No one knows when the Gharrah Sengel, or sacred fire-maker, was first invented or by whom, but it is known to be an important component in the history and culture of the Santhal tribe in Jharkhand, which is one of the largest and most colorful tribes in eastern India. This great invention states the Santhals' deep understanding of the diverse forest products around them and their self-sufficient life, in particular when it comes to making fire, which is greatly important for cooking, keeping warm, and ceremonies. The sticks used for Gharrah Sengel are two sticks of Rahir. Rahir is a local hardwood with the characteristics of being dry and fibrous, which is very good from a frictional heat point of view. One is shaped like a flat wooden base; while the other is fashioned into a thin stick tapering at one end into a sharp point.
The pointed end is placed in a small groove or depression on the flat surface base and is rapidly spun between the palms. By this method, friction is engendered on a great scale, causing dust or glowing embers to be formed, which can then be transferred to dry tinder such as a tuft of grass or a piece of bark for ignition. The palm-drill method of fire-making is one of the oldest tried-and-tested ways the Santhals have been making fire even before the advent of matches and lighters. Though the Gharrah Sengel is still very much alive in culture and is taken out for display during festivals or educational programs to teach the older ways of fire-making to all. The use of the Gharrah Sengel signifies the sustainable lifestyle of the Santhal tribe, the utmost respect for Mother Nature, and the capability to economically use a great variety of natural materials for their own sustenance.