administrative units: Chhattisgarh state, Raipur district, and Raipur division. It also serves as the administrative center of the Eastern States Union, a regional coordination body. The city is governed by the Raipur Municipal Corporation, which handles civic administration, urban planning, and public services. The administrative structure positions Raipur as the nerve center for state governance, housing the legislative assembly, secretariat, and chief minister's office.

### Transportation and Connectivity

Raipur's transportation infrastructure provides comprehensive connectivity by air, rail, and road. Swami Vivekananda Airport serves the city and surrounding regions, connecting Raipur to major Indian cities. The Raipur Junction railway station, operational since 1888, is a major railway junction in Chhattisgarh, part of the South East Central Railway zone. The city is well-connected by national and state highways, facilitating road transport. The UN/Locode INRPR identifies Raipur in international shipping and logistics systems.

### Education and Research

Raipur is a major educational hub in central India, home to several prestigious institutions. The National Institute of Technology Raipur (NIT Raipur), established in 1956, is one of the premier engineering institutes in India, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various engineering disciplines. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences Raipur (AIIMS Raipur), established in 2012, is a tertiary care hospital and medical college providing advanced healthcare and medical education. These institutions attract students from across India and contribute significantly to research and development in engineering and medical sciences.

### Healthcare

The healthcare infrastructure in Raipur is anchored by AIIMS Raipur, which provides specialized medical services to patients from Chhattisgarh and neighboring states. The institution serves as a referral hospital for complex medical cases and contributes to medical research and training. Beyond AIIMS, the city has numerous hospitals and healthcare facilities serving the general population.

### Religion and Culture

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Raipur, established in 1964, represents the significant Christian population in the region. The archdiocese covers the Catholic faithful in Chhattisgarh and surrounding areas, with its headquarters at . The city's religious diversity includes Hindu, Muslim, and other communities, contributing to its cultural fabric. Local media, including Cartoon Watch newspaper (established 1996), reflects the city's cultural landscape and provides entertainment content.

### Sports and Recreation

Raipur is home to the Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium, a significant sports facility in the region. The stadium hosts various indoor sports events and competitions, contributing to the city's sports infrastructure. The city's growing urban population has increased demand for recreational facilities, and the stadium serves as a venue for national and state-level events.

### Media and Publications

Cartoon Watch, a newspaper based in Raipur, was established in 1996 and is headquartered in the city. The publication focuses on cartoon and satirical content, unique among Indian newspapers. The city's media landscape includes various print and digital publications serving the local population.

### International Recognition and Identifiers

Raipur has extensive international recognition, evidenced by its presence in over 110 Wikipedia language editions. The city has been assigned multiple unique identifiers across international databases: VIAF ID 131375326, GND ID 4478349-8, Freebase ID /m/02t5s4, Geonames ID 1258980, OpenStreetMap Node ID 5308437250, and GNS Unique Feature ID -2108614. The Library of Congress Authority ID n82129127 and FAST ID 1221907 provide cataloging references in international library systems. The Encyclopædia Britannica entry (place/Raipur) documents the city in this authoritative encyclopedia.

### Economic Significance

As the state capital, Raipur serves as the primary economic center of Chhattisgarh. The city hosts numerous government offices, commercial establishments, industries, and service sector businesses. Its strategic location in central India facilitates trade and commerce with neighboring states. The presence of NIT Raipur and AIIMS Raipur contributes to the knowledge economy through education and healthcare services.

### Technology and Digital Presence

Raipur maintains an active digital presence across multiple platforms. The city's official website is http://www.raipur.nic.in. It has a subreddit (r/raipur) and is associated with the Quora topic "Raipur-Chhattisgarh-India." The GitHub topic "raipur" indicates software development activity related to the city. The Curlie ID Regional/Asia/India/Chhattisgarh/Localities/Raipur/ categorizes the city in web directories.

### Related Administrative Entities

Raipur is connected to several administrative and geographic entities. It is located within Raipur district and serves as the district capital. The city is part of Chhattisgarh state, which was established in 2000. It is also the capital of Raipur division, an administrative subdivision of the state. The Eastern States Union represents a regional coordination body for which Raipur serves as an administrative center. The city is distinguished from other places named Raipur (notably the one in Poland) through the "different_from" property in Wikidata.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. [Source](https://www.mapsofindia.com/std/india/chhattisgarh/raipur.html)
3. OpenStreetMap
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. GeoNames
6. [Mor Raipur](https://www.reddit.com/r/Raipur/)