Q. What is the traditional occupation of the Asur tribe?
Answer: Iron smelting
Notes: The Asur tribe of Jharkhand is traditionally known for iron smelting. They used local ores like magnetite, hematite, and laterite from the Netarhat plateau. Their metallurgical skills included smelting iron with sal wood coal. Historically, they are believed to have invented iron and supplied weapons during the Maurya period. Although many shifted to agriculture due to forest laws and industrialization, iron smelting remains their defining traditional occupation, especially in districts like Gumla, Lohardaga, Palamu, and Latehar.