West Singhbhum or Chaibasa district came into existence when the old Singhbhum District bifurcated in 1990. With 9 Blocks Eastern part became the East Singhbhum with Jamshedpur as its district Hqr. and with remaining 23 Blocks West Singhbhum with Chaibasa as its district Hqr. In 2001 West Singhbhum again divided in two parts. With 8 Blocks Saraikela-Kharsawan district came into existence. At present West Singhbhum remain with 15 blocks and two administrative Sub-divisions.
The district is full of hills alternating with valleys, steep mountains, and deep forests on the mountain slopes. The district contains one of the best Sal forests and the SARANDA (seven hundred hills) forest area is known world over. Scenically it is beautiful with water holes and also contains wild life like Elephants, Bison, rarely found tigers & panthers, bear, wild dogs, wild pigs. Sambhar, deer and spotted deer are also found but their numbers are decreasing in the forests adjoining habitation.
There are two accounts relating to the origin of the name of the district. According to one the name Singhbhum, or the lands of "SINGHS" has been derived from the patronymic of the Singh Rajas of Porahat. The second account suggests that the name is a corrupt form of the SinghBonga the Principal deity of tribal population of the district.
The district is situated at a height of 244 Meter above the sea level and has an area of 5351.41 Sq. Kilometres. The district is bounded on the North by the district of Khunti (earlier Ranchi), on the East by Seraikela-Kharsawan district, on the South by Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj and Sundargarh districts of Orissa and on the West by the district of Gumla and Sundargarh (in Orissa).
Following are some of the rivers flowing in the West Singhbhum District: 1. Koel 2. Karo-Koina 3. Kharkai 4. Sanjai 5. Raro 6. Deo 7. Baitarini
The greater part of West Singhbhum district is covered by the iron-ore series. The following minerals are found in the district:
1. Chromites 2. Magnetite
3. Manganese
4. Kainite
5. Lime Stone
6. Iron Ore
7. Asbestos
8. Soap-stone
INDUSTRY
After division of Singhbhum district into 3 parts, West Singhbhum district remain with almost nil in Industrial activity. The A.C.C., Jhinkpani is the only industry in the district. The other industrial activities are BIDI making at Chakradharpur. There are a few establishments both in the rural and urban areas of the district engaged in manufacturing tobacco products, flour mills, rice mills, saw mills etc.
HIGHWAY: 1. Chaibasa-Ranchi 2. Chaibasa-Jainthgarh 3. Chaibasa-Hata 4. Chaibasa-Saraikela
ZILA-PARISHAD ROAD
1. Chaibasa-Bharbharia 2. Hatgamharia-Gua
3. Singhpokhria-Parsa
4. Chakradharpur-Sonua
5. Anandpur-Manoharpur
6. Chaibasa-Bhoya
FOREST ROADS:
1.Tantnagar-Bharbharia 2. Hatgamharia-Benisagar
3. Manjhgaon-Jagannathpur
RAILWAY
HOWRAH-NAGPUR main line of the S.E. Rly. Traverse the district from East to West. Chakradharpur is one of the Railway Division exists in the district. RAJKHARSAWAN-CHAIBASA-GUA railway line is used mainly for mineral transportations.
AIRWAY
There is no airport in this district. Jamshedpur is the nearest airport from the district HQR, Chaibasa. Small airstrips are present at Chaibasa and Noamundi.
West Singhbhum district is rich in natural resources. These are mostly either minerals or forest produce.
The important trade centers are
1. Chaibasa: - Food grain
2. Chakradharpur: -Timber, Bamboo, Bidi and Shellac
3. Barajamda: - Manganese ore, Iron Ore and Forest produce
4. Gua, Noamundi: - Iron Ore & TimberManoharpur
5. Sonua, Goilkera: - Timber
6. Hatgamharia: - China Clay
The Hats and Melas of the district are very important trade Centres. There are weekly Hats in almost every important area and are basic Centres for feeding bigger trade Centres.
Adivasi
The majority of total population in West Singhbhum district is Adivasi population. The Adivasi found in the district are:- 1. Asur
2. Baiga
3. Banjara
4. Bathudi
5. Bedia
6. Binjhia
7. Birhor
8. Gond
9. Gorait
10. Ho
11. Kurmali
12. Kharia
13. Kharwar
14. Khond
15. Kisan
16. Chero
16. Chik Baraik
17. Lohara
18. Mahli
19. Munda
20. Oraon
21. Parhaiya
22. Kora 23. Korwa
24. Santhal
25. Sawar
26. Bhumij
Places of Interest
Saranda Forest
This spot of nature and beauty is spread over to a space of 820 sq.km is a dwelling place of flora and fauna, the charm of nature is a cosmetic that beautifies planet earth comes true here, Loyall's view (10 km from Tholkobad)offers a panoramic view of the hillocks of Saranda Forest, in fact Tholkodab is a worth visiting spot. The other spot of attraction is the Mahadev Sal Temple, said to be the ancient shrine situated into the deep woods of Saranda near Goelkera.
Toybo Falls
Located 20 km from Tholkobad, this falls flows down from a height of 100ft. it is said that elephants come here regularly.
Bidri
This is another location of picturesque excellence and experience located near Manjhari Block with small lakes and hills around, the Thakora waterfall is about 6km away from this region.
Chainpur
This spot is famous for its ShivaTemple.
Harni
This is also a forest region located 40 km from Chakradharpur known as the popular picnic spot with an exuberant cascade inside the dense forest.
Jagannathpur
This spot excels famous with its old Shiva temple in it, this spot is named after Raja Jagannath Singh of Porahat who was the founder of this village.this is situated 45 km from the district headquarters.
Jojohatu
This spot is a blessed lush of natural minerals such as chromite and iron ore mines around, located just 22km from the district headquarters.
Kera
Located 10 km from Chakradharpur is well known for the famous shrine Bhaghwati temple.
Kotgarh
This spot is said to be the most powerful Indian dynasty empowered by the Singhs, Narpat Singh was the last king of this dynasty who has accomplished a fortress which is a historical spot to be visited.
Lupungutu
This is a picnic spot with natural perennial spring here, located 2 km from the district headquarters.
Mahadebsal
Fairs and fun annually celebrated here during Shiv Ratri , an important temple of Lord Mahadev is situated here, this is located 5 km from Gollkera.
Ponga
This spot has the remains of the ancient town 'Mangarh' ascribed to Raja man Singh; this village has a famous temple of Pauri devi will be an added spot of visit.
Porahat
This spot is an erstwhile headquarters to Porahat Raj during the ancient rulers period and now extended over a large part of the district.
Ramtirtha
You have a Shiva Temple and a waterfall on the Baitarni river.
Tholkobad
This spot is one of the major tourist locations in this district; this region is of forest and fauna yet a locale for people to enchant with nature and beauty, the spot is elevated to a height of 1800 ft. the old Sal tree called as the Sardada Queen is here and the circumference of the tree is 25ft will be an natural excitement to the tourists to view at.this amazing spot is located 46 km from Manoharpur.
Benisagar
Located at the edges of West Singhbhum and Orissa , the name of this spot is named after King Beni. This spot has great values of archaeological findings that still exist moreover, this spot relates to ancient ages that of Mahabharat, the Khiching temple built by the King Kichak reveals it, and also it is said that even Pandavas spent a part of their exile here.
Murgeswar Mahadev
Located 75 km from the district headquarters, this spot is well known for temples and scenic attractions.
Hakumatkam
Located 26 km from the district headquarters you have the Shiva temple on the hills of Talaburu is the attraction here.
Kesrikund
Located 25 km from the district headquarters is famous for the annual festival season which is celebrated here as Kartik-Purnima.
Chiriya
This is another wonderful spot in the deep woods of Saranda.
Serengda
Located 100km from the district headquarters near the Koel River and there is a pious Ashram of Jagadguru Shankaracharya.
Sameej Ashram
This spot is situated 10 km from Manoharpur filled in scenic and picturesque locations around the north Koel and Karo Rivers are the tourist attractions.
Bamiyaburu
This spot is filled in with fauna in the deep woods and this locates its height as 2135ft and proclaims to be the important peak of the district. This spot is located 38 km from Manoharpur.
Kulbonga Mahadev
Located 15 km from Manoharpur, here you have a big shivling near Kulbonga village is a famous tourist visit.
