Jharkhand-Specific Knowledge
Domain 6 - Jharkhand-Specific Knowledge
This is the highest-yield domain because it is limited and highly predictable: formation, geography, minerals, forests, tribal society, culture, polity and economy.
Formation and polity
- Jharkhand was carved out of Bihar on 15 November 2000, on Birsa Munda's birth anniversary; Ranchi is the capital.
- The state has 24 districts, 14 Lok Sabha seats and 81 Assembly seats.
Geography and resources
- The Chota Nagpur Plateau dominates; Parasnath (Giridih) is the highest peak and a major Jain pilgrimage centre.
- Rivers: Damodar (the 'sorrow of Bengal'), Subarnarekha, Barakar, North Koel, South Koel, Mayurakshi.
- Jharkhand leads India in coal and mica, and is rich in iron ore, copper (Ghatshila) and uranium (Jaduguda).
- Betla National Park in Latehar and Palamu Tiger Reserve are key protected areas.
Industry
- Tata Steel, Jamshedpur (1907); Bokaro Steel Plant; Heavy Engineering Corporation, Ranchi; Dhanbad as the coal capital.
Tribal society and culture
- Major communities: Santhal, Munda, Oraon, Ho, Kharia, Bhumij; eight Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups include Asur, Birhor, Korwa and Sauria Paharia.
- Festivals: Sarhul, Karma, Sohrai, Tusu, Bandna. Dances: Chhau (Seraikela style), Paika, Jhumar.
Worked example
Question: Who led the Santhal Hul of 1855–56? Reasoning: The Hul was a tribal rebellion against moneylenders and the British revenue system. It was led by the Murmu brothers - Sidhu and Kanhu. Answer: Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu.
Traps
- Confusing the Santhal Hul (1855) with Birsa Munda's Ulgulan (1899–1900).
- Mixing Seraikela Chhau with the Purulia and Mayurbhanj styles.
- Writing the formation year as 2001.