Magadha – a region which finds reference in almost all main texts of Indian history, a region which brought in the era which was called the “Golden Period” of Indian history when Indian economy was the largest in the world, a region which gave birth to Jainism and Buddhism both of which promote peace and tranquility among all people irrespective of their religion, a region which gave birth to the Maurya as well as the Gupta dynasties in India, a region which was home to some of the most scientifically & culturally advanced civilizations in the world for almost 2000 years.
And what is Magadha today? This area which encompassed (roughly) the eastern part of Madhya Pradesh (now Cchattisgarh), Southern Bihar (now Jharkhand which is the major part of Magadha), little of present Bihar, Northern Orissa & western parts of the modern West Bengal which is a land-locked, mineral rich, culturally rich, forested, tribal land. What is it today? Assocham (The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India) puts Jharkhand at the bottom of development in all ways – way below national averages in terms of investments, infrastructure developments or any other growth statistic that you may decide to use. The other parts of the Magadha, which have fallen into other states thanks to the Divide & Rule doctrine of the British or the political push & pull of the Indian politicians, do not fair too well but find themselves a little better condition but not too great. Despite that, Jharkhand continues to be the leading producer of mineral wealth in the country, endowed as it is with vast variety of minerals like iron ore, coal, copper ore, mica, bauxite, graphite, limestone, and uranium. The area is also known for its vast forest resources.
The Naxal-Maoist “insurgency” has been blamed for most issues which have been infesting this area including any forms of development which the government has claimed to have tried. But what happened to this great land which remained the thorn in the British rule in India for more than a century? Does anyone know that the famed “Divide & Rule” policy of Lord Curzon was implemented in its full viciousness in this area to curb the continuous rebellion of the numerous tribes which refused to be part of the colonial rule? These tribes resulted in the bloodiest and longest battles which the British had to fight for their supremacy compared even to the Boer wars in Africa if taken in entirety. Yes! That is how aggressive these 5.3% of Indians can become if their area is challenged!
In this 4 part series, I intend to discuss the historical significance of this land which resulted in the people being what they are, the political climate which resulted in the downfall of this area post Independence leading to what it has currently become and my very modest and un-experienced ideas in how I feel the ancient Magadha can rise like a Phoenix – again to spread its wings and help the entire country sour.
Disclaimers:
1. I do not have any education in history apart from the classes in medium school.
2. I have been to Jamshedpur and Ranchi and apart from little travel in Northern Orissa, I have not been to any areas which may be termed as tribal areas in this belt (even though I will love to go at least once) hence all of my thoughts have come from readings and my own beliefs.
3. I am a staunch protestor against any acts of corruption (an irony since I am also an Entrepreneur) and in more occasions than one; this protest may come across very strongly in some of my sentences.
4. In all my references to Jharkhand, what I will mean is the definition of Greater Jharkhand which lot of people recognizes as the area including parts of West Bengal, Orissa and Cchattisgarh since these areas have the same ways of living to some extent separated from how the people in other parts of these respective states live.
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