Sundergarh
Two ex-States of Gangpur and Bonai merged with Orissa on 1st January, 1948 to form Sundargarh district. The “beautiful” district with about 43% of its total area under forest cover and numerous tribes dotting its landscape and with abundant mining potential stands true to its name.Consequent upon merger of the princely States in 1948. It is understood that the district comprised in ancient time, the territory of South Kosala. However, divergent views are available regarding the origin of the ruling family. But these ex-states were once under the suzerainty of Sambalpur which formed part of the dominion of the Marhata Rajas of Nagpur. They were ceded to the British Government in 1803 by the Marhata Chief RAghuji Bhonsla of Nagpur under the treaty of Deogaon. But they were restored to him by special engagement in 1806. They were finally ceded in 1826. In 1905, they were transferred from the control of the commissioner of Chhotanagur to that of Orissa and a separate Political Agent was appointed.
Geography
Geographically the district is not a compact unit and consists to widely dissimilar tracts of expansive and fairly open country dotted with tree-clad isolated peaks, vast inaccessible forests, extensive river valleys and mountainous terrain. Broadly speaking, it is an undulating tableland of different elevations broken up by rugged hil ranges and cut up by torrential hill streams and the rivers IB and Brahmani. The general slope of the distric5t is from North to South. Because of this undulating, hilly and sloping nature of landscape, the area is subject to rapid runoff leading not only to soil erosion but also to scarcity of water for both agriculture and drinking purpose.
The district lies in the north western sector of the State. It is bounded towards north by the Jharkhand State, to the south by Jharsuguda, Sambalpur and Deogarh districts, on the east and north-east by Keonjhar and Paschimi Singhbhum districts of Orissa and Jharkhand and on the west and north-west Raigarh district of Chhattisgarh. The district head quarter is located at Sundergarh.
This district is noted for its rivers Sankh, Koil and Ib. Sundaragarh district is famous for the imporant places like Rourkela, Vedavyasa, Monikmoda, Manindra Dam,Ghogar. It is rich with the resources like Steel Plant, Fertilizer Plant, Cement factory, Ferro Vanadium Plant, Machine building factory, Glass & china clay factory and Spinning mills., Chhatri Hill, Darjeeng, Ghogar, Junagarh, Khandadhar, Mandira, Miriglotah, Rourkela, Veda Vyasa etc are the places of tourist interest
Population
As per the 2001 India census, Sundargarh had a population of 40,943. The males constitute 51 percent of the population and the females constitute 49 percent of the population. The city has an average literacy rate of 75 percent which is higher than the national average of 59.5 percent. The male literacy is 80percent and female literacy is 69 percent. In Sundargarh, around 11 percent of the population is under 6 years of age.
Kisan Tribe are the major inhabitants on this district along with Oram, Gond etc. The are Farmers and Food gatherers by profession. They are famous for their Singing and Dancing along with their hospitality.They speak the kisan language along with Oriya, Hindi and English. Kutra is very well known Kisan Village. The Toppos are the main residents of this village. Kutra lies on the State Highway between Rourkela and Sundargarh.
FestivalsImportant fairs and festivals observed in different parts of the district are Shivaratri, Kartikapuja, Dasahara, Bhai Jiuntia, Ganesh Puja, Saraswati Puja, Makar Mela, Basanti puja, Raja , Chandan Jatra, Dola Jatra, Durga puja, Kali puja, Pana Sankranti Jatra, Snana Purnima,Ratha Jatra,Jhulen Purnima, Ramanabami Jatra, Laxmi Puja, Mahavisuba Sankranti, Rahas Purnima, Sitala puja.
Languages
The main language that is spoken in Sundargarh is kosli language,beside that Hindi and many tribals language are also there. Santhali and Sadri are the native language of the tribals residing here.Santhali is written in Al Chiki script and has also been recognized as an official language by The Government Of India. Every year an All India test is held in Santhali language which is equivalent to the 10th class exam.
Important Places
Rourkela: It is the modern industrial city of Orissa.The steel plant ,fertilizer plant, IndiraGandhi Park and zoo are the visiting places
Vedavyasa: Vedavyasa is the confluence of the river Sankara and river Koel. It is 8 kms from Rourkela . This place is Legenderily associated with Maharshi Vedavyasa ,the author of the epic Mahabharat. There is a Shiva temple at Vedavyasa.
Manikmoda: There are beautiful historic rock paintings in the cave .The paintings are of animals ,birds,humans ,hunting scene.This natural cave has water resourses in it.
Manindra Dam : It is situated at a distance of 32 km. from Rourkela .Boating on the river Sankha is of another attraction.
Ghogar: It is situated at a distance of 43 kms from Sundrargarh on the river lb. It is a picturesque picnic spot .
Khandadhar: Khandadhar waterfall is located amidst the forest of Sundergarh. The height of the fall is 800metres. The magnificient sight of the fall makes a great picnic spot. The spot is 114 km from Rourkela.
Darjeeng: A beautiful picnic spot surrounded with blue mountain, spring and dense forest.
Anil kumar mahakud
Mob:-09620043552
