THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Patna, May 7: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has stepped up its efforts to appeal to tribal communities in Bihar and Jharkhand by championing the restoration and development of the historic Rohtasgarh Fort, a site deeply embedded in the cultural memory of the Oraon and Kharwar tribes.
BJP MP and the party’s co-incharge in Bihar Deepak Prakash emphasised that the fort is not just an architectural marvel but a “symbol of tribal culture and identity”, adding that preserving it is a collective responsibility. He noted that the Narendra Modi-led central government is committed to protecting the religious and cultural heritage of tribal societies across India.
Photo: Rangan Datta/The Telegraph
Tribal Delegation Submits Charter of Demands
A joint delegation of tribal leaders and organisations from Bihar and Jharkhand submitted a memorandum to Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudharya couple of days back, calling for urgent measures to safeguard the neglected site. The demands include:
Strengthening road and transport links to the fort
Restoration and structural repairs
Cleanliness and security of the premises
A tourist information centre, digital guide system and cultural signage
Establishment of a museum or cultural building to showcase tribal heritage
Construction of guest houses and basic amenities such as toilets, electricity, and clean water
Training and employment schemes to involve local youth in tourism
They also called for Rohtasgarh to be developed into a major tourist destination to drive regional growth and empower local communities.
Chaudhary assured the delegation that a development team would be formed and necessary work initiated to revitalise the site.
Historical and Political Significance
Perched atop the Kaimur Hills, the Rohtas Fort—also known as Rohtasgarh—has long been claimed by the Oraon and Kharwar tribes as a sacred ancestral site. Oral traditions assert that it was once under tribal rule before passing through the hands of Hindu, Mughal, and British powers. The site, featuring ruins like the Man Singh Palace and the Diwan-i-Khas, is considered holy by the tribes, who continue to perform rituals there.
With the Assembly elections approaching, the BJP appears to be positioning itself as the protector of tribal legacy, a strategic move aimed at consolidating tribal votes in both Bihar and neighbouring Jharkhand. The timing of the initiative suggests a bid to convert cultural advocacy into electoral gains.
Neglect and Potential
Despite its historical grandeur and mythological associations, Rohtasgarh Fort remains largely ignored. Once a stronghold of local rulers and later a refuge during the 1857 revolt and the Maoist insurgency, the fort was opened to tourism in 2012. However, little development has followed.
With the right investment and vision, the site could become a hub for cultural tourism—boosting the economy and reinforcing the BJP’s outreach to tribal communities.
