HAZARIBAGH DISTRICT

 Area: 4,313 Sq.Km.
 Population: 1,734,495
 Language: Hindi
 Villages: 1324
 Male: 890,881
 Female: 843,614

ABOUT
Hazaribag is 93 km. from Ranchi by road. It is located on N.H.33. The district of Hazaribag is situated in the
north east part of North Chotanagpur Division. The boundary of this district consists of districts of Gaya
(BIHAR) and Koderma in the north, Giridih and Bokaro in the east, Ramgarh in the south and Chatra in the
west. The districts of Koderma, Chatra, Ramgarh and Giridih have been bifurcated from this district. The
district of Hazaribag is situated in the north east part of North Chotanagpur Division.
The district of Hazaribag is a part of Chotanagpur plateau. This area is full of several plateaus, mountains and
valleys. There are three natural divisions of this district – Medium Plateau, Lower Plateau and Damodar Valley.
The district headquarter is a part of medium plateau, which is situated at the height of about 2,000 ft from the
sea level. Except the western part of the medium plateau, the whole area is surrounded by the lower plateau.
The height of lower plateau is about 1,300 ft above the sea level.Damodar Valley is in the southern part of this
district where Ramgarh town is situated which is about 1,000 ft below the districts headquarter.
Location & Geographical Area:
The state JHARKHAND came into existence on 15th November 2000 as a 28th State of Union of India after
being bifurcated from Bihar State, the Hazaribagh district is one of the 24 district of Jharkhand. The
Hazaribagh district is situated on National Highway 33 & 96 km away from state’s capital, Ranchi. The
Geographical area of Hazaribagh District is 4302 sq. km. The climate is generally dry with average rainfall
1234.5 mm. The temperature varies between 180 to 42.20 . However due to global warming, the temperature
goes high up to 440 .The district of Hazaribagh is a part of North Chotanagpur Plateau. This area is full of
several plateaus, mountains and valleys, most part of district ara full of forest and stones. Hazaribagh district is
surrounded by North- Gaya district of Bihar State and Koderma district, South- Ramgarh and Chatra district,
East- Bokaro and Ramgarh district, West- Chatra district.

DEMOGRAPHY
In 2011, Hazaribagh had population of 1,734,005 of which male and female were 891,179 and 842,826
respectively. There was change of 25.75 percent in the population compared to population as per 2001. In the
previous census of India 2001, Hazaribagh District recorded increase of 26.13 percent to its population
compared to 1991. 
The initial provisional data suggest a density of 403 in 2011 compared to 334 of 2001. Total area under
Hazaribagh district is of about 4,302 sq.km. 
Average literacy rate of Hazaribagh in 2011 were 70.48 compared to 57.75 of 2001. If things are looked out at
gender wise, male and female literacy were 81.15 and 59.25 respectively. For 2001 census, same figures
stood at 71.83 and 42.87 in Hazaribagh District. Total literate in Hazaribagh District were 1,029,415 of which
male and female were 607,854 and 421,580 respectively. In 2001, Hazaribagh District had 675,463 in its total
region. 
With regards to Sex Ratio in Hazaribagh, it stood at 946 per 1000 male compared to 2001 census figure of
987. The average national sex ratio in India is 940 as per latest reports of Census 2011 Directorate. 
In census enumeration, data regarding child under 0-6 age were also collected for all districts including
Hazaribagh. There were total 273,427 children under age of 0-6 against 267,969 of 2001 census. Of total
273,427 male and female were 142,129 and 131,298 respectively. Child Sex Ratio as per census 2011 was
924 compared to 972 of census 2001. In 2011, Children under 0-6 formed 15.77 percent of Hazaribagh District
compared to 18.64 percent of 2001. There was net change of -2.87 percent in this compared to previous
census of India.
Hazaribagh District population constituted 5.26 percent of total Jharkhand population. In 2001 census, this
figure for Hazaribagh District was at 5.26 percent of Jharkhand population.

BLOCKS POPULATION No. of No. of

Panchayats Villages
Hazaribagh 394,532
Chouparan 161814 26 267
Bishungarh 156477 24 102
Barkagaon 136839 23 86
Barhi 131669 20 125
Barkatha 122269 17 84
Ichak 112815 19 98
Katkamsandi 108361 18 85
Keredari 91357 16 76
Katamdag 82,385 13 48
Dadi 77770 14 31
Padma 56014 8 43
Churchu 53705 8 40
Daru 52,305 9 53
Chalkusa 52,068 9 40
Tati Jharia 48,549 8 60
ECONOMY
The economy of the people revolves round the forest, agriculture and minerals.
Agriculture:
A large number of people are engaged in agricultural activities. Cultivation of paddy, maize, cereals, wheat, oil
seeds etc. are common. The people are either working as agricultural labourers or cultivators. Kharif and Rabbi
are the main agricultural seasons. Karma festival is celebrated for good production of crops.
Forest:
Out of total geographical area of 4302 sq. k.m., forest area covers nearly 2566 sq. k.m. The tribal economy
revolves around using forest products, by products and minor products. Kendu leaves, Bamboo and its
manufactured products, Mahua, fruits, leaves (used is the making of dona, pattal), lac etc. play an important
role in the economic activity of the people. People also hunt animals for food and ‘Jani shikar’ festival is related
to this hunting habit.
Forests are an important natural resource for an area. They have a moderating influence against floods and
rain and thus they protect the soil against erosion. They also provide basic raw material to a number of
important industries, namely furniture, match box, paper, rayon construction, railway slippers, wooden poles,
etc. Moreover, the environmental benefits of the forests are not far to seek. The most unfortunate part is that
the Tribals & local villegers in many areas still depend on forest as a source of firewood. They don’t have any
other option either.
For sake of convenience the forest produce has been classified under two heads :

 Important Large Products: The large important products comprise of wood for timber, such as
SHISHAM, SAAL, BARGAD, CHKUNDI, BAMBOO, KUSUM, GAMHAR, MAHUA, JAMUN, IMLI, AAM
etc.

Important produce in the district:

1. Timber Shisham
2. Sal
3. Timber Mixed
2. Fire Wood

 Minor / Allied Produce: These constitute an important segment of forest asset and under this category
come produces like HARA, BEHARRA, KENDU PATTA, SALL SEED, KARANJ SEED, and MAHUA
PATTA/SEED etc.
Mines and Minerals:
The geological reports say that the district is very rich in various mineral deposits. There is abundance of
deposit of Coal, Bauxite, Laterite, Dolomite, and Graphite etc. Granite, Quartz, Fireclay, Felspar etc. The
excavation and exploration of these minerals have provided job opportunities to the inhabitants of this
hinterland to some extent because these minerals have not been fully explored at large scale and there are no
mineral based industries in the district.
Availability of Minerals: As in other districts of Chhotanagpur, Hazaribagh district too is endowed with mineral
resources. In the district, minerals such as Limestone, Fire Clay, China Clay, Quartz & some quantity of
coal are found. These can be termed as Major Minerals. Minor minerals such as Granite, sand etc. are
also available in the District.
Animal Husbandry:
The quality of livestock is very poor. Cow, goats etc. are of local variety and the average milk yield is very less.
There is a vast scope in the field of animal husbandry in Hazaribagh.
Trade and commerce:
In place of old Mahajans and landlords, various banks are operating their branches is the district but it is a
matter of fact that most of the villages are so scattered that the system of primary trade in the hands of
vyaparis and village sahukars still continues. Paddy thrashing, dona pattal making, bamboo basket making,
selling of mahua flowers. Lacs, kendu leaves and other minor forest produces are main components of trading
activities. In the absence of major industries and employment opportunities, the options of economic
development are limited. Animal husbandry, piggery and fisheries etc. have good potential, but this sector has
still remained unexplored.
EDUCATION

Primary Schools 752

Middle Schools 607
Secondary & senior secondary schools 106
Colleges 11

PUBLIC HEALTH

Allopathic Hospital 3
Community health centers 16
Dispensaries 35
Sub Health Centers 270
Private hospitals 11
ROADS

National Highway 156 KMS

State Highway 160 KMS
Main District Highway 324 KMS
Other district & Rural Roads 229 KMS

CULTURE AND HERITAGE

Hazaribag is rich in art and culture which is reflected in the handicraft items and traditions of this region . Its
culture is rich, diverse and unique. Sanskriti museum and Art Gallery is one best way to have an insight of
Hazaribag’s Art and Culture. Hazaribag got its famous Art form “Mural painting” from pre – historic times. Stone
age tools were discovered from Hazaribag. Hazaribag is also famous for its tribal art form.
Tribal dance
Unlike other metropolitan cities, Hazaribag is not about night life, discotheques or high profile parties. This
place is more about its famous temples and traditions. One may not find shopping avenues as majority of
people favor shopping in local markets. The mindset of the people are dominated by Indian cultural values and
beliefs. Hazaribag has got mixture of all communities/religions. Almost each tribe residing in Hazaribag has
developed their unique language, art and culture.
Religions
Hinduism is the principle religion of Hazaribag. Most of the people follow Hinduism. Other prominent religion
present here are Islam, Sarna and Christianity. Jainism, Sikhism and Buddhism are other basic religion
followed by people of Hazaribag. Being a hindu dominant area one can find the presence of few very famous
hindu temples in Hazaribag. Some very famous temples in and around Hazaribag are Narsigsthan temple,
Rajrappa, Bhadrakali templeand many more. A famous Jain temple Parasnath temple is also present in the
close vicinity of Hazaribag.
Languages
The languages spoken in the town are Hindi, Santhali, English and other tribal languages. Hindi is a common
language spoken by the inhabitant of the city. All government communications, advertisements, media
communications and public activities are done in Hindi. Due to educational institutes and literacy, English is
also a formal language for business communications. Santhals the primary tribe of Hazaribag speaks Santali,
which is allied to the Mundari language. Another local language known as Kharia, which is a branch of Munda
family of languages is spoken by primitive Kolarian tribe.
Cuisines
Hazaribag is famous for its street food which is both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Bagheri jhor along with
rice is the staple diet of the people here. The common snacks eaten by the locals includes kachori, samosa
and dhuska bada. Kebabs of chicken and mutton are also popular and its taste is very different from what can
find in northern India.
Folk Songs and Dancing
Folk music and dances are part and parcel of the tribal culture in Hazaribag. People sing and dance in open
places according to seasons. Popular Folk dances of the region are Paika, Jadur, Santhal, Chhou, Karma,
Nachni, Natua, Agni, Matha, Sohrai, etc. Folk Music like Mardana Jhumar, Faguwa, Janani Jhumar, Dohari
Domkach, Jhumta, Akhariya Domkach, Udasi, Pawas, etc. are very popular.
Paika: It is one of important dance form performed by Munda community. It is the form showing the rituals
performed during the war preparation. The dance is performed with the props used for the war.
Hunta : It is a dance form of the Santhals. It is a dance that is performed by men. This dance form shows how
hunting is carried by this tribe. The basic props involved in his dance are arrows, bows and other tools used for
hunting.
Mundari: It is a dance form of the Mundari tribe and is performed at the time of marriages. Its motive is
celebration.
Barao : It is a dance form performed by the Oraon tribe. This dance is performed in the month of May. It is
performed for a good rain.
Domkach: It is also a typical dance of the Chotanagpur region. It is performed by the women from the groom’s
side.
Chhou: It is also a very popular tribal dance. The dancers perform this dance form to depict the stories of
Ramayana and Mahabharta.
Despite increasing penetration of modern music like Hollywood and Bollywood songs, these folk songs and
dances continue to hold their ground and are still being practiced during special seasons and auspicious
occasions by the locals and reflect the prevailing culture in the city.
Festivals
Festivals in Hazaribag are celebrated with great enthusiasm. The celebrations are marked by shopping, foods,
snacks and fun. Local fairs and small cultural festivals are also common. Given the traditional outlook of
people, celebrations take place in its very spirit. The important festivals celebrated are:
Chatt Puja: It is one of the main hindu festival celebrated in this area. This festival is devoted to Sun God. It is
celebrated twice every year, once in March and second in November.
Holi: People here celebrated holi “ festival of colors” with great joy and passion. It is one of the main festivals
for the localities of this town.

Gajalaxmi Puja: it is one of the most important festival celebrated by people of Hazaribag. It falls in the month of
September and October.People in Hazaribag also celebrate Dusshera with great passion.

Ramnavi is a three day festival celebrated with joy all over Hazaribag. The large crowd involved in this festival forces the
administration to ensure high security in the region during this period.

Art and Paintings

Stone age tools, Mesolithic rockart sites, stone tools, microliths, Neolithic stone tools, and pottery shards were
discovered from Hazaribag The village paintings are considered auspicious symbols related to fertility. These paintings
are painted on the walls of the houses. On the basis harvest and marriage seasons these arts can be divided in 2 major
forms namely Khovar and Sohrai. The paintings are done using three major techniques comb-cut; finger-cutting or
painted.

Khovar is the marriage art of the tribals and semi-hinduized tribes of Hazaribag living in hill villages. Khovar or the Comb-
Cut art done during the marriage season.Sohrai is the winter harvest art. Cloth swabs or chewed twigs of the local Saal
forest tree is used for preparing great Sohrai painting.

Costume

The typical garments worn by men are dhoti and a turban. Women prefer to wear Saris. Women folk prefer to wear
colorful sarees draped over a simple or fancy blouse on auspicious occasion The Santhal tribe women during the dance
wears red bordered white Sari. But now Pant and shirt have also been accepted as a common wear in the region. Owing
to the closed culture of the place, people dress up in the traditional manner. However, youth is seen experimenting and
trying their hands on the latest fads.The town experiences chilly winters, hence warm and thick clothes are the part of
their costumes.

Literature

Town played host to great writers like Sanjiv Chattopadhaya (of Palamau fame) and Rabindranath Tagore. The poet
Kamini Roy lived in the town for some years. The noted Bengali author and writer for many Hindi films like SUJATA,
Subodh Ghosh was born and brought up in Hazaribag. Many of his stories are set in the region. Keshub Chunder Sen, the
great Brahmo Leader has written many pieces during his short stayin the town. Rabindranath Tagore travelled in
Hazaribag famous push-push in 1885 and recorded the experience in an essay, “Chotanagpur families”.