Kandhamal
Encyclopedia
Kandhamal is a district of the state
of Orissa
, India
. The district headquarters of the district is Phulbani.
On 23rd August 2008, Sri Lakshmananda Saraswati - a leader of the Viswa Hindu Parishad - was murdered by unidentified gunmen under mysterious circumstances. While Maoist rebels were intiailly blamed by the police, the Hindutva forces tried to portray the murder as the handiwork of Christian people. This was used as a pretext to organise large scale riots against the minority Christian community. The riots were also sought to be falsely portrayed as being between the Kandha tribes and the Pano Dalit communities. This was of course untrue and Christian members of the Kandha tribal community were also attacked. In April 2010, a special "fast track" court in Phulbani convicted 105 people. Ten people were acquitted due to lack of evidence.
It is currently a part of the Red Corridor
. Suspected Maoist
rebels detonated a roadside land mine
on 27 November 2010, blowing up an ambulance. A patient, a paramedic, and the vehicle's driver were killed.
The territory is rural, with scenic beauty such as waterfalls and springs, and also has a number of historical antiquities.
has a population
of 731,952 , roughly equal to the nation of Guyana
or the US state of Alaska
. This gives it a ranking of 497th in India (out of a total of 640
). The district has a population density of 91 PD/sqkm . Its population growth rate
over the decade 2001-2011 was 12.92 %. Kandhamal has a sex ratio
of 1037 females
for every 1000 males, and a literacy rate
of 65.12 %.
Most inhabitants belong to the Kandha tribes.
The Danda Nach is celebrated in the district mainly by tribals, especially Kondha and gond tribe. they observe this for thirteen days with sanctity. People go fasting for all the thirteen days who vowed for the particular boon or for grace. The festival starts from first April and closes on thirteenth day. The closing ceremony is called as "Meru". In the month of January Kondhs do Puja after harvesting in the villages as per their own convenience. This puja is called "Sisaa Laka". In the month of March they perform puja to get blessings from the village deity (Darni Penu) and "Saaru Penu" mountain deity to collect the mohua flower and green mangoes as well as the forest products. After offerings to the deity only they Collect the product as their food etc. In the month of April/may the offer the mohua flower in the form of cakes to village deity, this is called "Maranga Laka". On special occasions "Kedu Laka" is done depending on the requirement of the mother earth, which is decided by the village priest Locally called "Kuta Gatanju". After the sowing of the crops, to appease the mother earth puja is performed for good crop at the village deity by the priest calls "Jakera". This Puja is called "Bora Laka". This puja is done in the month of September/October. In the month of November/December new crop is collected and out of which Chuda and rice is prepared and made khiri which is offered to village deity and the villagers eat the new food. This same as the Nua Khai in the western part of Orissa.
Belghar is situated at a height of more than 2,000 feet (609.6 metres) above the sea level in Balliguda sub-division. It is connected by a road. The place is 70 km (43.5 mi) from Balliguda and 155 km from Phulbani.
The place is full picturesque scenery, mountains, forest and wild animals, especially elephants. It is believed to be homeland of Kutia Kandhas, who are considered to be the descendants of primitive inhabitants of the area. The place is having an Inspection Bungalow of Forest Department, which is built with wooden planks. It is lighted by solar power. Ushabali valley near the village is one of the rare beauty spots in this hilly region. Some times flocks of peacocks are seen by the roadside and haunted by wild elephants.
Chakapad is situated about 800 ft (243.84 m) from sea level in G. Udayagiri Tahasil. Lord Birupakhya (Siva) is the presiding deity of the area. The historical river Bhrutanga is flowing feature of the place is that, the trees all around and the Siva Linga inside the temple lean towards south.
Another temple dedicated to Lord Anandeswar and Jogeswar (Siva) is located near by one big fairies held here on the Sivaratri day. The place is situated in the midst of thick forest, abounds in beautiful natural scenery.
The arya Gurukula Ashram, Vedvyas, Sundargarh district has found an Asharam here, known as Banabasi Kalyan Ashram. The inmates are mostly Adivasi boys, who along with general and physical education are taught with Vedas and Scriptures. It is 70 km from Phulbani. The Ashram was established by one Swami Laxmananand Saraswati, a great seer who was popular among tribals for his work. He was killed by Naxalites on 23 August 2008.
Daringbadi
is situated at a height of about 3,000 ft (914.4 m) above sea level in Balliguda sub-division. It is 105 km (65.2 mi) from Phulbani. The place can be approached directly from Berhampur. The place is attractive in summer season due to its low temperature. Hill View point has been developed at Daringbadi where from a visitor could watch and enjoy the beauty of valley. Tourist complex has been built at Daringibadi for accommodation of the tourists. Vast patch of Coffee plantation attract a large number of visitors to Daringibadi all through the year.
Dungi is about 45 km from Phulbani situated on Phulbani-Berhampur road in G. Udayagiri Tehsil. This is the only archaeological site in Kandhmal district. There was one Buddha Vihar of 11th Century, after it is ruined, Siva temples have come up on the site, excavated during construction of new temples and are kept in the temple premises. One Buddha statue has been shifted to the Orissa State Museum, Bhubaneswar from the nearby area.
Jalespeta is about 127 km from Phulbani situated near Tumudibandh. Vedantakeshari Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati had established the Shakaracharya Kanyshram, a residential Sanskrit school tribal girls here. He was brutally killed there on Janmashtami day.
Kalinga valley is located 48 km away from Phulbani, the district headquarters on Phulbani – Berhampur road. The valley is near to Dashpalla. The valley is famous for silviculture garden and medicinal plant cultivation. The silviculture garden has rubber trees and human thick bamboo plants. The garden has pleasant aroma, which refreshes body and mind.
Ludu is located about 100 km (62.1 mi) from Balliguda in Kotagarh Block and 185 km from Phulbani. It is situated in dense forest inhabited by wild elephants. One fair weather road is leading to the side via Subarngiri. There is a waterfall 100’ (30.5m) high.
Mandasaru Kuti is about 100 km from Phulbani in Raikia Block. There is an old church on the outskirts of the village, surrounded by mountains. Nearby is a mountain gorge.
Pakadajhar is about 30 km from Phulbani town near the village Sudrukumpa situated on Phulbani-Boudh road in Phulbani Tahasil. There is one waterfall of 60’ height in natural forest background. One good road is leading to the site from Sudrukumpa. With recent development of the destinations a lot of tourists haunt the place for picnic from early November to end of February.
Putudi is 18 km from Phulbani town with a waterfall of 100 feet (30.5 m) height, situated in dense forest. The roaring sound of water fall with dense forest all around creates a thrilling sensation to the mind of visitors. One good road is leading to the side. The waterfall is on the river Salunki and excellent shooting spot.
Rushimal is situated about 8 km from Daringibadi near the village Tamangi in Kattingia G. P. A group of hills known as Rushimal hills from which originates river Rushikulya. At the source there is a small reservoir known as “Rushikunda” and above the hill top a cave known as “Rushigumpha”. The place is famous for Baruniyatra.
Urmagada is 17 km from Phulbani town on Phulbani-Gochhapada road in Phulbani Tahasil. The waterfall is of 50’ height, situated in a dense forest. One fair-weather road is leading to the site.
211 km (131.1 mi). There is an airstrip at Gudari
5 km from Phulbani town for landing small planes and helicopters.
The nearest railway station is Rairakhol
, on the Sambalpur
– Bhubaneshwar line, which is 99 km from Phulbani. However Berhampur
165 km (102.5 mi) away from Phulbani is another convenient rail link. One could conveniently make Phulbani the district headquarters/ Balliguda, the sub-divisional headquarter as the base for visiting the places of interest.
By road, Kandhamal can approached from Sambalpur via Baudh (170 km, 106 miles) and Berhampur (165 km) as well as from Bhubaneshwar via Nayagarh (210 km, 130 miles). It is 170 km (105.6 mi) away from Bolangir.
While there are no dedicated tourist buses to the places of interest in the district, taxis may be hired at Phulbani or Balliguda.
named Mahaveer Youth Association is located at Tikabali
working towards development of rural people and organising various youth development programs. It also performs various activities like Blood Donation Camp, Free Help services, plantation, Sanitation Programs, Sports camps and Public awareness programs. It is awarded by the Red cross Society of India and honoured by the MLA Phulbani Mr. Devendra Kanhar. It seeks further cooperation and involvement of dynamic youths for proceeding the noble activities.
States and territories of India
India is a federal union of states comprising twenty-eight states and seven union territories. The states and territories are further subdivided into districts and so on.-List of states and territories:...
of Orissa
Orissa
Orissa , officially Odisha since Nov 2011, is a state of India, located on the east coast of India, by the Bay of Bengal. It is the modern name of the ancient nation of Kalinga, which was invaded by the Maurya Emperor Ashoka in 261 BC. The modern state of Orissa was established on 1 April...
, India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
. The district headquarters of the district is Phulbani.
History
The Kandhmal district was created on 1 April 1993 from the former Boudh-Kandhmal district as a result of district reorganization in the state of Orissa.Communal unrest and insurgency
On 25 December 2007, unrest broke out between Christians and Hindus and Kandha tribe and Pana caste people.On 23rd August 2008, Sri Lakshmananda Saraswati - a leader of the Viswa Hindu Parishad - was murdered by unidentified gunmen under mysterious circumstances. While Maoist rebels were intiailly blamed by the police, the Hindutva forces tried to portray the murder as the handiwork of Christian people. This was used as a pretext to organise large scale riots against the minority Christian community. The riots were also sought to be falsely portrayed as being between the Kandha tribes and the Pano Dalit communities. This was of course untrue and Christian members of the Kandha tribal community were also attacked. In April 2010, a special "fast track" court in Phulbani convicted 105 people. Ten people were acquitted due to lack of evidence.
It is currently a part of the Red Corridor
Red corridor
The Red Corridor is a term used to describe an impoverished region in the east of India that experiences considerable Naxalite communist insurgency...
. Suspected Maoist
Naxalite-Maoist insurgency
The Naxalite-Maoist insurgency is an ongoing conflict between Maoist groups, known as Naxalites or Naxals, and the Indian government.In 2006 Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called the Naxalites "The single biggest internal security challenge ever faced by our country."...
rebels detonated a roadside land mine
Land mine
A land mine is usually a weight-triggered explosive device which is intended to damage a target—either human or inanimate—by means of a blast and/or fragment impact....
on 27 November 2010, blowing up an ambulance. A patient, a paramedic, and the vehicle's driver were killed.
Geography
The district lies between 83.30° E to 84-48° E longitude and 19-34° N to 20-54° latitude. The district headquarter is Phulbani located in the central part of the district. The other popular locations are Baliguda, G. Udayagiri, Tikabali and Raikia.The territory is rural, with scenic beauty such as waterfalls and springs, and also has a number of historical antiquities.
- Area 8,021 km².
- Altitude 300 to 1100 meter
- Rainfall 1597 millimetres (62.9 in)
- Climate Minimum temperature (December) 1 °C (33.8 °F); maximum temperature (May) 35 °C (95 °F)
Demographics
According to the 2011 census2011 census of India
The 15th Indian National census was conducted in two phases, houselisting and population enumeration. Houselisting phase began on April 1, 2010 and involved collection of information about all buildings...
has a population
Demographics of India
The demographics of India are inclusive of the second most populous country in the world, with over 1.21 billion people , more than a sixth of the world's population. Already containing 17.5% of the world's population, India is projected to be the world's most populous country by 2025, surpassing...
of 731,952 , roughly equal to the nation of Guyana
Guyana
Guyana , officially the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, previously the colony of British Guiana, is a sovereign state on the northern coast of South America that is culturally part of the Anglophone Caribbean. Guyana was a former colony of the Dutch and of the British...
or the US state of Alaska
Alaska
Alaska is the largest state in the United States by area. It is situated in the northwest extremity of the North American continent, with Canada to the east, the Arctic Ocean to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, with Russia further west across the Bering Strait...
. This gives it a ranking of 497th in India (out of a total of 640
Districts of India
A district is an administrative division of an Indian state or territory. Districts are further subdivided, in some cases into Sub-Divisions, and otherwise directly into tehsils or talukas.District officials include:...
). The district has a population density of 91 PD/sqkm . Its population growth rate
Family planning in India
Family planning in India is based on efforts largely sponsored by the Indian government. In the 1965-2009 period, contraceptive usage has more than tripled and the fertility rate has more than halved , but the national fertility rate is still high enough to cause long-term population growth...
over the decade 2001-2011 was 12.92 %. Kandhamal has a sex ratio
Sex ratio
Sex ratio is the ratio of males to females in a population. The primary sex ratio is the ratio at the time of conception, secondary sex ratio is the ratio at time of birth, and tertiary sex ratio is the ratio of mature organisms....
of 1037 females
Women in India
The status of women in India has been subject to many great changes over the past few millennia. From equal status with men in ancient times through the low points of the medieval period, to the promotion of equal rights by many reformers, the history of women in India has been eventful...
for every 1000 males, and a literacy rate
Literacy in India
Literacy in India is key for socio-economic progress, and the Indian literacy rate grew to 74.04% in 2011 from 12% at the end of British rule in 1947. Although this was a greater than sixfold improvement, the level is well below the world average literacy rate of 84%, and India currently has the...
of 65.12 %.
Most inhabitants belong to the Kandha tribes.
- Language OriyaOriya languageOriya , officially Odia from November, 2011, is an Indian language, belonging to the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European language family. It is mainly spoken in the Indian states of Orissa and West Bengal...
and Kui (tribal language of KhondsKhondsKhonds, or Kandhs are an aboriginal tribe of India, inhabiting the tributary states of Orissa and Srikakulam, in the Visakhapatnam districts of Andhra Pradesh. Their main divisions are into Kutia, or hill Khonds and plain-dwelling Khonds; the landowners are known as Raj Khonds. They are hunter...
)
Festivals
The people of Kandhmal celebrate all the Hindu Oriya festivals.The Danda Nach is celebrated in the district mainly by tribals, especially Kondha and gond tribe. they observe this for thirteen days with sanctity. People go fasting for all the thirteen days who vowed for the particular boon or for grace. The festival starts from first April and closes on thirteenth day. The closing ceremony is called as "Meru". In the month of January Kondhs do Puja after harvesting in the villages as per their own convenience. This puja is called "Sisaa Laka". In the month of March they perform puja to get blessings from the village deity (Darni Penu) and "Saaru Penu" mountain deity to collect the mohua flower and green mangoes as well as the forest products. After offerings to the deity only they Collect the product as their food etc. In the month of April/may the offer the mohua flower in the form of cakes to village deity, this is called "Maranga Laka". On special occasions "Kedu Laka" is done depending on the requirement of the mother earth, which is decided by the village priest Locally called "Kuta Gatanju". After the sowing of the crops, to appease the mother earth puja is performed for good crop at the village deity by the priest calls "Jakera". This Puja is called "Bora Laka". This puja is done in the month of September/October. In the month of November/December new crop is collected and out of which Chuda and rice is prepared and made khiri which is offered to village deity and the villagers eat the new food. This same as the Nua Khai in the western part of Orissa.
Places of interest
Balaskumpa is a village in this south-east of Kandhmal (Phulbani) Sub-Division situated 20-25’N and 84-21’ at the confluence of two hill streams which combine to form Pilla Salki river. The village contains a shrine, Baraladevi, the presiding deity of Kandhamal. The goddess is worshipped every year in the bright fortnight of Aswin (Sept-October). It is 15 km (9.3 mi) from Phulbani district headquarters, connected by a good road.Belghar is situated at a height of more than 2,000 feet (609.6 metres) above the sea level in Balliguda sub-division. It is connected by a road. The place is 70 km (43.5 mi) from Balliguda and 155 km from Phulbani.
The place is full picturesque scenery, mountains, forest and wild animals, especially elephants. It is believed to be homeland of Kutia Kandhas, who are considered to be the descendants of primitive inhabitants of the area. The place is having an Inspection Bungalow of Forest Department, which is built with wooden planks. It is lighted by solar power. Ushabali valley near the village is one of the rare beauty spots in this hilly region. Some times flocks of peacocks are seen by the roadside and haunted by wild elephants.
Chakapad is situated about 800 ft (243.84 m) from sea level in G. Udayagiri Tahasil. Lord Birupakhya (Siva) is the presiding deity of the area. The historical river Bhrutanga is flowing feature of the place is that, the trees all around and the Siva Linga inside the temple lean towards south.
Another temple dedicated to Lord Anandeswar and Jogeswar (Siva) is located near by one big fairies held here on the Sivaratri day. The place is situated in the midst of thick forest, abounds in beautiful natural scenery.
The arya Gurukula Ashram, Vedvyas, Sundargarh district has found an Asharam here, known as Banabasi Kalyan Ashram. The inmates are mostly Adivasi boys, who along with general and physical education are taught with Vedas and Scriptures. It is 70 km from Phulbani. The Ashram was established by one Swami Laxmananand Saraswati, a great seer who was popular among tribals for his work. He was killed by Naxalites on 23 August 2008.
Daringbadi
Daringbadi
Daringibadi is a hill station in Orissa state of eastern India. It is widely known as "Kashmir of Orissa", situated at a height of 915 m in Kandhmal district,the place is gifted with natural bounties including pine jungles, coffee gardens and beautiful valleys.Daringbadi is the only place in Orissa...
is situated at a height of about 3,000 ft (914.4 m) above sea level in Balliguda sub-division. It is 105 km (65.2 mi) from Phulbani. The place can be approached directly from Berhampur. The place is attractive in summer season due to its low temperature. Hill View point has been developed at Daringbadi where from a visitor could watch and enjoy the beauty of valley. Tourist complex has been built at Daringibadi for accommodation of the tourists. Vast patch of Coffee plantation attract a large number of visitors to Daringibadi all through the year.
Dungi is about 45 km from Phulbani situated on Phulbani-Berhampur road in G. Udayagiri Tehsil. This is the only archaeological site in Kandhmal district. There was one Buddha Vihar of 11th Century, after it is ruined, Siva temples have come up on the site, excavated during construction of new temples and are kept in the temple premises. One Buddha statue has been shifted to the Orissa State Museum, Bhubaneswar from the nearby area.
Jalespeta is about 127 km from Phulbani situated near Tumudibandh. Vedantakeshari Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati had established the Shakaracharya Kanyshram, a residential Sanskrit school tribal girls here. He was brutally killed there on Janmashtami day.
Kalinga valley is located 48 km away from Phulbani, the district headquarters on Phulbani – Berhampur road. The valley is near to Dashpalla. The valley is famous for silviculture garden and medicinal plant cultivation. The silviculture garden has rubber trees and human thick bamboo plants. The garden has pleasant aroma, which refreshes body and mind.
Ludu is located about 100 km (62.1 mi) from Balliguda in Kotagarh Block and 185 km from Phulbani. It is situated in dense forest inhabited by wild elephants. One fair weather road is leading to the side via Subarngiri. There is a waterfall 100’ (30.5m) high.
Mandasaru Kuti is about 100 km from Phulbani in Raikia Block. There is an old church on the outskirts of the village, surrounded by mountains. Nearby is a mountain gorge.
Pakadajhar is about 30 km from Phulbani town near the village Sudrukumpa situated on Phulbani-Boudh road in Phulbani Tahasil. There is one waterfall of 60’ height in natural forest background. One good road is leading to the site from Sudrukumpa. With recent development of the destinations a lot of tourists haunt the place for picnic from early November to end of February.
Putudi is 18 km from Phulbani town with a waterfall of 100 feet (30.5 m) height, situated in dense forest. The roaring sound of water fall with dense forest all around creates a thrilling sensation to the mind of visitors. One good road is leading to the side. The waterfall is on the river Salunki and excellent shooting spot.
Rushimal is situated about 8 km from Daringibadi near the village Tamangi in Kattingia G. P. A group of hills known as Rushimal hills from which originates river Rushikulya. At the source there is a small reservoir known as “Rushikunda” and above the hill top a cave known as “Rushigumpha”. The place is famous for Baruniyatra.
Urmagada is 17 km from Phulbani town on Phulbani-Gochhapada road in Phulbani Tahasil. The waterfall is of 50’ height, situated in a dense forest. One fair-weather road is leading to the site.
Transport
The nearest airport is at BhubaneswarBhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar is the capital of the Indian state of Orissa, officially Odisha. The city has a long history of over 2000 years starting with Chedi dynasty who had Sisupalgarh near present-day Bhubaneswar as their capital...
211 km (131.1 mi). There is an airstrip at Gudari
Gudari
Gudari may refer to:*Gudari, Rayagada, a town in Rayagada District, Orissa, India*Euzko Gudarostea, an army commanded by Basque Autonomous Community...
5 km from Phulbani town for landing small planes and helicopters.
The nearest railway station is Rairakhol
Rairakhol
Rairakhol is a town in Sambalpur district, Orissa, India.Ideally situated beside NH 42 in a tranquil secluded and sylvan surrounding having atmosphere of idyllic charms aesthetic and spiritual appeal.-Location:National Highway 42 passes through Rairakhol...
, on the Sambalpur
Sambalpur
Sambalpur is a city in Sambalpur district in the Indian state of Orissa.It lies at a distance of 321 km from the state capital Bhubaneswar. In the year 1876, Sambalpur was established as a municipality. It is currently the headquarters and the largest city of Sambalpur district. It is also...
– Bhubaneshwar line, which is 99 km from Phulbani. However Berhampur
Berhampur
Brahmapur , nicknamed "The Silk City", is a city located in the eastern coastline of Ganjam district of the Indian state of Orissa, about south to state capital, Bhubaneswar.It is also dubbed as "The Dance City" of Orissa after Prince Dance Group and Harihar Das made the state famous in India's...
165 km (102.5 mi) away from Phulbani is another convenient rail link. One could conveniently make Phulbani the district headquarters/ Balliguda, the sub-divisional headquarter as the base for visiting the places of interest.
By road, Kandhamal can approached from Sambalpur via Baudh (170 km, 106 miles) and Berhampur (165 km) as well as from Bhubaneshwar via Nayagarh (210 km, 130 miles). It is 170 km (105.6 mi) away from Bolangir.
While there are no dedicated tourist buses to the places of interest in the district, taxis may be hired at Phulbani or Balliguda.
Health facilities
There are five hospitals:- District Headquarters Hospital, Phulbani.
- Government Hospital, Balliguda
- Government Hospital, G. Udayagiri.
- Government Hospital, Tikabali.
- Government Hospital, Daringibadi.
Club activities
A youth clubYouth club
A youth club or youth social club is a place where young people can meet and enjoy activities such as football, soccer, basketball, table tennis, or video games, and other religious, sports activities are frequently sponsored by a community center....
named Mahaveer Youth Association is located at Tikabali
Tikabali
Tikabali is a small town in Kandhamal district, a central district of Orissa state in India. The tribal town having an approximate population of 10,000 is famous for Turmeric trading. As a business centre it's economy is boomed and boosted by A.M.C.S. a co-operative society helping tribal people...
working towards development of rural people and organising various youth development programs. It also performs various activities like Blood Donation Camp, Free Help services, plantation, Sanitation Programs, Sports camps and Public awareness programs. It is awarded by the Red cross Society of India and honoured by the MLA Phulbani Mr. Devendra Kanhar. It seeks further cooperation and involvement of dynamic youths for proceeding the noble activities.