One of the oldest demands for a separate state was fulfilled when the Parliament passed the Bihar Reorganization Bill on August, 2, 2000 to create the state of Jharkhand. The genesis of the demand can be traced to early 1900s when Jaipal Singh, the Oxford educated hockey Captain of the 1928 Olympics mooted the idea of a separate state consisting of the Southern districts of Bihar. After that there had been no looking back. Jharkhand Movement had begun.
The state comprises of eighteen districts of the erstwhile Bihar- Ranchi, Gumha, Lohardanga, East Singbhum, West Singbhum, Hazaribagh, Giridih, Kodarma, Chatra, Dhanbad, Bokaro, Palamau, Garhwa, Dumka, Deoghar, Godda, Pakure and Sahebgunj. With an area of 74,677 sq km the new state is bordered by Bihar, MP, Orissa and West Bengal to its north, west, south and east respectively. 35% of the population of former Bihar is in the Jharkhand region.
Jharkhand - Facts
Below is a table representing important facts about Jharkhand
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Culture of Jharkhand
Jharkhand is quite popular for its rich cultural heritage. Known for its unique folk tradition the state is mostly inhabited by Proto Austroloid and mixed Dravidian communities from time immemorial. Since the state has not been influenced by any foreign culture, it has maintained its identity and uniqueness. A glimpse of which can be got through its festivals and languages. Some of the famous festivals celebrated with great vigor and enthusiasm in Jharkhand are Sarhul, Bhagta Parab, Rohin etc. Languages spoken by the locals of the state include Korku, Mundari, Kurmali, Santhali, Bhumij, Ho and Kharia.
Economy and Infrastructure
Jharkhand is one the most industrialized regions of the country today. The region accounts for 35.5% of the country's known coal reserves, 90% of its cooking coal deposits, 40% of its copper, 22% of its iron ore, 90% of its mica and huge deposits of bauxite, quartz and ceramics. It is home to the largest steel plant in Bokaro, apart from Jamshedpur being practically the city of TISCO and TELCO. Due to its huge reserves of forests and natural resources, the future seems bright for this predominantly poverty ridden region. With total revenue of Rs 3,775 crores, Jharkhand may be able to alleviate its poverty. Its revenues can now be utilized for its own development and no longer be diverted to the state's coffers of Bihar as has been the case. Naturally the biggest loser is Bihar. Bihar will suddenly find its lifeline of revenues shrunk since 63% of Bihar's total revenue comes from this region. As far as infrastructure is concerned Jharkhand is on its way to rapid progress. Jharkhand is marked with a good network of roads, railways, airways, telecommunication, power and water system. The State is well connected by roads, the length of its National High Way is 1600 Km and State High Way is 2711 Km.With everything in its favor, Jharkhand is poised to become the Industrial powerhouse of the country, that is, if its leaders set the wheel of development rolling.
Tourism in Jharkhand
Ranchi
Ranchi, the Capital of the State is known for the Tagore Hill, Lamle Da,. Kagammatj Temple which is believed to have been built during the 17th centry, and on Ranchi - Hazaribagh road is the War Cemetery. Ranchi offers an ideal opportunity to those interested in anthropology. Tribal Research Institute and museum is well worth a visit for those seeking to know more about the tribal life of Jharkhand.
Mc Cluskieganj
Mc Cluskieganj is a small village near Ranch. It evokes nostalgia and one gradually discovers that the place was once popular with the Anglo-Indian community. Film makers have taken note not only of the spectacular natural beauty, clean air and extravagant greenery, but also of the village itself, a heady mix of the untamed and the sophisticated. Some of the houses here have retained their English names together with the epitaph of 'haunted house'. During the 1950s, there were no less than 100 Anglo Indian families with their typical cottages, clubs and shops.
Betla National Park (Palamau)
The world's first tiger-census was done in the Palamau forests in 1932. There were around 54 tigers here in 1991. The park is spread over a core area of 250 square kilometers and is also known as the Betla National Park. The National Park is laden with a severe biotic pressure from 107 villages in the buffer and three in the core. Livestock dependence is also high. Peafowl, red jungle fowl, and partridges are the common birds here.
Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary
The Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary is set in a similar ecosystem. Hence, most of the denizens of the wild found in Palamau can also be seen here. Sighting of wild boar, sambar, nilgai, cheetal, and kakar is assured especially near the waterholes at dusk. Tigers being less in number - 14 according to the 1991 census - are difficult to sight. The sanctuary is situated at an average altitude of 1800 feet and stretches over 184 square kilometers of undulating country and steep hills with dense tropical forests and grass meadows. The National Highway passing through the sanctuary is a cause of disturbance to their environment.
Netarhat
It is worth driving on a couple of hours through Betla to Netarhat, which is a pretty place at an elevation of 1250 meters. It is renowned for spectacular sunrises and sunsets plus the scenery.
Rajrappa
Rajrappa, 90 km from Hazaribagh town is famous for "Ma Chhina Mastika" temple where River Bhera joins the Damodar from a height of 20 ft. The little waterfall offers boating facilities, which introduces some very spectacular rock formations in this area.
Parasnath
Graced with a pleasant climate and picturesque places, Hazaribagh plateau has on its eastern margin, Parasnath - the highest hill in Jharkhand, rising to a height of 4,480 ft. The loftiness here is of another order. According to Jain tradition, no less than 20 out of 24 tirthankaras or saints (including Parsvanatha) are believed to have attained salvation in the Sammeta shikhar or the Parasnath hills. The hill seems to have been an abode of Jains. Parsvanatha, the 23rd tirthankar was very popular among the tribal population of Chotanagpur. Both the Swetambara and Digambara Jains have many beautiful temples here on the hills.
Deoghar
Deoghar or Baidyanathdham is the most important Hindu pilgrimage site for the people of Jharkhand as well as Bihar. Lakhs of pilgrims visit this place on foot traveling for around 100 km during the month of Shravan to pay their reverence to Lord Shiva.
Hotels in Jharkhand
Abounding in natural beauty Jharkhand is one of the most upcoming tourist destinations in India. Offering a host of tourist spots which include wildlife sanctuaries to temples to waterfalls this state attracts a huge traffic of tourist from all corners of the country. Jharkhand is dotted with some of the finest hotels in the country that are reputed for their services and hospitality.
What is the specialty of Jharkhand?
This state, located on the eastern part of the country of India is famous for rich mineral resources. Because of housing many industrial cities like Bokaro, Dhanbad, Jamshedpur, Hazaribagh and Ranchi, the state forms one of the major industrial belts of the country.
The renowned Tata Iron and Steel Company (T. I. S. C. O.) has got their head quarter based in Jamshedpur. Apart from that, this state is even regarded as a "Land of Forests". The forest areas of the state are home to a number of varied plant and animal lives.
Sal and Palas forests are some of the major attractions of the place. It is even the habitat of some tribal communities of India. Rich in its age old culture and tradition, the state attracts people for its priceless heritage.
Capital of Jharkhand
The capital city of this East Indian state is Ranchi.
When was the state established?
The place gained its statehood on 15th November, 2000, when it was separated from the state of Bihar.
Total covering area of Jharkhand
This industrial hub of the nation is stretched over a total area of 79, 714 sq. kms.
Official language of Jharkhand
The residents of this Indian state use Hindi as their main language. English is often used as a 2nd language though.
Governor of Jharkhand
The existing Governor of Jharkhand is Mr. Syed Ahmed.
Chief Minister of Jharkhand
The present Chief Minister of the state is Mr. Arjun Munda.
Major tourist attractions in Jharkhand
Other places of visit in Jharkhand are as follows:
- Baidyanath Dham
- Canary Hill
- Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary
- Dalmi
- Hundru Fall
- Jubliee Park
- Parasnath Temple
- Tagore Hill
- Udhwa Lake
Last Updated on : 25th March 2013
