KALAHANDI

KALAHANDI

About the district:-

     

           It is the south-western part of the state. Being a tribal area, It has good cultural heritage. Kalahandi is a historical destination with ruined forts and ruined bridges. Kalahandi is located on the confluence of Rivers Tel and Uttei. These two rivers are the tributaries of Mahanadi Belkhandi. Situated perfectly on the banks of the River Tel, there are many interesting places and places with historical significance in and around Kalahandi. This scenic town has many ancient temples showcasing the architectural and cultural excellence of the Indian community during 12th century. The 12th century monuments in Kalahandi add the value of the tourism in this region. It is well famous for its wild waterfalls.

 

HISTORY:-

 

                       In ancient time, it had a glorious past and great civilisation. One of the largest size axe of late stone age culture has been recovered from Kalahandi. In South – Asia it is believed that the lands of Kalahandi district and Koraput district were the ancient places where people started cultivation of paddy. In ancient time it was known as Mahakantara (meaning Great Forest) and Karunda Mandal, which means treasure of precious stones like karandam (Corundum/Manik), Garnet (red stone), Beruz, Neelam (Sapphire/blue stone). Manikeswari (the goddess of Manikya or Karandam) is the clan deity of Kalahandi may also signify its historical name. Kalahandi name became associated with backwardness and starvation death, which is known as "Kalahandi Syndrome". It was also famous for gemstones (types of gemstones). Its rich gemstone deposit included cat's eye, sapphire, ruby, garnet, crystal, topaz, moonstone, diamond, tourmoline, acquamarine, beryle and alexandrite etc.

 

GEOGRAPHY:-

 

                       Kalahandi lies in between 19.3 N and 21.5 N latitudes and 82.20 E and 83.47 E longitudes. The district headquarter is at Bhawanipatna which stands almost in the central location of the district. Bhawanipatna and Dharamgarh are two sub-divisions of Kalahandi. Junagarh, Jaipatna,Kesinga, Lanjigarh and Mukhiguda are other major towns in Kalahandi. Tel is the main river of Kalahandi. Other notably rivers are Indravati, Udanti, Hati, Utei, Sagada, Rahul, Nagabali, Mudra, etc. The topography of Kalahandi consists of plain land, hills & mountains. Kalahandi is surrounded by hills. Its border with Nabarangpur, Koraput, Rayagada and Kandhamal districts are hilly and mountainous.  The district is primarily agricultural, with over one third of the district area covered with dense jungle forest. Rainfall is decent over here. In summer temperature goes from 36 to 45 degrees Celsius.

 

                 

DEMOGRAPHY:-

 

                       According to the 2011 census Kalahandi district has a population of 1, 573, 054. So the district is ranked 317^th district among the 640 districts of India. The district has a population density of 199 inhabitants per square kilometre (520 /sq mi) . Its population growth rate over the decade 2001–2011 was 17.79%. Kalahandi has a sex ratio of 1003 females for every 1000 males, and a literacy rate of 60.22%.

 

 

ECONOMICS:-

 

                        Vedanta Alumina Limited (VAL), a subsidiary of Sterlite Industries, a major aluminium processor has made major investments by establishing a 1 MTPA Alumina Refinery and 75 MW Captive Power Plant at Lanjigarh. Due to surrounded by hills and wood, these are plays a major role to the economy of local inhabitants.

 

 

CULTURE:-

 

Kalahandi is a rich land in terms of culture and festivals. Since it is a melting point of southern Odisha and Western Odisha with a substantial tribal population, those living in hills as well as plain land, their different culture, tradition, languages and belief along with main stream Hindu culture have made Kalahandi region rich with culture and festivals. The mixture of Aryan and tribal culture makes Kalahandi region rich in its culture and festivals. The majority of the population are Hindu, a small minority being Christan, Muslim, Sikh, Budhist and Jain. 28% of the population are tribal people, who has the majority of the impact on the local customaries and influenced the dialect.

DANCE AND MUSIC:-                       

Kalahandi has the wide varieties of dance forms comprising tribal and non-tribal dance. Among the districts level in Odisha, it has the maximum dance form. Overall Kalahandi life is associated with music and dance. Some of the dance found in Kalahandi such as Dalkhai, Jaiphula, Rasarkeli, Sajani etc. have similarities with the dance form in Balangir, Sambalpur, etc. regions whereas Sari song, Pholia song, song related to nature etc. has similarities with Koraput region. However, Boria song, Nialimali, Kalakolik etc. mostly found in Kalahandi. On the other hand Ghumura, Madali, Dandari, Dhab, Bajasalia etc. folk form found in Kalahandi can be composed songs.

Ghumura dance is the folk dance of Kalahandi.

 

PLACES TO VISIT:-

 

                                  There are many option available for Kalahandi As far as the adventure, joy is concerned. The lush green landscapes and the breathtaking undulated hilly terrains attract the nature lovers and adventurous tourists to Kalahandi. So name of such places down there.

                            Junagarh : It is situated at a distance of 27 km. from Bhabanipatna. One can see the Odia rock edits of the Middle age at Junagarh.

Bhawanipatna : It is famous for the temple of the Goddess Minaskhi.

Karlapat : It is situated at a distance of 32 kms. from Bhabanipatna. The tourists can see the wild animals in the dense forest. The image of Goddess Kanduala attracts the pilgrims.

Khariar : It is famous for the Dhadhibamana temple.

Ambani : It is situated at a distance of 72 kms. from Bhabanipatna. The wild atmosphere attracts the tourists.

Belkhandi : It is situated at a distance of 50 kms. from Bhabanipatna .It is famous for the Shiva temple and the Museum containing the ruins. 

 

 

CUSINE:-

 

                    Cuisine of Kalahandi is mixture of Odia food and tribal food, so this adds the uniqueness to the local cuisine.

Lets start with veg food:-

1-      Potato and cauliflower curry, Potato curry, Fried brinjal,  rehel del, Mung del, chana del, badi jhol etc

Sweet:-

2-       Arsa Pitha, Podhpitha,  Sujimada, Tilladu, Khaja, Khajaladu, Pheni, Bundiladu,

Non veg:-

3-      Mach Purga, Main Mach, Besar Mach, Masla Mach. (mach/Fish)

4-      Maus fry, chicken curry, mutton curry.

 

CONCLUSION:-

                              Though it's a backward district but it is well developing.