The foundation of Jhargram
According to local tradition, the Mughal general Man Singh came to Bengal during Emperor Akbar's reign and sent Sarveshwar Singh to subdue the rulers of Junglekhanda. After his victory, Sarveshwar adopted the title Malla Deb and established Jhargram as his capital, beginning the Malla rule in the region.
Resistance and the British period
The Jhargram Raj family took part in the Chuar resistance to defend its independence. The East India Company advanced into the area around 1767; after conflict and surrender, Jhargram was recognised as a zamindari estate under British rule and its ruler retained the title of Raja.
A period of development
After Raja Narasingha Malla Ugal Sanda Deb attained majority in 1929, the estate entered a major phase of civic development. Schools, colleges, hospitals and public institutions grew with support from the royal family and estate administration. Among them were Kumud Kumari Institution, Jhargram Raj College, Vidyasagar Bani Bhaban and the institution later known as Rani Binode Manjuri Government Girls' School.
Post-independence transition and public institutions
After independence, the abolition of zamindari brought the former estate into a new administrative and civic framework. Public institutions increasingly became the backbone of the town and surrounding rural area: Jhargram’s government hospital began in 1956 as a Sub-Divisional Hospital, while municipal administration was established in 1982. Over these decades, Jhargram continued to grow as a rail-connected service, education and market centre for the forested western part of the former Paschim Medinipur district.
Maoist activity in Jangalmahal
Parts of the wider Jangalmahal region, including areas now within Jhargram district, experienced Left-Wing Extremist activity and severe disruption. The period affected everyday life, mobility and public services, and remains an important, difficult chapter in the region’s recent memory.
Jhargram becomes a district
Jhargram was formed as West Bengal’s 22nd district after being separated from Paschim Medinipur. The district headquarters is at Jhargram; the official district profile currently records one subdivision and eight community-development blocks.
Development, connectivity and a proposed subdivision
Current development priorities include rural livelihoods, horticulture and agriculture, health and public services, roads, environmental planning, tourism and stronger access to government services. Discussions around an additional subdivision should be understood as a proposal until it is formally notified by the Government of West Bengal; the official district profile currently lists one subdivision.
Service, culture and public life
Raja Narasingha was remembered for supporting education, health care, sport, literature and charitable institutions through donations of land and funds. Later generations, including Birendra Bijoy Malla Deb, continued their involvement in public life. Jhargram's royal, tribal and forest heritage remains an important part of the district's identity today.
Sources: Department of Archives and Jhargram Raj Palace; Jhargram District Administration’s History, About District and Demography pages; Jhargram Police District history; Jhargram Government Medical College & Hospital history.