|
|
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.
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
Main Road, Sethia, Compound, Ranchi. Tel. # 0651-300646.
Railway Station, Ranchi.
Paryatan Bhawan, Hazaribagh.
Bistupur, Jamshedpur, Near Air India Office, Tel. # 0657-432892.