Explore the complete profile of Sate Jharkhand, covering its history, geography, polity, culture, rivers, national parks, and economic growth.
theIAShub | 10 May, 2025 | 5781 | 0 |
Jharkhand, one of India’s resource-rich eastern states, holds a significant position in the country’s industrial and cultural landscape. Known for its tribal heritage, mineral wealth, and forested terrain, the state represents a deep connection to natural resources and indigenous traditions. Spread over 79,716 square kilometers, it ranks as the 15th-largest state in India by area. According to the 2011 Census, Jharkhand is home to over 32 million people. Ranchi, the capital city, along with Jamshedpur and Dhanbad, serves as administrative and industrial centers.
The history of Jharkhand dates back to ancient times. The region has been home to various tribal communities for centuries and saw the rise of small kingdoms and chieftaincies. It came under the influence of larger empires such as the Magadha and Maurya empires, and later, the Mughal and British empires.
During the colonial period, the area was part of the Bengal Presidency. Tribal uprisings such as the Santhal Rebellion (1855–56) and the Birsa Munda uprising (1899–1900) reflect the region’s resistance to British rule and exploitation.
After independence, the region remained part of Bihar. Persistent demands for a separate tribal state led to the formation of Jharkhand on November 15, 2000, with Ranchi as its capital.
Also Read: List of Indian States And Their Capitals
Jharkhand is located in eastern India, bordered by Bihar to the north, West Bengal to the east, Odisha to the south, and Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh to the west.
| Category | Details |
| Geographical Features | – Chotanagpur Plateau (dominant landform) – Dense forests and hilly terrain – River systems: Damodar, Subarnarekha, Koel – Rich in minerals and forest reserves |
| Climate Type | Tropical Climate |
| Seasons | – Summer (Mar–Jun): Hot temperatures – Monsoon (Jul–Sep): Heavy rainfall – Winter (Nov–Feb): Mild and pleasant |
| Climate Variation | Plateau moderates temperature extremes but weather varies by district |
Jharkhand is enriched by several perennial rivers, supporting agriculture and industry across the state.
Major Rivers:
These rivers support irrigation, drinking water supply, and hydropower projects.
Also Read: Arunachal Pradesh
As per the 2011 Census, Jharkhand had a population of 32.9 million. The population density stands at 414 persons per square kilometer. The sex ratio is 948 females per 1000 males, slightly below the national average.
Literacy Rate: The state recorded a literacy rate of 66.4%, with male literacy at 76.8% and female literacy at 55.4%.
Languages Spoken:
Also Read: Chattisgarh
Each State has its own symbols. Following are the state symbols of Jharkhand:
| Symbol | Name |
| State Animal | Elephant |
| State Bird | Koel |
| State Tree | Sal |
| State Flower | Palash |
These symbols reflect Jharkhand’s cultural and ecological diversity.
Jharkhand follows a unicameral legislature. The state does not have a Legislative Council.
| Category | Details |
| State Formation | Formed on November 15, 2000, as the 28th state of India (carved out of Bihar). |
| Chief Minister | Hemant Soren (Since 2024) – Party: Jharkhand Mukti Morcha – Focus: Tribal welfare, development |
| Governor | C. P. Radhakrishnan – In office since February 18, 2023 |
| Chief Justice (High Court) | Hon’ble Justice Sanjaya Kumar Mishra – Assumed office: February 20, 2023 – High Court located in Ranchi |
| Legislature Type | Unicameral |
| Legislative Assembly Members | 81 elected members |
| Lok Sabha Representation | 14 Members |
| Rajya Sabha Representation | 6 Members (indirectly elected) |
| Districts | 24 (as of 2022) |
| Local Governance Units | Divided into divisions, districts, blocks, and panchayats |
Also Read: Assam
Jharkhand’s culture reflects a rich blend of tribal customs, folk traditions, festivals, and art forms shaped by its indigenous communities and regional influences.
| Category | Details |
| Classical Dance of Jharkhand | Jharkhand does not have a conventional classical dance but is known for Chhau Dance. |
| Chhau Dance | – A semi-classical tribal martial dance. |
| – Seraikela Chhau style practiced in Jharkhand. | |
| – Features: Performed by male dancers with masks, accompanied by drums and reed instruments. | |
| – Themes: Drawn from epics like Ramayana, Mahabharata, tribal folklore, and nature. | |
| – Unique Aspect: Combines martial arts, acrobatics, and dance, often seen during festivals. | |
| Theatre Art of Jharkhand | Jharkhand has a vibrant tradition of folk theatre rooted in tribal storytelling and social themes. |
| Naach | A dance-drama where male performers narrate mythological or social stories through song and movement. |
| Paika | A martial folk dance with theatrical elements, depicting valor and heroism. |
| Jhumar Theatre | Blends folk music and drama to depict love, seasonal cycles, and social values. |
| Folk Music of Jharkhand | Reflects the region’s tribal identity and close relationship with nature. |
| Jhumar Songs | Sung during harvests, weddings, and social events, accompanied by instruments like mandar, dhol, and flute. |
| Domkach | A community folk music style performed during weddings and festivals. |
| Fagua and Sohrai Songs | Linked with Holi and harvest celebrations, expressing joy and gratitude. |
| Classical Music in Jharkhand | Jharkhand has a strong tradition of devotional and regional music, though less formalized in classical music systems. |
| Performance Traditions | Tribal music and dance are integral to festivals, community events, and religious celebrations. |
| Festivals | – Sarhul: Festival of flowers and new beginnings. |
| – Karma: Festival of nature and community, marked by dancing around the Karma tree. | |
| – Tusu Parab and Sohrai: Linked to harvest cycle and cattle worship. | |
| – Durga Puja, Diwali, Holi, Chhath Puja widely celebrated. | |
| – Eid, Muharram, Christmas are celebrated by Muslim and Christian communities. | |
| Arts and Crafts | Jharkhand has a longstanding tradition of tribal crafts and indigenous architecture. |
| Dokra Art | Metal casting using the lost-wax technique, known for tribal motifs and rustic finish. |
| Sohrai and Kohvar Paintings | Wall art made by tribal women using natural pigments during festivals and weddings. |
| Stone and Wood Carving | Common in tribal communities, often seen in local shrines and village structures. |
| Bamboo and Cane Work | Baskets, furniture, and household items made using traditional weaving methods. |
| Architecture | |
| Jagannath Temple, Ranchi | Built in 1691, reflects a similar style to the Puri temple in Odisha. |
| Sun Temple, Bundu | Modern temple dedicated to Surya, built in the form of a chariot. |
| Maluti Temples, Dumka | A group of terracotta temples known for intricate reliefs and local heritage preservation. |
Jharkhand is home to diverse ecosystems, preserved in its national parks and sanctuaries.
| Category | Details |
| National Parks in Jharkhand | Betla National Park (Latehar and Palamu Districts) |
| – Known for: Tropical forests, waterfalls, elephants, bison, tigers, and leopards. | |
| – Area: 226.33 sq. km. | |
| Notable Wildlife Sanctuaries | Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Palamau Tiger Reserve (part of Betla National Park) | |
| Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary | |
| Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary (India’s only wolf sanctuary) | |
| Neighboring States and Boundaries | Bihar to the north, West Bengal to the east, Odisha to the south, Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh to the west. |
| Jharkhand does not have a coastline or an international border. | |
| Ramsar Sites in Jharkhand | Jharkhand does not have any Ramsar-designated wetlands under the Ramsar Convention. |
| UNESCO World Heritage Sites | Jharkhand does not have any officially inscribed UNESCO World Heritage Sites. |
| Tentative Site: Sites of the Sacred Forests of the Adivasis (Tribal Sacred Groves) | |
| – Known for: Preserved indigenous forest ecosystems with deep spiritual and cultural significance. | |
| Tiger Reserves in Jharkhand | Palamau Tiger Reserve (Latehar District) |
| – Area: 1,129.93 sq. km | |
| – Notified: 1973 | |
| – Known for: Dry deciduous forests, tribal heritage, and historical forest conservation efforts. |
Also Read: National Parks in India
The economy of Jharkhand is primarily industry-based, supplemented by agriculture and mineral resources.
| Category | Details |
| Key Sectors | Mining and Minerals: Rich in coal, iron ore, copper, bauxite, and uranium. |
| Steel and Heavy Industry: Presence of steel plants such as Bokaro and Jamshedpur. | |
| Agriculture: Main crops include paddy, maize, pulses, and oilseeds. | |
| Forest Products: Collection and trade of lac, kendu leaves, and medicinal herbs. | |
| Services: Expanding sectors include banking, transport, and trade in urban areas. | |
| Major Projects | Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor: Boosts logistics and freight movement. |
| Jamshedpur Industrial Area Expansion: Supports steel and automobile sectors. | |
| Deoghar Airport: Enhances regional connectivity and tourism. | |
| Economic Overview of Jharkhand | GSDP for 2023–24: ₹4.26 lakh crore, with a growth rate of 7.8% over the previous year. |
| Sector-wise Contribution (2023–24): | |
| – Agriculture and Allied Activities: 17% | |
| – Industry: 39% | |
| – Services: 44% | |
| The economy is heavily reliant on mining and manufacturing, while services are expanding in urban centers. | |
| Jharkhand Major Economic Centres | Jamshedpur: Industrial hub housing Tata Steel and associated manufacturing industries; planned city with high infrastructure standards. |
| Ranchi: Capital city, emerging in services, education, and healthcare. | |
| Bokaro: Known for one of India’s largest steel plants, operated by SAIL. | |
| Dhanbad: Major coal mining center with major collieries and the Indian School of Mines. | |
| Jharkhand District-wise Economic Contribution | East Singhbhum: ₹47,321 crore |
| Ranchi: ₹42,105 crore | |
| Bokaro: ₹35,292 crore | |
| Dhanbad: ₹32,870 crore | |
| Ramgarh: ₹28,443 crore | |
| East Singhbhum is the leading district due to its industrial and mining output. | |
| Important Industrial Infrastructure | Adityapur Industrial Area: One of the largest industrial hubs in eastern India. |
| Jamshedpur and Bokaro Steel Cities: Centers for metallurgy, machinery, and automobile industries. | |
| Thermal Power Plants: Located in Patratu, Tenughat, and Chandrapura. |
Jharkhand is one of the most resource rich reason of India. Following are the minearal resources found in Jharkhand:
| Mineral Resource | Major Mining Areas / Districts | Details / Notes |
| Coal | Dhanbad, Bokaro, Ramgarh, Hazaribagh, Chatra | Jharkhand holds one of India’s largest coal reserves. Major companies: CCL, BCCL. |
| Iron Ore | West Singhbhum (Noamundi, Gua), Saranda Forest | Noamundi mines are operated by Tata Steel; high-grade hematite found here. |
| Bauxite | Lohardaga, Gumla, Latehar | Used for aluminium production; mines operated by Hindalco. |
| Uranium | Jaduguda, Narwapahar, Turamdih (East Singhbhum) | Managed by Uranium Corporation of India Ltd (UCIL); only uranium mines in India. |
| Copper | Singhbhum Copper Belt (Rakha, Surda, Kendadih – East Singhbhum) | Mined by Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL); one of India’s major copper reserves. |
| Mica | Koderma, Giridih, Hazaribagh | Once known as the “Mica Capital of India”; now mostly small-scale and illegal mining. |
| Graphite | Palamu, Latehar | Low-grade graphite used in lubricants and refractories. |
| Limestone | Garhwa, Palamu, Ranchi, Hazaribagh | Used in cement and steel industries. |
| Dolomite | Garhwa, Palamu | Flux mineral for iron and steel manufacturing. |
| China Clay (Kaolin) | Sahebganj, Pakur | Used in ceramics, paper, and paint industries. |
| Quartz / Silica Sand | Sahebganj, Dumka, Deoghar | Used in glass and silicon industries. |
| Fire Clay | Daltonganj, Ranchi, Chatra | Used in refractory bricks for furnaces. |
| Kyanite | West Singhbhum | High-temperature resistant mineral, used in ceramics and electronics. |
| Gold (traces) | Parasi (West Singhbhum), some exploration in Ranchi region | Under exploration; low-scale gold presence identified. |
| Phosphorite (traces) | Palamu | Minor deposits used in fertilizers. |
Are you preparing for UPSC 2025? Join IAShub’s UPSC coaching batches to boost your preparation. Enroll now!
Jharkhand, with its mineral wealth, tribal heritage, and growing infrastructure, represents a critical segment of India’s resource-rich eastern corridor. Understanding Jharkhand’s geography, polity, and socio-economic fabric is vital for aspirants and researchers exploring India’s federal diversity.
Jharkhand is home to several important rivers, including Damodar, Subarnarekha, Koel, Barakar, and Sankh. These rivers play a crucial role in agriculture, irrigation, and industrial activities across the state.
Jharkhand’s culture is marked by tribal customs, with unique folk music, dance, and art forms like Chhau Dance, Jhumar songs, and Dokra metal casting. Festivals like Sarhul, Karma, and Tusu Parab are integral to the cultural fabric of the state.
Jharkhand’s economy is driven by mining (coal, iron ore, uranium), steel and heavy industries, agriculture (paddy, maize), and forest products. Services, especially banking and transport, are expanding in urban centers.
Jharkhand is home to Betla National Park, known for its tropical forests and wildlife, including elephants and tigers. Other notable sanctuaries include Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary, and Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary, which is India’s only wolf sanctuary.
Refine your answer writing skills and elevate your UPSC preparation with personalized support and expert feedback.
Fill out the form to get started with the program or any other enquiries !
Are you dreaming of becoming an IAS officer? Then, IAShub can be your best guide. It is one of the Best IAS Coaching in Delhi. Many students who want to clear the UPSC exam join IAShub for learning. The institute gives both online and offline classes. Their teachers are experienced and helpful. They easily explain every topic. Students also get notes, tests, and tips to do well in the exam.
IAShub is in Delhi and is trusted by many UPSC students. It offers coaching for every part of the UPSC exam – Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The classes are simple and easy to understand. The teachers are experts and guide students in the right way. IAShub is also known for its helpful notes, test series, and answer-writing practice. IAShub is the best coaching in Delhi and also gives UPSC Online Classes. This helps students from any place in India to learn. The online classes are live and also recorded. So, students can watch them anytime. These classes cover the full UPSC syllabus.
Here are some important services provided by IAShub:
The UPSC Civil Services Exam has three parts:
This exam is tough, but with the right guidance, it becomes easy to manage. Students must study smart and stay regular.
IAShub supports students from the beginning to the end. It gives the right books, tests, and notes. The classes are easy to follow, and the teachers are always ready to help. Students get personal doubt sessions too. The test series and answer checking help students learn where they need to do better. Also, free study materials save time and money.
IAShub also guides students during the final stage – the interview. Experts take mock interviews and give useful tips. This full support makes IAShub one of the best IAS coaching in Delhi.
