Palamu district General information
The District of palamu lies between 23 degree 50’and 24 degree 8’ north latitude and between 83 degree 55’ and 84 degree 30’ east longitude. It contains an area of 5043.8 square Kms. The administrative head quarter is Daltonganj, situated on koel river in 24 degree 3’ north, and 84 degree 4’ east. Which has taken its name after colonel Dalton, commissioner of Chhotangapur in 1861.
Origin of Name
The Origin of the name Palamu is doubtful. According to on account, it is derived from the Hindi word palana, to lee and means “a place of refuse”. Another suggestions is that the name is combination of Pala meaning “ forst” and mu the patois is root for “dead “ the whole word meaning “dead from frost”, parts of the District being liable during the winter months to severe frosts . Both these explanations however must be regarded as purely speculative. Another suggestion is that Palamau is a Dravidian name, that it may be a corruption of Pall– amm –u , Pall meaning “tooth “ amm (which when combined with another main assumes the form am) meaning “water”. While a is kind of genitive or possessive case meaning “village”, “ Country “ ,”fortress “etc. In support of this theory, it may be mentioned that the name is spelt Palamau is the vernacular and was originally applied to the village which was the seat of the chero chiefs, and in which theirs forts were built.
History
The early history of PALAMU is not authentic but we have legends about it. It is, however certain that kharwars, oraons and cheros, the three aboriginal races practically ruled over the tract. The kharwars claim to be suryavanshi Kshatriyas. They trace their decent from Ajanagara or Ayodhya. Karusa was the sixth son of Manu Vaivasata and he was assigned the eastern territory. The descendants of Karusa were called Karusas who subsequently came to be known as Karwars or kharwars. According to tradition they were the rulers of Rohtasgarh. The kharawars point to the days of the Pratapadhaval, one of the line of chiefs who ruled there in the twelfth century A.D., during the time of their greatest prosperity.
The cheros have been spoken in very high terms in the Aitareya Aranyaka along with the Vangas and Magadhas. They did not observe the Vedic sacrifices and still they are termed as revered cheros ‘cheropadas. There is not much evidence to show that the Cheros came to this region from Kumaun as some think.
The Mandas claim decent from Karusas. The Ramayana records their flight to the south. Some say that these aboriginals played the band at the time of Rama’s coronation at Ayodhya and they were assigned this region in lieu of their meritorious services. The Pandawas killed Jarasandha – an ally of the Mand . Naturally in the Mahabharat war the Mandas sided with the kauravas and were in the army of Bhisma. Sanjaya says that on the left wing of Bhisma are the Karusas with the Mandas, Vikunja and Kundivarsa Satyiki compares the Mandas with the demons and boasts that he would put an end them just as Indra ended the demons . Arjuna is said to have married a Naga princess from this region and Babhruvahana was born of this lady.
Boundaries
The district is bainded north by the river Son which separates it from the districts of Rohtas, and by the district Aurangabad (Bihar), on the east by the district of Chatra and Hazaribagh, on the south by the district Latehar on the west by the district Garhwa and Chhatisgarh state.
Rivers
The general line of drainpipe is from south to north towards the SON, which forms parts of the northern boundary of the districts .The principals rivers are Koel and its tributaries, the Auranga and the Amanat. There are also last of smaller streams, most of which are mere mountain torrents which rock–strewn beds. The Koel Auranga and Amanat are similar in this respect for their upper reaches are characterized by high banks Generally rugged and occasionally precipitous with a rapid stream dashing over boulders and shingle or gliding. Calmly, except in time of spate, in shadow parts terminated by rocky barriers. 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. Until some outcrop of rock arrests its course and forces it to the surface.
Climate
The climate of this Districts is on the whale dry and bracing .The year can be divided in to three main seasons. The cold seasons from November to March, the hot season from March to May and the monsoon season from June to September, October is a transitional month between monsoon and winter seasons.
Temperature
The only observatory in the District is located at Daltonganj .The meteorological data of this station can be taken as representative for the Districts. The cold season starts from November and continues till as out the middle of February December and January are the coolest month. In association with cold waves which occasionally pass over the area in the wake of western disturbances minimum temperatures can go down to the freezing point of water on individual days in the December of January. In the southern part of the Districts in the high Plateau, frost occur in December of January by March temperature begins to rise steadily. In may and early point of June the maximum temperature can be as high as 47degree C on individual days .The effect of the extreme summer heat is some what alleviated by the dryness of the air and the strong breezes that blow in the afternoons. The daily range of temperature is of the order of 16 degree to 17 degree C during the winter and summer month while in the monsoon months it is only 6 degree C to 8 degree C.
Humidity
Relative humidity is generally lower in the afternoons than in the mornings, excepts in the monsoon months when there is little differences .The summer months are the driest with humidity as law as 20 to 25 percent in the afternoon.
Cloudiness
During the summer and winter months sky is generally clear or lightly clouded .In April and May cloudiness increases particularly in the afternoon. During the monsoon months sky is heavily clouded to overcast.
Winds
Winds are light to moderate during the winter and summer months, the speed being higher in the afternoons. In association with thunder storms during March to May and during the monsoon season when depressions pass west word across the central parts of the country .the Districts to may experience strong gusty winds .The directions from which winds blow are variable specially during the monsoon season.
Tourist Place
Palamu Fort
From the Alamgirnama we learn that the Northern frontier of Palamau was only 50 miles from Patana the seat of the Chero Raja was something of a city. It was fairly well populated with many bazaars and 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 a visit. The walls, which are in fair preservation, are about 5 feet in thickness, and that the old fort bears marks of canon balls and bullets in many places . The gate leading to the old fort, the court room, and temple and Zanana quarters of the Raja as also the two deep but silted up wells in the old fort are very interesting.
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. It is in Mahuadanr police station and is 96 miles west of Ranchi across seven hills. This is the highest point on the plateau of Chhotanagpur. Netarhat is a place of peculiar charm which has a laid its spell on many casual visitors. The stillness of the jungle and the cool and refreshing air brings relief from the dust and heat of the plains. Netarhat has a game sanctuary amidst pine forest the bestow singular arboreal interest in this part. Some time back it used to be the permanent summer station of the Governor.
Shahpur
Opposite Daltonganj on the west bank of the Koel is the village SHAHPUR in which Gopal Rai, the Raja of Palamu built a palace in the end of the 18th century. Shahpur stands on a high tract of land and the ruined place, the white temple and the masonry building present a picturesque view from Daltonganj. A nearer view of the palace is disappointing for what looks in the distance like an imposing edifice is seen to be half- finished building of little architectural importance.
Betla
Betla is situated at 25 km. away from Daltonganj, 70 km. from Latehar and 170 km. From Ranchi. It is well connected by Rail and Road. The nearest airport is Ranchi which is about 180 km. From Daltonganj and 195 km. From Betla and patna air port is about 250 kms. From Betla, the tourist headquarter of the Palamu Tiger Reserve. Daltonganj and Barwadih is an important Railway station where all trains have stoppage. Betla is most important tourist place of jharkhand having luxiuriant Sal and miscellaneous trees and bamboo forests. 226 sq. km. Of Betla forest has been declared as Betla National Park and 753 sq. km. Of forest has been declared as Palamu Sanctuary. The forest starts from Kechki and extended 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.