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Kendujhar District, also known as Keonjhar District, is an administrative district of Orissa state in eastern India. The town of Kendujhar or Kendujhargarh is the district headquarters. The district has an area of 8240 km², and lies between 21°1' N and 22°10' N latitude and 85°11' E to 86°22' E longitude. It is bounded by Mayurbhanj District and Bhadrak District to the east, Jajpur District to the south, Dhenkanal District and Sundargarh District to the west, and Surguja District of the state of Chhattisgarh to the north. DemographicsThe district has a population of 15,61,990 (2001 census), with a population density of 188 persons per km². The decennial growth rate of the district is 16.83%. The Scheduled Tribes of the district constitute 44.5% of the total population whereas, the Scheduled Castes constitute 11.62%. The literacy rate of the district is 59.24%.[1] The district has 3 Subdivisions, Anandapur, Champua, and Keonjhar, and ten tehsils. DescriptionThe district of Keonjhar presents a panorama of millennia, both from the geographical and anthropological point of view. It is as varied as the whole of Orissa with water-falls roaring gorges, mountains and minerals. The manifold expressions of nature in this district are unique in Orissa. Keonjhar has the distinction of containing one of the oldest rocks of the world, approximately 38,000 million years old covering an area of 100 Sq. Kms at Asanpat. It has also the oldest stone inscription of Orissa paleogeologically belonging to the Gupta period. In Sitabinj, one finds the fresco paintings in the cave shelter of Ravana Chhaya dating back to 5th Century A.D. Anthropologically, its two main tribes, namely the Juangs and the Bhuyans carry a distinct and primitive past. The Juang claims themselves to be the most ancient tribe of the world. In spite of their modern ways of living, many aboriginal practices are still prevalent among them. The district bears the oldest stone inscription found in Orissa, paleogeologically belonging to the Gupta period. In Sitabinj, we find the fresco paintings in the cave shelter of Ravana Chhaya dating back to 5th century. The district of Keonjhar is highly rich in mineral resources and has vast deposits of Iron, Manganese and Chromium Ores. About 30 percent of its total area is covered with tracts of dense forests. But the district, in spite of its immense mineral and forest wealth, still remaining economically backward. HistoryAfter the integration of the feudatory states with Orissa on 1 January 1948 the state of Keonjhar emerged as one of its districts of Orissa, with its headquarters at Keonjhar. Since then the name has been changed to Kendujhar District. The whole district of Keonjhar was a princely state before its merger with Orissa. The early history of the State is not adequately known. It was most probably a part of the old Khijjinga territory with headquarters at Khijjinga Kota, identified with modern Khiching. It became a separate state with Jyoti Bhanja as its ruling chief sometime during the first half of the 12th century A.D. The then State of Keonjhar comprised only the northern half of the modern district for a long time prior to the installation of Jyoti Bhanja as King. During the latter part of the 15th century the southern half was occupied by King Govinda Bhanja under whose rule Keonjhar was extended from Singhbhum in the north to Sukinda (a Zamindari in Cuttack district) in the South and from Mayurbhanj in the East to the borders of the States of Bonai, Pallahara and Anugul in the West. During the rule of Pratap Balabhadra Bhanja (1764-1792 A.D.) two small areas of Tillo and Jujhpada were purchased from the Zamindar of Kantajhari and were added to the State. These were recognised as parts of Keonjhar in the Sanad granted by the East India Company to Raja Janardan Bhanj in 1804. Since then there had been no territiorial changes of the State till its merger with the Province of Orissa. But after merger largely for the reasons of administrative expediency the areas of Tillo (7.51 sq.km) and Jujhpada (9.06sq.km.) were transferred to the districts of Baleshwar and Cuttack respectively, while a number of villages called Ambo group (14.84 sq.km.) of Balasore district were added to Keonjhar district. (http://kendujhar.nic.in) Administration
GeographyKeonjhar is a land locked district with an area of 8240 Sq. Km. It is situated in the northern part of Orissa. It is surrounded by Singhbhum district of Jharkhand in the North, Jajpur in the South, Dhenkanal and Sundargarh in the West and Mayurbhanj and Bhadrak in the East. It lies at an altitude of 480 metres. The National Highway-215 passing through Kendujhargarh approximately bi-sects the district into two similar natural regions. To the East of this Highway are the planes of Anandapur and a portion of Sadar Sub-division. To the West is a range of lofty hills which contains some of the highest peaks of Orissa namely Gandhamardan (3477 ft.), Mankadnacha (3639 ft.), Gonasika ( 3219 ft.) and Thakurani ( 3003 ft.). About half of the area of this district spreading about 4043 sq.kms. is covered by forests of Northern tropical moist deciduous type and contains Sal, Asan, Piasal etc. The river Baitarani comes out of Gonasika Hills and flows to the north touching the border of Singhbhum district of Jharkhand. It again flows East entering Anandapur Sub-division and the district of Bhadrak. The soil is mostly red throughout the district and in the South there is a small patch of black cotton soil. The important minerals available in huge quantity in the district are Iron-ore, Manganese and Chromites. (http://kendujhar.nic.in) TopographyThe district consists of a compact area and its extreme length from North to South is nearly 145 km. The average breadth from East to West is about 65 km. It is divided into two widely dissimilar tracts-the lower Kendujhar and the upper Kendujhar. The former is a region of valleys and low lands, while the latter includes mountainous highlands with a general slope from North to South. The highlands consisting of clusters of rugged crags afford a safe retreat to its inhabitants in troubled times. The mountaintops appear from the low lands to be sharply ridged or peaked, but in reality they have extensive tablelands on their summits, fit both for pasture and for tillage. The average elevation in its central part is about 500m. At places, isolated hills rise abruptly from the plains. But most of the areas have a general elevation of over 600m. which forms the watershed of some rivers. The Baitarani River takes its rise in the hilly North Western division. In between these two natural divisions passes the State Highway from Chainbasa to Jajpur Road through the headquarters, Kendujhargarh. ClimateThe climate of the district is characterised by an oppressively hot summer with high humidity. Summer generally commences in the month of March. Temperature begins to rise rapidly attaining the maximum in the month of May. During the Summer maximum temperature is 38.2°C. The weather becomes more pleasant with the advent of the monsoon in June and remains as such up to the end of October. The temperature in the month of December is lowest i.e. 11.7°C. Sometimes it even drops down to 7°C. The average annual rainfall is 1534.5 mms. Forest and Wild LifeForestThe division wise classification of forest area by legal status in Keonjhar district as on 01.04.96 are as follows.
The above forest area is 30% of the total geographical area of the district. The reserved forests of the district consist mostly of steep hills and narrow winding valleys. It is indeed a pity that most of the wide valleys which offer optimum conditions for the growth of fine Sal forest are not a part of the reserved forest area. Dry wood Forest It occurs in parts of Boula, Atei, Kalapat, Santoshpur and Barabank. Open Grassy dry Sal Forest This is found on exposed hill slopes where the soil is shallow and not fertile, mostly in Karo blocks. High Level Plateau Sal This type comprises the forests growing on flat-topped hills which are a characteristic feature of Keonjhar. Moist Hill Sal It is widely distributed in Keonjhar especially in the Sidhamath and Karo blocks. Valley Sal It occurs in Sidhamatha and Karo blocks. Santal Sal Typical costal sal is called Santal Sal. it is mostly found in the Boula and Santoshpur blocks. The sal is mixed with Asan and Kurum. Wild LifeTigers Tigers (Bagha) are found in Rebana and Kalapat blocks. There is no information about their exact number. There are reports of cattle lifting. Leopards Kalarapatra Bagha are quite common in Santoshpur, Atei, Kalapat, Rebana and Barabanka reserved forests. Most of the villages are in close vicinity of the forest and so blocks often complain of interference and lifting of small domestic animals in their area by the leopard. Elephants Elephants are frequently seen in small herds in the forests like Boula, Kalapat , Rebana , Atei and occasionally in Sidhamatha and Karo reserved forests. Though the herds move from place to place it seems they have a permanent habitat in Boula, Atei, Rebana and Kalapat. The elephants usually damage agricultural crops and create occasional havoc in the mining huts and in small villages in the periphery of the forest blocks. Bison (Gayala) Gayal herds are occasionally seen in Kalapat and Rebana reserved forests. Tease bisons are occasionally seen visiting neighbouring villages of Dhenkanal district. Sambara Sambaras are quite common in the hilly forest area and are more often seen in the Kalapat Rebana reserved forests. Spotted deer ( Harina ), Barking Deer (Kutra) and wild boar (Barha) are found throughout the district. Monkeys (Hanu and Pati) Monkeys are quite common and are seen in the valleys in the periphery of the reserved forest. There are no reports of wild dogs (Balia Kukura) but bears ( Bhalu ) are quite common in the area. The bears have created lots of problems and reports of bear-bite and fatal accidents caused by the bear are very common particularly during their breeding season and in the hot summer when mahula and mango are ripe. http://kendujhar.nic.in TribesThe Scheduled Tribes of Keonjhar district which totalled 4,99,657 in 1981 census increased to 5,95,184 in 1991 census thus registering a growth of 11.90% in a decade (1981–1991). As per 1991 census there were 46 Scheduled Tribes in the district. Out of these the principal tribes were Bathudi, Bhuyan, Bhumij, Gond, HO, Juang, Kharwar, Kisan, Kolha, Kora, Munda, Oraon, Santal, Saora, Sabar and Sounti. These sixteen tribes constituted 96.12 % of the total tribal population of the district. The Juangs claim to be the most ancient tribe and though they have become more modern in their way of life, there are still noticeable traces of aboriginal practices. The concentration of Scheduled Tribes is the highest in Keonjhar and lowest in the Anandapur Sub-Division. The majority of the Scheduled Tribes are in agricultural occupations or in mining, quarrying and other services. The literacy among the Scheduled Tribes was 15.25% in the 1981 census but it has increased to 24.89% in the 1991 census. This percentage is higher than the State average of 22.31% The spread of education and communication facilities and the implementation of various development projects have helped the Scheduled Tribes a lot to change their manners and customs to some extent. (http://kendujhar.nic.in) Kendujhar District is highly rich in mineral resources and has vast deposits of iron, manganese and chromium ores. About 30 percent of its total area is covered with dense tracts of forests. But the district in spite of its immense mineral and forest wealth is still economically backward. Kendujhar is one of the premier mineral producing districts in Odisha. The district occupies a prominent place in the mineral map of the Country. Iron ore formations occupy most part of the district which can be traced from the Jharkhand boarder in the north to the Jajpur boarder in the South. Extensive deposits of Manganese ore are found in Thakurani and Joda East hills of Barbil. Good deposits of Chromite, an important and strategic mineral are found in Boula area near village Nuasahi of Anandapur sub-division. There are also some other mineral deposits in the district such as Quartzite, Bauxite, Gold, Pyrophillite and Limestone. The two important mineral based industries in the district are the "Kalinga Iron Works" Barbil and the "Ferro-Manganese Plant",Joda. INDUSTRIESThe Kalinga Iron Works, BarbilThe Kalinga Iron Works was initially named as the Kalinga Industries in the private sector with technical collaboration of M/S. Fried Crupp of West Germany having one low shaft furnace with a capacity to produce 30000 M.T. of pig iron per annum. It was taken over by the Industrial Development Corporation of the Government of Orissa on 1 April 1963. It has since been named as “Kalinga Iron Worksâ€. Presently the Kalinga Iron Works produces 100000 M.T. of foundry grade pig iron by three low shaft furnaces. Besides, it has a power generating plant of its own which supplies power to the GRIDCO, Orissa to the extent of 2.3 M.W. This industry was running with a capital investment of Rs.1,011.27 lakh in 1985. At present 1,320 persons (both skilled and unskilled) are working in the unit. Under the diversification programme Kalinga Iron Works is also giving to undertake the production of Ductite Iron Spun pipes in close collaboration with TOR-STEEL and MECON. Ductite Iron Spun pipes have a tremendous marketing potential in foreign countries. Ferro-Manganese Plant, JodaThe Ferro-Manganese plant at Joda was taken over by the Tata Iron And Steel Co-Ltd. in December 1957. It was established with a capital investment of Rs.3000 lakhs in 1985. At present 391 employees are working in the unit. The plant is primarily meant for supplying Ferro-Manganese for TISCO's own plant at Jamshedpur. Three more medium industries have been set up in the district during 1983 as given below.
IPITATA, BileipadaA sponge iron factory in the name of IPITATA is under implementation by the Tata Iron and Steel Company in collaboration with the Industrial Promotion and Industrial Corporation of Orissa Ltd. at Beleipada. The capital investment of the factory is Rs.35 crores which provides employment to 375 persons. Charge Chrome, BrahmanipalA charge chrome factory is being set up at Brahmanipal. The capital investment of the factory is Rs.412 crores and it provides employment to 400 persons. The establishment of the mineral-based industries and factories paved the way for many small scale industries to grow in the district which are largely concentrated in the areas around Keonjhar, Barbil and Joda. Engineering and Metal based IndustriesThere are 53 small industries in the district employing 274 persons with an investment of 23.56 lakhs. Products- Automobiles spare parts, Fabrication work (steel furnitures), almirah, trunks, boxes, grills and steel metal products. Chemical and allied industries including Plastic industriesThese 48 industries are mostly concentrated at Keonjhar, Barbil and Ghasipura. There are 268 persons woring with capital investment of 30.79 lakhs. Products- Agarbati, Candles, bore-metal, battery plates, Lime powder, washing powder soap, spray paints. Agro and Marine-based IndustriesThese are mainly situated at Keonjhar, Jhumpura, Tara, Erendei and Saraskolla. The 242 industries have given employment to 893 persons with an investment of 86.96 lakhs. Products- Processing of paddy, wheat, oil seeds and bakery products. There are also many small industries found in the district as detailed below.
(http://kendujhar.nic.in/aboutkeon/adminf.htm) TourismKeonjhar, the district headquarters town, has varieties of attractions like Vishnu Temple, Jagannath Temple and on its outskirts the shrines of Siddha Jagannath, Siddha Kali and Panchabati amidst picturesque settings. Sitabinji, 30 km from keonjhar, on river Sita, is a place having ancient fresco painting on a rock shelter called Ravan Chhaya. Places to VisitKeonjhar district is a green land of panoramic beauties and a store house of mineral wealth. It offers a variety of attractions to the tourists which includes religious shrines, fresco painting, waterfalls and above all the exotic natural beauty. The terraced villages buzzing with the sweet melodies of the birds take the visitors to a dream land. The simplicity of the tribal folk mixed with the gaiety of their festivals can keep the visitors amused. A visit to the district will be an unforgetable experience. Ghatgaon : 50 kms. from Keonjhar on the National Highway No.215 towards Cuttack, the place is known throughout the state for the shrine of Goddess Tarini. Sitabinji : It is situated on the river Sita. The spot has gained prominence as a place having ancient freso paintings on a rock shelter called Ravan Chhaya which is like a half opened umbrella. The painting depicts a royal procession. It is 30 kms. from Keonjhar ( 23 Kms. on the Jajpur-Keonjhar Road upto Katrabeda and 7 Kms from there ). Badaghagara : It is 9 kms. from Keonjhar on NH-6 towards Sambalpur, it is yet another small ( 200 ft. high) but exiting waterfall. It is one of the most popular picnic spots of Keonjhar district. Sanghagara : It is 6 kms. from Keonjhar on NH-6 towards Sambalpur. It is a small (100 ft. high) and beautiful waterfall,suitable for outing. Kendujhargarh : Keonjhargarh, the District headquarters is famous for the Vishnu Temple. On its out-skirts are the shrines of Sidha Jagannath, Sidhakali and Panchabati amidts picturesque settings. Jhadeshwar Temple : It is famous for an old temple of Lord Shiva on the bank of River Baitarani near Ghasipura. In the month of March a famous festival called 'Baruni Jatra' is organized at this place. Deogaon (Kushaleswar) : On the River Kusei near Anandpur. The temple of Kushaleswar built in Cicra 900 AD is a famous centre of piligrimage. Once upon a time it was a flourshing seat of Buddhism. Even now a 5 feet high image of Abalokiteswar stands there as reminiscence of the Budhist activities in the past. Another important monument of the place is the stone embackment on the river which is the second of its kind in the state. Hadagarh : The Salandi River flowing between two high mountains and a dam built over it are the main attractions for the tourists. This place is at a distance of 119 km from Keonjhar. Gonasika : Situated at a distance of 45 km from Keonjhar, Gonasika hill is the source of the River Baitarani. Mruga Mahadev : A beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, is situated on picturesque Thakurani hill. It is situated in Champua subdivision and is 65 km away from Keonjhar. (http://www.indiatravelite.com/orissa/otdcpanthanivaskeonjhar.htm) Handibhanga : It is located near the town of Joda at a distance of about 65–70 km. from Keonjhar is famous for its waterfall. Gundichaghagi : It is a beautiful waterfall located near Ghatgaon. It is a beautiful Picnic Spot. Khandadhar : This waterfall is located 60 km north of Keonjhar and is famous for its natural beauty. Bhimkund : It is a beautiful natural water reservoir on the River Baitarani. It is located exactly on the boundary line between the districts Kendujhar and Mayurbhanj, at a distance of about 100 kms from Keonjhar. This reservoir is two storeyed which resulted into the formation of two waterfalls one above another. It is being told that, Bhima, the second Pandava had taken bath in this reservoir and hence it was named after him. (Source - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kendujhar_District)
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