The Jaina Bhagavati-Sutra of the 5th century AD mentions that Purulia was one of the sixteen mahajanapadas and was a part of the kingdom known as Vajra-bhumi in ancient times.

[6][7] Gram panchayats of the Raghunathpur II block/panchayat samiti are: Barrah, Chelyama, Joradih, Mangalda-Moutore, Nildih and Nutandih.

[8] According to the 2011 Census of India, the Raghunathpur II CD block had a total population of 113,790, of which 107,827 were rural and 5,963 were urban.

The Raghunathpur II CD block registered a population growth of 15.94 per cent during the 1991–2001 decade.

[9] Large villages (with 4,000+ population) in the Raghunathpur II CD block are (2011 census figures in brackets): Ichhar (6,494) and Cheyama (7,413).

[9] Other villages in the Raghunathpur II CD block are (2011 census figures in brackets): Nutandi (3,275), Telkupi (510), Mangalda (3,187), Usir (2,430), Nildi (838) and Barra (3,302).

[9] See also – List of West Bengal districts ranked by literacy rate Primary Census Abstract Data

In the 2011 census, Hindus numbered 96,433 and formed 84.75% of the population in the Raghunathpur II CD block.

[12] Others include Addi Bassi, Marang Boro, Santal, Saranath, Sari Dharma, Sarna, Alchchi, Bidin, Sant, Saevdharm, Seran, Saran, Sarin, Kheria,[13] and other religious communities.

It includes factory, mining, plantation, transport and office workers, those engaged in business and commerce, teachers, entertainment artistes and so on.

71 villages (78.89%) have telephones (including landlines, public call offices and mobile phones).

[22] Ispat Damodar of the Eurasia group producing sponge iron, mild steel billets and ferro alloys have their manufacturing facilities at Nabagram.

[23][24] In 2013–14, persons engaged in agriculture in the Raghunathpur II CD block could be classified as follows: bargadars 12.35%, patta (document) holders 13.45%, small farmers (possessing land between one and two hectares) 2.98%, marginal farmers (possessing land up to one hectare) 23.68% and agricultural labourers 47.54%.

[25] In 2013–14, the Raghunathpur II CD block produced 16,218 tonnes of Aman paddy, the main winter crop from 6,901 hectares.

The fund, created by the Government of India, is designed to redress regional imbalances in development.