Medininagar

{{Infobox settlement | name = Medininagar | other_name = | settlement_type = [[City]] | image_skyline = Daltonganj Montage photo image.png | image_caption = Clockwise from the top :- Shahpur Bridge, [[North Koel River]], [[Betla National Park]], Redma Bridge, Shahpur Fort and New Collectorate Building | image_map = | map_alt = | map_caption = | pushpin_map = India Jharkhand | pushpin_label_position = | pushpin_map_alt = Medininagar | pushpin_map_caption = Location of Medininagar in Jharkhand | coordinates = {{coord|24.03|N|84.07|E|display=inline,title}} | subdivision_type = India | subdivision_name = {{flag|India}} | subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]] | subdivision_type2 = Division | subdivision_type3 = [[District]] | subdivision_name1 = {{flagicon image|Government banner of Jharkhand.png}} [[Jharkhand]] | subdivision_name2 = [[Palamu division|Palamu]] | subdivision_name3 = [[Palamu district|Palamu]] | established_title = Established | established_date = 1880 | founder =[[Edward Tuite Dalton]] | named_for = [[Maharaja]] [[Medini Ray]] | government_type = [[Municipal Corporation]] | governing_body = [[Medininagar Municipal Corporation]] | leader_title1 = [[Mayor]] | leader_name1 = Smt. Aruna Shankar ([[BJP]]) | leader_title3 = [[Municipal commissioner (India)|Municipal Commissioner]] | leader_name3 = Md. Jawed Hussain ([[Indian Administrative Service|IAS]]) | leader_title2 = [[Deputy mayor]] | leader_name2 = Mr. Mangal Singh ([[BJP]]) | leader_title4 = [[Member of Parliament (India)|MP]] | unit_pref = Metric | area_footnotes = | area_total_km2 = 150 | area_rank = 5th in Jharkhand | elevation_footnotes = | elevation_m = 215 | population_total = 158,941 | population_as_of = 2011 | population_footnotes = | population_density_km2 = auto | population_rank = 10th in [[Jharkhand]] | population_demonym = | demographics_type1 = Languages- | demographics1_title1 = Official | demographics1_info1 = [[Hindi language|Hindi]], [[English language|English]] | demographics1_title2 = | demographics1_info2 = | timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]] | utc_offset1 = +5:30 | postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]] | postal_code = 822101 | area_code_type = telephone | area_code = 06562 | registration_plate = JH-03 | website = {{URL|http://www.palamu.nic.in/}} | footnotes = | | blank2_name_sec1 = Literacy | blank2_info_sec1 = 87.29% }}

'''Medininagar''', formerly '''Daltonganj''', is a city and [[municipal corporation]] in [[Palamu district]] in the Indian [[States and territories of India|state]] of [[Jharkhand]]. It is also the administrative headquarter of [[Palamu district]] and divisional headquarters of [[Palamu division]], as well as the subdivision and block of the same name. The city is situated on the banks of the [[North Koel River]]. It is the main city in north-western part of Jharkhand.

==Origin of name== The city was named Daltonganj during the [[British Raj]] after Irishman Colonel [[Edward Tuite Dalton]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tuite-Dalton family of County Cavan, Ireland |url=https://www.daltondatabank.org/Chronicles/Tuite-Dalton1.htm |access-date=2022-07-15 |website=www.daltondatabank.org}}</ref> (1815–1880), an anthropologist and the commissioner of [[Chota Nagpur Division|Chota Nagpur]] in 1861.<ref>{{cite web|title=Daltonganj|url=http://www.swansea.ac.uk/visualanthropology/projects/003_Dalton/daltonganj.htm|publisher=University of Swansea|access-date=23 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-08-04|title=The story of Edward Tuite Dalton. {{!}} Farbound.Net|url=https://farbound.net/major-general-edward-tuite-dalton/|access-date=2021-02-07|website=farbound.net|language=en-US}}</ref> The name was changed to Medininagar in 2004 by the state government of Jharkhand,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Government of India Ministry of Home Affairs|date=|title=LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3572|url=https://www.mha.gov.in/MHA1/Par2017/pdfs/par2015-pdfs/ls-110815/3572.pdf|access-date=|website=}}</ref> after Raja [[Medini Ray]] of the [[Chero dynasty]]. The former name is still retained in the name of the city's [[Daltonganj railway station|railway station]]. It is administered by the [[Medininagar Municipal Corporation]], which was formed on 30 May 2015.

==Geography==

Medininagar is located at {{Coord|24.03|N|84.07|E}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/38/Daltenganj.html|title=Maps, Weather, and Airports for Medininagar, India|website=www.fallingrain.com}}</ref> It has an average elevation of {{convert|215|m|ft|abbr=on}}.

The [[Betla National Park]] is located about 20 km from the city. This park is known for [[tiger]]s, and comes under the Palamau Tiger Project. Another picnic spot nearby is Kechki, located about 18 km from Medininagar, at the confluence of the [[North Koel River|Koel River]] and the [[Auranga River (Jharkhand)|Auranga River]]. [[Netarhat]], a plateau covered with thick forests, is also situated near Medininagar.

==Administration==

==Transport== [[File:DTORS.jpg|thumb|left|Daltonganj Railway Station]] Medininagar is located {{convert|1036|km|mi}} south east of [[New Delhi]] and is accessible by train to [[Daltonganj Railway Station|Daltonganj Railway station (DTO)]] from [[Ranchi]], [[Bhopal Junction]], [[Kolkata]], [[Kota, Rajasthan|Kota]], [[Lucknow]], [[Ahmedabad]], [[Delhi]], [[Jabalpur]], [[Patna]], [[Varanasi]] and [[Gaya, India|Gaya]]. The nearest airport is {{convert|165|km|mi}} away in Ranchi. It has an airport in Chianki,{{citation needed|date=January 2019}} used occasionally by visiting dignitaries.

Medininagar is well connected with [[Ranchi]], [[Jamshedpur]], [[Dhanbad]], [[Raipur]], [[Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh|Ambikapur]], [[Kolkata]], [[Durgapur]], [[Varanasi]], [[Delhi]], [[Lucknow]], [[Allahabad]], [[Kota, Uttar Pradesh|Kota]], [[Kanpur]] [[Gaya, India|Gaya]], [[Patna]], and other locations by road.{{Citation needed|date=December 2021}}

Chianki Airstrip is located on the south of the Medininagar. It is mostly used by private [[Helicopter|choppers]] and small aircraft. There is a plan to strengthen and extend the airstrip for operation of medium size planes.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Pioneer|first=The|title=AAI team inspects Chiyanki air strip in Daltonganj|url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2017/state-editions/aai-team-inspects-chiyanki-air-strip-in-daltonganj.html|access-date=2021-01-19|website=The Pioneer|language=en}}</ref>

==Demographics==

{{As of|2011}} India [[census]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040616075334/http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archive-date=2004-06-16|title= Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)|access-date=2008-11-01|publisher= Census Commission of India}}</ref> Medininagar had a population of 389,307. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. It has an average literacy rate of 87.29%, higher than the national average of 74.04%: male literacy is 91.92% and, female literacy is 82.10%. 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.{{citation needed|date=April 2015}}

==Culture==

Major Hindu and Christian festivals are celebrated in Medininagar. The town is the seat of the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Daltonganj]]. The town has several societies, clubs, and NGOs including Palamau Club, Rotary Club and Rida Foundation.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rotary.org/en/club-profile/29F8A029-F8D4-4BAD-B4CC-B978C8F9874F |title=Rotary Club Profile:Daltonganj |website=Rotary International |access-date= 2013-02-28}}</ref>

[[Satyajit Ray]]'s Bengali film, [[Aranyer Din Ratri]] was shot in Palamu and the [[Bollywood movies|Bollywood movie]], ''Nastik'' starring [[Arjun Rampal]] was also shot in Medininagar.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-31 |title=The lost character in Satyajit Ray’s Aranyer Din Ratri — the Kechki Forest Rest House |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/express-sunday-eye/the-lost-character-in-satyajit-rays-aranyer-din-ratri-the-kechki-forest-rest-house-10039903/ |access-date=2025-12-20 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/states/jharkhand/puff-penalty-for-rampal-195323|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222031929/https://www.telegraphindia.com/states/jharkhand/puff-penalty-for-rampal-195323|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 December 2017|title=Puff penalty for Rampal|website=[[The Telegraph (Calcutta)|The Telegraph]]}}</ref>

Masoom art Group is an active NGO engaged in promotion of art and culture in the city. Their motion picture Pratyavartan was focused on the issue of Naxal movement in the state.<ref>[https://masoomartgroup.com Masoom art Group]</ref>

==Climate==

Medininagar has a [[humid subtropical climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]] ''Cwa'').

{{Weather box | location = Medininagar (1991–2020, extremes 1901–2020) | metric first = yes | single line = yes | Jan record high C = 34.2 | Feb record high C = 40.6 | Mar record high C = 43.9 | Apr record high C = 46.5 | May record high C = 48.8 | Jun record high C = 46.9 | Jul record high C = 43.8 | Aug record high C = 40.2 | Sep record high C = 39.7 | Oct record high C = 40.0 | Nov record high C = 36.5 | Dec record high C = 33.2 |year record high C = 48.8 | Jan high C = 25.4 | Feb high C = 28.9 | Mar high C = 34.1 | Apr high C = 39.6 | May high C = 40.8 | Jun high C = 37.7 | Jul high C = 32.8 | Aug high C = 31.9 | Sep high C = 32.0 | Oct high C = 32.0 | Nov high C = 29.8 | Dec high C = 26.3 |year high C = 32.6 |Jan mean C = 16.9 |Feb mean C = 20.4 |Mar mean C = 25.4 |Apr mean C = 30.7 |May mean C = 33.8 |Jun mean C = 33.1 |Jul mean C = 29.4 |Aug mean C = 28.7 |Sep mean C = 28.3 |Oct mean C = 26.6 |Nov mean C = 22.2 |Dec mean C = 18.1 | Jan low C = 9.1 | Feb low C = 12.0 | Mar low C = 16.8 | Apr low C = 22.3 | May low C = 26.5 | Jun low C = 27.5 | Jul low C = 26.1 | Aug low C = 25.6 | Sep low C = 24.7 | Oct low C = 20.9 | Nov low C = 14.7 | Dec low C = 9.7 |year low C = 19.5 | Jan record low C = 0.0 | Feb record low C = 0.6 | Mar record low C = 5.6 | Apr record low C = 11.2 | May record low C = 17.8 | Jun record low C = 18.6 | Jul record low C = 18.2 | Aug record low C = 20.6 | Sep record low C = 17.2 | Oct record low C = 10.0 | Nov record low C = 4.0 | Dec record low C = 1.7 |year record low C = 0.0 | rain colour = green | Jan rain mm = 17.4 | Feb rain mm = 17.0 | Mar rain mm = 18.1 | Apr rain mm = 7.5 | May rain mm = 18.0 | Jun rain mm = 158.3 | Jul rain mm = 307.4 | Aug rain mm = 306.9 | Sep rain mm = 170.6 | Oct rain mm = 48.4 | Nov rain mm = 9.7 | Dec rain mm = 6.8 |year rain mm = 1086.0 | Jan rain days = 1.3 | Feb rain days = 1.4 | Mar rain days = 1.9 | Apr rain days = 1.0 | May rain days = 1.6 | Jun rain days = 7.0 | Jul rain days = 14.3 | Aug rain days = 14.2 | Sep rain days = 9.7 | Oct rain days = 2.7 | Nov rain days = 0.6 | Dec rain days = 0.6 |year rain days = 56.2 |time day = 17:30 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]] | Jan humidity = 51 | Feb humidity = 42 | Mar humidity = 32 | Apr humidity = 26 | May humidity = 29 | Jun humidity = 53 | Jul humidity = 77 | Aug humidity = 79 | Sep humidity = 77 | Oct humidity = 65 | Nov humidity = 60 | Dec humidity = 58 |year humidity = 54 |source 1 = [[India Meteorological Department]]<ref>{{cite web | url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Tables%201991-2020.pdf | title = Climatological Tables of Observatories in India 1991-2020 | publisher = [[India Meteorological Department]] | access-date = April 8, 2024 }}</ref><ref name=IMDnormals> {{cite web | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205040301/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf | archive-date = 5 February 2020 | url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf | title = Station: Daltonganj Climatological Table 1981–2010 | work = Climatological Normals 1981–2010 | publisher = India Meteorological Department | date = January 2015 | pages = 221–222 | access-date = 18 August 2020}}</ref><ref name=IMDextremes> {{cite web | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205042509/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf | archive-date = 5 February 2020 | url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf | title = Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012) | publisher = India Meteorological Department | date = December 2016 | page = M81 | access-date = 18 August 2020}}</ref> |source 2 = Tokyo Climate Center (mean temperatures 1991–2020)<ref name=TCC1> {{cite web | url = https://ds.data.jma.go.jp/gmd/tcc/tcc/products/climate/normal/parts/NrmMonth_e.php?stn=42587 | title = Normals Data: Daltonganj – India Latitude: 24.05°N Longitude: 84.07°E Height: 221 (m) | publisher = Japan Meteorological Agency | access-date = 1 December 2022}}</ref> }}

==Education==

[[Nilamber-Pitamber University]] at Medininagar was established in 2009 and serves the [[Palamu division]] of Jharkhand.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ranchi/Nilamber-Pitamber-University-acquires-ownership-rights-of-15-acre-land/articleshow/18313997.cms | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130411041353/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-02-03/ranchi/36720999_1_nilamber-pitamber-university-land-acquisition-process-firoz-ahmad | url-status=live | archive-date=2013-04-11 | work=[[The Times of India]] | title=Nilamber Pitamber University acquires ownership rights of 15-acre land| date=3 February 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.npu.ac.in/ |title = Nilamber-Pitamber University |access-date = 2012-12-27}}</ref>

There are many colleges for undergraduate, post graduate & other higher education in and around Medininagar which includes: * [[DAV Institute of Engineering and Technology]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.davietpalamau.org/|title=DAV IET|website=www.davietpalamau.org|access-date=2020-01-16}}</ref> established by [[D.A.V. College Managing Committee|D.A.V College Managing Committee]]. * [[Bhishma Narain Singh Law College]]<ref>{{cite web |title=B.N.S Law College, Jharkhand |url=http://www.bnslawcollege.com/ |website=Bhishma Narain Singh Law College |access-date=22 February 2020}}</ref> * [[Ganesh Lal Agrawal College]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.glanpu.org.in/|title=Ganesh Lal Agrawal College|website=www.glanpu.org.in|access-date=2020-01-16}}</ref> {{Cleanup list|section|date=November 2024}} * [[Elite Public B.Ed. College]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Elite Public B.Ed. College |url=http://www.elitepublicbedcollege.edu.in/ |website=Elite Public B.Ed. College}}</ref> * [[Janta Shivratri College]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Janta Shivratri College, Daltonganj, Palamau, Jharkhand |url=http://jscollege.co.in/ |website=Janta Shivratri College}}</ref> * [[Jyoti Prakash Mahila B.Ed. College]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Jyoti Prakash Mahila B.Ed College |url=http://www.jpmbedcollegedaltonganj.in/ |website=Jyoti Prakash Mahila B.Ed College |access-date=22 February 2020}}</ref> *[[R K Brahman +2]] High school, established in 1942

The major private schools in Medininagar include: {{Cleanup list|section|date=November 2024}} * [[Heritage International School]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Heritage International School |url=http://www.heritageints.co.in/index.php |website=Heritage International School}}</ref> (CBSE) * [[M.K. DAV Public School, Chianki]]<ref>{{cite web |title=M.K. DAV Public School |url=http://mkdav.in/ |website=M.K. D.A.V. PUBLIC SCHOOL, DALTONGANJ}}</ref> (CBSE) * [[Sacred Heart School, Chianki]] (ICSE) *[[Rotary School (Anand Shankar), Chainpur]](CBSE)

==Medical Facilities== Town has a lot of Public as well as private medical facilities and attracts patients from neighbourhood Villages and Cities. The List Includes:

'''Public Hospitals:''' * [[Medini Rai Medical College and Hospital, Palamu]]– Medininagar, Palamu<ref>{{cite web |title=MEDINIRAI MEDICAL COLLEGE – Medininagar, Palamu |url=http://mmchpalamu.org/ |website=MEDINIRAI MEDICAL COLLEGE – Medininagar, Palamu}}</ref>

'''Private Hospitals:''' * Prakash Chandra Jain Seva Sadan<ref>{{Cite web |title=Prakash Chand Jain Hospital {{!}} National Health Portal Of India |url=https://www.nhp.gov.in/hospital/prakash-chand-jain-hospital-palamu-jharkhand |access-date=2022-09-29 |website=www.nhp.gov.in}}</ref> * Aashi Care Hospital<ref>{{Cite web |title=Top Multi Speciality Hospital - Aashi Care Multi-Speciality Hospital |url=https://aashicarehospital.com/ |access-date=2022-09-29 |website=aashicarehospital.com |language=en-US}}</ref> * Shree Narayan Multispeciality Hospital<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shree Narayan Multispeciality Hospital {{!}} National Health Portal Of India |url=https://www.nhp.gov.in/hospital/shree-narayan-multispeciality-hospital-palamu-jharkhand |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=www.nhp.gov.in}}</ref>

==Places of Interest== [[File:RiverKoyalView.jpg|thumb|alt=|View of Medininagar from Koyal River]]

* [[Betla National Park]], park hosts a wide variety of wildlife * [[Palamau Tiger Reserve]], one of the first tiger conservation projects in India whose brand ambassador is [[MS Dhoni]] * [[Palamu fort]], built in 15th century a twin forts structure by [[Medini Ray]] * Kechki Forest Rest House, a shooting location for [[Satyajit Ray|Satyajit Ray’s]] 1970 film [[Days and Nights in the Forest|''Aranyer Din Ratri'']] (''Days and Nights in the Forest''), located about 19 km from [[Medininagar]] (Daltonganj) in [[Palamu district]], Jharkhand.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Joshi |first=Namrata |date=2025-05-27 |title=Sharmila Tagore Interview: Satyajit Ray's films deal with the follies of humans |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/hindi/2025/May/27/sharmila-tagore-interview-satyajit-rays-films-deal-with-the-follies-of-humans |access-date=2025-12-20 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gupta |first=Uttaran Das |date=2023-06-11 |title=Jharkhand's Palamu An Arcadia For Poets |url=https://www.outlooktraveller.com/explore/culture/jharkhands-palamu-an-arcadia-for-poets |access-date=2025-12-20 |website=Outlook Traveller |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-11-16 |title=Soumitra made Palamu popular |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ranchi/soumitra-made-palamu-popular/articleshow/79238064.cms |access-date=2025-12-20 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bharat |first=E. T. V. |date=2025-06-05 |title=कान्स फिल्म फेस्टिवल में केचकी संगम की चर्चा, 1969 में शूट हुई थी सत्यजीत रे की फिल्म अरण्येर दिनरात्रि, बड़े सितारे पहुंचे थे पलामू |url=https://www.etvbharat.com/hi/!entertainment/classical-bengali-film-aranyer-dinratri-shot-in-kechki-sangam-palamu-screened-at-cannes-film-festival-hindi-news-jhn25060502593 |access-date=2025-12-20 |website=ETV Bharat News |language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-19 |title=ARANYER DIN RATRI (DAYS AND NIGHTS IN THE FOREST) |url=https://www.festival-cannes.com/en/f/aranyer-din-ratri/ |access-date=2025-12-20 |website=Festival de Cannes |language=en-US}}</ref> {{Cleanup list|section|date=November 2024}} * [[B. R. Ambedkar Park]], park jogging track along its beautiful lakes<ref name="dnaindia.com">{{Cite web|title=Artifacts dating back to Harappan era unearthed in Jharkhand|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-artifacts-dating-back-to-harappan-era-unearthed-in-jharkhand-1401657|date=2010-06-26|website=DNA India|language=en|access-date=2020-05-04}}</ref> * [[Bheem Chulha]], a 5,000-year-old stove, on which Bhima used to make food during the Pandavas’ ignorance<ref>{{Cite web|title=half bhim chulha gathers dust of neglect|url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/state-editions/ranchi/13383-half-buried-bhim-chulha-gathers-dust-of-neglect.html/|website=www.dailypioneer.com|access-date=2020-05-04}}</ref> * [[Bishrampur Fort]], built by Chero rulers * [[Gandhi Udyan Park]], famous among the youngsters * [[Hussainabad Fort]], built by Mughal jagirdar, Hidayat Ali Khan. * [[Kala-Kabra Mound]], Harappan era artefacts * [[Shahpur Fort]], built by Chero ruler, Raja Medini Rai.

==See also== * [[Ladigarh]]

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== {{Sister project links|auto=yes|d=yes}} * {{URL|http://www.palamu.nic.in/}} * {{URL | https://udhd.jharkhand.gov.in/ULB/Medininagar/Medininagar.aspx}}

[[Category:Medininagar| ]] [[Category:Cities and towns in Palamu district]] [[Category:1880 establishments in India]]