In all fairness, it looks heartbreakingly ancient, and the boy wonders if respectable grandeur is always a property of the past.

However, it has to be borne in mind that modern mining operations are highly mechanised.

[4][5][6] Note: The map alongside presents some of the notable locations in the district.

[8] According to the 2011 Census of India, Padma had a total population of 7,896, of which 4,326 (55%) were males and 3,570 (45%) were females.

The total number of literate persons in Padma was 5,340 (78.73% of the population over 6 years).