Jharkhand

Jharkhand is a state in eastern India and shares its borders with Bihar to the north, Uttar Pradesh to the northwest, Chhattisgarh to the west, Odisha to the south, and West Bengal to the east. The state was carved out of the southern part of Bihar in 2000 and is known for its lush forests, waterfalls, and mineral resources.

The capital city of Jharkhand is Ranchi, which is also the largest city in the state. The state's official language is Hindi, although several tribal languages are also spoken.

Jharkhand is a land of natural beauty, with several national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and waterfalls that attract tourists from all over the country. Some of the major attractions in the state include the Betla National Park, the Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary, the Palamau Tiger Reserve, and the Hundru Falls.

Apart from its natural beauty, Jharkhand is known for its rich cultural heritage. The state has many tribal communities, each with unique traditions and customs. Many tribes in the state celebrate the annual Sarhul festival is a major cultural event.

The state's economy is largely dependent on agriculture and mining, with the production of rice, wheat, and pulses being major contributors to its GDP. Jharkhand is also rich in mineral resources such as coal, iron ore, copper ore, and mica, and mining is an important industry in the state.

To reach Jharkhand, travel to Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi or trains to Ranchi and other major cities. The state also has a well-developed road network, with several national highways connecting it to other parts of the country.

History Of Jharkhand

Jharkhand, a state in eastern India, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to ancient times. The region has been inhabited since prehistoric times, as evidenced by the prehistoric rock art found in the area. The region was ruled by various kingdoms and empires over the centuries, each leaving its mark on its culture and history.

The early history of Jharkhand is closely linked with the ancient kingdom of Magadha, which was based in present-day Bihar. Magadha was one of the most powerful kingdoms of old India and played a crucial role in shaping the region's history. The Mauryan Empire, based in Magadha, ruled over much of India from the 3rd century BCE to the 2nd century CE. The Mauryan king, Ashoka, is known for his contributions to Buddhism and his mandates, many of which can be found in Jharkhand.

In the medieval period, Jharkhand was ruled by several small kingdoms and empires, including the Nagas, the Mauryas, the Guptas, the Pala Dynasty, and the Mughal Empire. Many of these kingdoms left their mark on the region's art and culture, particularly the Pala Dynasty, known for its literature and art contributions.

During the British colonial period, Jharkhand was part of the larger province of Bihar and was ruled by the British Raj. The region was an important centre of the Indian independence movement, with many notable freedom fighters hailing from the area. After independence in 1947, Jharkhand remained part of Bihar until 2000, when it was carved out as a separate state.

Today, Jharkhand is home to a rich and diverse culture strongly emphasising tribal traditions and customs. The state is known for its unique blend of ancient and modern culture, with many traditional festivals and customs practised alongside modern amenities and technologies.

Geography Of Jharkhand:

Jharkhand is a state in eastern India, bordered by Bihar to the north, West Bengal to the east, Odisha to the south, Chhattisgarh to the west, and Uttar Pradesh to the northwest. It is the 15th largest state in terms of land area, covering an area of approximately 79,714 square kilometres.

The state has a diverse topography, with a mixture of hills, plateaus, and valleys. The Chota Nagpur plateau dominates the state, covering around 60% of its land area. The table comprises several smaller tables, including the Hazaribagh Plateau, the Ranchi Plateau, and the Kodarma Plateau. These plateaus are interspersed with valleys and rivers, creating a landscape of stunning natural beauty.

The state is also rich in mineral resources, with large coal, iron ore, mica, bauxite, and copper reserves. The Damodar Valley Corporation, located in the state, is one of India's largest power generation companies.

The climate of Jharkhand is subtropical, with hot summers and cool winters. The average temperature during summer ranges from 32 to 40 °C (90 to 104 °F), while in winter, it ranges from 10 to 20 °C (50 to 68 °F). The monsoon season usually lasts from June to September, with heavy rainfall throughout the state.

Culture Of Jharkhand:

Jharkhand has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, influenced by various indigenous communities and neighbouring states such as Bihar, West Bengal, and Orissa. The state has over 32 million people, with more than 30 tribes in the region.

The traditional arts and crafts of Jharkhand reflect the state's cultural diversity. Some of the popular handicrafts of the region include Dokra metal crafts, Paitkar paintings, and Sohrai and Khovar tribal paintings. The state is also known for its musical traditions, with the Baul, Fagua, and Jhumur folk music popular among the locals.

The cuisine of Jharkhand is influenced by the neighbouring states, with rice being a staple food item. The region's popular dishes include Dhuska, Chilka Roti, and Pittha. The state is known for its tribal cuisine, unique ingredients and cooking techniques.

Jharkhand is home to several festivals and fairs throughout the year, which provide a glimpse into the state's cultural traditions. Some of the popular festivals of the region include Sarhul, Karma, and Sohrai, which are celebrated by the tribal communities. Other popular festivals celebrated in the state include Diwali, Holi, and Eid.

The state of Jharkhand is also known for its vibrant dance forms, with the Chhau and Jhumar being popular among locals. These dance forms are often performed during festivals and other cultural events.

Places To Visit In Jharkhand:

Betla National Park:

This national park is located in the Chota Nagpur Plateau and is known for its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife. It is home to tigers, leopards, elephants, and many other species of animals.

Hazaribagh National Park:

Located in the Hazaribagh district, this national park is known for its dense forests and wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and sambar deer.

Ranchi:

The capital of Jharkhand, Ranchi, is a bustling city known for its scenic beauty and cultural heritage. Hills and forests surround it, and it has many waterfalls and lakes.

Netarhat:

A hill station in the Latehar district, Netarhat is known for its scenic beauty and pleasant climate. Dense forests surround it, and it has many waterfalls and lakes.

Deoghar:

Located in the Santhal Parganas division, Deoghar is a holy city known for its ancient temples, including the Baidyanath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India.

Dassam Falls:

This waterfall is located near Ranchi and is known for its scenic beauty and natural surroundings. It is a popular spot for picnics and trekking.

Parasnath Hill:

This hill is located in the Giridih district and is considered a sacred site for Jains. It is home to many ancient temples and a popular trekking spot.

Palamu Fort:

Located in the Palamu district, this fort is an ancient structure built during the Mughal era. It is known for its architectural beauty and historical significance.

Patratu Valley:

Located near Ranchi, this valley is known for its scenic beauty and is a popular spot for adventure activities like trekking and rock climbing.

Jamshedpur:

Located in the East Singhbhum district, Jamshedpur is a well-planned industrial city known for its scenic beauty and cultural heritage. It is home to many parks, lakes, and gardens.

Adventure Activities In Jharkhand:

Paragliding:

You can enjoy the thrill of paragliding in the scenic locations of Jharkhand, especially in Netarhat, known for its picturesque landscapes.

Trekking:

Trekking enthusiasts can explore the beautiful hills and forests of Jharkhand. Popular trekking routes include Netarhat, Betla, Dalma Hills, and Panchghagh Falls.

Rock climbing:

Jharkhand is a paradise for rock climbers. You can try rock climbing in the scenic locations of Betla, Dassam Falls, and Hazaribagh.

Water sports:

Jharkhand has several waterfalls, lakes, and rivers, making it an ideal destination for water sports activities such as boating, kayaking, and rafting. You can try these activities in places like Maithon Dam and Hundru Falls.

Wildlife safari:

You can explore the rich wildlife of Jharkhand by taking a wildlife safari in the Palamau Tiger Reserve or the Betla National Park.

Caving:

Jharkhand has several natural caves that attract adventure enthusiasts. You can explore the mysterious caves of Baidyanath Dham, Gua, and Pindari.

Mountain biking:

Jharkhand's hilly terrain provides an ideal setting for mountain biking. On a mountain bike, you can explore the hills of Netarhat, Hazaribagh, and Dalma.

Best Time To in Jharkhand:

The best time to visit Jharkhand is from October to March. During these months, the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The temperature ranges between 10°C to 25°C, making it comfortable for tourists to explore the state's various attractions. The monsoon season, from July to September, brings heavy rainfall and can cause inconvenience in travelling and exploring. The summer months, from April to June, are hot and humid, making it less favourable for tourism.

How To Reach Jharkhand:

By Air:

The state has several airports like Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi, Dumka Airport, Dhanbad Airport, Bokaro Airport, and Deoghar Airport. These airports are well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai. One can hire a taxi or take a bus from the airport to reach their desired destination.

By Rail:

Jharkhand has a well-connected railway network with major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai. Major railway stations in the state are Ranchi, Bokaro, Dhanbad, Jamshedpur, and Hazaribagh. Regular trains run from these stations to major cities across India.

By Road:

Jharkhand has a well-connected network of roads and highways. Several National Highways pass through the state, including NH-19, NH-20, NH-23, and NH-33. State-run and private buses operate from major cities in Jharkhand to other parts of the state and neighbouring states. One can also hire a taxi or self-drive to reach their desired destination.

Try The Delicious Food In Jharkhand:

Dhuska:

It is a popular snack made with ground rice and chana dal, then fried. It is usually served with chutney or aloo dum.

Chilka Roti:

It is a traditional bread that is made with rice flour and has a crispy texture. It is usually served with dal or any vegetable curry.

Pitta:

It is a dumpling made with rice flour and filled with either lentils or vegetables. It is usually steamed and served with chutney.

Rugra:

It is a traditional dish that is made with roasted and pounded rice. It is usually served with curry or chutney.

Kadhi Bari:

It is a popular dish with fried pakoras made of gram flour, simmered in a yoghurt-based gravy.

Bamboo Shoot Curry:

It is a popular dish that is made with bamboo shoots that are cooked with potatoes and spices.

Mitha Khaja:

It is a sweet dish that is made with maida and is deep-fried. It is usually served with a sugar syrup.

Enjoy The Nightlife in Jharkhand:

Dugdaleswar Mandir, Ranchi:

This temple is famous for its night aarti, which takes place around 8 PM. You can witness the temple's mesmerising beauty and participate in the aarti, a unique experience.

Bars and Pubs:

There are a few bars and pubs in major cities like Ranchi, Jamshedpur, and Dhanbad. You can enjoy drinks and good music with friends in these places.

Nighttime Walking Tours:

Some cities in Jharkhand offer nighttime walking tours. You can take these tours to explore the city's culture, history, and architecture at night.

Local Festivals:

Jharkhand has many local festivals at night, such as the Sarhul festival, which is celebrated by the tribal community. During these festivals, you can witness the locals' traditional dances, music, and customs.