town, southern Jharkhand state, northeastern India. It lies just west of the Raru River, which is a tributary of the Subarnarekha (Subarnarekha River). Although known as a road and agricultural-trade centre, the town is also heavily engaged in the mining (especially chromite) industry. Shellac is manufactured, and silk production is important. Chaibasa became a municipality in 1875. Pop. (2001) 63,648.