Simdega
| Simdega (Hindi: सिमडेगा) | |
|---|---|
| city | |
  Simdega (Hindi: सिमडेगा) | |
| Coordinates: 22°37′N 84°31′E / 22.62°N 84.52°ECoordinates: 22°37′N 84°31′E / 22.62°N 84.52°E | |
| Country |
 India |
| State | Jharkhand |
| District | Simdega |
| Elevation | 418 m (1,371 ft) |
| Population (2011) | |
| • Total | 599,813 |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Hindi |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| PIN | 835223 |
| Website | simdega.nic.in |
Simdega (Hindi: सिमडेगा) is a town in the Indian state of Jharkhand and is the district Headquarters of the Simdega District (Hindi: सिमडेगा जिला)to the state of Jharkhand. It is around 160 km from Ranchi, the state capital of Jharkhand. Another nearby city is Rourkela (Odisha state).
History
Simdega falls under the erstwhile Biru kingdom of yesteryear. The kings of Birugarh whose ancestors were from great Ganga Vamsi (Gajapati) royal family of Kalinga-Utkala Empire (Odisha) ruled over this region for centuries, even during the British Colonial era. The royal family still resides at Biru or Birugarh village which is situated at a distance of about 11 km from District headquarter, Simdega on N.H. 23. This region of beautiful plateau is inhabited by the simple adivasis (tribals) in great majority. This small village now evolving into a semi-township, has been popular to the missionaries, who established convents, hospitals and parishes on the lands donated by the Biru Kings and its subordinates. The missionaries spread Christianity in this tribal region where mainly nature worshipers and Hindus were present. Also, the missionary also helped in spreading the education with opening several Christian schools in remote areas. Being in the south, Jharkhand, the language has been the sweet Nagpuri - whose offshoots are the now Sadri in many forms and adaptability. Nagpuri language is the blend of two Indo-Aryan language Oriya and Angika. Other languages spoken by the local adivasi tribes are Mundari, Oraon, Khadia etc. Oriya culture highly influenced this region. The Oriya Kings ruled this area. For centuries, the Kings of Biru invited Brahmin scholars from Odisha to this region and gradually these Oriya Brahmins settled in every corner of Biru Kingdom, even today in remote villages of this region one can trace these Oriya Brahmins families. The Biru Kings had donated acres of land & even villages & Zamindaris to them. The other Oriya communities of this region are Vaishnava( Babaji), Goldsmith, Mahakud (Gauda or Yadava), blacksmith & Bhuiyan or Rout. These Oriya communities still follow their own traditions,customs & rituals.The business class(mostly dominated by Marwari & Baniya) seems to have its hold on the populace and are among the most powerful section in society. Adivasis by nature tend to avoid business as a profession. The place has also been so peace and quiet. The schools of this area along with other Jharkhand districts has produced some eminent hockey players from this area. The development of simdega is crucial to the development of south Jharkhand. Being in the proximity to Rourkela, Odisha, the region is bound to develop and cater to south Jharkhand tribal population Ranchi being away and busy hub as state capital. Ramrekha Dham is the most important tourist destination of this area. It is situated at a picturesque place on top of a hill and every year there is a big fair during Kartik Purnima. It is said, that Lord Rama along with Sita and brother Laxman has visited this place and has left his mark there. The Biru Royal-family discovered and developed this place. In recent times this holy place has been made popular by the presence of holy saint Sri Brahmachari Maharaj or Ramrekha Baba, who died recently, Shri Jayaram Prapanna also famous as "Ramrekha Baba". The idols of Ram and Krishna are present in this cave shrine temple. On the rocks outside are footmarks of Ram and Sita, a Conch Shell (Shankh) which produces the sound ram-ram, Dhanush Kund (a small pond in the shape of a bow) on the rocks. Then, there is a cave named as 'Muni Gufa', where it is said that there are five munis still residing there in their astral form. Ramrekha Baba used to tell his story that he had met the five rishis when he had first come to this place. Recently after Simdega became the district headquarters, the development of the place has picked up pace.
Geography
Simdega is located at 22°37′N 84°31′E / 22.62°N 84.52°E.[1] It has an average elevation of 418 metres (1371 feet).
Demographics
As of 2011 India census,[2] Simdega had a population of 599,813. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Simdega has an average literacy rate of 67.59%, lower than the national average of 74.4%: male literacy is 75.84%, and female literacy is 59.38%. In Simdega, 15% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Land usage details
Cultivable land: 1,34,024.33 hect. Irrigated : 16,367 hect. Un-irrigated : 1,17,657.33 hect.
Main crops : Paddy, Maize, Groundnut,Black Gram(Urad).
Main forest produces: Mahua, Chironji, Kusum seeds, Sal seeds, Tendu leaves
Major industry : None
Transport
Simdega is located in the south-western part of the state of Jharkhand. As far as its border is concerned, it is surrounded by Gumla district in the north, Khunti and West Singhbhum in the east, Chhattisgarh state in the west and Odisha state in the south.
- By road
Passenger buses and Non Stop buses run regularly from Ranchi, Gumla, Lohardaga, Sasaram and Rourkela(Orrisa).
- Simdega to Ranchi - 170 km.
- Simdega to Gumla - 77 km.
- Simdega to Rourkela (Odisha) - 77 km.
- By air
Nearby airports are Ranchi, Kolkata, Bhuvneshwar.
- By rail
- Railway facility is not enough in Simdega district. Only two blocks (Bano And Jaldega) of Simdega district are connected via railway line. The trains Bokaro Allepy Express and Tapasvini Express stop at Bano Station and Hatia Jharsuguda pass though these stations. These blocks lie between the ranchi-rourkela rail route.
Tourist places
Kersai
Kersai is a lovely and wonderful scenically place. It is situated in block Kersai. A beautiful village scenario attracts the visitors. It is developed as picnic spot such as Dangaddi,AlooPahar,Sangam & Sudhanshu. It is situated at the distance of 45 km from simdega.And It is 25 Km from Bolba.
Kelaghagh dam
Kelaghgh dam is the most beautiful dam on Chhinda river in Simdega. It is situated at a distance of 4 km from district H.Q. The lovely waterdam is surrounded by multiple hills which attracts tourists very much. The district administration is providing the facility of motor boating and parasailing. There is a plateau in Kelaghagh dam where a small and beautiful park exists. At Kelaghagh dam the construction of hotel is going on where the tourists can avail the lodging and fooding facility. Simdega Notified area committee is making supply of drinking water to simdega town from kelaghagh dam.
Ram Rekha Dham
Ram rekha dham is the holy place which is about 26 K.M from simdega H.Q. People says during 14 years BANWAS period lord Sri Rama, Mata Sita and Laxman had visited this place and lived here for some time. Some archeological structures like agni kund, charan paduka, sita chulha, gupt ganga etc. shows that during BANWAS period they followed this path. People visited Ram rekha dham to view these archeological structures and temple of lord Rama, Maa Sita, Laxman, Hanumana and Lord Shiva which lies in a bowed cave. Every Year on Kartik Purnima a Mela is organised here. People from different states and of all community come here and pray to GOD for their happiness.
Dangadi
Dangadi is a lovely and wonderful scenically place. It is situated in block Bolba. A beautiful waterfall attracts the visitors. It is developed as picnic spot. It is situated at the distance of 45 km from simdega and is 25 Km from Kersai.
KetungaDham
Ketunga Dham situated in Bano Block is very important historical place. The archeological survey of India points out this place as the Land Of Buddha Period. At Ketunga Dham many statue of Buddha were found. It is said that King Ashoka,Mourya Emperor) established these statues while returning to Patliputra after Kalinga war.
Rajadera
Rajadera is situated in Thethaitanger Block. There exists beautiful and small waterfalls on Chhinda river. The field of sand attracts every one for a picnic.
Bhairo Baba Pahari
Bhairo Baba Pahari is a cave situated in Phulwatanger village of Simdega Block. The Cave looks like a living body.
Bhanwar Pahar
Bhanwar Pahar is in Kolebira Block. Here lots of Black bees (Bhanwara) found and it is said Bhanwar Pahar due to this. In ancient age these flies were used as the soldiers. It is very similar to Himachal Pradesh. Flowers of GULAITCHI on the small hill is nature's gift to villagers living in the small houses on the hill. A small Natural pond exists in between the stones on the hill. It is surprising to see the pond full of water in all seasons. Looking the ground from the top of the small hill is a great feeling. One can feel the natural airconditioning system inside the cave on Bhanwar Pahaar.
Mazar of Anjan Peer Saheeb
The mazar of Anjaam Peer Saheeb is inside the premise of Kolebira police station. This is a great symbol of harmony, Social Policing and perhaps a single example of a mazar inside a Police Station. Every Year Uras Mela is organised here and people of all communities pray for peace.
Tingina
Tingina can be said the ASHOK VATIKA of Simdega. Here no other trees except Ashoka Tree exists. It is a great gift of nature to the villagers of Tingina in Jaldega Block.
Bandurga
Bandurga is the holy place of Goddess of SHAKTI, DEVI DURGA and siyuated in Bolba Block. Here people come and pray to Devi Durga for their happiness. This place is also a natural picnic spot.
References
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