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Bastar, a land of tribals, is the largest district in the state of Chhattisgarh. Endowed with rich minerals deposits and precious stones, it forms the southern part of Chattisgarh. The total forest area of the district is roughly 7112 sq km, which is more than 75 per cent of the total area. Tribes consist of 31.8% of the total Chattisgarh population, with 66.3% of concentration in Bastar. The main tribes of Bastar are Gonds, Kamars, Biagas, halbas and Bhatras. This region is also famous for some distinctive and equally beautiful craft forms. Gadhbengal is a small village in Narayanpur tehsil with majority of Muria tribe (sub tribe of Gonds) living in the area. Surrounded by the lush green forest full of trees like teak, shisham and sal, woodcraft is widely practiced here. The community of wood craftsmen is also known as badais. Pandi Ram Mandavi, who is a wood carver, is one of the living legends of the region.
