“Ancient History of Jharkhand: Prehistoric to Early Dynasties (For JPSC & JSSC Exams)”

Ancient History: Chhotanagpur Region

1. Prehistoric Period

Natural Cover of Chhotanagpur:

• Covered with dense forests in prehistoric times.
• Not completely isolated from the outside world.
• Geographical advantage: Kaimur and Vindhya ranges protected it from northern invasions.

Major Discoveries and Cultures:

• Mangovind Banerjee noted archaeological similarities between the Indus Valley and Chhotanagpur plateau.
• Indicates entry into Chalcolithic culture before the time of the prehistoric Asuras.
• Copper axes discovered in:
  • Ranchi
  • Palamu
  • Manbhum
• Samples preserved in Patna Museum.
• Geologist J. Coggin Brown researched:
  • Gumla (Basia)
  • Palamu (Haa village) in 1915.

Ancient Tribes:

• Early tribes: Kharia, Birhor, Asur.
• Later tribes: Munda, Oraon.
• Intermediate tribes: Korwa.
• Others: Chero, Kherwar, Bhumij, Santhal (later period).

Tribal Migration and Origin:

• Kharia and Birhor likely migrated via Kaimur hills.
• Munda origin theories:
  • Displacement after Aryan arrival from Uttar Pradesh and Central India.
  • Migration from Tibet via Bihar.
• Oraon: Possibly from South India; linguistic similarity to Tamil-Kannada.

2. Early Historical Period

Major Early Tribes:

• Combined Bhumij and Santhal population in millions.
• Aryans referred to them as “invisible”, “inhuman”, “dog worshippers”, etc.

Tribal Distribution in Chhotanagpur:

• Munda & Oraon: Chhotanagpur Khas
• Ho tribe: Singhbhum
• Bhumij: Manbhum
• Birjia: Palamu

3. Influence of Buddhism

Spread:

• Buddhist remains found in:
  • Dhanbad: Dalmi, Budhpur
  • Ranchi: Belwadag (near Khunti)
  • Gumla: Bano, Kutga village
  • Jamshedpur: Patamba village, Bhula place
  • Others: Ichagarh, Jonha waterfall

Special Mention:

• Ashoka’s edicts (2 & 13) mention the region as “Aatvi” or “Aatva”.
• Emperors like:
  • Samudragupta
  • Kharvel (Kalinga) conducted campaigns through this region.
• Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang described Santhal Pargana (Rajmahal).
• Shashank’s reign: Suppression of Buddhism, rise of Hinduism.

4. Influence of Jainism

Nirvana of Parshvanath:

• 23rd Tirthankara Parshvanath attained Nirvana in 8th century BCE.
• Location: Parshvanath hill, Giridih district.

Major Jain Sites:

• Pakbira
• Tuisaama
• Deoli
• Pawanpur
• Palma
• Charra
• Golmara
• Kusai river bank
• Palma

Sources:

• Jain idols discovered by:
  • Colonel Dalton
  • David Maktasian at Pakbira and Kusai river bank.

5. Early Dynasties and Political Development

Naga Dynasty:

• Founded by Bhimkarna.
• Vasudev temple at Korambe built during this time.

Raksail Dynasty:

• Ruled over Surguja and Palamu.
• Later overthrown by the Chero tribe.

Chero Dynasty:

• Possibly a branch of Bhar tribe.
• Francis Buchanan called them part of “Sunak family”.
• Established rule in Palamu.

Kharwar Dynasty:

• Pratap Dhawal of Khayakhal dynasty ruled Japla.
• Capital: Khayargarh, Shahabad.

Formation of Munda State:

• Sutna Pahan founded Sutiyanagkhand state.
• Divided into seven forts:
  • Lohagarh (Lohardaga)
  • Hazaribagh
  • Palungarh (Palamu)
  • Sinhgarh (Singhbhum)
  • Kesalgarh
  • Surmuggarh (Surguja)
  • Mangarh (Manbhum)
• Divided further into 21 parganas, including:
  • Omdanda
  • Doisa
  • Khukhara
  • Belsing
  • Tamar
  • Lohardih

Notes:

• After Buddhism’s decline, Hinduism and Jainism grew in influence.
• By the 10th century, Hinduism had complete dominance in Chhotanagpur.
• Pala dynasty rulers also had significant influence in the region.