A Guide To Ranchi's Tribal Heritage

Explore Jharkhand's rich tribal history and culture

Jharkhand has the 12th-highest tribal population in the country, with Ranchi’s Scheduled Tribe (ST) population making up around 35% of its total population. As such, any visit to the city would be incomplete without also looking into its tribal culture. Of the 32 tribes in Ranchi, the Santhals are the largest, but other prominent tribal groups also include the Mundas and Oraons. These tribes also have different languages, including the widely spoken Santali, Mundari and Ho.

One of the loveliest ways to experience tribal culture, perhaps, is to witness tribal dances, such as chhau and santhal, being performed live. Performed in three separate styles, chhau gets its Jharkhandi version from the region of Seraikella, where masks are used during the energetic performance.

If you’re looking for the best places to learn more about their history, check out the attractions below.

1. Dr. Ramdayal Munda Tribal Welfare Research Institute

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Dr. Ramdayal Munda Tribal Welfare Research Institute has been around since 1953 and has been instrumental in helping the government come up with policies for Jharkhand’s tribes based on its research.

I find the campus very soothing thanks to its lush greenery, but that’s not all you’ll find here. There’s also a Tribal Museum on site that hosts lovely dioramas depicting the life of local tribes. If you’re a visual learner like me, you’ll also appreciate the many documentaries maintained by the institute on various tribes.

Dr. Ramdayal Munda Tribal Welfare Research Institute

Address: Tagore Hill Rd, Tetartoli, Morabadi, Ranchi - 834008, Jharkhand

Website: Dr. Ramdayal Munda Tribal Welfare Research Institute

2. Bhagwan Birsa Munda Smriti Udyan-sah-Swatantrata Senani Sangrahalaya

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Bhagwan Birsa Munda Smriti Udyan-sah-Swatantrata Senani Sangrahalaya (Birsa Munda Memorial Park cum Freedom Fighter Museum) was built to honor one of Jharkhand’s most important historical figures, Bhagwan Birsa Munda. He started a movement, Ulgulan, to protest against the exploitation of tribals and to argue for better land rights.

The park here is peaceful and a great spot to come to when you need a breather. It’s also home to multiple statues dedicated to various tribal revolutionaries along with Bhagwan Birsa Munda. I would recommend coming here in the afternoon on a weekday to avoid any crowds and explore at your leisure.

Bhagwan Birsa Munda Smriti Udyan-sah-Swatantrata Senani Sangrahalaya

Address: Bus Stop, Jail More, Ahirtoli, Ranchi, Jharkhand 834001

Opening hours: 10am - 6:30pm (daily)

Take home lovely souvenirs

Jharkhand has its own lovely artforms that visitors can buy samples of while they’re here. From the beautiful tussar silk sarees to décor items crafted using the dhokra technique, there’s something for everyone here. I’d also suggest buying paintings and other artwork from local artists for something unique to decorate your house with. If you’re intrigued, check out the options below to know the best places to get your souvenirs from.

3. Jharcraft

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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If you’ve ever dreamed of owning luxurious silk sarees, this is your chance. Pick up tussar silk products made with Jharkhandi handlooms. Jharcraft’s products are especially good for gifting, as your loved ones will get to have something both unique and luxurious. I would also suggest saving room in your budget for dhokra handicrafts made with a metal-casting technique handed down through generations in tribal families.

Jharcraft

Address: 98H7+QW8, D.I.C. Campus Ratu Road, opp. Bank of India Ratu Road Branch, Jharkhand 834001

Website: Jharcraft

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm (closed on Sun)

4. Tribes India Ranchi

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Part of a larger chain, Tribes India Ranchi carries a range of gorgeous clothing and home décor items. You’ll find everything from silk clothes and colorful bags to metal crafts and thought-provoking paintings here. The paintings are handmade by local artisans, so it’s also a great way to support the tribal community.

I particularly like the enameled dhokra handicrafts here, however, the unstitched suit pieces are also a great investment.

Tribes India Ranchi

Address: A/454 Road No.5 Ashok Nagar, Ranchi, Jharkhand India - 834002

Website: Tribes India Ranchi

Enjoy delectable tribal cuisine

Thanks to its vast tribal population, Ranchi has plenty of delectable food options that you might not have tried before. Some of my favorites include dhuskas, made with fermented rice and chana dal batter, pitthas made with chana dal, and chhilkas, a type of crêpe. Hungry? Check out the restaurants below!

5. Jungli Restaurant

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Jungli Restaurant, true to its name, brings the jungle to you with its unique themed décor, including both real and fake plants along with illustrations of animals. Its quirky interiors aren’t the only thing that invites guests—its vast variety of local cuisine speaks for itself. For something different, I’d recommend trying ananas murg, a lovely dish of chicken and rice served stuffed inside a pineapple. You can also just go for my favorite, the good old dhuskas served with aloo dum.

Jungli Restaurant

Address: Nandshila Hazaribag Road, Booty More Rd, Near Jumar Bridge, Ranchi, Jharkhand 835217

Website: Jungli Restaurant

Opening hours: 11am - 10pm (daily)

6. Ajam Emba

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

At Ajam Emba, you can step into the past thanks to its simplistic, cozy interiors. I love the home cooked food here, which is served wrapped in leaves. This establishment is Adivasi-owned and run, so you’ll be supporting a good cause while you chow down on delectable dishes. If you’re here during the monsoon, I’d recommend you try the restaurant’s sanei phool (jute flower) curry. The rest of the year, you’ll find favorites such as chhilka, which are crêpes made with a batter of fermented rice and chana dal, pittha, and desi chicken curry here.

Ajam Emba

Address: Behind Dr. Rash Kujur Clinic, Near Hotlips, Kanke Road Ranchi, Jharkhand, India 834008

Opening hours: 11:30am - 9pm (daily)

Dive into tribal culture in Ranchi

Jharkhand is a state of many wonders, and its rich tribal culture is one of its most fascinating aspects. Let the history buff in you loose and keep this guide handy for your next visit!