The Sadan are considered the non-tribal indigenous inhabitants of Jharkhand. Though not classified as Scheduled Tribes, their cultural and historical presence in the region is deeply rooted and significant.

Who are the Sadan?

• The term “Sadan” refers to the non-tribal native residents of Jharkhand.
• In contrast, the term “Dik” is used by tribals to refer to outsiders or migrants to Jharkhand.
• They constitute around 60% of Jharkhand’s total population. *

Tribes identifying as Sadan

• Some tribal groups like Cheek Badaik, Karmali, and Kisan identify themselves as Sadan.

Language

• The language spoken by Sadan is called Sadani or Sadri.
• They also speak Khortha, Nagpuri, Panchpargania, and Karmali.

Occupation and Food Habits

• Agriculture is the primary occupation of the Sadan people. *
• Their staple foods include rice, maize, pulses, and finger millet (madua). *

Religious and Racial Identity

• Religiously, most Sadans are Hindus. *
• Racially, they are considered to be of Aryan origin.
• The British referred to Sadans as “Diku” (outsiders) to create division between them and the tribals. *

Caste Classification

Sadan can be categorized into three groups:

1. Those present across Jharkhand and India:
   • Brahmin, Rajput, Bhumihar, Mali, Kumhar, Kurmi, Bania, Sonar, Thakur *
2. Those mainly localized within Jharkhand:
   • Badaik, Deshawali, Pramanik, Bhuiyan, Paan, Rautia, Dhanu, Godait, Paik, Tantik, Swansi, Rakshel, Lohariya *
3. Migrants from outside Jharkhand:
   • Gaur, Tirhutiya, Awadhiya, Kannaujiya *

Religious Beliefs and Practices

• Influenced by Jain traditions — avoid eating after sunset and refrain from consuming meat or fish.
• Worship of Shiva, Sun (Surya), and Mansa Devi is common.
• Some Sadans also follow Vaishnav traditions.
• They worship family/clan deities (Kul Devi/Devta) alongside mainstream Hindu gods.
• Belief in goddess Shitala to ward off diseases like smallpox and cholera.
• Religiously tolerant, they also believe in:
  • Dan-lagayan (ritual offering),
  • Ghosts, spirits, and exorcism (Ojha practices) *

Physical Characteristics

• The physical features of Sadans show a blend of Aryan, Dravidian, and Austric traits.
• Their skin color ranges from fair to wheatish to dark.
• Their height varies from short to medium to tall. *

Traditional Clothing and Jewelry

• Common clothing: Dhoti, Kurta, Gamcha, Chadar.
• Common jewelry includes: *
  • Pola, Kangan, Bichhiya, Bulak, Nathiya, Besar, Karn, Karnatika

Utensils and Daily Items

• Use earthenware like Hadiya, Gagari, Chuka, Dhakani.
• Brass and bronze utensils are considered symbols of prosperity. *
• Use of leaf plates and bowls (pattal, dona) in community feasts. *

Hunting Practices

• Tools used include: nets, traps (Bansidag), Polai, bows-arrows, swords, spears, and Chongi. *

Social Structure and Festivals

• Sadan society is patriarchal.
• Marriage within maternal or paternal clans is prohibited.
• Celebrate:
  • Hindu festivals: Holi, Diwali, Dussehra, Kali Puja, Makar Sankranti *
  • Tribal festivals: Sohrai, Karma, Tusu *

Dance, Music, and Culture

• Villages have Akhra (dance grounds) where group dances are performed by girls during festivals. *
• Folk and classical dances include: *
  • Domkach, Jhumar, Ghatwari, Jamda, Chhokra, Santhal, Rajput dance
  • Ganesh dance and Kartik dance are considered classical forms.

Key Differences Between Sadan and Adivasis

Category	Sadan	Adivasi
Origin	Non-tribal indigenous inhabitants *	Tribal indigenous inhabitants *
Social nature	Community-oriented *	Clan/tribe-based (Kabila) *
Lifestyle	Settled and permanent *	Traditionally nomadic or semi-nomadic *
Reservation	Some groups are Scheduled Castes *	Some are not Scheduled Tribes *

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Comparative Tribal Food & Clothing Practices in Jharkhand

Santhal Tribe

• Clothing: Kacha, Kupni, Padhan, Patka, Dahdi, Lungi
• Meals: 3 times a day — Kadok (night), Baskyak (breakfast), Majwan (lunch)
• Food: Dal-bhat (Daka Uru), vegetables, madua porridge, mahua, kulthi dal.
• Weaker sections eat maize porridge (Jondra-daka).
• Popular drink: Hadiya (rice or millet beer)

Oraon Tribe

• Clothing:
  • Men: Tolong, Dupatta (upper garment), Keraya (festival wear)
  • Women: Pareya (special sari worn during festivals)
• Food: Dal-bhat, wild roots/tubers, meat, fish.
• Drink Hadiya and tobacco.

Munda Tribe

• Clothing:
  • Men: Batoi (lower garment), Kamardhani (belt), Bhagwa (worn by elders), Barkhi, Pichhadi, Kamra (blanket), Pagdi, Kharpa (leather footwear), Khatnahi (wooden footwear)
  • Women: Pariya (sari-like), Lehenga, Khariya (for adolescent girls)
• Food: Dal-bhat, gondli, madua, maize. Also consume meat, hadiya, and ranu.

Kharwar Tribe

• Clothing:
  • Men: Dhoti, Bandi, and turban.
  • Women: Sari.
• Meal terms: Lukma (morning), Kaleba (afternoon), Biyari (night)

Tribal Culture and Historical Forts of Jharkhand: A Detailed Overview for Competitive Exams

Jharkhand is a culturally rich state known for its diverse tribal communities and historical forts, many of which are directly linked to the region’s legacy of resistance, craftsmanship, and social structures. This blog presents an extensive collection of tribal customs (especially clothing, food, and ornaments) and a list of historical forts that have frequently appeared in Jharkhand’s competitive exams.

Tribal Profiles: Clothing, Food Habits & Ornaments

Chero Tribe

• Men’s Attire: Gangi (vest) and shirt for the upper body, traditional dhoti or similar lower garment.
• Women’s Attire: Jhula (for the upper body) and sari.
• Children: Boys wear bhagai, and girls wear shirts and frocks.
• Food Habits: Mainly dal (lentils), rice, and vegetables.
• Also consume local products made from mahua, jinora, sawa, and kodo.

Asur Tribe

• Eat twice a day:
  • Lologhod Jok – Day meal.
  • Chhoto Jomenku – Night meal.
• Staple foods: Tubers, roots, fruits, flowers, pitha (rice cake), khichdi, mahua-based drinks, and maize-based porridge.
• Consume meat from chicken, sheep, pig, and deer.
• Economically weaker Asurs depend on mahua and sal (Shorea robusta) flowers and leaves.
• Popular beverages: Handia (rice beer) and tadi (palm liquor).
• Addictions: Khaini, hookah, and tobacco (called Pikka) made from sal leaves.
• Types of Handia:
  • Biro Handia – Offered ceremonially.
  • Dharun Diya – Consumed in gatherings.
• Alternate names: Handia is also known as Botha or Jhurunai.

Bedia Tribe

• Men’s Traditional Dress: Keraya (upper garment), kaccha, and bhagwa.
• Women’s Dress: Thethi and pachan.

Birhor Tribe

• Two categories:
  • Uluth Birhor (Nomadic): Depend mainly on roots, fruits, and meat.
  • Jandhi Birhor (Settled): Consume common foods like rice, dal, and vegetables.

Tribal Ornaments in Jharkhand

Widely used traditional ornaments by various tribal communities, categorized by body part:

• Nose: Nath, Nathuni, Chhuchi, Makdi
• Ear: Karnaful, Lavangful, Panra, Tarkula, Bidiyo, Thippi, Piparpatta, Tarpata, Kundal (used by men)
• Forehead: Patwari
• Head: Kalga, Morpankh, Tika, Jeento (Silpat)
• Hair: Khokhri, Bera (for men)
• Neck: Hansuli, Berani, Chandwa, Hisir, Sakdi, Thosa
• Arms: Khambhia, Poon, Bhudia, Sikdi, Taweez (used by men)
• Wrist/Hands: Sankha, Jhutia, Ghungroo, Seeli, Baikal, Rali, Lahthi
• Waist: Kamardhani
• Feet: Butariya, Baank-Banki
• Other: Sanga (Godna/Tattoo)

Famous Historical Forts in Jharkhand

Palamu Fort, LATEHAR

• Located 5 km from Betla National Park on the bank of Auranga River.
• Built by the Chero Dynasty in 1619.
• Two forts:
  • Old Fort: Built by Chero king Pratap Rai, contemporary of Shah Jahan.
  • New Fort: Built by Chero king Medini Rai, contemporary of Aurangzeb.
• Notable features:
  • Nagpuri Darwaza: 40 ft high, 15 ft wide, made of stones from Doysa.
  • Inscriptions in Arabic, Persian, and Sanskrit on pillars.
  • Three-domed mosque built by Dawood Khan in 1661.
  • Mentioned in competitive exams (*)

Vishrampur Fort

• Location: Palamu.
• Built by Chero king Tarwan.
• Construction took nearly 19 years.
• A temple is also present near the fort. (*)

Rohilla Fort

• Location: Alinagar, Japla (Palamu).
• Built by Rohilla commander Muzaffar Khan.
• Fort is triangular in shape.

Chainpur Fort

• Location: Medininagar (Palamu).
• Built by the descendants of Puranmal.
• Located on the bank of Koel River.
• Includes a new monument called Chainpur Bungalow.

Shahpur Fort

• Location: Palamu.
• Built in 1772 by Gopal Rai.
• Example of Mughal architecture.

Narayanpur Fort

• Location: Navagarh, Latehar.
• Built by Jaj Das, accountant of Chero king Bhagwat Rai.

Padma Fort

• Location: Padma (Hazaribagh), along NH-33.
• Now serves as a Police Training Centre.

Badem Fort

• Location: Hazaribagh.
• Built by Ramgarh king Hemant Singh.
• Shiv temple built in 1642 by the king still has visible ruins.

Ichak Fort

• Location: Ichak (Hazaribagh).
• Built by Tej Singh in 1772.
• Built when the capital was shifted after British attack on Ramgarh.
• Contains a three-storey palace.

Ramgarh Fort

• Built by Raja Sabal Rai.
• Influenced by Mughal architecture.

Garhbandh Fort

• Location: Ramgarh.
• Built by Hemant Singh in 1670 while shifting capital from Badem to Ramgarh.
• Visited by Raja Ram Mohan Roy in 1805.

Kunda (Kunda) Fort

• Location: Kunda, Chatra.
• Built in 14th century by a Chero king.

Forts/Palaces in Dhanbad District

• Katraasgarh Fort
  • Location: Baghmara block, on the banks of Katni River
  • Built in the 18th century by the rulers of Katraas
  • Historical importance for regional administration
• Panchet Fort
  • Location: Panchet Hill
  • Built by Govanshi ruler Gomukhi
  • Inscriptions on plaques mention 1160 AD as construction date
  • Surrounded by five walls—hence the name Panchkot Fort
  • Ancient and archaeologically rich site
• Jhariyagarh Palace
  • Location: Jharia
  • Served as the initial capital of Jharia rulers before shifting to Katraasgarh

Forts/Palaces in Ranchi District

• Ratu Fort
  • Location: Ratu
  • Built in 1870 by Nagvanshi ruler Udaynath Shahdeo
  • Constructed by a British contractor, reflecting Colonial architectural style
  • Notable for Anglo-Indian architectural influence

Forts/Palaces in Khunti District

• Tilmi Fort
  • Location: Karra
  • Built in 1737 by a Nagvanshi Thakur named Akbar
  • Built for the purpose of attaining Moksha (salvation)
  • Unique for spiritual intent behind its construction

Forts/Palaces in Gumla District

• Palakot Palace
  • Location: Gumla (on NH-143 / Gumla-Simdega road)
  • Capital of Nagvanshi ruler Yadunath Shah
  • Important heritage spot along a national highway
• Navratangarh Fort (Doisa Fort)
  • Location: Gumla
  • Built in 1585 by Nagvanshi King Durjan Shah
  • A five-storied structure with denticulate ramparts in Kangura style
  • Made of lime, surkhi, and Lahori bricks
  • Each floor had 9 rooms; includes a treasure house, Kapilnath temple, and Shiva temple
  • Referred to as “Hampi of Jharkhand“
  • Declared National Monument in 2019 after discovery of a secret palace chamber
• Nagpheni Palace
  • Location: Sisai
  • Dated to around 1704 AD (based on archaeological analysis)
  • Wall carvings depict a king with his 7 queens and a dog
  • Interesting artwork and legends make it significant

Forts/Palaces in West Singhbhum District

• Jaitgarh Fort
  • Located on the banks of Baitarini River
  • Built by Porahat ruler Kala Arjun Singh
• Jagannath Fort (Porahat Fort)
  • Built by Porahat dynasty’s King Jagannath Singh
• Chakradharpur Palace
  • Location: Chakradharpur
  • Constructed between 1910–1920 by Narapati Singh, son of King Arjun Singh
  • Built using bricks from Rajmahal
  • Later sold by the king’s daughter Shashank Manjari
• Kesanagarh Fort
  • Location: Kesanagarh
  • Lesser-known yet archaeologically important fort
• Teliagarh Fort
  • Location: South-west of Chaibasa
  • Remains found in mound form
  • Known as “Gateway of Bengal“
  • Constructed by a Teli king who converted to Islam during Shah Jahan’s reign
  • Mentioned in:
    • Hiuen Tsang’s and Abdul Latif’s travelogues
    • Ain-e-Akbari, Jahangirnama
    • Indica by Megasthenes (refers to a large black-stone Buddhist vihara in the area)
  • Highly important in historical and religious contexts

Additional Notable Forts/Palaces across Jharkhand

• Garhwa District
  • Kundar Fort
  • Shahpur Fort
• Palamu District
  • Vishrampur Fort
  • Rohilla Fort
  • Chainpur Fort
  • Palamu Fort
  • Narayanpur Fort
• Chatra District
  • Padma Fort
• Hazaribagh District
  • Ichak Fort
• Ramgarh District
  • Ramgarh Fort
  • Garhbandh Fort
• Deoghar, Dumka, Godda, Pakur, Jamtara
  • Various smaller royal structures and regional forts

Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams

• Navratangarh Fort = “Hampi of Jharkhand“, declared national monument (2019)
• Ratu Fort = British architecture, built by Nagvanshi rulers
• Teliagarh Fort = Mentioned in Ain-e-Akbari, Jahangirnama, and Indica
• Panchkot Fort = Surrounded by 5 walls (kot), built in 1160 AD
• Jhariyagarh = First capital of Jharia rulers