A new state of
India, created on 15 November 2000 from the southern half of
Bihar, with only 35% of its population, being sparsely populated hills, but with a great part of India's mineral wealth. Its capital is at
Ranchi. The population is largely
tribal, called
Jharkhandis, and has been agitating for separate recognition since 1918. An alternative name proposed for it was
Vananchal.