Introduction

Palamu District is an administrative district of Jharkhand with its administrative headquarters at Daltonganj. Daltonganj has taken its name after colonel Dalton, commissioner of Chota Nagpur Plateau in 1861. Palamu District lies between 23 degrees 50 minutes and 24 degrees 8 minutes north latitude and between 83 degree 55 minutes and 84 degree 30 minutes east longitude. It occupies an area of 5043.8 sq kms. The distance between Daltonganj and Ranchi is 165 km. Old Palamu District is divided in three districts namely Palamau, Garhwa District andLatehar District. Palamu District is bounded by the Son River in the north which separates it from Rohtas District and by district Aurangabad (Bihar), by Chatra District and Hazaribagh in its east, by Latehar District in the south and in the west by Garhwa District and Chhattisgarh.

History of Palamu District

History of Palamu district is associated with several legends. Mainly three aboriginal races namely kharwars, cheros and oraons ruled over the district over time. The kharwars are believed to be the descents of Ayodhya or Ajanagara and they claim to be Suryavanshi Kshatriyas. The sixth son of Manu Vaivasata, known as Karusa, had been given the charge of the eastern territory. Karusas was referred to the descendents of Karusa who later came to be known as Kharwars or Karwars. They were the traditional rulers of Rohtasgarh. The district had experienced a great prosperity during the days of the Pratapadhaval, one of the chiefs of Kharwars, who ruled the district in twelfth century A.D.

Cheros were considered a higher race in the Aitareya Aranyaka along with the Magadhas and Vangas. Till now the race is popularly known as revered cheros `cheropadas`. Vedic sacrifices were not observed among them. According to some beliefs Cherons moved to this district from Kumaun, however, there are not much evidences to testify this fact.

Mandas is another race which is believed to have descended from Karusas. The Ramayana has however mentioned their movement towards south. Legends say that this aboriginal race had played the band when Lord Rama was coroneted in Ayodhya and they had been granted this region for their splendid services. Jarasandha, an ally of the Mand, had been killed by the Pandavas and thus in the Mahabharata war, the Mandas supported Kauravas and joined the army of Bhishma. According to Sanjaya, Mandas and Karusas were in the left wing of Bhishma. It is also believed that Arjuna had married a Naga princess belonging to this region. Medini Ray was the most renowned king among all the kings who ruled over the district over time.

Geography of Palamu District

Geography of Palamu District includes forests and major streams. The climate of this district is dry. The year can be divided in to three main seasons. The cold season from November to March, hot season from March to May and monsoon season from June to September, October is a transitional month between monsoon and winter seasons. Maximum temperature can be as high as 47 degree Celsius on individual days. Relative humidity is generally lower in the afternoons than in the mornings. Winds are light to moderate during the winter and summer months, the speed being higher in the afternoons. The directions from which winds blow are variable especially during the monsoon season. The general line of drainpipe is from south to north towards Son River, which forms parts of the northern boundary of the district. The principal rivers are Koel River and its tributaries, Auranga and Amanat. There are several other smaller streams. Further north these rivers have deep sandy beds, into which the water sinks out of sight in the hot weather, percolating through the soft sand.

Tourism in Palamu District

Tourism in Palamu district offers several places of interest including excellent camping sites. Thus, with the opening of communication through forests and the availability of a series of beautiful camping sites Palamu District is considered as an ideal tourist destination. Further, there are a series of water falls in this district of Jharkhand which are worth visiting. Palamu fort is an important tourist spot of the district.

The major tourism spots in Palamu District are mentioned below -

Palamu Fort: Northern frontier of Palamau was 50 miles from Patna the seat of the Chero Raja. This city was well populated and it was protected by two strong forts, one on the summit of neighbouring hill, the other on the plain. There are two extensive forts of bricks and stone which are worth seeing. The walls are around 5 feet in thickness, and the old fort bears marks of canon balls and bullets in many places. The gate leading to the old fort, the court room and the temple are interesting exploring sites. Most interesting of all is the massive and beautifully carved stone gate `Nagpuri gate`. Auranga River flows close by. There are high hills and dense forests all around.

Netarhat: A plateau, four miles long and two and a half miles broad. It is in the extreme of the district, the highest point of which is 3,800 feet above the sea level. This is the highest point on the Chota Nagpur Plateau. Netarhat is a place of magnificent charm. The stillness of the forests and the cool and refreshing air brings relief from the dust and heat of the plains. The temperature of Netarhat is cooler than Ranchi throughout the year. It can be said that this place is the coolest in the entire state. The base of the plateau is formed of massive granite and laterite. Netarhat has a wonderful climate and in the July and August it does not become moist. There are a number of flowering trees particularly of Bauhinia and Cassia species.

Shahpur: Opposite Daltonganj on the west bank of Koel River is the village Shahpur. This place has some historical significance associated with it. Shahpur stands on a high tract of land and a ruined palace, white temple and the masonry building present a picturesque view from Daltonganj.

Betla: Betla is situated at 25 km away from Daltonganj, 70 km from Latehar and 170 km from Ranchi. Betla is the most important tourist place of Jharkhand having luxuriant Sal and miscellaneous trees and bamboo forests. Betla National Park and forest has been declared as Palamu Sanctuary. The forest starts from Kechki and extends up to Neterhat. The forest has 970 species of identified plants, 174 species of birds, 39 species of Mammals, 180 species of Medicinal plants, besides reptiles and other species. These tourist attractions of Palamu District attract the travellers from different parts of the country.