Perspective Plan 1998-2003: Bihar Education Project [Under DPEP - III] Ranchi

Abstract

From Background: Ranchi District is situated in Chotanagpur Plateau, the hilly region of Bihar. Chotanagpur is a vast undulating plateau studded with hills which were once covered with dense forests. With influx of population, rapid industrialisation and extensive mining the forest cover has decreased. Geographically it is the eastern offshoot of the Deccan Plateau. Chotanagpur was once predominantly a Tribal region inhabited mainly by Adivasi groups like the Mundas, the Santhals, the Oraons, the Khartyas and other early settlers who arrived in this area after a series of migration. These tribals had originally cleared the area and tought it under cultivation. The region could not remain isolated for long and gradually the Muslim rulers and later the British gained control over it. With the Muslim & British control came the system of granting Villages as Jagirs, The practice of granting Jagirs dealt a severe blow to the tribal agrarians system. Not only were the tribals reduced to rent paying raiyats but also the influx of outsiders began in the region. This mass of outsiders termed as Diku by the tribals exploited them with utmost capacity.