Introduction
Ranchi is the capital city of Jharkhand, a state located in the eastern part of India. It is a city with a rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and promising future. Ranchi is situated on the Chota Nagpur Plateau and is surrounded by hills, dense forests, and beautiful waterfalls. The city has a population of approximately 1.5 million people and is a hub for education, industry, and tourism.
Past
Historically, Ranchi was ruled by the Munda tribe in the early 17th century. Later, it was colonized by the British, who established a garrison town in 1833. During the British Raj, Ranchi became an important center for agriculture and trade. It also played a significant role in the Indian independence movement. After India gained independence in 1947, Ranchi became the summer capital of the newly created state of Bihar. However, in 2000, Jharkhand was carved out of Bihar, and Ranchi became its capital.
Tourism in Ranchi
Ranchi is a popular tourist destination in the eastern part of India, known for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure activities. The city is surrounded by hills, dense forests, and waterfalls, making it an ideal location for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Ranchi attracts a large number of tourists every year, who come to explore the city’s beauty and learn about its rich history and culture.
- One of the main attractions of Ranchi is its waterfalls. Hundru Falls, Jonha Falls, and Dassam Falls are some of the most famous waterfalls in the region, attracting a large number of tourists every year. The waterfalls are located in scenic locations, surrounded by lush green forests and hills, providing a perfect backdrop for nature photography and relaxation.
- Another popular tourist spot in Ranchi is the Ranchi Lake. It is an artificial lake located in the heart of the city, surrounded by lush green gardens and walking paths. The lake is a popular spot for boating, and visitors can enjoy a leisurely boat ride while taking in the scenic views of the lake and the surrounding hills.
- Ranchi is also home to several temples and religious sites, which attract a large number of devotees and tourists. The Pahari Mandir, located on a hilltop in the heart of the city, is one of the most famous temples in Ranchi. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a popular spot for devotees who come to offer their prayers and seek blessings. Another famous religious site in Ranchi is the Jagannath Temple, which is a replica of the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri.
- For adventure enthusiasts, Ranchi offers several opportunities for trekking, rock climbing, and camping. The city is surrounded by dense forests, which provide a perfect setting for trekking and camping. The forests are home to several species of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, and deer, providing a unique opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts to explore the flora and fauna of the region.
- In recent years, eco-tourism has become popular in Ranchi, with several eco-tourism spots being developed in and around the city. The Betla National Park, located about 150 kilometers from Ranchi, is one such spot. The park is home to several species of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, and sloth bears, and provides a perfect setting for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts to explore the beauty of the region.
Infrastructure in Ranchi
Ranchi, being the capital city of the state of Jharkhand, has seen significant development in its infrastructure over the years. The city has a well-connected transportation system with several highways and expressways connecting it to other parts of the state and country. The Birsa Munda Airport, located about 7 kilometers from the city center, offers domestic flight services to major cities in India.
- Ranchi has a reliable public transportation system with buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws being the primary modes of transport. The city also has a railway station that connects it to major cities in India, making it easily accessible for tourists.
- In terms of healthcare facilities, Ranchi has several hospitals and clinics, both government-run and private, providing quality medical services to the people. The Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) is the largest government hospital in the city and is a referral center for the entire state.
- The city has several educational institutions, including universities, colleges, and schools, offering quality education to students. Ranchi University is the largest university in the city, offering undergraduate and postgraduate courses in various disciplines.
- In recent years, the city has also seen significant development in the IT sector, with several IT companies setting up their offices in Ranchi. This has led to the creation of job opportunities and an increase in the city’s economic growth.
- Ranchi has several shopping malls, markets, and entertainment centers, providing a wide range of options for its residents and tourists. The JD Hi Street Mall, Nucleus Mall, and Big Bazaar are some of the famous shopping destinations in the city.
Lifestyle in ranchi
The lifestyle of Ranchi is a unique blend of modern and traditional elements. The city has a cosmopolitan culture and is home to people from various ethnicities, religions, and backgrounds. The people of Ranchi are known for their warm and friendly nature, and hospitality is an integral part of their lifestyle.
- The city has a vibrant food culture, with a wide range of traditional and contemporary dishes being served in restaurants and street food stalls. Litti Chokha, a traditional dish made with roasted wheat balls, mashed potatoes, and spices, is a popular delicacy in the city.
- In terms of clothing, Ranchi has a mix of traditional and modern styles. People often dress in traditional attire during festivals and religious ceremonies, while modern clothing is popular among the youth.
- The city has several cultural and entertainment centers, including theaters, art galleries, and music schools. The Ranchi Art and Culture Center is a popular destination for art lovers, showcasing the city’s rich cultural heritage.
- Sports are an integral part of the lifestyle in Ranchi, with cricket being the most popular sport in the city. The Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) International Stadium Complex, located in Ranchi, has hosted several international cricket matches, including World Cup matches.
- The city also has several parks, lakes, and gardens, providing residents and tourists with a peaceful and serene environment. The Rock Garden, Kanke Dam, and Tagore Hill are some of the famous picnic spots in the city.
Industries in Ranchi
Ranchi is the capital city of Jharkhand, a state known for its mineral resources. As such, the city has several industries, both small and large, contributing significantly to the state’s economy. Some of the major industries in Ranchi are:
- Mining: Jharkhand is rich in mineral resources, and Ranchi has several mines that extract minerals such as coal, iron ore, bauxite, and limestone. These minerals are used in various industries such as steel, cement, and power.
- Steel: Ranchi is home to several steel plants, including the Tata Steel plant in Jamshedpur, located about 140 kilometers from the city. Steel production is one of the major industries in Jharkhand, providing employment opportunities to thousands of people.
- Power: The state has several power plants, including the Tenughat Thermal Power Station and the Patratu Thermal Power Station, both located near Ranchi. These power plants supply electricity to the state and neighboring states.
- Automobile: Ranchi has several automobile dealerships and service centers, providing employment opportunities to people in the city.
- Handloom: The state of Jharkhand is known for its handloom products, and Ranchi has several handloom and handicrafts clusters, such as the Tamar cluster and the Nagri cluster, producing a wide range of products such as silk and cotton sarees, shawls, and bedspreads.
- IT and BPO: Ranchi is also seeing a rise in the IT and BPO industry, with several companies setting up their offices in the city, providing employment opportunities to the youth.
In future
Looking ahead, Ranchi has a bright future, with several development projects in the pipeline. The city is poised to become a hub for technology and innovation, with plans to set up a technology park and several incubation centers to promote entrepreneurship and start-ups. The government of Jharkhand has also announced plans to promote tourism in the state, with a focus on developing eco-tourism and adventure tourism.
Ranchi is expected to play a key role in this, with several new tourist spots planned in and around the city.Ranchi is also expected to see significant growth in the real estate sector, with several housing and commercial projects planned. This is likely to result in an influx of people into the city, which in turn will drive further economic growth and development. The city is already a major center for industry, and with the planned development projects, it is expected to attract more investment and generate more employment opportunities.
Conclusion
Ranchi is a city with a rich history, a vibrant present, and a promising future. The city has come a long way since its early days as a garrison town, and it is now a major center for industry, education, and tourism. With several development projects in the pipeline, Ranchi is poised to become a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, and a key player in the economic development of the region.
