Gonasika Research Foundation
Ideation, Research, Dialogue & Dissemination
Introducing Us
Gonasika Research Foundation (hereafter, GRF) is a recently created research organisation in Kendujhar district of Odisha. It intends to undertake selected multi-disciplinary research initiatives on various issues affecting humanity at large.
These carefully crafted research initiatives will introduce knowledge products such as commentaries, peer-reviewed, refereed articles, monographs, occasional papers and books as key knowledge deliverables.
The Big Idea
Knowledge Knows No Boundary
Latest Publication
Gonasika Paper Series, No 1, 08 June 2025
Maa Tarini Peetha of Kendujhar
Sacred Confluence of Tribal and Mainstream Religious Traditions of Odisha
The paper explores the evolution of Saktism in Odisha, focusing on Maa Tarini of Ghatgaon, Kendujhar, one of the most revered aniconic mother goddesses in the eastern Indian religious landscape. It highlights how Shakti Peetha, such as Ghatgaon, has evolved into supra-regional pilgrimage centre with the help of word-of-mouth traditional transmission , ritual performances, poetic hagiographies and the continued heritage custodianship of tribal priestly families.
Forthcoming Publication
Gonasika Paper Series, No 2, July 2025
Dharanidhar Nayak
The Forgotten Flame of Kendujhar
This paper chronicles the life and legacy of Dharanidhar Nayak (1864-1944), a Bhuyan tribal leader from Kendujhar (Keonjhar), Odisha, whose leadership in Kendujhar rebellion of 1891 was known as the Dharani Meli and it represents one of the earliest organized uprisings in Eastern India against princely despotism and British colonialism. The study positions Nayak as a critical, though neglected, figure in India’s freedom struggle, particularly from the tribal region that is often overlooked in national narratives.
Forthcoming Publications
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Why Support GRF?
In-depth and impartial studies require dedicated scholarships, engaged consistently for longer period of time. Knowledge products, as a consequence, necessitate reasonable amount of financial and material resources for survival and excellence. We, at GRF, intend to produce knowledge products that are free from any kind of interest-driven financial support. We sincerely believe that best quality knowledge products can be delivered, only if, supported by generous citizens and entities, who are free-spirited and genuinely interested in encouraging noble efforts.
We accept donations in Indian Rupees and from verifiable sources only.
Forthcoming Publications