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.