1627

Navratangarh
Fort built

5360

sq km of
historic hills

2500+

Years of metal-
lurgical history

🏰 Nagvanshi Forts & Hanuman's Birthplace - Western Plateau

नागवंशी राजाओं की धरोहर, हनुमान की जन्मभूमि

Cradle of
Kings
& Divine Legends.

Where the ruins of Navratangarh tell of Mughal battles, the trident of Tanginath defies time, and the caves of Anjan Dham echo with ancient chants.

Explore Gumla Janiye Itihas →

Scroll to Discover

// Parichay • परिचय

Gumla
The Land of Legends

"Gumla ki maati me itihaas aur adhyatma ka ek anokha bandhan hai, jahan har paththar ek katha kehta hai."

Gumla is located in the western part of the Chotanagpur plateau, sharing a border with Chhattisgarh. Rich in history, the district was the administrative center of the Nagvanshi kings who ruled Jharkhand for nearly two millennia.

The district's name is derived from 'Gau-mela' (cow fair), reflecting its historical roots as a livestock trading hub. Gumla holds unmatched mythological significance, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman (Anjan Dham) and the residence of Sugriva.

From the majestic ruins of Navratangarh Fort to the mysterious monolithic iron trident at Tanginath Dham, Gumla is an archaeologist's and pilgrim's paradise.

#NagvanshiHeritage #HanumanBirthplace #TanginathTrident #Navratangarh

5360

sq km

of unique natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and resources. This is Gumla District in its full measure.

Blocks

Sankh

Main River

1983

District since

🗣️ Languages spoken here: Hindi • Nagpuri • Kurukh • Mundari

// Bhugol • भूगोल

Western Plateau, Cave Shrines &
South Koel Basin

Gumla covers 5,360 km² on the western Chota Nagpur Plateau bordering Chhattisgarh. The elevation ranges between 600 and 1,100 meters across high 'pat' plateaus.

The district is drained by the South Koel and Sankh rivers. Spectacular natural cascades include Sadni Falls (60 m) at Rajadera and the cave hills of Anjan Dham.

The climate is pleasant sub-tropical highland with cool winters (6°C–20°C).

Geographical Profile

📍 Coordinates: 23.04° N, 84.54° E
🛕 Sacred Sites: Anjan Dham (Hanuman Birth Cave) & Tanginath Dham
🏰 Royal Heritage: Navratangarh / Doisa (Nagvanshi Capital)
🌊 Major Rivers: South Koel, Sankh River, Sadni Falls
🏙️ Key Blocks: Gumla, Sisai, Raidih, Chainpur, Bishunpur, Palkot
🔗 Neighboring Districts: Lohardaga, Ranchi, Khunti, Simdega & Jashpur (CG)

// Ghumne ki Jagahein • घूमने की जगहें

Places that
Stay With You

Gumla houses some of the most significant historical ruins and spiritual sites in eastern India.

🏰

Historical • Ruins

Navratangarh Fort

Built by Nagvanshi King Durjan Sal in the 17th century. A multi-storeyed brick palace featuring unique defense architecture.

#Navratangarh #Nagvanshi #Fortress

🛕

Mythological • Caves

Anjan Dham

Located on a hill in Anjan village. It houses a cave believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman, featuring mother-child shrines.

#Hanuman #Birthplace #Caves

🔱

Archaeological • Mystery

Tanginath Dham

A hilltop shrine holding thousands of stone deities and a massive, ancient iron trident that remains rust-free despite exposure.

#Trident #LordShiva #Mystery

🛕

Historical • Temple

Mahamaya Temple, Hapamuni

A 10th-century temple built during the reign of Nagvanshi King Gajghat Rai, featuring a synthesis of tribal and Hindu traditions.

#AncientTemple #10thCentury #Hapamuni

// Itihas • इतिहास

The Footprints
of Heritage

Explore the chronological timeline of events that shaped Gumla's identity from ancient periods to modern statehood.

5th — 6th Century AD

Tanginath Dham Antiquity

Tanginath Dham in Dumri block developed as a major Pasupata Shaivite shrine featuring an ancient rust-free iron Trishul and hundreds of carved stone sculptures associated with Sage Parashurama.

1636 — 1639 AD

Navratangarh: Nagvanshi Palace Capital

King Durjan Sal constructed the five-story Navratangarh / Doisa palace fortress after returning from Mughal captivity in Gwalior, establishing a grand architectural seat (now UNESCO tentative list).

"The architectural pinnacle of Nagvanshi royal heritage."

1983 AD

Creation of Gumla District

Gumla was carved out of Ranchi district on May 18, 1983, establishing a dedicated administration for western tribal plateaus.

// Sanskriti • संस्कृति

Living Culture,
Breathing Traditions

The cultural soul of Gumla is written in the daily rhythms of its people, music, and seasonal festivals.

Traditions & Music

The Asur Metallurgy Legend

Gumla's Asur tribe represents India's earliest iron smelters, maintaining ancient clay furnace techniques.

Folk Celebration

Gumla Nagpuri Jhumar

A unique style of folk dance performed with Mandar during autumn harvest festivals.

Heritage Art

Pasa Mela

A traditional fair during Makar Sankranti where tribal archery and local sports are celebrated.

Tribal Soul

Navigating the Sacred Groves of Gumla

Gumla's Munda and Oraon families protect ancient Sarna sacred groves dotted across the forested hills. Every full moon, village elders lead prayers under centuries-old Sal trees, believing these groves house the spirits of their ancestors and protect the community from harm.

Attire

Nagvanshi Court Dress Revival

During the annual Navratangarh heritage festival, locals reenact the Nagvanshi royal court. Men don turbans and achkans inspired by medieval records, while women wear heavy brass jewelry and hand-block-printed cotton, recreating the grandeur of the kingdom that ruled Chotanagpur for centuries.

Diversity

Anjan Dham's Interfaith Devotion

While Anjan Dham is a Hindu pilgrimage, Gumla's identity is deeply Adivasi. During major festivals, Munda animist rituals and Hindu temple puja happen side-by-side, a unique syncretism where tribal drums accompany Vedic chanting without conflict.

Festival Calendar • Gumla Mein Saal Bhar Mela

Every season brings a reason to celebrate. Here's what you might witness.

Sarhul • Pasa Mela • Karma Puja • Sohrai • Anjan Dham Purnima • Navratangarh Utsav • Makar Sankranti • Baha • Tusu • Sarhul • Pasa Mela • Karma Puja • Sohrai • Anjan Dham Purnima • Navratangarh Utsav • Makar Sankranti • Baha • Tusu

🌸 Mar-Apr: Sarhul (Sal Blossoms)

🐂 Nov-Dec: Pasa Mela (Cattle Fair)

🌿 Aug-Sep: Karma Puja

🛕 Kartik Purnima: Anjan Dham Puja

🏰 Jan: Navratangarh Heritage Utsav

🌾 Oct-Nov: Sohrai (Harvest)

// Khaana Peena • खाना पीना

Eat Like a
Local

Traditional cuisine in Gumla relies on fresh forest foraging, red rice, minimal spices, and pure mustard oil. Here are the local staples to try.

🫓

Dhuska & Aloo Chanaधुस्का • Staple Snack

Fried rice-lentil pancakes served with a spicy potato and chickpea gravy.

🍠

Chilka Rotiचिल्का रोटी • Rice Bread

Thin crepes prepared with rice flour, enjoyed with local greens.

🍄

Rugra Curryरुगड़ा सब्जी • Forest Mushroom

Earthy forest truffles cooked with onion and mustard seeds.

// Yahan Kaise Pahunche • यहाँ कैसे पहुँचें

Plan Your
Journey

How to Reach Gumla

✈️ By Air

Birsa Munda Airport (IXR) in Ranchi is the nearest airport (~95 km east).

🚂 By Train

Ranchi and Lohardaga are the nearest railway hubs. Taxis are recommended from there.

🚌 By Road

Well connected by NH-23, making direct road journeys from Ranchi or Jashpur (CG) smooth.

🗺️ Getting Around

Hiring a private vehicle is crucial as sites like Tanginath Dham are located in remote hills.

🌡️ Kab Aayein? Best Time to Visit

✓ Best

Winter (October to March)

Cool winters make climbing the hills of Anjan Dham and Tanginath comfortable.

◎ Scenic

Monsoon (July to September)

July to September (Monsoons) when the hills turn lush green, though dirt roads get muddy.

⚠ Avoid

Summer (April to June when summer heat in the plateau can rise up to 41°C.)

April to June when summer heat in the plateau can rise up to 41°C.

🏕️ How Long to Stay?

2 days. One day for Navratangarh and Anjan Dham. One day for Tanginath Dham.

// Sawaal-Jawaab • सवाल-जवाब

Frequently
Asked

Questions about visiting Gumla. Answered by locals.

What is Gumla famous for? +

Gumla is famous for its rich history as the capital of the Nagvanshi kings (Navratangarh Fort), its deep spiritual heritage (Tanginath Dham and Anjan Dham), and its vibrant tribal culture.

Is Anjan Dham in Gumla really the birthplace of Lord Hanuman? +

Yes, according to local belief and Hindu mythology, Lord Hanuman was born in a cave on the Anjan hill in Gumla. The hill features an ancient temple dedicated to Anjani (Hanuman's mother) and is a major pilgrimage center.

What is the mystery of the Tanginath Dham trident? +

Tanginath Dham houses a massive monolithic iron trident (Trishul) of Lord Shiva. The mystery lies in the fact that despite being exposed to rain and sun for centuries in the open, the iron has never rusted, demonstrating ancient India's advanced metallurgy.

How do I reach Gumla from Ranchi? +

Gumla is about 100 km west of Ranchi. You can easily reach it in 2.5 hours by taking regular state buses or hiring a taxi via National Highway 23 (NH-23).

What is Navratangarh Fort's historical importance? +

Navratangarh Fort was the grand seat of the Nagvanshi dynasty of Chotanagpur, built by King Durjan Sal in the 17th century. It features unique multi-story brick architecture and was recently declared a site of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

What local cuisines and purchases should I make in Gumla? +

Try the local Madua (ragi) rotis and traditional Chilka Roti. For shopping, look for hand-woven bamboo baskets, local terracotta pottery, and natural forest products like pure honey and mahua oil.

// Aas-Paas ke Zile • आस-पास के ज़िले