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BIHAR CHOTA NAGPUR THE
LAND OF THE ABORIGINES
Blissfully remote and uniquely beautiful, the tranquil environs of Chhotanagpur
offers an ideal escape from the restrictions of civilization. It is still the
place of bygone days tempered with moments of serenity, goodwill and charm that
makes it impossible, not to be seduced by its beauty and climate. The landscape
combines the raucous vivacity, the exquisite scenery, the creaking ox cards and
innocent tribal looks that greet one everywhere.
Chhotanagpur plateau is a region of great unevenness and consists of a
succession of plateaus, hills and valleys. Most of the plateau has an elevation
exceeding 1,000 feet, while the hills rise to 3,000 feet or more. In the heart
of Chotanagpur there are main plateaus - those of Hazaribagh
and Ranchi.
THE
TRIBES
The constitutional Order of 1950 has classified 30 different tribes of Bihar,
spread over the Chhota Nagpur plateau that encompasses several districts. These
tribes not only differ considerably from non-tribal population but even from one
another. Cheros (found in Palamu and Chaibasa religion) for instance, migrated
from the sub-Himalayan tract and they bear the Dravadian physiognomy with light
brown complexion, while most of the other tribes are dark skinned, short
statured, curly haired and broad nosed people.
Santhals are the most predominant and prosperous among the tribes of Bihar. The
Asurs and Lohras are given to the fast disappearing trade of iron smelting and
blacksmithy. The Asurs are believed to be the subcontinent's first iron
smelters, who were driven from the Gangetic plains to the plateau of Chhota
Nagpur. A number of Dravidian tribes like Gonds, Khonds and Koras are believed
to have migrated from the neighbouring states.
Mundas are the most ancient among
the tribes of Bihar, who love to live in association with other tribes. The best
known icon of this tribe is Birsa Munda, who was behind the Ulgulan movement of
1900, which gave expression to the tribal anguish and resentment against the
English rule and fuelled the agrarian crisis.
PRIME
SITES:
Ranchi
It is picturesquely situated in the heart of Chhotanagpur, at an altitude of
2140 ft., above the sea level. Well known for its scenic attractions, it was
once the summer capital of Bihar. An important industrial centre of the country,
Ranchi is well known for its pleasant climate, verdant rocks and scenic
waterfalls. Ranchi Hill, Ranchi
Lake, Tagore Hill are some of the important tourist place.
Hazaribagh
A popular health resort, Hazaribagh is also a famous hill station, which is
located at a height of 2019 ft., above the sea level. The place is well known
for its beautiful and scenic surroundings. Canary Hill, Hazaribagh Lake, and the
Wild Life Sanctuary are some of the places that are a must, on any visitor’s
itinerary.
Netarhat
Known as the queen of Chhotanagpur, Netarhat is a beautiful hill resort of
Bihar. Its exotic locale transports one to a land of fantastic beauty. The place
is known for its picturesque sunrise and sunset.
Dhanbad
This mining town is internationally famous for its rich coalfields. This is an
important industrial and commercial town of the Chhotanagpur region and has the
distinction of lying in the heart of India’s richest coalfields at Jharia. Bokaro
and Jamshedpur,
famous for their steel plants; the scenic Topchhanchi
lake, are all located in the vicinity of the region. Top
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