Jharkhand
Coaching Centre
27 Centre in All Over India
India
Coaching Centre
19 Centres in All Over India
India
Coaching Centre
86 BRDS Coaching Centres in India
India
Coaching Centre
4 Branch in 4 City & 4 State
Bihar, UP, Jharkhand, WB
Jharkhand, often referred to as the "Land of Forests," is a mesmerizing state located in eastern India. It is one of the youngest states of India, formed on November 15, 2000, after being carved out of Bihar. With a blend of natural beauty, tribal traditions, mineral wealth, and growing urban centers, Jharkhand presents a unique mosaic of India's cultural and ecological diversity.
The state is a home to a vast tribal population, rich forests, mighty rivers, and breathtaking waterfalls. It is also one of India’s richest mineral zones, fueling industries while preserving traditional lifestyles deeply rooted in nature. This article aims to provide an extensive insight into Jharkhand’s geography, history, culture, economy, tourism, and challenges, offering a holistic understanding of this vibrant state.
Jharkhand covers an area of approximately 79,700 square kilometers. It shares its borders with Bihar to the north, West Bengal to the east, Odisha to the south, and Chhattisgarh to the west. The state is predominantly situated on the Chotanagpur Plateau, characterized by undulating terrain, hills, dense forests, and fertile valleys.
The plateau landscape comprises a series of hills and valleys that contribute to the region’s diverse ecology. The western and southern parts of Jharkhand are rich in dense forests, while the northern and eastern areas have a mix of forest and agricultural lands. The forest cover accounts for nearly 29% of the total geographical area, hosting rich biodiversity.
Jharkhand is traversed by many rivers originating from the plateau. Prominent rivers include the Subarnarekha, Damodar, Koel, Barakar, and Ajay. These rivers support agriculture and act as lifelines for the forests and communities. The state also boasts several waterfalls such as Hundru Falls, Jonha Falls, and Dassam Falls, which are not only scenic attractions but also sources of hydroelectric power.
The climate of Jharkhand is predominantly tropical, featuring three distinct seasons: summer, monsoon, and winter. Summers, from March to June, can be hot with temperatures sometimes soaring above 40°C, especially in the plains. The monsoon season, from June to September, brings moderate to heavy rainfall, rejuvenating the forests and agricultural lands. Winters, from November to February, are mild and pleasant, with temperatures often dropping below 10°C in some regions.
The variation in climate supports a wide range of flora and fauna, making Jharkhand an ecological hotspot.
The history of Jharkhand is deeply intertwined with its tribal populations, many of whom have inhabited the region since ancient times. The tribal groups such as the Munda, Santhal, Oraon, Ho, and Kharia have preserved their unique languages, customs, and religious beliefs over centuries.
During ancient and medieval times, the region was dotted with small kingdoms and tribal chiefdoms. It also witnessed the rise and fall of several dynasties, including the Nagvanshis and the Ramgarh rulers, who left behind several forts, temples, and inscriptions.
With the advent of British colonial rule, Jharkhand’s vast mineral wealth became the focus of industrial interest. The discovery of coal, iron ore, and other minerals led to the establishment of mining and industrial towns. However, this period was also marked by exploitation and suppression of tribal rights over their lands and forests.
Numerous tribal uprisings, including the famous Santhal rebellion (1855-56) and the Munda revolt led by Birsa Munda, echoed the resistance against colonial rule and the exploitation of tribal communities.
The demand for a separate state for the tribal-dominated regions of southern Bihar gathered momentum in the 20th century. After decades of struggle by tribal leaders and activists, Jharkhand was formed as a separate state on November 15, 2000, with Ranchi as its capital. This move was aimed at ensuring focused governance and socio-economic development of the region’s indigenous population.
Jharkhand has a population of approximately 40 million people, with a significant proportion (about 28%) belonging to Scheduled Tribes. The state is home to more than 30 distinct tribal communities, each with its own language, customs, and traditions.
Santhal: One of the largest tribal groups, spread across Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, and Bihar. Known for their vibrant festivals and folk dances.
Munda: Primarily found in northern and central Jharkhand, they have a rich tradition of music and nature worship.
Oraon: Concentrated mainly in the western parts of Jharkhand, famous for their agricultural practices and festivals.
Ho: Residing mainly in the Singhbhum region, known for their distinctive language and traditional dances.
Kharia and Birhor: Smaller tribal groups, residing in more isolated forest areas, preserving ancient customs.
Apart from Hindi, which is the official language, tribal languages such as Santhali, Mundari, Ho, Kharia, and Kurukh are widely spoken. Sadri serves as a lingua franca in many tribal areas, bridging communication across different groups.
The tribal culture of Jharkhand is a tapestry of rituals, art, music, dance, and folklore. These communities share a profound connection with nature, often worshipping trees, rivers, hills, and animals as sacred entities. Traditional knowledge of herbal medicine, sustainable farming, and forest conservation has been passed down generations.
Festivals are an essential part of Jharkhand’s cultural identity. Most tribal festivals revolve around the agricultural calendar and nature worship:
Sarhul: Celebrated by the Munda, Oraon, and other tribes, it marks the beginning of the New Year and the onset of spring. People worship trees and dance in colorful attires.
Karma: A harvest festival observed by several tribes, dedicated to the Karam tree, symbolizing fertility and prosperity.
Sohrai: A cattle festival celebrated with great fervor, including wall paintings and traditional music.
Tusu: A winter festival celebrated by communities in southern Jharkhand, involving folk songs and community feasts.
Jharkhand is famous for its tribal art forms, especially Sohrai and Khovar paintings, which are traditional wall and floor decorations made during festivals. These paintings depict animals, plants, geometric patterns, and mythological stories.
The state is also renowned for Dokra (metal casting), bamboo crafts, weaving, and pottery. These handicrafts are not only expressions of cultural identity but also sources of livelihood for many rural artisans.
Dance forms like Chhau and Jhumar are intrinsic to Jharkhand’s tribal culture. The Chhau dance, with its vibrant masks and dramatic storytelling, is particularly famous and often performed during festivals and fairs. Folk music, usually accompanied by traditional instruments such as drums, flutes, and cymbals, forms the soul of tribal celebrations.
Jharkhand is one of the richest mineral zones in India, endowed with abundant reserves of coal, iron ore, copper, mica, bauxite, and uranium. The mineral wealth has attracted major industries in steel, power, cement, and mining, making the state an industrial hub.
Mining and mineral-based industries contribute significantly to the state’s economy, generating employment and revenue. However, this also presents challenges related to environmental degradation and displacement of tribal communities.
Agriculture remains the mainstay of Jharkhand’s rural population. The fertile valleys support crops like rice, maize, wheat, pulses, and vegetables. However, the agricultural sector faces challenges such as small landholdings, dependence on monsoon rains, and lack of modern irrigation facilities.
Many tribal farmers practice traditional shifting cultivation (also known as "jhum"), supplemented by collection of forest produce like tendu leaves, mahua flowers, and honey, which are vital sources of income.
Jharkhand’s industrial landscape includes large steel plants, thermal power stations, cement factories, and mining operations. Cities like Jamshedpur, Bokaro, and Ranchi have emerged as major industrial and educational centers.
Efforts are ongoing to diversify the economy by promoting small and medium enterprises, handicrafts, tourism, and information technology sectors.
Jharkhand is a treasure trove of natural beauty with dense forests, hills, rivers, and waterfalls. Some popular natural destinations include:
Hundru Falls: One of the highest waterfalls in Jharkhand, surrounded by scenic forested hills.
Jonha Falls: Located near Ranchi, known for its picturesque views and picnic spots.
Dassam Falls: Another spectacular waterfall near Ranchi, popular with tourists and locals alike.
The state is home to several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, such as:
Betla National Park: Known for its tiger reserve, diverse flora and fauna, and forest trekking trails.
Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary: Houses various species of deer, elephants, leopards, and birds.
Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary: Located near Jamshedpur, known for elephants and rich biodiversity.
Eco-tourism initiatives are being promoted to balance conservation with sustainable tourism development.
Jharkhand is dotted with several pilgrimage sites and cultural landmarks:
Deoghar: Famous for the Baidyanath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva, attracting millions of devotees annually.
Parasnath Hill: An important Jain pilgrimage site, believed to be where many Jain Tirthankaras attained salvation.
Rajrappa: Known for the Chhinnamasta Temple, an important Hindu shrine situated at the confluence of rivers.
The rich tribal festivals and cultural fairs also attract visitors interested in experiencing indigenous lifestyles and traditions.
Jharkhand faces multiple developmental challenges, particularly in tribal and rural areas. Issues include poverty, unemployment, low literacy rates, and inadequate health infrastructure. Displacement caused by mining and industrial projects has also led to social unrest.
Deforestation, mining-induced pollution, soil erosion, and water contamination threaten Jharkhand’s fragile ecosystems. Balancing economic growth with environmental conservation remains a pressing challenge for policymakers.
While strides have been made, access to quality education and healthcare in remote tribal areas remains limited. Efforts are ongoing to improve infrastructure, train teachers, and incorporate local languages and culture in education.
Jharkhand holds immense potential for balanced and inclusive growth. With its natural wealth, cultural richness, and strategic location, the state can develop into a hub for eco-tourism, sustainable industries, and cultural preservation.
Investments in infrastructure, education, health, and technology, coupled with active participation of tribal communities in governance, can pave the way for a prosperous and harmonious future. Promoting traditional crafts, protecting the environment, and enhancing tourism can further boost the state’s economy.