Welcome to Bastar, the Adivasi heartland of India. With over 70 per cent of its population belonging to assorted tribes, it is only natural for Bastar to be celebrated as a veritable melting pot of races. Home to the Muria, Muria Gond, Hill Maria, Bison-horn Maria, Halba, Dhurwa, Bhatra and Dorla communities, Bastar is a treasure trove of primitive but rich cultures that have withstood the ravages of time with simple inherent logic. That said, change is an inevitable part of life and these societies, like others, are also on the verge of change, however uneasily. Formerly, Bastar, along with the district of Dantewada was part of the princely state of Bastar. After Independence, this state, as well as Kanker, acceded to the Government of India and were merged to form the Bastar District of the State of Madhya Pradesh. Today, it is a part of the State of Chhatisgarh, which was carved out of Madhya Pradesh. Located 260 km from the capital Raipur, Bastar is the tribal region of Chhattisgarh.