About Jharkhand | Fact & Figure

The 28th state of the Indian Union was brought into existence by the Bihar reorganization Act on November 15,2000- the birth anniversary of the legendary Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Jharkhand is famous for its rich mineral resources like Uranium, Mica, Bauxite, Granite, Gold, Silver, Graphite, Magnetite, Dolomite, Fireclay, Quartz, Fieldspar, Coal (32% of India), Iron, Copper (25%of India) etc. Forests and woodlands occupy more than 29% of the state which is amongst the highest in India.

The region enshrouded in the hills and forests inaccessible to a large segment of people. The tribes of this state are living here from thousands of years and not much changed in their life and culture over the ages baring last few decades. Many scholars now believe that the language used by tribes in the state of Jharkhand is identical to the one used by Harappan people. This has led to a great interest in the deciphering of Harappan inscriptions using rock paintings and language used by these tribes.

For a greater part of Vedic age, Jharkhand remained obscured. During the age of Mahajanpadas around 500 BC, India saw the emergence of 16 large states who controlled the entire Indian subcontinent. The supremacy of the janpads were often decided by the power of swords and bows and ax and other weapons. The region around Jharkhand was extremely rich in its mineral resources including iron and the janpad that controlled this region, Magadha, eventually controlled most of the country. The power of Magadha continued to occupy central state in Indian subcontinent for a long time and saw the emergence of mighty empires such as Mauryas and Guptas. After the end of last big Hindu empire of Guptas, India saw emergence of a number of numerous regional powers who tried to control this region. Same was the case with Muslim Sultans of Delhi and their feudatories in Bengal, who tried to control this mineral-rich area. British identified this region as a great source of raw material for their booming industries back home and to exploit the region to its full potential, established a vast network of railway line. Calcutta was developed as a major port to export raw materials from this region to England.

Birsa Munda (1875-1900)and Sidho and Kanho are the legendary heroes of the tribals of this state who fought against the oppressive rule of the British government. Birsa Munda, now regarded as god, fought for the tribals natural right over forests and land that was mercilessly being acquired by the British for exploitation. After a long fight, Birsa Munda was captured by the British authorities and died in prison. Sidho and Kanho were another set of revolutionaries among the tribals, now regarded as a tribal heroes.

For a long time, Jharkhand remained as a part of Bihar, but after Indian independence, the demand for a separate state of tribals started gaining momentum. In the last fifty years, the tribes of this region fought against the hegemony of Northern Bihar, a region that gained from the mineral deposits of this region like anything. Jharkhand became a state under the Republic of India on November 15, 2000 and now it is poised for a great leap forward.

FACT SHEET*
Population	2,69,09,428
Male Population	1,38,61,277
Female Population	1,30,48,151
Per Capita Income	Rs. 4161.00
Density of Population	338 persons / Sq. KM
No. of Districts	24
No. of Sub divisions	35
No. of Blocks	212
No. of Villages	32620
No. of Villages Electrified	14667 (45 % of total)
No. of Villages connected by Road	8484
National Highways	1006 KMs
State Highways	4662 KMs
Health Centers	506
Schools	21386
Universities	5 Incl. One Deemed University
Total Geographical Area	79.70 Lakh Hect
Cultivable Land	38.00 Lakh Hect
Net Sown Area	18.04 Lakh Hect (25% of total area)
Net Irrigated Area	01.57 Lakh Hect (8% of net shown area)
Forest	29% of total area
* this data is as per 2001 Census

Districts of Jharkhand
BOKARO	GIRIDIH	LOHARDAGA
CHATRA	GODDA	PAKAUR
DEOGHAR	GUMLA	PALAMU
DHANBAD	HAZARIBAGH	RAMGARH
DUMKA	JAMTARA	RANCHI
East Singhbhum	KHUNTI	SAHIBGANJ
GARHWA	KODERMA	SERAIKELA-KHARSAWAN
BOKARO	LATEHAR	SIMDEGA

History of Jharkhand

An, abundance of fossil remains and prehistoric artifacts in some places of Jharkhand point to the possibility that the transformation of homo erectus to homo sap/ens took place in the Chotanagpur region. Stone axes and other tools of early civilizations date back to over 3000 years. In the 6th or 7th century BC - the era of the epic Mahabharata-the "Kikat" Pradesh mentioned in the Rig Veda,was located somewhere in the Parasnath Hills in Giridih district, Jharkhand.

This enormous wealth of past times, civilized existence, human societies and their cultural patterns, survive in caves, monuments, rock-art in shelters (petrographs)-and it is open for the world to explore.

Is that a dinosaur on the cave wall ? Or a mammoth being chased by a band of early men? Is that a prehistoric fern frozen in stone for millions of years ? Yes. Cave paintings in some parts of Jharkhand, 'stone art' and 'petrography' also indicate the passage of geological time and the ancient presence of a civilization that may even pre-date the legendary Harappa.

Many districts of Jharkhand abound in such sites and relics.

Art, craft & Culture

The cultural mosaic of Jharkhand was dreamt about, shaped and polished by generations of communities, which have inhabited this land since time immemorial.

From the legendary Asurs and Santhals, to the Banjara, Bihor, Chero, Gond, Ho, Khond, Lohra, Mai Pahariya, Munda, Oraon, Kol or Kawar-over thirty-two tribal groups (28 % of the total population of the state), have left their impression on the culture of the region. And with them, were the cross-cultural influences of local non-tribal communities and successive waves of Buddhism and Jainism, Mughal rule and the reign of the Hindu emperors of Bengal.

Art historians ascribe the 'oldest cave paintings' in India, the "scroll paintings" to a Jharkhand tribe known as the Shabars, who today live on the edge of extinction. It is an established fact that Stone Age tools discovered in Hazaribagh district and axes and spearheads found in the Chaibasa area, are remnants of a civilization dating back a few thousand years. 10,000 to 30,000 years old rock paintings, paintings in huge caves in the Sati hills and other indicators of ancient, even pre-historic, human settlements are found in profusion.

Cuisines

The Jharkhandi cuisine is traditional and combination of various locality in Jharkhand Region. Some are traditional and others are adopted  from  mixed culture of adjoining areas. As India is famous for monsoon and its beautiful quarterly seasons; mainly winter, summer and rain, that brings  variety of cuisines with itself. But, there are some major cuisines those are used in all the seasons such  as Rice, Roti, Daal, Tarkari and sweets.

In general, the food cooked in Jharkhand is considered to be very light on the stomach and easy to digest. This fact can very well be demonstrated by the nature of Jharkhand food habits that have been imbibed by the native folks. Litti and Chokha also form an important portion of Jharkhand food. The mouth-watering non-vegetarian Jharkhand food preparations like spicy chicken are also popular with a considerable section of Jharkhand. The cuisine mainly associated with this state also bears a faint touch of the robust Mughals which is vividly visible in the food of Jharkhand.

Jharkhand Festivals

The varied festivals of Jharkhand marks the 28th state of the Indian subcontinent as a spiritual canvas of soul stirring celebration. This state astonishingly combines antiquity and plenty. So the festive celebrations in the state of Jharkhand are marked with great ebullience and traditional ardor. Festivals in this state make for unrestrained jollification. Jharkhand participates in almost all the festivals taking place in the country. The festivals celebrated in Jharkhand embody the robust and composite cultural heritage of our nation. Various communities of the Indian subcontinent celebrate as many as forty festivals with complete communal concordance.

The tribal festivals in the state of Jharkhand also have their share of exuberance and excitement. The chief tribal festivals of Jharkhand are:

Karma

The festival of Karma, also known to be a religious festival, calls for huge celebration among the tribals of Jharkhand. On the day of this festival devotees keep fast of complete 24 hours. The cultural performances are observed keeping a branch of a Sal tree in the middle of an open ground.

Sohrai

The Sohrai festival is a popular and much-awaited festival of the tribes of Jharkhand. It is associated with the cattle and is celebrated during the festival of Diwali, which falls in the month of November. During the festive celebrations the cattle are washed and worshipped. This is a time for great amusement and performances of cattle such as bullfights are organized to multiply the fun and excitement.

Sarhul

This is the main festival of the tribal population of Jharkhand. The verbal meaning of Sarhul is worship of the Sal tree. Sarhul can also be redefined as worship of nature in which local people worship Sita, the wife of Lord Rama as `Dhartimata`. They also worship the Sal tree, which is believed as the abode of Goddess Sarna who protects the village from all kinds of natural calamities and disasters.

The most important festival of the Hindus are:

Holi

One of the most important festivals of Jharkhand is the Holi. The spring festival of Holi is celebrated in Dhanbad in the month of Phalgun or in the months of February/March according to the English calendar and seems to have a universal appeal. The festival of Holi is celebrated with great charm and vigor in the state of Jharkhand. The legend of Holika is very much prevalent here. The lighting of bonfire also forms a special feature of the Holi celebrations in Dhanbad. Fun and frolic is also redefined in various forms in the festive celebrations here. People greet each other with colors and thus enhance the feeling of harmony due to which happiness prevails. The tradition of playing Holi with mud is also extremely delightful.

Diwali

Another prominent festivals of Jharkhand is the Diwali. The people of Jharkhand indulge themselves in the celebration of Diwali with much exuberance. The celebration of Diwali in the state of Jharkhand starts two days before the actual Diwali, celebrated in honor of Dhanvantari also known as the physician of Gods. The day just before the actual Diwali is known as `Choti Diwali` or `Small Diwali`. Songs in honor of the deities, the performance of `Arti`, lighting of lights or oil/ghee diyas, bursting of crackers characterize the festival of Diwali. Tiny footprints of the Goddess of Wealth, Mother Lakshmi are a special feature of the Rangolis designed for this auspicious ceremonial occasion. The tribal people of the state worship Goddess Kali on this day.

Ramnavami

This religious Hindu festival is celebrated in the whole country along with the state of Jharkand with equal amount of pomp and show. This auspicious day is observed to mark the birth of Lord Rama. The people of Jharkhand celebrate this sacred festival by observing fasts and observing prayers in his honor. In the state of Jharkhand early morning rituals marks this sacred ceremony. During this festival the people of Jharkhand sing and chant the name of Lord Rama. The devotees indeed have a highly colorful ceremony to mark the beginning of the wedding celebrations.

Dussehra

Dussehra, one of the much-awaited festivals of Jharkhand. It is a ten days event in total. It demands the participation of the rich and the poor alike. The festival is marked in the state by the worship of Goddess Durga, the incarnation of the cosmic energy. Ramlila also forms a major part of the Dussehra celebrations in this state. The victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana is celebrated in this state by visiting the temples and chanting verses from the great epic Ramayana. Huge effigies of the demon king Ravana are dressed in colorful outfits and then set onto fire.

Basant Panchami

Another well known festivals of Jharkhand is the Basant Panchami. This festival is celebrated in Jharkhand with as much pomp and fervor as that of the whole country. In this state Basant Panchami is celebrated to welcome the season of spring after the dead and decay of the winter season. People of this state take this festival to be full of religious, seasonal and social significance. The locals celebrate this joyous festival with much ebullience and the main attraction of this festival is kite flying.

Chhath Puja

The `Sun-God` is worshipped by almost all civilizations but adopts a unique form in the state of Jharkhand. Chhath Puja is reckoned as one of the most important festivals of Jharkhand.. During this festival the setting Sun is worshipped with utmost sincerity and devotion. The inhabitants of the state have immense faith on this auspicious festival, which is celebrated two times a year once in the month of Chaitra or March, and the other time in which it is celebrated is the month of Kartik, which falls in the month of November. The harmonious melody of the lyrics chanted during this festival lets one immerse in the sanctity and the purity of this auspicious occasion. Besides the Hindus, some of the Muslims also actively participate in the holy ceremony. If we opt for redefining this festival then we can say that it is an expression of seeking blessings from the forces of the nature, thus representing the amalgamation of the Vedic and non-Aryan religion.

Jityya Bhaiya Dooj

Jitya Bhaiya Dooj one of the prominent festivals of Jharkhand is celebrated in the state of Jharkhand with as much exuberance as in the other states. It is a festival purely dedicated to the love and affection between brothers and sisters. Brothers bless their sisters and also promises to protect them from all hardships. The celebration of Bhaiya Dooj in this state can be redefined as a bond that speaks of sensitivity and timeless relationship.

The Muslim festivals in Jharkhand are celebrated with equal pomp and show and all the communities take the same interest in these festive celebrations as well. The chief Muslim festivals in Jharkhand are the Muharram, the two Ids, and Shah-I-Bharat.

Eid-ul-Fitr

This festival occurs at the end of the month of Ramzan, is the gayest and falls on the first day of the tenth month of the Hijrah or Muslim calendar. This festival is celebrated in Dhanbad with great pomp and show.

Eid-ul-Adha

This festival popularly known as Bakri-Id or Eid-ul-Adha or Eid-Ul-Zuha is one of the most important festivals in the Muslim calendar. It is observed on the tenth day of the twelfth month in the Muslim calendar. The holiness of the day and the period preceding it makes this a popular time for undertaking the pilgrimage to Mecca.

Muharrum

The most solemn and colorful Muslim function held in the state of Jharkhand is Muharram. This festival commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Holy Prophet. In all cities and towns Muslims take out impressive processions of colorfully decorated tazias, replicas of the martyr's tomb at Karbala. In this state also Muharram is observed by taking out gold and silver replicas of old Nawabi times and men are seen beating their breasts in mourning constantly until blood oozes out.

Pilgrim Places

Deoghar

Home to a complex of 22 temples of which the biggest and the tallest at 72-ft is the Temple of Baidyanath that houses one of the 12 revered jyotirlingas in the country, Deoghar is the most sacred place in Jharkhand. It holds great sanctity among Hindus because it is believed to be the only kamanalingam - a lingam that has the power to fulfil all dreams. Every year, in the month of Shravan (July-August), devotees undertake an arduous 100 km trek from Ajgaibinath (Sultanganj) to Baidyanath Dham. The pilgrimage ends at Basukhinath, a hilly, scenic town about 43km from Deoghar. At the Deoghar complex, also visit the temples associated with tantric practices and Shakti worship like Ma Sandhya, Mansa, Ma Bagla and Ma Kamakhya. Before leaving don't forget to make an offering of meetha dahi to Lord Baidyanath. Naulakha Temple is situated 1.5km from the Baidyanath Temple. The yoga centre (Ashram) at Rikhia is worth a visit and is situated about 8Km from Deoghar.

 MYTHOLOGY

 According to Hindu mythology, Ravana went to Mount Kailash and prayed to Lord Shiva, who gave him a Jyotirlinga to take to his land, with the promise not to place the lingam any where else. In case that happened, the lingam would remain fixed on that spot forever. The gods, who were unhappy at the prospect of the divine lingam being established in the enemy kingdom, which would render them powerless against their adversary, worked a trick on Ravana. He mistakenly handed over the lingam to a brahmin, who grounded it at Deoghar. Ravana did his best to uproot it but beyond breaking the tip he was unsuccessful. In deep remorse, he used to come to this place everyday and worship the lingam by offering water from the Ganges. Historically the temple is dated to 1596.

Jharkhand, the state is a states dotted with a number of tourist destinations.Ranchi is nature's bounty to mother India which has specially been adorned with falls and streams. Some of them are as follows: Dassam Falls formed out of Kanchi River is about 40 kms away from Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand situated near a village named Taimara near which flows the Kanchi river falling from a height of about 144 feet. Hundru Falls about 28 km. aways from Ranchi is formed out of Swarnarekha river having a height of 320 feet. The other important waterfalls in Jharkhand are Jonha Falls and Hirni Falls. From Dassam, you can also cover Panchghagh, by continuing on the diversion from Taimara to Khunti, Sadni, Lodh, Sugabandh and Mirchaiya are best covered if you are travelling between Netarhat and Betla.

Waterfall in Jharkhand

Hundru Fall

Hundru fall is about 45 kms away from Ranchi Town. The Swarnarekha river falls from a height of 320 feet making a wonderful scene known as Hundru falls. At the base of the fall a beautiful pool is formed which allows visitors to take a good bath, but with precautions. During rainy season it takes a formidable form but in summer it turns in to an exciting picnic spot. The diverse shape of the rock adds splendour to the place, which has been shaped from the attrition by the frequent fall of water. The picturesque grandeur of Hundru falls mesmerize the tourists, and fill their hearts with delight.

People who spend their leisure time in Ranchi visit Hundru falls frequently. The place is also popular as one of the most admired trekking destinations in the state. Therefore, adventure lovers visit Hundru falls frequently. In the rainy season, the falls flow down creating fearsome environment, but in summer, they serve as a thrilling picnic place. The magnificence, luxury and attractiveness of the falls are incomparable. An English author, who wrote the 'Gazetteer of India' during British Empire, praised the place highly. He stated that the westerners would regard it as a place worth visiting even from remoteness.

Tourists can also visit Hundru falls from Ranchi via Ormanjhi-Sikidiri route. Visit Hundru falls to explore the natural glory of Ranchi and enjoy the various adventure sports here. A visit to the Hundru falls during Ranchi tours will always be memorable.

Jonha Fall

Named after the nearest village, Jonha is also known as Gautam Dhara as Lord Buddha is believed to have bathed here. A temple and ashram dedicated to Buddha was built atop GautamPahar by the sons of Raja Baldevdas Birla. A sign clearly proclaims that the ashram was originally meant for people of the Hindu faith as well as all branches ofarya dharm(Buddhists,Jains, Sikhs, Sanatani, Aryasamajis). Locals also call Jonha the Gunga Nala because the stream apparently comes from Ganga ghat. 453 steps take you down to the waterfall and to the farflung villages of Konardih and Duarsini on the other side of the stream. Across the bridge is a basic guest house run by the same Kurmi mahto caretakers of Jiling Siring village (literally,Long Boulder) who maintain the Kisan Bhavan Atithishala & Jalpangrih at the car park. They can rustle up a good meal of rice and desi murgi curry while you come back your trip.

Dassam Fall

About 40 km away from Ranchi on Tata Road falls a village named Taimara near which flows the Kanchi river. Falling from a height of about 144 feet Kanchi river makes a pretty fall called Dassam falls encircled with charming scenes. It is also known as Dassam Ghagh. The tourists are warned not to take bath in the falls or at least be careful while bathing in the stream. This fall has created the Dasham falls, which is bordered with verdant landscapes. The time between February and April is considered as an ideal period to visit the place.

Scenery around the falls is very much beautiful. Tourists visiting the Dasham falls get fascinated after viewing the scenery and glory of the place. Tourists from all over India come to visit this beautiful place, which must form an integral part of your Jharkhand itinerary. Natural beauty of the place attracts visitors throughout the year. Tourists can enjoy bathing in the stream, but they are advised to be cautious while taking a dip in the stream. The children are strictly warned not to take bath in the falls. Those who love swimming can enjoy it in the water of the Kanchi river. The Kanchi river is a nice place to enjoy some recreational activities like river rafting, swimming and other water sports.

Panch Gagh Falls

Located on way to Simdega via Khunti, Panchghagh is the collective name for a group of five waterfalls (punch ghagh in the dehatl tongue) formed in a row due to the breaking up of the Banai river. Cemented walkways connect the different cataracts, of which stream 2 is the most popular while 5 is the biggest, though a bit inaccessible. You can walk down from the tourist shelter to the base of stream 2. Further downstream is a forest patch with a clearing that's a very popular haunt for picknickers. The distance of this waterfall is about 55 kms from Ranchi.

Hirni Fall

The Ramgarha river which travels 12 km through dense jungles, plunges down in a broad torrent as Hirni, From the car park, a walkway to the left takes you to the other side of the river to a tourist hut whereas steps to the right lead up to the top of the hill. From an observation tower at the top you can see the mighty fall and the jungles that lie beyond. A little further up there's a bridge spanning the river and a shed. A tourist complex with a restaurant and lodging facility is currently under construction near the car park. The caretaker Lemsa Purti recounts how his ancestors migrated from further upstream after they saw a rat afloat on a piece of wood. Which is why, of all the totemic clans, the Chutia (rat in their language) Purtis revere the rat and do not harm it. Lemsa conjectured that the name Hirni perhaps comes from the profusion of deer in the area. Even today, the limestone kohs (caves) deep inside the jungles above, are home to beasts like tigers, bear and porcupine.

Lodh Fall

Lodh Fall is 61kms from Netarhat. The waters of the Burha river flow from Chhattisgarh and fall into Jharkhand from a height of 468 feet, making it the highest cataract in the state. Earlier known as Burha Ghagh, the waterfall dashes down the rocks from three sides, its white waters glinting in the sun. From the car park, there's a forest trail interspersed by 255 steps though you can hear the sound of crashing waters from afar.

Sources http://www.jharkhandtourism.in , http://www.jharkhand.gov.in/