Jharkhand has a unique geographical, demographic and historical composition. According to some historians, there was already a distinct geo-political &cultural entity in the area which we know as Jharkhand even before the period of Magadha Empire.

Many scholars now believe that the language of tribal person of Jharkhand is identical to the one used by people in Harppan civilization. This has led to a great interest in the deciphering of Harappa inscriptions using rock paintings and language used by these tribes.

During the age of Mahajanpadas around 500 BC, India saw the emergence of 16 large states that controlled the entire Indian subcontinent. In those days the northern portion of Jharkhand state was a tributary to Magadha (ancient Bihar) Empire and southern part was a tributary to Kalinga (ancient Orissa) Empire.

The handicrafts of Jharkhand are made by its different tribes and its craftsmen, which portray the rich tradition of art and culture of the state and its people.

Silk Industry: Jharkhand is the largest producer of Tussar Silk. It is woven here and is made use of in sarees, kurtas etc. It is produced from larvae of several species of silkworms.

Dokra: It is a metal craft or brass work done by the artisans who make use of the ‘ lost wax technique’ by using resin, wax and firewood from the forests and clay from the riverbed and with the help of a firing oven in a hole dug in the ground they craft their artwork

Terracotta: Terracotta designing, has long been employed in temple architecture in Jharkhand. Clay and terracotta items are made by the Kumhar community and are used in the making of jars, vases, figurines and other decorative articles.

Bamboo Craft: Jharkhand is the land of forests and wood is available in abundance, hence artisans of the region are famous for creating beautiful and aesthetically designed varieties of articles for household and decorative purposes. Bamboos are flexible and strong and are used to make Flowerpot, fishing equipment, trays, baskets, furniture, and some decorative items made with bamboos.

Similarly many other crafts and painting like Grass Weaving, Stone Carving, Wood Carving and Paitkar Painting are also very famous in Jharkhand.

Jharkhand has a variety of tribal population, reflecting its great ethnic diversity. The tribes of Jharkhand consist of 32 tribes inhabiting the Jharkhand state. The tribes in Jharkhand were originally classified on the basis of their cultural types by the Indian anthropologist, Lalita Prasad Vidyarthi.

His classification was as follows:

• Hunter-gatherer type — Birhor, Korwa, Hill Kharia
• Shifting Agriculture — Sauria Paharia
• Simple artisans — Mahli, Lohra, Karmali, Chik Baraik
• Settled agriculturists — Santhal, Munda, Oraon, Ho, Bhumij, etc.

People from various states have also been coming and making Ranchi as their home because of its peace and serenity.

The cultural mosaic of Jharkhand was dreamt about, shaped and polished by generations of communities, which have inhabited this land since time immemorial. The music tradition of Jharkhand, which consists of various folk and tribal forms, is known for its diversity. People of Jharkhand are very fond of music and dance. It is integral to Jharkhand’s tribal communities.

Most of the folk dance around Jharkhand is accompanied by traditional music played by the musicians using some traditional musical equipment.

Seraikela Chhau, Manbhum Chhau, Kharsawan Chhau, Mayurbhanj Chhau, Paika, Firkaal, Dasai, Rinjha, Janani Jhumar, Mardana Jhumar, Damkach, Kaathi, Dahar, Maghe Dance, Nachni, Mundari Dance, Barao, Chhangu Nritya, santhal, Karma.

Nagara , Dhaak, Dhamsa, Dhol & Dholki, Mander, Ghanti, Peetta Ghant, Ghungru, Jhanj, Tohila, Kendri, Bhuang, Banam, Bansuri, Shehnai, Bheri, Singha.