Giridih

Giridih, in north-eastern Jharkhand, has a history shaped by forests, minerals and Jain pilgrimage. The region was long part of the forested Chotanagpur plateau, inhabited by Adivasi communities and small agrarian villages under local zamindars and princely estates linked to larger powers in Bengal and Bihar. Its big transformation began in the 19th century with the discovery and commercial use of coal and mica. As the East India Railway expanded and nearby coalfields (like Giridih coalfield at Karharbari) were developed, the town of Giridih grew into an important mining and railway centre, attracting workers, traders and officials.

Administratively, Giridih was once under Hazaribagh district during British rule. After Independence, it continued to develop as a regional hub for the surrounding rural and mining belt. In 1972, Giridih was carved out as a separate district, confirming its status as a key town in north Jharkhand.

Another historical layer is religious: Giridih district includes Parasnath / Shikharji, one of the holiest sites of Jainism. For centuries, Jain pilgrims travelling to these hill temples passed through the Giridih area, supporting dharamshalas, markets and trading activity. Today, Giridih’s identity combines mining history, administrative role and Jain pilgrimage, along with its backdrop of hills, forests and plateau villages.