The state of Jharkhand, carved out of Bihar in the year 2000, has a history that stretches far beyond its recent political formation. Rich in archaeological, cultural, and political significance, the region has witnessed human activity since the Stone Age and played a part in the great empires and movements of India’s past. Let’s take a walk through the history of this vibrant land:
Prehistoric Era: The Earliest Settlers
- The Chota Nagpur Plateau has been inhabited since the Stone Age.
- Mesolithic and Neolithic tools and microliths have been discovered across the region.
- Cave paintings dating back to 9000–5000 BCE have been found in Isko, Hazaribagh district—evidence of early artistic expression.
- A group of megaliths over 5,000 years old was discovered at Punkri Barwadih near Barkagaon.
- Chalcolithic Age: The Copper Revolution
- During the 2nd millennium BCE, copper tools began appearing, leading to the rise of what is known as the Copper Hoard Culture in the region.
- Excavations at Kabra-Kala (Palamu) revealed a continuous cultural presence from the Neolithic to medieval times, with diverse pottery types such as:
- Redware
- Black and red ware
- Northern Black Polished ware (NBP)
Iron Age: New Tools, New Settlements
- The Barudih site in Singhbhum district yielded iron slags, wheel-made pottery, Neolithic celts, and sickles—evidence of Iron Age technology.
- Radio carbon dating places these artifacts between 1401–837 BCE.[3]
Ancient Period: Kingdoms and Empires
The Vedic and Post-Vedic Era
- Around 1200–1000 BCE, Vedic Aryans expanded eastwards and adopted iron tools for forest clearing and agriculture.
- This era witnessed the rise of Mahajanapadas (large states) and Śramaṇa movements (like Jainism and Buddhism) that challenged Brahminical dominance.
- According to scholars like Bronkhorst, the Śramaṇa culture emerged in Greater Magadha, a non-Vedic Indo-Aryan region where Kshatriyas held higher status than Brahmins.
Empires of the Early Historic Period
- The region is mentioned in the Mahabharata as Kark Khand, owing to its location near the Tropic of Cancer.
- It was a part of ancient Magadha and Anga kingdoms.
- During the 4th century BCE, it came under the control of the Nanda Empire.
- Later, in the Mauryan period, it was recognized as part of the Atavika (forest) states and was brought under Mauryan rule during Ashoka’s reign (c. 232 BCE).
- Brahmi inscriptions from the 3rd century BCE have been found in Karbakala (Palamu) and Saridkel (Khunti), along with early historic houses, pottery, and tools.
Classical Period: The Gupta Conquest
- Samudragupta passed through the Chota Nagpur region during his southern expedition and launched an attack on Dakshina Kosala in the Mahanadi valley.
Medieval Era: Dynasties and Regional Lords
- In the 15th century, Sultan Adil Khan II of Khandesh conquered the area and took the title of Shah e Jharkhand.
- By the 17th century, the region was integrated into the Mughal Empire under Akbar.
Colonial Period: From Chero Rulers to British Rule
- Following the decline of the Mughals, local dynasties like the Cheros governed the area.
- In the late 18th century, the British East India Company annexed the region, facing resistance from tribal and local leaders.
- Under British rule:
- The region was divided into nine princely states.
- Up to 1905, it was part of the Bengal Presidency.
- Post-1905, territories were reassigned to the Central Provinces and Orissa Tributary States.
- In 1936, it became part of the Eastern States Agency.
🇮🇳 Modern History: Independence and Statehood
- After Indian Independence in 1947, the area was divided among Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, and Bihar.
- A long-standing demand for a separate state led to the rise of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM).
- In 2000, the Bihar Reorganisation Act was passed, officially creating the state of Jharkhand.
Medieval Period
- 7th Century: Chinese traveler Xuanzang visited and described the region as part of the kingdom Karnasuvarna, ruled by Shashanka.
- Pala Empire (8th–12th centuries): The region flourished under Buddhist influence; a monastery in Hazaribagh dates to the 10th century.
- Nagvanshi Dynasty:
- Bhim Karn, a prominent king, defeated the Raksel dynasty of Surguja.
- Artistic and religious heritage is visible in sites like:
- Sahastrakoot Jinaya (Jain idols) in Itkhori
- Khakparta Temple (9th century, Lohardaga)
- Bhadrakali Temple in Itkhori
Early Modern Period
- Region ruled by various dynasties: Nagvanshi, Khayaravala, Chero, Ramgarh Raj, Raksel, and Kharagdiha Zamindaris.
- Mughal Invasion:
- Akbar ordered an expedition against Khukhra (Chota Nagpur) for its diamonds.
- Defeat of Raja Madhu Singh and revenue of ₹6,000 established.
- Durjan Shah:
- Imprisoned by Jahangir for refusing tribute.
- Released for his skill in diamond identification.
- Built Navratangarh Fort after shifting the capital.
- Successors included Ram Shah and Raghunath Shah; the latter built the Jagannath Temple in Ranchi (1691).
Palamu & Chero Resistance
- King Medini Ray (1658–1674): Strengthened Palamu Forts, defeated Navratangarh.
- 1660: Daud Khan led a brutal Mughal invasion; forts fell and temples were destroyed.
- 1771: British forces under Captain Camac captured Palamu forts after betrayal by Gopal Rai.
- 1772: Fort fully occupied; British rule spread across Nagvansh, Ramgarh, and Kharagdiha regions.
Colonial Era Uprisings
Numerous revolts marked resistance against the British:
- 1766–1809: Chuar revolt (Bhumij zamindars & paiks)
- 1780–1785: Tilka Manjhi’s revolt
- 1831–1832: Kol Insurrection under Bindrai Manki and Budhu Bhagat
- 1855–1860: Santhal Rebellion led by Sidhu & Kanhu
- 1857: Sepoy Mutiny saw involvement of Vishwanath Shahdeo, Ganpat Rai, Tikait Umrao Singh, Sheikh Bhikhari
- 1895–1900: Birsa Munda’s Ulgulan (Great Tumult) – died in Ranchi Jail (1900)
Freedom Movement and Tribal Awakening
- 1914: Tana Bhagat Movement merged with Gandhian Satyagraha
- 1940: INC’s 53rd Session held in Ramgarh with leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru, Sarojini Naidu
- Post-1947: Princely states merged with India; region divided between Bihar, Orissa, and Madhya Pradesh
Jharkhand Movement
- 1928: Unnati Samaj and tribal leaders demanded separate state.
- 1955: Jaipal Singh Munda‘s Jharkhand Party submitted memorandum for tribal state—rejected.
- 1972: Formation of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and AJSU
- 1988: BJP launched Vanachal movement for forest region statehood.
- 1994: Jharkhand Area Autonomous Council formed.
- 1998: Justice L.P.N. Shahdeo led a strong separate state campaign.
Birth of Jharkhand
- 2000: Bihar Reorganization Act passed; Jharkhand carved out of Bihar.
- 15 November 2000: Official formation of Jharkhand with Babulal Marandi as first CM.
- Comprises Chota Nagpur Plateau and Santhal Pargana divisions.
Post-State Formation
- 15 November 2023: Jharkhand celebrated its 23rd Foundation Day.
- Ongoing focus on tribal empowerment, development, and preservation of cultural identity.
This rich and turbulent history highlights how the resilience of Jharkhand’s people has shaped its distinct identity—from ancient trade centers to the crucible of tribal uprisings and eventually, to becoming India’s 28th state.
