Overview
Koderma district is an administrative district in the northern part of the Indian state of Jharkhand. The district headquarters is located at Koderma. It lies in the Chota Nagpur Plateau region and is widely known for its mica reserves, historically earning the area the epithet of the "Mica Capital of India". The district shares borders with the state of Bihar to the north.
Key facts
| State | Jharkhand |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Koderma |
| Region | Chota Nagpur Plateau, North Chotanagpur Division |
| Country | India |
| Known for | Mica mining and trade |
| Lok Sabha constituency | Koderma |
Background
Koderma was carved out as a separate district on 10 April 1994, when it was bifurcated from the erstwhile Hazaribagh district. At the time of its formation, it became part of Bihar, and following the reorganisation of states, it was included in the newly created state of Jharkhand on 15 November 2000.
The district falls within the North Chotanagpur administrative division of Jharkhand. Geographically, it is characterised by undulating terrain, forested hills, and outcrops of granite and mica-bearing pegmatite. The Barakar river drains parts of the district.
Administration
The district is headed by a Deputy Commissioner. For administrative purposes, Koderma is divided into subdivisions and community development blocks, with Koderma town serving as the district headquarters. Other notable urban centres in the district include Jhumri Telaiya, which is among the largest towns in the district and historically grew as a hub of the mica trade.
Blocks
- Koderma
- Jainagar
- Markacho
- Satgawan
- Domchanch
- Chandwara
Economy
The economy of Koderma has historically been dominated by mica mining. The Koderma–Giridih–Hazaribagh belt is one of the most important mica-producing regions in the world. With the decline of natural mica demand in the latter half of the 20th century, mining activity reduced significantly, and many traditional mines were abandoned. Agriculture, small-scale industry, and trade now form important components of the local economy. The Tilaiya Dam, built on the Barakar river under the Damodar Valley Corporation project, lies in the district and supports irrigation and hydroelectric generation.
Culture and notable places
Jhumri Telaiya gained nationwide cultural recognition in the mid-20th century as the source of an unusually large number of song requests to All India Radio's Hindi film music programmes, which made the town a household name across India.
Religious and tourist sites in the district include the Tilaiya Dam and reservoir, the Petro waterfall area, and various temples and forest landscapes within the Koderma Wildlife Sanctuary.
Transport
Koderma is well connected by rail and road. Koderma Junction lies on the Grand Chord section of the East Central Railway, providing connectivity to Delhi, Kolkata, Patna and Ranchi. National Highway 20 (formerly NH 31) passes through the district, linking it to Bihar and other parts of Jharkhand.
Politics
Koderma is the headquarters of the Koderma Lok Sabha constituency, which sends one member to the lower house of the Parliament of India. The district also includes assembly constituencies that send members to the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly.
Significance
Koderma's significance derives from its role in India's mineral economy, particularly mica, and from its inclusion in major infrastructure projects such as the Damodar Valley scheme. Culturally, Jhumri Telaiya remains a recognised name in the history of Indian popular radio.