Chota Nagpur Plateau

The Chota Nagpur Plateau is an upland region in eastern India covering much of present-day Jharkhand and parts of surrounding states. It is an important physiographic and mineral-rich plateau in the subcontinent.

The landscape comprises undulating hills, forests, river valleys and patches of plateau; settlement and industrial activity are concentrated around towns and mining areas. Natural attractions include forested hills, waterfalls and tribal cultural areas rather than large formal tourist facilities.

The plateau has long been home to Adivasi peoples and became the focus of extensive mining and industrial development from the 19th century onward as coal, iron and other resources were exploited. Administrative and economic changes in the 20th century led to the creation of new state boundaries that reflect the region’s resource base.

The Chota Nagpur Plateau sits largely within the state of Jharkhand and extends into neighbouring states in eastern India, occupying a central position between the Indo-Gangetic plains to the north and the peninsular highlands to the south.

• Mineral resources: The plateau is a major mineral province in India, containing extensive coal and iron ore deposits that have driven regional industry and mining.