Jharkhand Literature: Key Novelists, Playwrights & Poets for Competitive Exams 202

Explore Jharkhand’s Rich Literary Heritage: A Comprehensive Guide for Competitive Exams 2025

Dive into the diverse and vibrant world of Jharkhand’s modern literature, featuring eminent novelists, playwrights, and poets whose influential works capture the region’s cultural heritage and social realities. This detailed blog highlights:

• Key literary figures and their major works
• Significant contributions to Jharkhand’s literary landscape
• Essential facts for JPSC, JSSC, and other state-level exam aspirants

Whether you are a student, researcher, or competitive exam candidate, this guide offers a thorough overview to strengthen your understanding of Jharkhand’s literary contributions.

Santhali Literature (Austro-Asiatic Language Family)

• Santhali literature is among the richest tribal literary traditions in Jharkhand.
• It is part of the Austric (Austro-Asiatic) language family.
• Most traditional Santhali stories personify wild animals as characters.

Early Literary Contributions:

• 1852: First publication in Santhali – “An Introduction to the Santhal Language”.
• 1867: “Santhalia and the Santhal” by E.G. Mann.
• 1868: “A Vocabulary of Santhal Language” by Rev. E.L. Puxley.
• 1873: “A Grammar of the Santhali Language” by L.O. Skrefsrud.
• 1899: “Santhali-English and English-Santhali Dictionary” by Campbell.
• 1929: “Materials for a Santhali Grammar” by P.O. Bodding.

Poetic and Narrative Milestones:

• 1936: “Onandhen Baha Dalwak” – a collection of original poems by Pal Jujhar Soren.
• 1946: First novel – “Haimbak Aato (Haima’s Village)” in Roman script by Kar Tayars.
• Second novel: “Mahila Chechet Dayi (The Lady Teacher)” by Nanku Soren.

Development of Script:

• 1941: Ol Chiki script was invented by Pandit Raghunath Murmu for the Santhali language.
• First poetry collection in Devanagari script – “Kukmu (Dream)” by Balkishor Sahu.

Drama and Media:

• 1942: First literary play – “Vidu-Chandan” by Raghunath Murmu in Odia script.
• 1947: First Santhali newspaper – “Hod Sanwad”, edited by Doman Sahu Samir (Bhartendu of Santhali).

Other Key Publications:

• Santhali Praveshika (Doman Sahu Samir, 1951)
• Hindi-Santhali Dictionary (Kewal Soren, 1951)
• Bhurka Ipil (1953) – 41 poems by Sharada Prasad Fisk.
• Disom Baba (1953) – folk songs in verse form.

Santhali Sahitya Akademi Awardees:

Mundari Literature (Austro-Asiatic Language Family)

• The Mundari language is deeply rooted in oral traditions and religious storytelling.

Notable Folk Narratives:

• “Soso Bonga” – A religious folklore told by Devra, shaped in the form of a ballet.
• “Madura Kahani” – A major collection by Menace Adaya.

Key Publications:

• 1873: “Mundari Primer” by J.C. Whitley.
• 1882: “Mundari Grammar” by A. Notrott.
• 1891: “Mundari Grammar” by D. Smet.
• 1899: Mundari Bible.
• 1896 & 1903: Grammar books by Father Hoffman.
• 1912: “Mundas and their Country” by S.C. Roy.
• 1915: “Encyclopedia Mundarica” by John Hoffman – the encyclopedia of Mundari language and culture.
• 1942: “Munda Durang” (folk songs) by W.G. Archer.
• 1956 & 1986: “Mundari Folktales” by P.K. Mitra.
• “Mundari Tud Kothari” by Manmasih Munda.
• “Soso Bonga (Mundari Folk Tales)” by Jagdish Trigunayat.
• Other literary works include “Baj Rahi Bansuri”, “Changa Durang”, “Birsa Bhagwan”, and “Adivasi Sakham” by Jaipal Singh.

Ho Literature (Austro-Asiatic Language Family)

• Ho language possesses a distinct vocabulary and pronunciation system.

Major Literary Contributions:

• 1840: “The Grammatical Constructions of the Ho Language”
• 1866: “Ho Kaji” (Grammar) by Bhimram Sulanki.
• 1902: “Folklore of the Kolhan” by N.K. Bose & C.H. Bombas.
• 1905: “Grammar of the Kol” by A. Notrott.
• 1915: “Ho Grammar” by Lionel Barrow.
• 1930: Ho folk songs and tales featured in Encyclopedia Mundarica.

Ho Literature

• W. G. Archer’s Book:
  • Title: The Hill of Flutes
  • Year: 1942
  • Significance: Considered the epic of Ho literature, contains a collection of Ho folk songs.
  • Script: Devanagari.
• First Book by a Ho Writer:
  • Title: Rul
  • Author: Satish Koda Mangal
• Other Notable Works:
  • Ho Grammar by Lionel Barlow
  • Ho Grammar and Vocabulary
• Works of Padma Shri Dr. Janam Singh Soy:
  • Aadhunik Ho (Modern Ho – Standard Literature)
  • Waha Sangen (Poetry Collection)
  • Kuhi Naam (Novel)
  • Hara Sagen (Poetry)
  • Ho Kadi (Essays)

Kharia Literature

• Status: Still in a developing stage.
• Important Publications:
  • Induction to Kharia Language – G.C. Banerjee, 1894
  • Kharia Dictionary – Published in 1934
  • The Kharias – S.C. Roy, 1937
    (Collected Kharia folk songs, tales, and charms)
  • Kharia Olong – W.G. Archer, 1942 (collection of folk songs)
• Kharia Magazines:
  • Tardi
  • Johar

Kurukh (Oraon) Literature

• Most Developed among all tribal languages of Jharkhand.
• Key Works:
  • An Introduction to the Oraon Language – O. Flax, 1874
  • Specimens of Languages of India – Sir George Campbell, 1874
  • Brief Grammar and Vocabulary of Oraon Language – F. Weitz, 1886
  • Kurukh Grammar – Ferdinand Hahn, 1898
  • Kurukh-English Dictionary – Ferdinand Hahn, 1903
  • Kurukh Folklore – A. Grignard, 1909
  • Oraon-English Dictionary – A. Grignard, 1924
  • Lir-Khora-Khekhel – Rev. Hahn & W.G. Archer, 1941
  • Kurukh Sarha (Grammar) – Ahlad Tirkey, 1949
  • Kurukh Dandi – Bihari Lakra, 1950
    (Awarded Sahitya Akademi Bhasha Samman in 2005)
  • Muta Poomp-Jhumpa – Devle Kujur, 1950 (Poetry Collection)
  • Vijbinko – Ignace Beck, 1940
  • Bolta and Dhumkudiya – Magazines by Ahlad Tirkey, 1949

Khortha Literature

• Origin: Evolved from Apabhramsa; uses elements from the Kharoshthi script, once used during Indus Valley Civilization.
• Themes: Tales of kings, queens, princes, and moral stories.
• Major Works & Authors:

• Notable Christian Literature:
  • Isu Charit: Chintamain – Fr. Peter Shanti Navrangi, 1964
    (Life of Jesus Christ in Nagpuri)

Panchpargania Literature

• Founder Poet: Vinodia Kavi is regarded as the originator of Panchpargania literature.
• Themes: Focuses on Vaishnav devotion, regional sensibility, and folk tradition.
• Key Contributors:
  • Vinodia Kavi – Chhotanagpur Taal Manjari
  • Sobaran – Promoted the Kabirpanthi tradition in Panchpargania.

Kurmali Literature

• Literary Development: Still in early stages; limited written works.
• First Academic Study: Done by Dr. Nand Kishore Singh.
• Major Authors & Works:

Hindi Literature in Jharkhand

• Prominent Story Writers & Their Works:

Exam Tip:

Facts marked with (*) have been previously asked in JPSC, JSSC, and other competitive exams. Pay special attention to the names of authors, books, years, and languages.

1. Important Novelists of Jharkhand & Their Notable Works

• Ramcheej Singh
  • Vallabh, Rajputani Shaan (1906), Lalita, Umashankar
• Havaldhari Ramgupta
  • Aadamkhor, Kendra aur Paridhi, Hastakshep
• Haladhar
  • Kangaal Ki Beti
• Vinod Kumar
  • Samar Shesh Hai, Swayamsevak, Bhatka Saathi, Akhhar Chaurasi
• Ramdeen Prasad
  • Vidyarthi, Chalti Pitari, Sard Chhaya, Gehre Ke Bahar, Gunah, Belajjat, Sunil Ek Asafal Aadmi, Pahiye, Vaasna
• Dr. Dwarika Prasad
  • Mummy Bigdenge, Ranjana
• Satyanarayan Sharma
  • Aatmahanta, Tootti Hui Zanjeerein
• Rondra
  • Gayab Hota Hua Desh
• Radhakrishna
  • Rulaayi Ka Chorus, Gungi, Sangeeta Ke Mama, Rati, Bediya, Footpath, Roopantar, Bogas, Sansanate Sapne, Sapne Bikau Hain, Global Gaon Ke Devta
• Rita Shukla
  • Roopantar, Sansanate Sapne, Agniparv, Samadhan, Kanishtha Ungli Ka Paap
• Yogendra Nath Sinha
  • Vanalakshmi, Van Ke Man
• Gopal Das ‘Munjaal’
  • Kitne Janam Vaidehi, Poonam: Ek Yaad, Shramev Jayate
• Kamal Joshi
  • Ehi Nagariya Mein Kehi Vidhi Rehna, Bahta Tinka
• Jyoti Prakash
  • Seedha Rasta
• Shambhunath Mukul
  • Tum Likhogi Satyabhama, Talahati Ke Andhere Mein
• Rama Singh
  • Laut Aao Harry, Gulaab
• Vachan Pathak Salil
  • Sneh Ke Aansoo
• Balram Srivastava
  • Chhadi, Kuto Pantha
• Ganga Prasad Kaushal
  • Ek Din, Kaali Maati, Vanpathar
• Shambhunath Pras
  • Sukeshini
• C. Bhaskar Rao
  • Beete Din, Apna Desh, Disha, Davaanal, Shodh
• Anand Shankar Madhavan
  • Enakshi, Sangharsh
• Shyam Bihari Lal
  • Dhapel, Agni Purush
• Shyam Sunder Ghosh
  • Ek Uluk Katha, Ek Aparajita
• Manmohan Pathak
  • Gagan Ghata Gharani
• Kanhaji Tomar
  • Tamaam Jungle
• Vasudev
  • Subah Ke Intezaar Mein
• Shashikar
  • Pal Kamzor Hai
• Avadhesh Sharma
  • Mr. Unfit
• Ramesh Kumar Bajpai
  • Rikt Aastha
• Ratan Verma
  • Rukmini
• Devesh Tanti
  • Kaal Purush
• Vasant Kumar
  • Laharon Ke Teer
• Anita Rashmi
  • Gulmohar Ke Neeche

Note: Several of the above works have been asked in state-level exams. Be sure to memorize author–work pairings.

2. Leading Playwrights of Jharkhand & Their Famous Plays

• Dwarika Prasad
  • Aadmi
• Anant Sahay Akhauri
  • Grah Ka Pher (1913)
• Ramdeen Pandey
  • Bharat Chhodo, 1947, Adhik Ann Ugao, Bigdi Hui Baat
• Swami Shivanand Tirth
  • Srishti Ki Sanjh, Woh Abhi Kanwari Hai
• Radhakrishna
  • Jeevan Yagya, Jyotsna
• Siddhnath Kumar
  • Santhal Bodhodaya, Rang Aur Roop, Srishti Ki Sanjh, Aadmi Hai, Nahi Hai, Woh Abhi Ambari Hai, Rasta Band Hai, Murde Jiyeinge, Roshni Shesh Hai, Ashok, Aatank Aashiyana, Desh Ke Liye
• Bal Mukund Painali
  • Pati Sudhar Kendra, Samay, Hamari Maangein Poori Karo
• Anand Bihar Sharan
  • Mulk Aur Mazhab, Raavan, Chambal Ka Pratishodh, Raavan Vadh, Indradhanush
• Shravan Kumar Goswami
  • Talaash, Ye Khaas Log
• Amarnath Chaudhary
  • Kahan Ho Parshuram, Sagar Tat Ki Nadi, Amoeba, Shrutirang
• Ratan Prakash
  • Tapaswini
• Ashok Pagal
  • Pagalkhana
• Shiv Shankar Mishra
  • Jharkhand Ka Amritputra: Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh, Maharaja Madra Munda
• Vinay Kumar Pandey
  • Nahi, Ladkiyan, Parijat Aur Paridhi
• Ashok Kumar Anchal
  • Maanadar Baj Utha
• Satyadev Narayan Kiran
  • Midiyotsav
• Giridhari Ram Gauin
  • Not specified
• Anandita
  • Not specified

3. Major Poets of Jharkhand & Their Works

• Satyanarayan Sharma
  • Marupath, Nirvas Dweep, Toofan
• Gopal Das ‘Munjaal’
  • Ghane Andhkar Ki Aur
• Radhakrishna
  • Not specified separately
• Somdev
  • Satchidanand Sahay ‘Madhukar’, Jananistan, Kanravi, Upekshit, Tajmahal, Nahi Hai, Yahi Hai
• Vidyabhushan, Vachandev Kumar, Kashinath Pandey
  • Not specified
• Krishnaraj Gupta
  • Ujad Ka Ek Kavi
• Prabhu Narayan Vidyarthi
  • Lemonchoos
• Aankur
  • Eshwar Anagarik Hai, Kitna Kuchh Parivesh Ka Dard

These poets provide strong insight into the cultural and emotional life of the state.

4. Other Eminent Writers and Books Related to Jharkhand (Asked in Exams)

• Dr. Ramdayal Munda
  • Aadi Dharam *, The Jharkhand Movement: Retrospect and Prospect *, Adivasi Astitva Aur Jharkhand Asmita Ke Sawal
• Suleman Murmu
  • Koche Kadwa (Drama) *
• Manjhi Ramdas Tudu
  • Kherwal Bansho Dharam Prithi
• Mahasweta Devi
  • Aranyer Adhikar * (Bengali novel based on Birsa Munda movement)
• Victor Das
  • Jharkhand: Castle Over Graves *
• Dr. Mahua Maji
  • Marang Ghoda Neelkanth Hua, Main Borishaila (UK-based story; award-winning) *

5. Prominent Modern Writers from Jharkhand (New-Age Literature)

• Tuhin Sinha
  • The Thing Called Love, The Edge of Power, Of Love and Politics, 22 Yards, The Edge of Desire, ED – The Book of Father
• Swapneel Pandey
  • The Soldier’s Girl (Alumnus of BIT Mesra, Ranchi)
• Neelotpal Mrinal(from Dumka)
  • Dark Horse, Aghad (Received Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar in 2016)
• Nikita Singh
  • Love @ Facebook (2011), Every Time It Rains
• Kajol Aikat
  • Asansol Amigos, Reason to Live, The Cotton Seed (First book at age 19)

Final Note:

All the above writers and works have either shaped the regional literary identity of Jharkhand or have been frequently asked in state-level competitive exams. Memorizing them thoroughly is essential for JPSC Mains, JSSC CGL, JTET, and other cultural-literature-based question sections.

Major Novelists of Jharkhand and Their Famous Works

• Ramcheej Singh
  • Vallabh, Rajputani Shaan (1906 – Jharkhand’s first Hindi novel), Lalita, Umashankar
• Havaldhari Ramgupta
  • Aadamkhor, Kendra aur Paridhi, Hastakshep
• Vinod Kumar
  • Kangal ki Beti
• Kamala Kumari
  • Samar Shesh Hai, Swayamsevak, Bhatka Saathi, Akhra Chaurasi
• Ramdeen Prasad
  • Vidyarthi, Chalti Pitari, Sard Chhaya, Ghere Ke Bahar, Gunah, Belajjat, Sunil Ek Asafal Aadmi, Pahiye, Vaasna
• Dr. Dwarika Prasad
  • Mummy Bigdengi, Ranjana
• Satyanarayan Sharma
  • Aatmahanta, Tootti Hui Zanjeerein
• Radhakrishna
  • Roopantar, Sunsunate Sapne, Global Gaon ke Devta
• Rita Shukla
  • Agniparv, Samadhan, Kanishta Ungli ka Paap
• Yogendra Nath Sinha
  • Vanlakshmi, Van ke Man, Kitne Janam Vaidehi
• Gopal Das ‘Munjal’
  • Poonam: Ek Yaad, Shramev Jayate
• Kamal Joshi
  • Bahata Tinka
• Jayanandan
  • Ehi Nagariya Mein Kehi Vidhi Rahna
• Jyoti Prakash
  • Seedha Rasta
• Shambhunath Mukul
  • Tum Likhogi Satyabhama, Talahati ke Andhere Mein
• Rama Singh
  • Laut Aao Harry, Gulab
• Vachan Pathak Salil
  • Sneh ke Aansu, Chhadi, Kuto Pantha
• Balram Srivastava
  • Ek Din, Kaali Maati, Vanpathar
• Ganga Prasad Kaushal
  • Sukeshini, Beete Din, Apna Desh
• Shambhunath Pras
  • Battiyaan Gul Hain
• C. Bhaskar Rao
  • Disha, Dawanal, Shodh
• Anand Shankar Madhavan
  • Anakshi, Sangharsh
• Shyam Bihari Lal
  • Dhapel, Agni Purush
• Shyam Sunder Ghosh
  • Ek Ulook Katha, Ek Aparajita
• Manmohan Pathak
  • Gagan Ghata Gharani
• Kanhaji Tomar
  • Tamam Jungle
• Vasudev Shashikar
  • Subah ke Intezar Mein, Pal Kamzor Hai
• Awadhesh Sharma
  • Mr. Unfit
• Ramesh Kumar Bajpai
  • Rikt Aastha
• Ratan Verma
  • Rukmini
• Devesh Tanti
  • Kaal Purush
• Vasant Kumar
  • Lahron ke Teer
• Anita Rashmi
  • Gulmohar ke Neeche

Major Dramatists and Their Famous Plays

• Anant Sahay Akhauri
  • Grah ka Pher (1913 – First Hindi play of Jharkhand)
• Ramdeen Pandey
  • Bharat Chhodo, 1947, Adhik Ann Upjao, Bigdi Hui Baat
• Swami Shivanand Teerth
  • Srishti ki Sanjh, Wo Abhi Kunwari Hai
• Radhakrishna
  • Jeevan Yagya, Jyotsna
• Siddhnath Kumar
  • Santhal Bodhodaya
• Bal Mukund Painali
  • Rang aur Roop, Rasta Band Hai, Murde Jiyenge, Ashok, Desh ke Liye
• Anand Bihar Sharan
  • Pati Sudhar Kendra, Samay, Hamari Maangein Puri Karo
• Shravan Kumar Goswami
  • Mulk aur Majhab, Ravan, Chambal ka Pratishodh, Ravan Vadh (Ekanki Sangrah)
• Amarnath Choudhary
  • Talaash, Yeh Khaas Log
• Ratan Prakash
  • Kahan Ho Parshuram, Sagar Tat ki Nadi, Amiba, Shrutirang
• Ashok Pagal
  • Tapaswini
• Shiv Shankar Mishra
  • Mander Baj Utha
• Vinay Kumar Pandey, Ashok Kumar Anchal, Satyadev Narayan Kiran, Girdhari Ram Goin, Anandita, Balendu Shekhar Tiwari
  • Midiyotsav, Pagalkhana, Parijat aur Paridhi, Maharaja Madra Munda

Major Poets and Their Famous Poems

• Satyanarayan Sharma
  • Marupath, Nirvaas Dweep, Toofan
• Gopal Das ‘Munjal’
  • Ghane Andhkar ki Oar
• Radhakrishna, Somdev, Sachidanand Sahay ‘Madhukar’
  • Jananistan, Kanaravi, Upekshit, Taj Mahal
• Vidya Bhushan, Vachandev Kumar, Kashinath Pandey, Krishnaraj Gupta, Prabhu Narayan Vidyarthi
  • Solah Safe, Nadi Ek Katha, O Ajanma Suno, Ehamrig, Vritt Ek, Bindu Anek

Other Important Writers and Books (Asked in Exams)

• Dr. Ramdayal Munda
  • Aadi Dharam, The Jharkhand Movement: Retrospect and Prospect
• Soleman Murmu
  • Kherwal Bansho Dharom Prithi
• Majhi Ramdas Tudu
  • Aranyer Adhikar
• Mahasweta Devi
  • Marang Ghoda Neelkanth Hua (Bengali novel on Munda Rebellion)
• Victor Das
  • Main Borishailla
• Dr. Mahua Maji
  • Jharkhand: Kaasal Over Graves (Jharkhand: Kabron Par Mahal)

Emerging and Recognized Authors (Modern Works)

• Tuhin Sinha
  • The Thing Called Love, 22 Yards, The Edge of Desire, The Edge of Power
• Swapneel Pandey
  • The Soldier’s Girl (Ex-BIT Mesra student)
• Neelotpal Mrinal (From Dumka)
  • Dark Horse, Aghad (Awarded Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar, 2016)
• Nikita Singh
  • Love @ Facebook, Every Time It Rains
• Kajol Aikat
  • Asansol Amigos, Reason to Live, The Cotton Seed

Additional Prominent Writers and Their Recognized Works

• Gyan Singh (Medininagar)
  • Something Like Love
• Joba Murmu
  • Olon Baha (Alankar Pushp)
• Devki Nandan
  • Nidhare Aankhi Jalanakhi Paate (Received Bal Sahitya Award)
• Raghunath Murmu
  • Bindu Chandan (Santali Literature)
• Ganesh Devsakar
  • Deser Katha (Banned by British)
• Chetan Mahajan
  • The Bad Boys of Bokaro Jail
• Anuj Lugun
  • Baagh aur Sugna Munda ki Beti (Muktibodh Award 2009, Bharat Bhushan Agrawal Award 2011)
• Ramkrishna Singh
  • The River Returns
• Gajendra Thakur
  • Kurukshetra Antarmanam (In Maithili)
• Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar
  • The Mysterious Element of Rugi Baske, The Adivasi Will Not Dance (Banned), Vajika Var Ramayana, Deehkatha, Bechara Kevat Udaas Hai

Key Exam Facts

• First Hindi Novel of Jharkhand: Rajputani Shaan (1906) by Ramcheej Singh
• First Hindi Play of Jharkhand: Grah ka Pher (1913) by Anant Sahay Akhauri
• Notable Book on Birsa Munda Movement: Dust Storm and Hanging Mist by K.S. Singh
• First Santali short story collection: Kukam
• Prominent Politician-Author: Rahbar ki Rahjani by Saryu Rai