| Location : |
Bihar |
| Attractions : |
Ancient Archaeological Sites. |
| Major finds : |
Harappan Pottery, Cave Paintings. |
| Tribals : |
Santhals, Asurs, Lohras, Gonds, Khonds, and Koras. |
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 socnic 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. |
