District at a Glance
Seraikela-Kharsawan district, formerly the Princely States of Seraikella and Kharsawa is one of the twenty-four districts of Jharkhand state in eastern India. Seraikela town is the district headquarters of Saraikela Kharsawan district.
History
In the year 1620, Kumar Bikram Singh I, the third Maharaja Jagannath Singh, established the Seraikela state, which was merged with Bihar state after independence and ranked as subdivision merged with the boundaries of Kharsawan state. Later on the basis of territories act in 1950, 39 villages of Chandil, Nimdih and Tamar area were included into it.
In the year Seraikela Kharsawa was carved out from West Singhbhum district of Jhgarkhand.
Geography
The district is situated between Longitude, East Between 85°30’14” & 86°15’24” and Latitude, North Between 22°29’26” & 23°09’34” . The District shares border with East Singhbum District to the East , West Singhbhum District to the South , Purulia District to the North . It shares Border with West Bengal State to the East . Seraikela Kharsawan district comprises of two subdivisions namely Seraikela and Chandil and nine blocks/circles namely Seraikella, Kharsawan, Gamharia, Rajnagar, Kuchai, Chandil, Ichagarh, Nimdih, Kukru. It occupies an area of approximately 2724.55 square kilometres. . Its in the 209 meters to 178 meters elevation range.
Surrounded by lush green forests, hillocks, serpent like rivers and rivulets, Seraikela Town is situated on the bank of Kharkai River. The district has not only a rich cultural heritage but also has large deposits of minerals like Kyanite,Asbestos, quartz etc. and other valuable minerals.
Demography
Saraikela Kharsawan district Total population is 1063458 according to census 2011.Males are 544411 and Females are 520323.Literate people are 612993 among total.Its total area is 2724.55 sq.km. It is the 14 th largest district in the state by Population . But 14 th Largest District in the state By Area. 424 th Largest District in the Country By Population. 7 th highest District in the State By literacy rate. 418 th highest District in the Country By literacy rate.its literacy Rate is 68.85.
Economy
Mainly agrarian in nature the district also includes the Adityapur Industrial Area which is one of the biggest industrial areas in Asia. Titirbilla bridge on the road joining Seraikela Rajnagar, the bridge on Tikar River at Ichagarh, causeway at Shakha river outlines the developing steps of the district . The road joining the distant rural areas, blocks and district headquartes are being built. Tube wells , tanks and dams are being built for the source of drinking water and irrigation . The older canals are also being renovated . Ayurvedic medical college, Private engineering College, Hospitals and ITI for women are being planned to be established for its educational development. New development programs have been taken up in all eight blocks of the district. The government has announced the district as a tourist center as it has many historical and sightseeing places. The day is not very far off when Seraikela will become an important district and a center of tourist attraction
Culture and Festivals
Saraikela is known for its Chhau dance.It is a unique amalgamation of Oriya and tribal culture.Seraikela has become the “Mecca” for connoisseurs of music and dance. Here lies the citadel of world famous Chhau dance. The soil of Seraikela is vibrant with the rhythm of “Chhau” which fancied the imaginations of not only Indian art lovers, but also allured and captivated art lovers across the world, due to its grace unique charm and grandeur.