Famous State of Jharkhand in india

  By Dhananjai | September 4, 2012 | INDIAN CULTURE

History The government of Jharkhand was sworn in on November 15, 2000, acceding to demands that began in the early 1900s when Jaipal Singh, the hockey captain of the Indian team to the 1928 Olympics voiced his opinion that southern Bihar should be a separate state. After a spate of agitations, bandhs and blockades spanning many decades, the Jharkhand Area Autonomous Council was formed in 1995 within Bihar with Shibu Soren as Chairman, but the people were convinced they wanted their own identity as a state. In 1997, Laloo Prasad Yadav’s government in Bihar faced a no-confidence vote and Shibu Soren agreed to bail him out on the condition that a bill demanding the formation of the state of Jharkhand is allowed in the Assembly. Jharkhand consists of 18 districts: Bokaro, Chatra, Deogarh, Dhanbad, Dumka, East Singbhum, Garhwa, Giridih, Godda, Gumha, Hazaribagh, Kodarma, Lohardanga, Pakure, Palamau, Ranchi, Sahebgunj and West Singbhum. A recently created state, Jharkhand has its capital at Ranchi. The Bihar Reorganisation Bill passed in August 2000 made it possible for the dream of many tribes nestled in the southern parts of Bihar to be a separate entity.

Economy Jharkhand has a wealth of mining industries and mineral deposits. The region accounts for 35.5% of India’s known coal reserves, 90% of its coke coal, bauxite, quartz and ceramic deposits and 40% of its copper. It is home to the large steel plants of Bokaro and Jamshedpur. Engineering Companies such as the HEC & MECON have established a considerable presence in Ranchi, the capital city.

Language Jharkhand was carved out of southern Bihar, home to several tribes. Prominent among them are the Mundas, the earliest tribal settlers in the area. The Santhals are the last of the tribes to settle down here. The official language of Jharkhand is Hindi. Many tribal languages are spoken in different parts of the state.

Religion Most of the tribes of Jharkhand were nature worshippers before converting to more institutionalised religions like Christianity and Hinduism. Around 17% of the tribal population of Jhakhand practise Christianity. The tribals rationalised the forces of nature by endowing objects of nature with supernatural qualities and worshipped them as manifestations of the Supreme Being.

Food While rice is the staple, roti (unleavened bread) is also occasionally an important part of main meals. Pulses, vegetables, meat, eggs and fish are eaten with rice or roti. The tribes make their own local liquor called ‘hanria’, which is made of rice and can taste pungent for first timers!

Culture and Crafts The tribal communities of Jharkhand date back 5000 years, according to some historians, proven by the cave paintings discovered in the region. For all those who are keen to see the art and craft traditions of Jharkhand, the Tribal Research Institute and Museum in Ranchi has many interesting displays. Dance and music make up an integral part of their social interaction, which is true of most tribal societies all over the world. “Sarhul” is the most celebrated tribal festival of the region when they worship the Sal tree with much dance, music, drinking and camaraderie. “Paitkar’ painting in scrolls and elegant stone work are delicate and intricate handicrafts of the region that rarely find their way to the market for lack of sponsorship. Woodwork, bamboo crafts, metal work and toys are widely made by the tribes of the region.

Tourist info centres

Tourisn Directorate, F.F.P Bhawan, 2nd Floor, Dhurwa, Ranchi-4. Tel: +91 651 2400981

How to get there by Air Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Patna have regular flights to Jharkhand’s capital city, Ranchi. The steel township of Jamshedpur also has an airport but it is not used for commercial flights yet.

How to get there by Rail Most of the major cities of India are connected by regular passenger and express trains to the cities of Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Bokaro, Dhanbad and Giridih.

How to get there by Road There are good road links from the rest of India to Ranchi and the other important cities of Jharkhand state. Government and privately operated buses link many states such as Bihar, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal and Orissa.

Getting around Jharkhand has a good infrastructure of road and rail links because of its rich mineral deposits. Ranchi, Bokaro, Jamshedpur, Giridih, Dumka and Dhanbad are linked by road and rail. There are no flight connections within the state.

Where to Stay in Jharkhand

All the cities of Jharkhand are important business centres such as Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Bokaro, Giridih, Dumka and Dhanbad. The places to stay in Jharkhand range from hotels to guesthouses. The accommodation optionshere range from standard to average to suit every budget.

Best Time to Visit Jharkhand

October to March is the best time to visit Jharkhand when the temperatures and humidity are low and the weather is pleasant.

Climate Jharkhand has a typically tropical climate with hot wet summers and mild winters. Temperatures can soar up to 42ºC in the capital city of Ranchi in summer although it is considered to be a relatively pleasant city. The monsoon season is July to September and the state receives an annual rainfall of 1326mm.

Things to do in Jharkhand

Tourism in Jharkhand is mainly nature-centric and a traveller has many interesting things to do in this delightful state of India. Sightseeing in Jharkhand involves visiting temples and pilgrimages like the Temple of Lord Jagannath near Ranchi, the Shiva Temple at the Ranchi Hill, and the Vaidyanath Temple and other shrines in Deogarh. Also, waterfalls and National Parks like Betla and Hazaribagh National Park are places worth visiting.
One can go shopping for bamboo, wooden and metal crafts, as well as the ‘paitkar’ paintings. In Jharkhand, one may find plenty of outdoor activities to go about, like para-sailing, para-gliding and trekking in Parasnath and Satpahar, and hiking and water surfing in Khandoli Park. Come to Jharkhand for Flower Feast, celebrated with utmost fervour.