city and coalfield in southern Bihār state, eastern India. The coalfield lies in the Dāmodar Valley, covers about 110 square miles (280 square km), and produces bituminous coal suitable for coke. Most of India's coal comes from the Jharia and Rānīganj fields in the valley. The coal is worked from open pits, but wages and safety conditions are poor. The miners are usually from local groups that also work their crops at harvesttime. Pop. (1991 prelim.) 69,542.