Khunti District: A Historical and Scenic Gem
Area Overview:
Nestled in the heart of undulating terrain, Khunti District is a captivating region characterized by rolling hills, hillocks, and dense jungles, as depicted by the shaded areas on the map. The landscape boasts a mix of rocky, sandy, and red loam upland soils, with picturesque paddy fields dotting the depressions. The district’s topography gently slopes down towards the meandering streams. The majority of the land here falls within the altitude range of 500 to 700 meters (1,600 to 2,300 feet), with slight variations of up to ±200 meters in certain areas. In 2011, the district had a population density of 210 persons per square kilometer, with a predominantly rural population of 91.5%
Ancient History
According to the tradition of the Munda people, Setitia, the son of King Madra Munda of Chotanpur Maharaja, had eight sons. The eldest of these eight grandsons of Madra Munda migrated to the south of Ranchi. He founded a village called Khuntakti, which he named Khunti.
When the Mundas first went to Khunti and its neighborhood, they found part of the country occupied by Asuras and Turks. When the Mundas appeared physically with their country, Asuras and Turks were very scared. It is said that the Munda women of those times used to wear shiny jewelry that weighed as much as ten seats and the men could carry weights. Many Mundas to this day sing a couplet that describes how the Turks fled in terror when they saw the Mundas approaching with their many jewels shining in the sun. The Asuras went westward to Basiya, Pargana, and Nagara.
In another story, it is said that this place got its name from the mythological character Kunti in the Mahabharata. Kunti and her sons, the Pandavas, spent some time in this place during their fourteen-year exile. This ancient theory has brought fame and glory to Khunti.
Historical Significance:
Khunti District, a land with deep-rooted historical and cultural significance, is renowned for its association with Bhagwan Birsa Munda, a revered freedom fighter, religious leader, and tribal icon.
Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s Birthplace: Ulihatu
On November 15, 1875, the great Bhagwan Birsa Munda was born in the serene village of Ulihatu, which lies at the heart of Khunti District. His indomitable spirit and leadership continue to inspire generations. Remarkably, Bhagwan Birsa Munda is the sole tribal leader whose portrait graces the central hall of the Indian parliament, a testament to his enduring legacy.45
Dombari Buru: Witness to History
Nestled in close proximity to Ulihatu, the picturesque hill of Dombari Buru bears witness to a pivotal chapter in history. More than a century ago, this hill witnessed a transformation, as it turned crimson with the blood of sacrifice during Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s legendary ulgulan (rebellion) against the British colonial rule. This courageous act of resistance left an indelible mark on the district’s history and symbolizes the unwavering spirit of its people.
A Monument to Remember: Dombari Buru Incident
In commemoration of the historic Dombari Buru incident that transpired on January 9, 1900, Padmasri Dr. Ramdayal Munda and other illustrious individuals erected a monumental pillar. This remarkable structure stands as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made in pursuit of freedom and justice in Khunti District.
Khunti District stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty that defines this region. Its undulating landscapes, historic landmarks, and the enduring legacy of Bhagwan Birsa Munda make it a place of both historical significance and scenic charm.
President Droupadi Murmu visited Ulihatu village in Jharkhand to pay tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda on Janjatiya Gaurav Divas.
Here are some of the key points from the article in short form:
President Murmu visited Ulihatu village, the birthplace of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, a tribal freedom fighter.
She paid tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda and interacted with his family members.
She also addressed a Janjatiya Samagam in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh and spoke about the importance of tribal communities in India.
She said that tribal communities have a rich history of fighting for justice and equality.
She also said that tribal communities are important for the conservation of forests and natural resources.
She urged the government to take steps to develop tribal communities and improve their quality of life.
Waterfalls in Khunti:
RANI FALL
Rani Fall is a waterfall located on Khunti-Tamad road in Jharkhand. It is known for its slow river flow and sandbanks, making it safe for tourists. The falls are a series of large rapids with some small pools. There are also viewing platforms to enjoy the falls from above. The best time to visit is during the rainy season when the water levels are high.
Here are some more details about Rani Fall:
The waterfall is located 20 km from the district headquarters of Khunti.
It is situated on the Tajna River.
The falls are a series of large rapids with some small pools.
There are viewing platforms to enjoy the falls from above.
The best time to visit is during the rainy season when the water levels are high.
The falls are a popular tourist destination and offer a scenic escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Sure, here is the short version of the text about Perwaghagh Falls:
Perwaghagh Falls is a waterfall located in Khunti district, Jharkhand. It is 40 km from the district headquarters of Khunti. The road to the falls is through a forested area with a glimpse of hills. The falls are a series of cascading waterfalls with a clear water flow. The best time to visit is during the monsoons when the water levels are high.
Perwaghagh Falls
The falls are located at an elevation of 500-700 meters.
The water in the falls is clear and refreshing.
It is located 40 km from khunti The road to the falls is through a forested area with a glimpse of hills. However, the visitor has to walk some distance to reach the falls, because of the rough terrain
Panchghagh Falls is a waterfall located in Khunti district, Jharkhand. It is formed by the Banai River branching out into five streams. The falls are not very high, but the water flows rapidly and turbulently. The falls are a popular tourist destination, especially for picnics.
Panchghagh Falls,
In its bid to find its way through the hard and jagged terrain, the Banai River branches itself out in five different streams, generating ubiquitous singing rivulets through the cluster of rocks. Unlike jonha and hundru fall, Panchghagh’s water does not fall from great heights. Still, one can almost hear the roar of the water when one arrives near it, because all the five branched-out and swirling streams hit the rocks in a very turbulent manner. It’s a treat to watch and hear.
In spite of the presence of a large number of high waterfalls in the area, the Panchghagh Falls are a tourists preference for being viewed as the safest of all. The water falls from a lesser height, making it safe for tourists to enjoy in the rapid flow of water. Most of the people arrive here for picnic with family and friends.
Amreshwar Dham
Amreshwar Dham is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Khunti, Jharkhand. The temple is believed to have a Swayambhu Shiva Linga, which means that the Shivling is believed to have appeared on its own. The temple is also called Amareshwar Dham because the deity is said to have been worshipped by a mango tree.
The temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Shiva devotees, especially during the month of Sawan and on the day of Maha Shivaratri. The main Shivling in the temple does not have a roof over it, as Lord Shiva is said to have appeared in the dream of the person who was building the roof and asked him not to.
Here are some other details about Amreshwar Dham:
- The temple was built and maintained by Amreshvar Dham Prabandh Samiti.
- It is located on the Khunti-Torpa road NH-20 approximately 45 km from Ranchi, the capital city of Jharkhand, and 9 km from the district headquarters.
- The temple is also home to deities of Mata Parvati, Maa Durga, Lord Ganesh, Sri Ram, Sita Devi, Sri Lakshman, Lord Hanuman and Shri Radha Krishna.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates India’s First Solar-Powered Court
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first solar-powered court in Khunti district, Jharkhand on October 2, 2015. The court is located in the district headquarters and is equipped with solar panels that generate electricity to power the court’s operations.
In his address, Prime Minister Modi said that the inauguration of the solar-powered court is a step towards making the justice system more sustainable and environmentally friendly. He also said that the court is a symbol of India’s commitment to fighting climate change.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Governor of Jharkhand Draupadi Murmu, Chief Minister of Jharkhand Raghubar Das, Chief Justice of Jharkhand Virendra Singh, and other dignitaries.
The solar-powered court is a major milestone in India’s efforts to promote renewable energy. It is also a symbol of the government’s commitment to providing access to justice for all, regardless of their location or economic status.
Here are some additional details about the solar-powered court:
- The court is equipped with 720 solar panels that generate 180 kW of electricity.
- The electricity generated by the solar panels is stored in batteries and used to power the court’s operations.
- The court is expected to save about 120,000 units of electricity per year.
- The cost of setting up the solar-powered court was about ₹5 million.
The inauguration of the solar-powered court is a welcome step towards making the justice system more sustainable and environmentally friendly. It is also a symbol of India’s commitment to fighting climate change. I hope that more courts in India will follow this example and switch to solar power.
Jaipal Singh Munda, also known as Promod Pahan, was born on January 3, 1903, in the Khunti subdivision of the then Ranchi district of Bengal.
Jaipal Singh Munda was a leading figure in the Indian tribal movement and the struggle for Jharkhand statehood. He was also an international hockey player, a great leader, a visionary, and a scholar. He was known as Mard Gomke, which means “The Great Man,” and he was a champion of social justice for tribal people.
Dr. Jaipal Singh Munda was born in Ranchi, Jharkhand, India. He was a talented hockey player and was selected to captain the Indian hockey team at the 1928 Olympic Games in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The Indian team won the gold medal, and Jaipal Singh Munda was a national hero.
In 1936, Jaipal Singh Munda entered politics and later formed the Jharkhand Party. He worked tirelessly for the rights of scheduled tribes, and he is considered one of the most important figures in the history of tribal resistance in India.
