Palamu

Palamu is a district of the State of Jharkhand in India with its administrative headquarters at Daltonganj. The district lies between 23°50’and 24°8’ north latitude and between 83°55’ and 84°30’ east longitude. The district is bounded on the north by the river Son which separates it from the districts of Rohtas, and by the district Aurangabad (Bihar), on the east by the district of Chatra and Hazaribagh, on the south by the district Latehar on the west by the district Garhwa and Chhatisgarh state. The geographical area of this district is about 5043.8 square Kms.

The town derived its name after colonel Dalton, commissioner of Chhotangapur in 1861. However, the origin of the name Palamu is very old. According to one account the word Pala in local language meant frost and Mu meant 'to die'. Since the area was perpetually suffering from Pala and the crops were used to be destroyed, this area came to be known as Palamu. Another suggestion is that it was a place of refuse for some outsiders who fled away and took shelters. Palana verb in local language is flying away. Another suggestion is that Palamau is a Dravidian name which was (Pall - amm - u) in original meant a tempting village, a fortress, or a particular geographical area. It may also be mentioned that the name Palamau was originally applied to the village which was the seat of the Chero chiefs. They also had built their forts at that place.

The district has three subdivision - Daltonganj, Hussainabad and Chhatarpur. The twelve development blocks of this district are Daltonganj, Chainpur, Patan, Bishrampur, Panki, Lesliganj, Manatu, Satbarwa, Pandu, Hussainabad, Hariharganj, and Chhatarpur.

The History of Palamu dates back to the ancient age. The area was mentioned even in Ramayan and Mahabharat. However, when it comes to the authentic recorded history, it can certainly be said that among the kings who ruled Palamu, Medini Ray was the most famous one.

Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly)) constituencies and their areas after delimitation order of 2008
The delimitation order for the State of Jharkhand is as per the details given in Bihar Re-organization Act, 2000 as continued vide Section 10 B of the Delimitation Act, 2002 as amended.

73. Manika Vidhan Sabha Constituency (ST) - Latehar Police Station (excluding Latehar (N.A.C.) and G.Ps. Pochra, Luti, Kaima, Kura, Bishnupur, Mungar, Nindir, Laharpur and Zalim), Barwadih, Garoo and Mahuadanr Police Stations in Latehar sub-division.

74. Latehar Vidhan Sabha Constituency (SC) - Latehar (N.A.C.), G.Ps. Pochra, Luti, Kaima, Kura, Bishunpur, Mungar, Nindir, Laharpur and Zalim in Latehar Police Station, Chandwa and Balumath Police Station in Latehar sub-division.

75. Panki Vidhan Sabha Constituency - Panki, Lesliganj and Manatu Police Station in Palamu Sadar sub-division.

76. Daltonganj Vidhan Sabha Constituency - Daltonganj and Chainpur Police Station in Palamu Sadar sub-division; and Bhandaria Police Station in Garhwa sub-division.

77. Bishrampur Vidhan Sabha Constituency - Bishrampur Police Station in Palamu Sadar sub-division; and Majhiaon Police Station in Garhwa sub-division.

78. Chhatarpur Vidhan Sabha Constituency in Jharkhand (SC) - Chhatarpur and Patan Police Station in Palamu Sadar sub-division.

79. Hussainabad Vidhan Sabha Constituency - Hussainabad and Hariharganj Police Station in Palamau Sadar sub-division.

Places of interest
Palamu Fort, Shahpur Tiger Reserve Palamu