Jharkhand — Culture,
Heritage & Language
Tribal culture, minerals, waterfalls, Jagannath
Introduction
Jharkhand, the 'Land of Forests', was carved from Bihar in 2000. Rich in minerals and tribal heritage, it is home to over 30 tribal groups, dense sal forests, waterfalls and the steel city of Jamshedpur.
Quick Facts
Capital
Ranchi
Largest City
Jamshedpur
Official Language
Hindi
Formation Date
15 November 2000
Area
79,716 sq km
Population
38,000,000+
Region
East
Type
State
Language
Hindi is official, with Urdu, Santali, Mundari, Ho, Kurukh, Khortha, Nagpuri and Panchpargania as additional regional languages.
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Traditional Dress
Tribal communities wear Panchi-Parhan and Lugda; men commonly wear dhoti and kurta. Sal-leaf and bamboo ornaments are part of festive attire.
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Festivals
Sarhul (welcoming spring), Karma, Sohrai, Tusu Parab, Jitiya and Chhath Puja are celebrated. The Sohrai-Khovar wall painting tradition has GI status.
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Cuisine
Dhuska, Pittha, Chilka Roti, Rugra (mushroom curry), Bamboo Shoot curry, Handia (rice beer) and Litti-Chokha.
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Literature
Santhali (Pandit Raghunath Murmu's Ol Chiki script), Kurukh and Nagpuri oral and written literature; modern Hindi writers like Radhakrishna and Kamleshwar.
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Art Forms
Sohrai and Khovar painting, Paitkar scroll painting, Chhau dance (Seraikella school), Jhumair, Domkach and Mardana folk dances.
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Historical Importance
Long-standing tribal kingdoms like the Nagvanshis; site of Birsa Munda's Ulgulan against the British; carved out as India's 28th state in 2000.
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