India has a very old and rich history, and many places have changed their names over time. These old names tell us about the culture, rulers and lifestyle of earlier periods. Just like Patna was once called Pataliputra and Varanasi was known as Kashi, Jharkhand also had different names in the past. Let’s understand its historical background and different names.
What was Jharkhand called Earlier?
Jharkhand did not always have the same name. In ancient and medieval times, it was known by different names such as Pundra, Kark Khand, Ark Khand, Khukhra and Chhota Nagpur. These names were given based on time, rulers, and local traditions.
Ancient Names of Jharkhand
In very old Hindu texts like the Aitareya Brahmana (around 800-500 BCE), this region was called Pundra of Pundra Desh.
Later, in the epic Maharashtra, it was known as Kark Khand or Ark Khand. These names show that the region was known even in ancient times and had its own importance.
Names During the Medieval Period
During the Mughal period, especially in the 16th century, the region was called Khukhra or Kokrah. These names are found in Mughal records like the Akbarnama.
At that time, the area was famous for its forests, minerals and tribal communities.
British Period Name
When the British ruled India, they used the name Chhota Nagpur for this region. It became an administrative area under British control.
This name was widely used for a long time and is still known today as the Chhota Nagpur Plateau.
Origin of the Name Jharkhand
The word Jharkhand comes from two Sanskrit words:
- Jhar meaning forest
- Khand meaning land
So, Jharkhand means the “Land of Forests.” This name suits the region because it is full of dense forests and natural beauty.
When did Jharkhand became a State?
Although the name Jharkhand is very old, the state was officially formed much later. On 15 November 2000, Jharkhand was separated from Bihar and became a new state of India.
This date was chosen to honor Birsa Munda, a great tribal leader.
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