Jharkhand to showcase its ‘living’ megalithic tradition at World Economic Forum in Davos next week

According to the state Secretariat, Jharkhand will also use the platform to highlight its living megalithic heritage, rooted in the Singhbhum Craton – one of the world’s oldest geological formations, estimated to be over 3.3 billion years old. “Unlike megalithic sites elsewhere that exist largely as archaeological remains, Jharkhand’s stone traditions continue to be actively practised by Adivasi/indigenous communities,” an official said.

“The state is home to several living megalithic landscapes, including Chokahatu in Ranchi district, considered to be the largest such site in the Indian subcontinent, where the Munda community continues to erect memorial stones as part of ancestral rituals,” he added, saying that similar monoliths in Hazaribagh are also believed to track solar movement and equinoxes.

The state government said presenting this heritage alongside its economic agenda at Davos and during the UK visit is aimed at underscoring the link between development, ecological memory and cultural continuity, while aligning with ongoing India–UK cooperation on heritage conservation and research.

Jharkhand’s participation at WEF 2026 will focus on electric mobility, energy security, climate action, forests and the bio-economy, and women’s empowerment, positioning the state within global discussions on sustainable development, just transition and inclusive growth.

During the annual meeting, the state will take part in thematic sessions and bilateral meetings centred on critical minerals, renewable energy, manufacturing, food processing, healthcare and emerging financing mechanisms. Officials said Jharkhand will also host discussions outlining its long-term development vision and approach to sustainable and equitable growth, aimed at strengthening partnerships with multilateral institutions, governments, academic bodies and responsible private-sector stakeholders.