Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand- Physical - 3 - UPSC MCQ

Jharkhand was carved out as a separate state primarily due to the demand for autonomy by the tribal groups, also known as Adivasis. Widespread discontentment with the Bihar administration, coupled with a militant separatist movement that started among the tribal communities in the 1980s, eventually led to the creation of Jharkhand in 2000.

Jharkhand is bordered by Bihar to the north, West Bengal to the east, Odisha to the south, Chhattisgarh to the west, and Uttar Pradesh to the northwest.

Ranchi serves as the capital of Jharkhand. It is a vibrant city known for its scenic beauty and administrative significance. Ranchi is also the largest city in Jharkhand and acts as the central hub for government activities, commerce, and education in the state.

Jharkhand is predominantly characterized by the presence of plateaus. The Chota Nagpur plateau, which is part of the larger Deccan plateau, occupies a significant portion of the state. It comprises a series of plateaus, hills, and valleys, contributing to the diverse topography and scenic beauty of Jharkhand.

Parasnath, a conical granite peak located on the Hazaribag plateau, holds the distinction of being the highest point in Jharkhand. It rises to an elevation of 4,477 feet (1,365 meters) and carries immense religious significance for the Jain community and the indigenous Santhal people.

Jharkhand is characterized by a predominant presence of deciduous forests. The natural vegetation of the region mainly consists of trees that shed their leaves seasonally. The Chota Nagpur plateau, in particular, is rich in sal (Shorea robusta), which is a valuable hardwood species found in these deciduous forests.

Forests cover approximately one-fourth, or around 25%, of the total land area in Jharkhand. The Chota Nagpur plateau is the primary region where forests are found, whereas the plains have been cleared for agricultural purposes. The forests of Jharkhand are vital ecosystems, supporting biodiversity, preserving natural resources, and contributing to the overall environmental balance.

The Hazaribag Wildlife Sanctuary in Jharkhand is renowned for its population of Bengal tigers. Alongside tigers, the sanctuary is also home to other significant wildlife species such as leopards, elephants, and bears. These animals find refuge in the remote forests of Hazaribag, making it an important conservation area within the state.

The cold-weather season, which spans from November to February, offers the most pleasant weather in Jharkhand. During this time, temperatures are relatively mild and comfortable. In Ranchi, for example, the daily high temperatures in December typically range from about 50 °F (10 °C) to the low 70s °F (low 20s °C), making it an ideal time to visit the state.

Jharkhand is drained by three major rivers. The Damodar River flows in the northeast region of the state, the Subarnarekha River in the southeast, and the Brahmani River in the southern part. These rivers play a crucial role in supporting agriculture, providing water resources, and shaping the natural ecosystem of Jharkhand.