An Odyssey with Keonjhar
An Odyssey with Keonjhar
From the geological and anthropological viewpoint, Keonjhar has remained an enigma in the annals of history, not because of its hoary past and antiquity but because of its vast stockpile of mineral wealth and natural resources. In ancient times, administratively, the princely state of Kendujhar was a part of the old Khijjinga territory with its headquarters at Khijjingakotta which is identified with modern khiching in the erstwhile state of Mayurbhanj. The state got separated in 1128 AD and King Jyoti Bhanj became the king where he made Jyotipur as the capital. It is also known that, Jyoti Bhanj apprehending future incursions shifted his capital to a safer place and built a fort near a perennial spring (Jhara) which had originated from the foot of a ebony (Kendu) tree. Etymologically the word Kendujhar has neen derived from these two words I,e, Kendu means the ebony tree and Jhara means the spring, thus creation of Kendujhar. Further, according to Cobben-Ramsay, in later phases the name of the State of Kenduhhar was colloquially corrupted and more popularly pronounced as Keonjhar.
Wedged between Jharkhand in the north, Mayurbhanj and Balasore in the east, Jajpur and Dhenkanal in the South and Dhenkanal and Sundergarh in the west, this piece of land has more than many reasons to spellbind and attract a sizeable quantity of nature lovers and tourists from fare and near. Encircled by gene clad woods and sky lined lofty mountains at the backdrop, along with enormous bewitching destinations scattered through the length and breadth of Keonjhar, this region is a perfect haven for pure nature lovers and utilitarian researchers either of holidaying or for recreation. This land on unexplored myths and legends provides an ideal gateway for each and every tourist to get lost in the midst of verdant reclusion and rejuvenate the body its eco-friendly environment, lush green forest and rich biodiversity are unhindered and untouched by the onslaught of modern civilization.
Through the ravages of time, Koenjhar has enriched the myriad cultural heritage of Orissa in a multifarious way, much of which still lies in oblivion and little has come to lime light. When we talk about the mosaic of tourism efflorescence, Keonjhar is simply breathtaking and magnificent. The tourism treasures ranging from temples, caves, inscriptions and monuments, a salubrious climate, verdant valleys, towering mountains, captivating waterfalls, sprawling forests and above all presence of a large and innumerable variety of flora and fauna are to reckon with, which are a gift of God. The inhabitants dourly own much to this. The spectacle of serenity, tranquility and pristine environment for which it is best known has a tale to tell, not yet been explored the way it should have been. In totality these tourism strength have been a permanent doze of attraction and has been camouflaging the tourists, both domestic and foreign alike. Against this backdrop Koenjhar deserves a special definition in the tourism lexicon of Orissa in particular and Indian in general.
The abundant natural bounties of Koenjhar are irresistible and one would vow to visit this alluring paradise on earth not once but again and again. The people are extremely humane, generous and immensely hospitable. To add to its potentiality, this region has the proud privilege of possessing the largest deposit of mineral resources in Asia in the form of Iron ore, Manganese Ore and Chromites Ore. Sensing huge natural resources and mineral potential, with great fuss, one may aptly call it as the “Ruhr of India.”
Since the dawn of human civilization, it is seen that, rivers are revered with great devotion and stand as object of holiness with lot of rituals attached to it. The sacred river of Baitrani in the very heart of Kendujhar has been the cradle land for political development and lifeline for a flourishing culture and civilization. The river has been nurturing the lofty mountains and high lands in the northern region to the valleys and low land in the southern - agriculturally and economically. It symbolizes a cultural synthesis of the past with the sophisticated modernity of the present. The greatness of the river lies with the fact that wherever the river has flown, it has created innumerable number of pilgrimage centers and has been the abode to numerous God and Goddess. The cultural efflorescence developed in this region is truly intrinsic and as old as the human civilization.
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