Jhargram, as described in the Bengal District Gazetteers Midnapore, 1911, as a broken and picturesque of lower ranges of the Chota Nagpur hill line with the jungle having the character of a Sal forest. The indigenous people are the major inhabitants of this place from historical time being ruled by the Malla Rajas (the kings) following which Raja Man Singh (1574 A.D) of Amber conquered this area on behalf of the Mughal Emperor Akbar the Great. Jhargram, along with its surrounding area is referred to as Jungal Mahals (O’ Malley in Bengal Gazzetteers in 1911). In 1798-99 A.D, Jungal Mahal was the heart of the great “Chuar Rebellion” against British Government. Jhargram has a significant heritage of temples. 500 years old Kanakdurga temple is one of the prominent heritage sites and its surrounding area was declared as biodiversity-rich heritage by the state government. Rameshwar temple of Lord Shiva is situated at Nayagram and is believed to have been built around 16th century. Tapovan of Nayagram has the temple of Lord Rama, Sita, Valmiki, Hanuman and Lav-Kush. According to local belief it was Rishi Valmiki’s ashram where Sita had taken refuge after being disowned by Lord Rama and gave birth to her twins Luv and Kush at this place. Rohini of Jhargram, situated at the confluence of Subarnarekha and Dulung river, was the birth place of Sri Rasikananda Murari, a great devotee of Lord Krishna and principal disciple of Shyamananda Pravu (1590 A.D). He later established Sri Govindadeva temple at Gopiballavpur. Jhargram is also a rich place of cultural heritage for its Folk songs and dances.
