Betul is one of the marginally located southern districts of Madhya Pradesh, lying almost wholly on the Satpura plateau. It occupies nearly the whole width of the satpura range between the valley of the narmada on the north and the bearer plains on the south. It forms the southernmost part of Bhopal commissioners Division.
The district derives its name from the small town of Betul Bazar about 5Km. south of Badnur, the Headquarters of district. During the Maratha regime as also in the beginning of the British rule, Betul or Betul Bazar was the district Headquarters.
The Northern part of the district has a touch of Bundelkhandi language and culture. The Southern belt of the district has overtone of Marathi Language and Maharastrian culture. The rest of the district is predominantly tribal, populated by the Gonds and Korkus. They worshipped Bada Mahadev. Their rituals are mostly of sacrificial nature. Despite education they still believe in superstitions. The use natural hurbs for the healthcare. There are some inistituons for classical Music like, Bhatkhande sangeet collage at Betul.
The District is famous for the apprising of the tribals against the British rule. Banjaridal a village in Betul tahisil is well known for the martyr Vishnu Singh Gond. The District participated in the growth of freedom movement so much so that no fewer than 50 volunteers to part in the Conference of congress at Nagpur.
The District covers and area of 10043 sq km. and population is 13,95,175 as per 2001 census. Density of the Population is 138/sq km. Betul district is rich in tribal population. The tribal population of the district as per 2001 census is 5,49,907. Main tribes inhabiting the district are Gonds and Korkus. The other castes include Kurmis, Kunbis, Bhoyars, Mehras, Chamars, Banias and Rajputs.
Places of Interest
Bhainsdehi:At Bhainsdehi there is an Old Shiva Temple built of carved stones . The roof at long ago collapsed. At present there are some beautifully carved pillars.
Kazili and Kanigiya: 7 Km from Amla there are twin village of Kazili and Kanigiya which contain old Temples of Hindus and Jains built in stone. They appeared to be places of considerable religious importance. If excavation is carried out here , it can result in the discovery of numerous objects of Archeological value.
Muktagiri: At Muktagiri, there are some Jain Temples built on a hill as the name suggests the place had been sacred to the Jaines who came here to pass their last days.
