Jharkhand

State in eastern India

Shikharji, Parasnath, Giridih, a major pilgrimage site in Jharkhand

Jharkhand is a state located in eastern India. It was carved out of the southern part of Bihar on 15 November 2000. The state 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 capital of Jharkhand is Ranchi, while Jamshedpur is the largest city.

Geography

Jharkhand is known for its rich mineral resources and diverse geography. The state is part of the Chota Nagpur Plateau, which is rich in minerals such as coal, iron ore, copper, mica, bauxite, and uranium. The plateau is characterized by its hilly terrain and dense forests.

A view of the natural landscape in Jharkhand

The state has several major rivers, including the Damodar River, Subarnarekha River, and Koel River. These rivers are crucial for the state's agriculture and hydroelectric power generation.

Climate

Jharkhand experiences a tropical climate with hot summers, a monsoon season, and mild winters. The average temperature ranges from 25°C to 37°C in summer and 5°C to 25°C in winter. The monsoon season, from June to September, brings heavy rainfall, which is vital for the state's agriculture.

Flora and Fauna

Jharkhand is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The state has several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, including Betla National Park, Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, and Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary. These protected areas are home to species such as tigers, elephants, leopards, and various species of deer.

Economy

The economy of Jharkhand is primarily driven by mining, agriculture, and industry. The state is one of the leading producers of minerals in India, contributing significantly to the country's mineral output. Major industries include steel, cement, and heavy engineering.

Bhatinda Falls, a popular tourist destination in Jharkhand

Agriculture is another important sector, with rice, wheat, and pulses being the main crops. The state government has been focusing on improving infrastructure and attracting investment to boost economic growth.

Culture

Jharkhand has a rich cultural heritage with a mix of tribal and non-tribal traditions. The state is home to several indigenous tribes, including the Santhal, Munda, Oraon, and Ho tribes. These communities have their own distinct languages, customs, and festivals.

Panchet Dam, an important infrastructure project in Jharkhand

The state celebrates various festivals such as Sarhul, Karma, and Tusu Parab, which are integral to the tribal culture. Chhau dance, a traditional dance form, is also popular in the region.

Tourism

Jharkhand offers a variety of tourist attractions, including natural landscapes, religious sites, and historical monuments. Some of the notable places include:

• Parasnath Hill, a major Jain pilgrimage site.
• Deoghar, known for the Baidyanath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India.
• Netarhat, a hill station known for its scenic beauty.
• Dassam Falls, a picturesque waterfall near Ranchi.

Dassam Falls, a scenic waterfall near Ranchi

Education

Jharkhand has several educational institutions, including Indian School of Mines, Birla Institute of Technology, and Ranchi University. The state government is working to improve the quality of education and increase literacy rates.

Related pages

• Bihar
• Chhattisgarh
• Odisha
• West Bengal

Baba Dham, a significant religious site in Jharkhand

See also

• List of districts of Jharkhand
• Economy of Jharkhand
• Culture of Jharkhand

Khakparta Temple, an example of Jharkhand's architectural heritage

External links

• Official website of Jharkhand Government