Pt. Raghunath Murmu:

Pt. Raghunath Murmu, a resident of 'Dandabas' near Rairangpur of this district is said to be the father of 'Alchiki' Script. In 1925 by inventing this script he brought about a renaissance in Santali literature. From phonetic point of view this 'Alchiki' is suitable for Austric language and it is scientific.

The Santali literature, Pt. Raghunath Murmu has enriched the Santali literature with unfailing creations like Drama, Child literature, Poem, Arithmetic and Grammar using that 'Alchiki' language. The book 'Alchemed' like Madhu Barnabodha is very useful. Besides, 'Parsipaha' a book meant for the children is considered very very worth reading.

Biduchandan, Dalegodhan and Kherawal Veera studded with tribal song and dance are said to be three jewels of Santali literature 'Hital', 'Lakachar Serenja' based on tribal cultural renaissance are the valuable creations of that Pt. Raghunath Murmu.

The book 'Bakhera' written by him is the reflection of tribal religion. This book abounds in tribal hymns and verses. Apart from these, 'Ranala' the tribal grammar and 'Elakha Patan', the arithmetic books have earned him fame.

In 1939, Pt. Raghunath Murmu exhibited his hand made 'Alchiki' press in an exhibition at Baripada and he could impress the then Maharaja Pratap Chandra Bhanja Deo and in return he committed its implementation. Santali language, literature and script are widely acclaimed in West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar and Assam. Pt. Murmu's dream has come true.

Ersim (Paddy sowing festival)

The Santals, Mahali, Bhumija and Lodha celebrate this festival on the day of 'Akshitrutiya' to worship mother earth with religions fervour and enthusiasm. The Dehuri is the priest. The black cock is offered as sacrifice with non-boiled rice, flower, Vermillion and incense sticks to propitiate mother earth for bumper harvest, prosperity peaceful and disease free life. Dance amidst traditional tribal songs and beating of drums rent the air, which makes the festival quite enjoyable.

MAHLE    ALAA

 Skilled Proffesional's 

Mahali people traditionally earned their livelihood by selling articles made of bamboo. Some typical articles made by them are: Machi (a small bench), umbrellas, soop (used in kitchen, to remove dust from cereals), sop and chatai (for lying down and sleeping), raincap (special cap covering head, and upper back for protection from rains during work). Mahali people typically have a tattoo of their name on their hand.

Mahali Adivasi
www.mahalitribe.blogspot.com

The Mahali are of the Adivasi Groups in the state of Jharkhand, West Bengal and Orissa. They are found in the districts of Lohardaga, Ranchi, Gumla, Singhbhum, Santhal Pragana, Hazaribag, Pargana and Dhanbad and Purnia. There are five sub tribe of the Mahali Adivasi, these are Bansphor Mahli, Patar Mahli, Sulukhi Mahali, 

Tanti Mahli and Munda Mahli. 

Culture 

The material culture of the Mahali tribes reveals their existence-oriented economy. They erect their houses with mud, bamboo, wood, kosi grass and tiles. The houses are rectangular in shape. Each house has two rooms, a verandah and a courtyard. The houses do not have windows. The door is of bamboo made called tati. 

Economy 

The Mahali economy is based on basketry, collection of forest produce, agriculture, carrying palanquins and labor. The main means of Bansphor Mahali has been basket making, Patar Mahali – basket making and cultivation, Sulukhi Mahli – Cultivation and Labour, Tanti Mahali – carrying palanquins and Munda Mahali – cultivators