Dhanbad, Jharkhand – Facts And History

Dhanbad is a city in the Indian state of Jharkhand and is known as the “Coal Capital of India” due to the abundance of coal reserves in the region. Dhanbad has a rich history of coal mining and is home to some of the largest coal mines in India.

Apart from coal mining, Dhanbad is also an important educational, industrial and cultural hub in the state of Jharkhand. The city has several educational institutions including the Indian School of Mines, Birsa Institute of Technology, and DAV Public School.

Dhanbad is well-connected by road, rail, and air to other major cities in India. The nearest airport to Dhanbad is in Ranchi, which is approximately 140 km away. The city also has a railway station that is well-connected to major cities in India.

Some of the popular tourist attractions in and around Dhanbad include the Panchet Dam, Bhatinda Falls, Maithon Dam, and Topchanchi Lake.

Other Names Of Dhanbad:

Dhanbad is also known by several other names including:

• Coal Capital of India: This name is due to the city’s rich coal reserves and its importance as a major center for coal mining in the country.
• City of Black Diamond: This name is derived from the coal mines, which were once known as “black diamonds” due to their economic value.
• The Manchester of India: This name was given to Dhanbad due to its thriving textile industry in the past.
• Mini Mumbai: This name is due to the city’s bustling economy, vibrant culture, and cosmopolitan lifestyle that is similar to that of Mumbai.
• The City of Law: This name is because of the presence of numerous lawyers and law firms in the city, which has earned it a reputation as a hub of legal activity.

How To Reach Dhanbad:

Dhanbad is well-connected by road, rail, and air to other major cities in India. Here are some of the ways to reach Dhanbad:

• By Air: The nearest airport to Dhanbad is the Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi, which is approximately 140 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Dhanbad.
• By Train: Dhanbad has a railway station that is well-connected to major cities in India. It is an important railway junction in the region, with trains from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, and other major cities in India.
• By Road: Dhanbad is connected to major cities in Jharkhand and other nearby states by a network of state highways and national highways. Regular buses are available from cities like Ranchi, Kolkata, Patna, and Varanasi.
• By Car: You can also reach Dhanbad by car from nearby cities like Ranchi, Kolkata, and Patna. The roads are well-maintained, and it usually takes around 3-4 hours to reach Dhanbad from Ranchi, 6-7 hours from Kolkata, and 7-8 hours from Patna.

Once you reach Dhanbad, you can use local taxis, buses, or auto-rickshaws to get around the city.

Historical Importance Of Dhanbad:

Dhanbad has a rich historical and cultural heritage. The region around Dhanbad was inhabited by various tribal communities for centuries before the arrival of the British. During the British colonial period, Dhanbad became an important center for coal mining and industrialization, and this helped to shape the city’s modern history.

Some of the important historical events and figures associated with Dhanbad include:

• Indian Independence Movement: Dhanbad was an important center for the Indian independence movement. Many freedom fighters, including Jaiprakash Narayan, used to organize meetings and rallies in the city to mobilize public support for the independence movement.
• Mining Disasters: Dhanbad has witnessed several mining disasters that have caused loss of lives and property. The most infamous of these was the Chasnala mining disaster in 1975, which claimed the lives of over 375 miners.
• Indian School of Mines: The Indian School of Mines (ISM) in Dhanbad was established in 1926 by the British colonial government to train mining engineers. ISM has played a key role in shaping the modern mining industry in India.
• Birsa Munda: Birsa Munda was a tribal leader who led a rebellion against the British in the late 19th century. He was born in Ulihatu village, which is located near Dhanbad.
• Maithon Dam: The Maithon Dam, which is located near Dhanbad, was built by the Damodar Valley Corporation in the 1950s. The dam has played a key role in providing water and electricity to the region.

Overall, Dhanbad has a rich and diverse history that reflects its importance as a center for mining, industry, and culture in the region.

10 Interesting Facts About Dhanbad:

• Dhanbad is known as the “Coal Capital of India” due to its vast coal reserves and its importance as a center for coal mining.
• Dhanbad is the second-largest city in Jharkhand state, after the state capital Ranchi.
• Dhanbad is home to the Indian School of Mines (ISM), one of the oldest and most prestigious engineering colleges in India.
• The Maithon Dam, which is located near Dhanbad, is one of the largest dams in India and is a major source of hydroelectric power in the region.
• Dhanbad has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its folk music and dance forms, including Chhau and Jhumar.
• Dhanbad is surrounded by hills and forests, and it is a popular destination for trekking, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
• Dhanbad has a vibrant nightlife with several pubs, bars, and nightclubs that attract a young crowd.
• Dhanbad is home to the BCCI-recognized Jharkhand State Cricket Association Stadium, which has hosted several domestic and international cricket matches.
• Dhanbad has a large number of shopping malls, markets, and restaurants that cater to a diverse range of tastes and preferences.
• Dhanbad is also known for its unique cuisine, which includes dishes like litti-chokha, a type of baked bread served with mashed potatoes and vegetables, and tilkut, a sweet made from sesame seeds and jaggery.

20 Places To Visit In Dhanbad:

• Shakti Mandir: Shakti Mandir is a famous Hindu temple in Dhanbad dedicated to Goddess Durga.
• Bhatinda Falls: Bhatinda Falls is a scenic waterfall located near Dhanbad.
• Maithon Dam: Maithon Dam is a major tourist attraction near Dhanbad and is known for its scenic beauty and boating facilities.
• Topchanchi Lake: Topchanchi Lake is a picturesque lake located near Dhanbad and is a popular picnic spot.
• Panchet Dam: Panchet Dam is another major tourist attraction near Dhanbad and is known for its scenic beauty and boating facilities.
• Birsa Munda Park: Birsa Munda Park is a popular park in Dhanbad with several recreational facilities for visitors.
• ISM Dhanbad: The Indian School of Mines (ISM) in Dhanbad is a prestigious engineering college and a popular tourist attraction.
• Jharia Coal Mines: Jharia Coal Mines are one of the largest coal mines in India and are located near Dhanbad.
• Kalyaneshwari Temple: Kalyaneshwari Temple is a popular Hindu temple located near Dhanbad.
• Bekar Bandh: Bekar Bandh is a scenic lake located near Dhanbad and is a popular spot for picnics and boating.
• Shri Hanuman Mandir: Shri Hanuman Mandir is a famous Hindu temple in Dhanbad dedicated to Lord Hanuman.
• Dhanbad Railway Station: Dhanbad Railway Station is one of the busiest railway stations in India and is known for its architectural beauty.
• Gopalpur Nature Park: Gopalpur Nature Park is a scenic park located near Dhanbad and is a popular spot for birdwatching.
• Jawaharlal Nehru Biological Park: Jawaharlal Nehru Biological Park is a popular zoo in Dhanbad that houses several rare species of animals and birds.
• Kali Mandir: Kali Mandir is a popular Hindu temple in Dhanbad dedicated to Goddess Kali.
• Swami Vivekananda Park: Swami Vivekananda Park is a beautiful park in Dhanbad with several recreational facilities for visitors.
• Jharkhand War Memorial: Jharkhand War Memorial is a memorial dedicated to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country.
• Shiva Temple: Shiva Temple is a popular Hindu temple in Dhanbad dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Shri Ram Mandir: Shri Ram Mandir is a famous Hindu temple in Dhanbad dedicated to Lord Rama.
• ISM Adventure Park: ISM Adventure Park is a popular adventure park in Dhanbad with several thrilling rides and activities for visitors.

Art And Culture Of Dhanbad:

Dhanbad has a rich and diverse culture that reflects the traditions and customs of its people. The art and culture of Dhanbad are deeply rooted in its history and are influenced by the local tribal communities as well as the migrants who came to the city for work.

The most prominent form of art in Dhanbad is folk music and dance. The Chhau dance, which originated in the eastern states of India, is a popular dance form in Dhanbad. The Jhumar, a tribal dance performed during festivals and weddings, is also a popular form of dance in the region. The music of Dhanbad is also influenced by folk traditions and is known for its rhythmic beats and soulful melodies.

Apart from music and dance, Dhanbad is also known for its handicrafts. The local artisans are skilled in making various handicrafts, including wooden artifacts, terracotta products, and handloom products. The Dhokra art, which is a type of metal casting using the lost-wax technique, is a popular art form in Dhanbad.

Dhanbad is also home to several religious and cultural festivals, which are celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor. The Durga Puja, Diwali, and Holi are some of the major festivals celebrated in the city. The Tusu Festival, which is celebrated by the tribal communities, is also a popular festival in Dhanbad.

Overall, the art and culture of Dhanbad are diverse and vibrant, and they reflect the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Tase And Cuisines Of Dhanbad:

The cuisine of Dhanbad is a blend of different regional and cultural influences. The food in Dhanbad is primarily vegetarian, but there are also many non-vegetarian options available.

One of the most popular dishes in Dhanbad is litti chokha, which is a traditional dish of Bihar and Jharkhand. It consists of roasted dough balls made from wheat flour, stuffed with a mixture of sattu (roasted gram flour), spices, and herbs. Litti is usually served with chokha, a side dish made from roasted and mashed eggplant, tomatoes, and potatoes, flavored with spices and herbs.

Another popular dish in Dhanbad is dhuska, which is a deep-fried snack made from a batter of ground rice and lentils. It is usually served with a spicy potato curry and is a favorite among locals.

Other popular dishes in Dhanbad include aloo chop (potato fritters), samosas, kachoris, and chhole bhature (chickpea curry with fried bread). Non-vegetarian dishes like chicken curry, mutton curry, and fish curry are also popular in the city.

Apart from these traditional dishes, Dhanbad also has several restaurants and food joints that serve Chinese, North Indian, and South Indian cuisines. Fast food chains like McDonald’s, KFC, and Domino’s are also present in the city.

In terms of beverages, tea is the most popular drink in Dhanbad, and you can find numerous tea stalls in the city serving different varieties of tea. Lassi, a yogurt-based drink, is also a popular beverage in the region.

Overall, the food in Dhanbad is flavorful and varied, with a mix of traditional and modern cuisines.

10 Hotels To Stay In Dhanbad:

• The Seventeen Degrees Hotel: This hotel offers modern amenities and comfortable rooms and is located in the heart of the city.
• Hotel Cocoon: This hotel is known for its excellent service and luxurious rooms.
• Hotel Rajdhani Plaza: This budget-friendly hotel offers clean rooms and basic amenities for a comfortable stay.
• Hotel Skylark: A mid-range hotel with spacious rooms and friendly staff.
• The Waverly Hotel & Residences: This hotel offers elegant rooms and a range of facilities, including a swimming pool and fitness center.
• Hotel Vasundhara: A budget-friendly hotel with clean rooms and a central location.
• The JK Residency: This hotel offers well-appointed rooms and excellent service, making it a popular choice among travelers.
• Hotel Crystal International: A budget hotel with basic amenities and clean rooms.
• Hotel Divyansh Regency: A mid-range hotel with comfortable rooms and good service.
• Hotel Saffron: This hotel offers comfortable rooms and a range of facilities, including a restaurant and conference rooms.

10 Popular Dine-In Restaurants In Dhanbad:

• Copper Chimney: A well-known restaurant chain that offers North Indian cuisine, Chinese, and Continental food.
• Swad Restaurant: A popular vegetarian restaurant that serves traditional North Indian and South Indian dishes.
• Moti Mahal Delux Tandoori Trail: This restaurant is famous for its tandoori dishes and North Indian cuisine.
• The Royal Retreat: A fine dining restaurant that serves Indian and Continental cuisine in a luxurious setting.
• F3 Cafe & Lounge: A casual dining restaurant that offers a range of cuisines, including Chinese, Indian, and Italian.
• Hotel Madhulika: This restaurant is famous for its Chinese and Indian cuisine and is a popular spot for families.
• Gyan Vaishnav Restaurant: A vegetarian restaurant that serves North Indian and South Indian dishes.
• Dosa Plaza: A South Indian restaurant chain that serves a variety of dosas, idlis, and uttapams.
• Domino’s Pizza: A popular pizza chain with multiple outlets in Dhanbad.
• KFC: A fast-food chain that serves fried chicken and other American-style dishes.

Places Of Worship In Dhanbad:

Dhanbad is a city that is home to people from different religions and faiths, and there are several places of worship in the city. Here are some of the most popular places of worship in Dhanbad:

• Shakti Mandir: This is a famous temple in Dhanbad that is dedicated to Goddess Durga. It is located in the heart of the city and attracts a large number of devotees.
• Bhatinda Falls Shiv Mandir: This is a temple located near the Bhatinda waterfall, and it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is surrounded by natural beauty, and the waterfall adds to the charm of the place.
• Jagannath Temple: This is a temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath, and it is located in the Hirapur area of Dhanbad. The Dhanbad Jagannath temple is famous for its annual Rath Yatra festival.
• Masjid-e-Noor: This is a mosque located in the Bartand area of Dhanbad. It is a popular place of worship for the Muslim community in the city.
• Gurudwara Shri Guru Singh Sabha: This is a Sikh temple located in the Sardar Patel Nagar area of Dhanbad. It is a place of worship for the Sikh community in the city.
• St. Francis Xavier Church: This is a Catholic church located in the Kusum Vihar area of Dhanbad. It is a place of worship for the Christian community in the city.
• Hanuman Mandir: This is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is located in the Bartand area of Dhanbad and is a popular place of worship for Hindus.
• Jain Mandir: This is a temple dedicated to the Jain community and is located in the Jharia area of Dhanbad. It is a popular place of worship for Jains in the city.

These are some of the popular places of worship in Dhanbad that attract devotees from different religions and faiths.

Schools And Colleges In Dhanbad:

Here are some details about the popular schools and colleges in Dhanbad:

Schools:

• Delhi Public School, Dhanbad: This is a co-educational school affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and offers education from pre-nursery to class XII.
• Carmel School, Dhanbad: This is a girls’ school affiliated with the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) and offers education from pre-nursery to class XII.
• De Nobili School, Dhanbad: This is a co-educational school affiliated with the CISCE and offers education from nursery to class XII.
• DAV Public School, Dhanbad: This is a co-educational school affiliated with the CBSE and offers education from pre-nursery to class XII.
• St. Xavier’s School, Dhanbad: This is a boys’ school affiliated with the CISCE and offers education from nursery to class XII.
• Kendriya Vidyalaya, Dhanbad: This is a co-educational school affiliated with the CBSE and offers education from class I to class XII.
• Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Dhanbad: This is a co-educational school affiliated with the CBSE and offers education from class I to class XII.
• Guru Nanak School, Dhanbad: This is a co-educational school affiliated with the CISCE and offers education from nursery to class XII.
• Delhi Public School, Bokaro-Dhanbad Highway: This is a co-educational school affiliated with the CBSE and offers education from pre-nursery to class XII.
• JVM Shyamali, Dhanbad: This is a co-educational school affiliated with the CISCE and offers education from nursery to class XII.

Colleges:

• Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad: This is a public technical and research university that offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in engineering, applied sciences, management, and humanities.
• DAV College, Dhanbad: This is a college affiliated with the Vinoba Bhave University that offers undergraduate programs in arts, science, and commerce.
• BSS Mahila College, Dhanbad: This is a women’s college affiliated with the Vinoba Bhave University that offers undergraduate programs in arts, science, and commerce.
• Binod Bihari Mahto Koyalanchal University, Dhanbad: This is a state university that offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in arts, science, commerce, law, engineering, and management.
• Patliputra Medical College and Hospital, Dhanbad: This is a medical college affiliated with the Vinoba Bhave University that offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in medicine.
• Dhanbad Polytechnic, Dhanbad: This is a polytechnic college affiliated with the State Board of Technical Education that offers diploma programs in engineering.
• Guru Nanak College, Dhanbad: This is a college affiliated with the Vinoba Bhave University that offers undergraduate programs in arts, science, and commerce.
• Raja Shiva Prasad College, Dhanbad: This is a college affiliated with the Vinoba Bhave University that offers undergraduate programs in arts, science, and commerce.
• PK Roy Memorial College, Dhanbad: This is a college affiliated with the Vinoba Bhave University that offers undergraduate programs in arts, science, and commerce.
• Women’s College, Dhanbad: This is a women’s college affiliated with the Vinoba Bhave University that offers undergraduate programs in arts.

Trade And Commerce In Dhanbad:

Dhanbad is an important commercial and industrial center in Jharkhand, India. It has a rich history of coal mining, which has played a significant role in the development of the city’s economy. Apart from coal mining, there are several other industries in Dhanbad, such as steel, power, cement, and fertilizer.

Here are some of the major industries and business sectors in Dhanbad:

• Coal mining: Dhanbad is home to several coal mines, including the Jharia coalfield, which is one of the largest coalfields in India. Coal mining has been the primary industry in Dhanbad for several decades and has contributed significantly to the city’s economy.
• Steel industry: Dhanbad has several steel plants, including the Bokaro Steel Plant, which is one of the largest steel plants in India. The steel industry has played a vital role in the growth of Dhanbad’s economy.
• Power generation: Dhanbad has several thermal power plants that generate electricity for the region. The DVC (Damodar Valley Corporation) Thermal Power Plant is one of the significant power plants in the city.
• Cement industry: There are several cement plants in Dhanbad, including ACC Cement, which is one of the oldest cement plants in the region.
• Fertilizer industry: The Sindri fertilizer plant is one of the significant industries in Dhanbad. It is a part of the Fertilizer Corporation of India and produces urea and ammonia.

Apart from these industries, there are several other small-scale industries and businesses in Dhanbad, such as textiles, handicrafts, and food processing. The city has a well-developed transportation network, including road, rail, and air transport, which makes it an important trading hub in the region. The city also has several markets and shopping malls that cater to the needs of the local population as well as tourists.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Dhanbad is a city in the state of Jharkhand, India, known for its rich history of coal mining and as an important commercial and industrial center. The city has several industries, including coal mining, steel, power, cement, and fertilizer, that have contributed significantly to its economy. Apart from its industrial significance, Dhanbad is also known for its cultural heritage, art, and cuisine. The city has several places of worship, schools, and colleges that provide education to the local population. Dhanbad is also a popular tourist destination, with several places to visit, dine-in restaurants, and hotels to stay. Overall, Dhanbad is a significant city in India that has a lot to offer in terms of trade, commerce, culture, and tourism.