Jharkhand Foundation Day
Every year, the Jharkhand Foundation Day is celebrated on November 15. The day is celebrated to mark the formation of the State of Jharkhand. The state was carved out from Bihar in 2000.
What is Jharkhand Foundation Day?
The State of Jharkhand was formed on November 15, 2000 as the 28th state of the country. The demand for the state formation was raised by JMM (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha) after India got independence in 1947.
What does the name “Jharkhand” mean?
The name Jharkhand was derived from two words “JHAR” and “KHAND”. “JHAR” means forest and “KHAND” means land. Thus, the world Jharkhand means the Land of Forest.
How is Jharkhand Foundation Day linked to Birsa Munda?
The day coincides with the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda. Birsa Munda was born in 19th century in a Munda tribal family. He led the Munda Rebellion. He sowed seeds of revolt against the landlords and Britishers. His struggle led to the passing of Chotanagpur Tenancy Act.
How was the state of Jharkhand formed?
The forests of Chhotanagpur plateau and Santhal Pargana make up Jharkhand. The tribals in the state wanted a separate state post- independence. This led to the formation of JMM. Since 1947, they continued protests. Finally, in 1995, the Government launched the Jharkhand Area Autonomous Council and created the state in 2000.
What are the key facts of Jharkhand?
The Jharkhand state is rich in coal, copper, iron ore, uranium, bauxite, mica, dolomite and silver. The major tribal festivals of Jharkhand are Sohrai, Sarhul and Mage Parab. The Sohrai is a cattle festival, Sarhul is flower festival and Mage Parab is a post harvest festival. River Damodar is the major river of Jharkhand. The state is also called “Bush Land”.
