Introduction

The district can be divided into three broad natural divisions, viz., (I) the north and north western portions consisting of the hilly region, (ii) the uplands containing coal mines and most of the industries and (iii) the remaining uplands and plains lying to the south of the Damodar river consisting of cultivable flat lands . The north and north western division is separated for the entire length by the Grand trunk road.

In the western middle part of the district are the Dhangi hills, situated in the strip falling between the Grand trunk road in the north and the Grand chord line of the Eastern Rly. In the south, these hills extend from Pradhankhanta to Govindpur, reaching a maximum altitude of 1,256 feet at Dhangi. Further north, a branch of the Parasnathhill runs through Topchanchi and Tundi, the highest point of 1,500 feet being reached at Lalki. The southern part of the district is largely comprised of undulating land. The general slope is from west to east, the direction followed by the two major rivers, Damodar and Barakar.

Dhanbad is one of the most important industrial centres in India. In and around Dhanbad is the richest mineral wealth of India.

History of Dhanbad District

Dhanbad district was formed in the year 1956. It included the old Dhanbad subdivision, Chas and Manbhum district`s Chandankiyari police stations of Sadar subdivision. Since 1928, it is a Police district. After 1971, when the reorganization of districts took place in the state of Bihar, Dhanbad district remained unaffected. Dhanbad Municipality is the headquarters of the district and the chief town. In 1991, Chas Sub-division was carved out to form Bokaro district and Bermo Sub-division was carved out in Giridih district. Giridih and Bokaro border the west of the district whereas Giridih and Dumka district border its north. The east and south of the district is surrounded by the Purulia district of West Bengal.

Early history of Dhanbad district has not been explored very clearly as any rock inscriptions, old coins and copper plates were not found in the district. Even documents of palm leaf or copper plates also could not be discovered by the archaeology department. The most ancient authentic documents comprised of papers and dates back to merely hundred years ago. However history of Manbhum district gives glimpses of the ancient history of Dhanbad district.

Dhanbad was a part of the former Manbhum district having its headquarters in Purulia, which is the current district of West Bengal. The name Manbhum was derived from the name of Raja Man Singh who acquired this territory from Akbar, Mughal Emperor, as a gift after he won a battle. The district was far stretched and vast and was thus divided into Singhbhum, Birbhum and Manbhum owing to administrative purposes.

Dhanbad was declared as a district on the recommendation of the State Reconstitution Commission through notification 1911 on 24th October 1956. The district was previously divided into two subdivisions namely Baghmara and Dhanbad Sadar. Baghmara comprised of four blocks whereas Dhanbad Sadar comprised of six blocks. 1654 villages, 228 Panchayats and 30 Nagar Palikas were included in Dhanbad district. The vast district had two police headquarters in Dhanbad and Bokaro respectively. The present district of Dhanbad however consist of only Dhanbad Sadar subdivision including 8 blocks namely Jharia, Dhanbad, Baghmara, Govindpur, Nirsa, Tundi, Census and Baliapur. A large area of the district is covered with forest and hillocks where laterite soil is prevalent.

Geography of Dhanbad District

Dhanbad district is located in 86o50` E longitude and between 23o37`3" N and 24o4` N latitude, in the state of Jharkhand. It can be categorized broadly into three divisions namely (i) the north and north western part comprising of hills, (ii) the uplands consisting of coal mines and industries and (iii) plain land lying on the south of Damodar River that comprises of flat cultivable lands and the remaining uplands. The Grand trunk road separates the north and north western region throughout the length.

Dhangi hills are located in the western middle region between the grand chord line of the Eastern Railway and Grand trunk road in the north. These hills stretch from Pradhankhanta to Govindpur in the south and reaches to a height of 1,256 feet. In the north, a part of Parasnath hill runs through Topchanchi which is the highest point of 1500 feet. In the southern region, undulating soil stretches over the district. The most significant river of Chota Nagpur Plateau is Damodar River. It meets with Jamuria stream at the point where it enters the district. This stream borders the western boundary of Dhanbad district. Katri River joins Damodar River in the eastern part. Along the district, Damodar River flows for about 77 kilometres. Panchet dam stands over it and extends up to about 6 kilometres. Northern boundary of the district is formed by the River Barakar that travels through 77 kilometres. Barakar River flows in south west direction and reaches up to Durgapur and then flows to south to join Damodar River. Maithan Power Station is associated with it. Other small rivers of the district are Irji, Gobai and Khudia.

Climatic Condition of Dhanbad District : The district of Dhanbad has a dry climate. From the month of November to February, during winter season the weather is very pleasant. The climate becomes warm afterwards till the commencement of monsoon around the mid June. The temperature reduces and humidity rises with the beginning of rain. The wettest months in the district are July and August. Average annual precipitation in the district is about 1300mm.

Tourism in Dhanbad District

Tourism in Dhanbad District is famous for exquisite natural beauty and renowned pilgrimage sites. Some of the places also hold immense historical significance. The places attract a large number of tourists and pilgrims. Rest houses have also been constructed for them. Dhanbad also houses some very ancient temples and historical structures which have still retained their beauty.

Topchanchi : Topranchi is a beautiful tourist site located near Dhanbad district. It houses an artificial lake at the base of Parasnath Hill, excavated in 1915. It is created with the purpose of supplying water to Jharia. Gomoh is another site located near Topchanchi Lake. It is the place from where Netaji Subash Chandra Bose embarked on train while departing from India on 18th January 1941. An idol of Netaji has also been established in Topchanchi market to honour the event.

Panchet Dam : Panchet Dam stands on Damodar River. It is situated in Panchet area of Dhanbad district. It was inaugurated in the year 1959 and is the fourth multipurpose dam in the first phase of Damodar Valley Corporation. It has a backdrop of Panchet hill which makes it a beautiful tourist and picnic spot. The dam is mostly visited at the end of monsoon or start of winter when the dam has high water level and the gates are opened for letting the water out.

Panrra : Panrra is a village located in Nirsa-cum-Chirkunda block. Local myths say that the place has been named after Pandavas who hided here for some time during their exile. It houses an ancient temple of Pandeweshar Mahadev, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was believed to be constructed by a Hindu king.

Shakti Mandir : Shakti Mandir is situated in the district, at the heart of Dhanbad city. Goddess Durga is the presiding deity of the temple and regular kirtans, jagrans and bhajans are performed in the temple. The temple also hosts an Akhand Jyoti, brought from Jwaalaji pilgrimage of Himachal Pradesh.

Maithon Dam : Maithon Dam stands over River Barakar. This 15,712 ft long and 165 feet high dam was constructed with the aim of generating electricity and controlling flood. Fishing and boating facilities are available in the dam. It also houses an underground power station which makes it unique for being the only dam having such a feature in Southeast Asia. An island stands at the centre with a tourist rest house. Near the dam other tourist sites include a bird sanctuary, a deer park and Awake Temple, an old temple at Kalyaneshwari.

Charak Pathar : Charak Pathar is a village situated in the development block of Govindpur of Dhanbad district. The place houses an old white stone boulder known as Charak Pathar, from which the place has derived its name.

Chati Gobindpur : Chati Gobindpur is located in the development block of Govindpur. The village houses two old pillars associated with the Afghan Chief, Sher Shah and Emperor Ashoka.

Gopalpur : Gopalpur village is located in Nirsa-cum-Chirkunda development block. It also hosts an ancient pillar belonging to the time of Emperor Ashoka. A large stone idol of Emperor Ashoka is also situated here.

Jhinjhipahari : Jhinjhipahari village lies in Baghmara development block. The mines of this area have rendered an old temple of Lord Shiva.

Chark-Khurd : Chark-Khurd is another village in the district famous for its hot spring.

Tourist sites of Dhanbad also serve as popular picnic spots. Apart from temples, dams are also significant tourist spots. Dams, in addition to serving utilitarian purposes, also serve as inviting tourist and picnic sites owing to their mesmerizing scenic beauty.