Our Publications

Paper 3

The Cultural Landscape of Kendujhar and Environmental Consciousness

Continuity and Contribution to the Indian Knowledge System
Bharat (India) has a rich tradition of understanding and knowledge about how society interacts with nature throughout the ages. It is not surprising that many indigenous epics, religious rituals, and cultural practices, as well as popular stories and usages, have a strong connection to nature and the natural surroundings. The Kendujhar District (also known as Keonjhar) derives its name from “Kendu” (the India Ebony Tree) and “jhar” (meaning abundant streams of water). It has several traditions and practices that accentuate a profound understanding of nature. Sarhul, a celebration of nature, is celebrated in April (every month of Chaitra as the beginning of the new year). 
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Dharanidhar Nayak​

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.
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maa tarini

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.
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