Kendujhar district, also spelled Keonjhar district, is an administrative district in the northern part of the state of Odisha, India. The district takes its name from its headquarters town, Kendujhar (Keonjhar), and is known for its mineral-rich plateaus, dense forests, waterfalls, and significant tribal population.
Key facts
| Name | Kendujhar district (Keonjhar) |
|---|---|
| State | Odisha |
| Country | India |
| Headquarters | Kendujhar (Keonjhar) town |
| Region | Northern Odisha |
| Administrative divisions | Three subdivisions: Kendujhar Sadar, Anandapur, and Champua |
| Languages | Odia (official); tribal languages including Ho, Santali, Munda, and Bhumij |
| Known for | Iron ore and manganese mining, tribal culture, waterfalls |
Geography
Kendujhar lies on the eastern edge of the Chota Nagpur plateau, and its terrain is characterised by hills, plateaus, and forested tracts interspersed with river valleys. The Baitarani river is the principal river of the district, and several of its tributaries drain the region. The district shares boundaries with Mayurbhanj to the east, Jajpur and Dhenkanal to the south, Sundargarh and Anugul to the west, and the state of Jharkhand to the north.
Forests cover a substantial portion of the district and support a variety of wildlife. Notable natural attractions include the Sanaghagara, Badaghagara, and Khandadhar waterfalls, and the Gonasika hills, which are recognised as the source of the Baitarani river.
Administration
The district is divided into three subdivisions — Kendujhar Sadar, Anandapur, and Champua — which are further organised into tahasils and community development blocks. The district administration is headed by a District Collector and Magistrate. For policing, the district falls under a Superintendent of Police.
Kendujhar is part of the Kendujhar Lok Sabha constituency, which is reserved for Scheduled Tribes. The district sends representatives to the Odisha Legislative Assembly from constituencies including Kendujhar, Patna, Telkoi, Champua, Ghasipura, and Anandapur.
Demographics
Kendujhar has a high proportion of Scheduled Tribe population relative to many other districts of Odisha. Major tribal communities include the Bhuyan, Juang, Munda, Ho, Santal, Bhumij, Gond, and Kolha. The Juang and the Hill Bhuyan are recognised as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). Odia is the medium of administration and education, while several tribal languages are spoken in everyday life.
History
Before independence, the area corresponding to the present district was administered as the princely state of Keonjhar, ruled by the Bhanja dynasty. The state acceded to the Indian Union in 1948 and was merged with the province (later state) of Odisha. Kendujhar became one of the original districts of Odisha at the time of states' reorganisation. The region has historical associations with rebellions led by tribal leaders against feudal exactions, most notably the Bhuyan and Juang uprisings of the nineteenth century associated with figures such as Dharani Dhar Naik and Ratna Naik.
Economy
The economy of Kendujhar is dominated by mining, with the district being one of the leading producers of iron ore in India. Significant deposits of manganese, chromite, and other minerals are also found here. Public sector and private companies operate mines and beneficiation plants in the district, and mining royalties are a major source of revenue for the state government. The District Mineral Foundation (DMF) of Kendujhar is among the largest in the country.
Outside mining, the economy depends on agriculture, forestry, and small-scale industries. Paddy is the principal crop, supplemented by pulses, oilseeds, and vegetables. Non-timber forest produce, including kendu leaves, sal seeds, mahua, and lac, contributes to rural livelihoods. Handloom and handicrafts, including dhokra metal craft and tribal jewellery, are practised in parts of the district.
Transport
Kendujhar