Dhanbad has a total population of 1.1 million and ranks as the 12th largest Hindi speaking city of India. Highest employment in Dhanbad district is in the Mining, Electrical and Metal Industry. Dhanbad has 73% Industrial workers, 24% Agriculture Workers and 3% Household workers. Historically, Dhanbad has not been a good agricultural belt because of the rocky land formation of the region. Instead, Dhanbad is abundant in thick forests and the availability of natural minerals. The region is located at an altitude of 761ft above the sea level. Dhanbad city was part of the Manbhum district from 1928 to 1956. On 24 October 1956, Dhanbad was declared a District on the Recommendation of the States Reorganization Commission vide notification 1911. Historically, the region was occupied by the Mundari or Kolarian tribes living in the wilderness of the southern region of undivided Bihar. The seventh century travel accounts of Hieun Tsang make a mention of the powerful kingdom ruled by Sasanka in this region. The region has had a mixed demographic profile with people from different religious and social groups, including adivasis, particularly the Santals and the Mundas.
