Cultural Heritage Tourism in Northern and Southern Chotanagpur Balancing Conservation and Community Development

Abstract

Abstract- Northern and Southern Chotanagpur divisions of Jharkhand encompass a mosaic of sacred hills, archaeological remains, colonial-era settlements, and vibrant Adivasi traditions. During the last decade, visitor arrivals have risen by an estimated 8.7 % per annum, stimulated by improved highways and digital promotion campaigns. While tourism accelerates diversified livelihoods, it simultaneously intensifies physical pressure on fragile ecosystems and risks commodifying intangible heritage. This paper investigates how mixed heritage—comprising Jain pilgrimage circuits, Munda–Oraon ritual landscapes, and British-period hill stations—can be stewarded through participatory governance and adaptive management. A sequential explanatory design triangulates 72 stakeholder interviews, 14 focus‑group discussions, GPS‑enabled land‑use surveys, and content analysis of state tourism policies. Findings reveal significant gaps between policy rhetoric and ground‑level implementation, especially in waste management, carrying‑capacity regulation, and benefit‑sharing with tribal women. We propose an integrative framework anchored in community‑based destination management organisations, culturally responsive interpretation, and revenue‑earmarked conservation funds to align economic aspirations with the safeguarding of the region’s unique socio‑ecological fabric. Keywords – Abstract- Northern and Southern Chotanagpur divisions of Jharkhand encompass a mosaic of sacred hills, archaeological remains, colonial-era settlements, and vibrant Adivasi traditions. During the last decade, visitor arrivals have risen by an estimated 8.7 % per annum, stimulated by improved highways and digital promotion campaigns. While tourism accelerates diversified livelihoods, it simultaneously intensifies physical pressure on fragile ecosystems and risks commodifying intangible heritage. This paper investigates how mixed heritage—comprising Jain pilgrimage circuits, Munda–Oraon ritual landscapes, and British-period hill stations—can be stewarded through participatory governance and adaptive management. A sequential explanatory design triangulates 72 stakeholder interviews, 14 focus‑group discussions, GPS‑enabled land‑use surveys, and content analysis of state tourism policies. Findings reveal significant gaps between policy rhetoric and ground‑level implementation, especially in waste management, carrying‑capacity regulation, and benefit‑sharing with tribal women. We propose an integrative framework anchored in community‑based destination management organisations, culturally responsive interpretation, and revenue‑earmarked conservation funds to align economic aspirations with the safeguarding of the region’s unique socio‑ecological fabric.

Keywords: heritage tourism, participatory governance, tribal culture, sustainable development, Jharkhand