Papers by Basanta K U M A R Mohanta
Asian Mirror, 2024
This article describes the settlement pattern of the Kharia tribe (a Particularly Vulnerable Trib... more This article describes the settlement pattern of the Kharia tribe (a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group) living in the Badampahar region of the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. To understand the cultural ecology of settlement patterns among the Kharia of this region and its changing dimensions, data were collected from four villages inhabited by them through direct observation and interview methods. Data demonstrate that the settlement and housing patterns of the Kharia people coexist with the local ecological resources. Rituals, omen and belief do influence their decision-making about the habitation and settlement. The state intervention, especially government housing schemes such as Indira Awas Yojana (AWY), Mo Kudia and Biju Pakka Ghara, although found to influence those behaviours, traditional beliefs and practices are still attached to their settlement pattern and continue to strengthen their community identity.
The Researchers’ - Volume X, Issue II, July-December 2024 ISSN : 2455-1503 International Research Journal (Double-blind peer-reviewed), 2024
This study explores the prehistoric site of Tirildihi, located near the Similipal Biosphere Reser... more This study explores the prehistoric site of Tirildihi, located near the Similipal Biosphere Reserve in Mayurbhanj, Odisha, India, through the analysis of 58 stone tools from the Middle and Upper Palaeolithic periods. The tools, predominantly flakes and scrapers, were collected from exposed surfaces and erosional slopes near the Machakandana Hill. The artifacts, made from various raw materials such as Black Chert, Grey Chert, Quartz, and Quartzite, are classified based on typology, technology, and raw material. Flaking is the primary technology used, and the majority of tools belong to the Upper Palaeolithic, reflecting advances in stone tool technology. The analysis indicates a preference for tools like flakes and scrapers, with specialized tools such as spearheads being rarer. The study also presents detailed measurements of tool dimensions and weight, revealing significant variability in size, which suggests a range of uses. The findings highlight the technological complexity of the Upper Palaeolithic period and the adaptation of prehistoric communities to their environment.
Agam Kala Prakashan, 2025
From the geomorphological situation and natural resources, it is clear that the present studied r... more From the geomorphological situation and natural resources, it is clear that the present studied region of northern Odisha in general and the Similipal Biosphere Reserve area in particular was a very suitable place for human habitation, right from the time of lower Palaeolithic period. The evidence of Palaeoliths, microliths and neolithic from the river basin shows the different stages of development of prehistoric cultures from the Pleistocene to the Holocene era. To adjust to nature the prehistoric denizens of this area had changed their tool types, manufacturing techniques, materials and use from time to time. The region's finding spots were basically preferring to the river sites for their habitation purpose. They were using the locally available rocks for making their hunting weapons as well as for their other daily use. Discovery of several open air microlithic sites near the outcrops close to the river Burhabalanga, Khadkai and their tributaries on one hand and in other discovery of a series of natural caves and rock shelters along with microlithic deposits of Burhaburi pahar, Bhangapahar and the rock paintings of Pakhanapahar indicate about the presence of a full-fledged Mesolithic culture in this region. Evidence of both the finished and unfinished Neoliths, flakes and chips indicate the local manufacturing centre for the neolithic artefacts in this area. The huge collection of Neolithic axes, adzes, chisels and ring stones reflects about the richness of the neolithic culture of the area. The shouldered axes from this region are very typical in nature, which can be able to correlate the cultural parallel with any Eastern Indian Neolithic sites. In support of these various types of evidence, it is clear that this small area of Odisha was occupied by different groups of people in different cultural periods since the early Pleistocene era. The recent discovery of copper axes from Chaulagheri as well as earlier collected copper double axes from Bahagrapir indicates the rich and developed knowledge system in the region during ancient times as well as the process of urbanization in this hinterland of northern Odisha in particular and the eastern India in general.
BB College, Baitanbadia, Mayurbhanj, Odisha, 2023
Centre for Similipal Studies, Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo Univeristy, 2024
Rapid loss of biological diversity is caused by overuse of natural resources and changing climate... more Rapid loss of biological diversity is caused by overuse of natural resources and changing climate as a result of global warming. The establishment of protected areas around the world, which is a crucial step in attempts to conserve biodiversity, is largely intended to stop additional extinctions of species by limiting human use of natural resources. The sixth largest biosphere reserve in the nation and a significant component of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves is the Similipal Biosphere Reserve (SBR) the State of Odisha in India. The growing human population, which directly depends on the reserve for its survival is putting increasing strain on the reserve at the moment. The study is going to discuss about the goal and gain a thorough understanding of the issues facing the SBR as well as to identify and examine several elements that affect how dependent the villages near the reserve are on the exploitation of non-timber forest products (NTFPs). The findings indicate that economically struggling communities and villages with more male residents will likely take more NTFPs from the reserve. NTFP extraction is more likely to be higher in transitional and buffer zone villages than in core zone villages. The solution to this issue is commonly regarded as creating appropriate and efficient local institutions that promote biodiversity conservation, livelihoods, and community behavior.
Kumsx x npstfcr 'ic'e-OatnreDnT g*3u :. r , rs h is x mucx af prer. p:easirr ircx toe Cmrt fur Su... more Kumsx x npstfcr 'ic'e-OatnreDnT g*3u :. r , rs h is x mucx af prer. p:easirr ircx toe Cmrt fur Sunilica Suitiin M 5nxrixxx 3hsnix 3rr 1hrvTrsrn .Sxxipaxx ;s :rrpnns:ni: x n*v-xx} BHi£?IlZ-I3:r ssxjnsanx \xnra2 Conference nr. '.A. 7'-r.\xrr:. a.A .Fjru-r rr SsmUipa* run Joi>.2C3 \rsdtcs n nmr. MririH is 11: rupees: disr-ir; re Odisna in terras of ns sxm itsvinx Brnuirru rr rx centre. The disnx: has ns r>vr: imr cultural tosrrr} anx xx>s ex irnprrtaxx roc rr ludizr tusur} . ctoru-r. and areharoory. it has to'-exsrftrx fem faum. nenra' rrsorrem. inrcnto. tor.'oir cxrx cuhare. The world-famous Mavurhhsiri Crnxw dunce unr Jmmu: sanEsenasr x mimr nf rrrnsaptue cubical herbage. After UK1 desnnattors ID xepirrr in 13 fcs: of tor o-ids Grrx'mr. Peaces of2C25. r. sm: rrrrr rmrr. both tar inland and abroad. 2>:f:rrr. places nr me district insure ix anx cxzx tor Sunilina tto? distort amoar tor 51 estxsurtourr ixsmrx that hxvr senfiranee in tons of tork nrm cultural. religious. arruarxsk-gim. enr tore romsn: xrr prmxD more popular dr} by dr} . The Sindirpn Biosphere Reserve is x piacr with rcr bixerversn} and wildlife-t is tor tmh nanrul hxrrjx in tor world ID rmrr. tor rare pegsuiadr known as tor black tinem Bradm. tor drvrrsrfiex plan: rrair. wairrlalm n: rs to centre of xxmxonx fox tourism Thr mem: visit of tor HOT"tor .toxaxr. of intox. Ntx Bmuxan Mtrrrr.: ID Armilipa! BiDspncrr Rrsrrvr in Me} 2125 Ernpi.frrx tor signrfnamrr of Sirniima rx indtox ip-xism Tnis 3iosphrrr Rrsmr has x drrci a* mdnrr. inmar. frorx pinna wrrrnmc rlmxiur cbm?r. mndrxnimiiDn, mrrsrnxiimiDX. nx.. uhixt nrrxs sprxÿl obsrrxatran. Brxiam as wt art ai x\\nrr. tor prrcmtogr of hghtotog-rriatrx dsatos :r. and around Snniiipal Biosnam Ikrsrrvr ts qunr inch. £\rr\ yejo, a sicnifixanl ntenber of sninuds and -viliacrrs. rrsidinf arounx tic Siiminal dir ate to this nxrxto cruse I hopr iha: tor ouixxenr of tois ccctfcraxe vih heir ic proirr. tor iivr: of tor \-ar.ous mantnadr and narura. toxioto Btstorr. it vdl hdp tor planners and poiitoTnahrxs ID drvtlop and p:»puianrr tor loins: cetrrs locsird IX anx arounx the SimilipaJ Biosphcrr Rrsent, and «-2J also help to gmrrair rrÿ rrr fir tnc po-.e ttatixens o' tic district norm »v I uould like to conprstuiatr tor crjaruzing cornmtriee fer selecting such t confeirner wiucr. is toe nerd of the tone, and wish great success. t -> it (Santosh Kumar 7 npato} m SU,UAM CIIANDUA IUIAN.IA DEO UNIVI USITY SUI K AfJTCI V m A n * vcrs ** y) NAA<-Arrrrillicil nhh CirM.l' c "A"
Agam Kala Prakashan, 2025
From the geomorphological situation and natural resources, it is clear that the present studied r... more From the geomorphological situation and natural resources, it is clear that the present studied region of northern Odisha in general and the Similipal Biosphere Reserve area in particular was a Prehistoric Archaeology of the Similipal Biosphere Reserve Region, Mayurbhanj, Northern Odisha very suitable place for human habitation, right from the time of lower palaeolithic period. The pieces of evidence of Palaeoliths, microliths and neolithic from the river basin shows the different stages of development of prehistoric cultures from the Pleistocene to Holocene era. To adjust to nature the prehistoric denizens of this area had changed their tool types, manufacturing techniques, raw materials and their use from time to time. From the findings spots of the region preferred the river sites for their habitation purpose. They were using the locally available rocks for making their hunting weapons as well as for their other daily use. discovery of several open-air microlithic sites near the outcrops close to the river Burhabalanga, Khadkai and their tributaries on one hand and in other discovery of a series of natural caves and rock shelters along
with microlithic deposits of Burhaburi pahar, Bhangapahar and the rock paintings of Pakhanapahar indicate about the presence of a full-fledged Mesolithic culture in this region. Evidence of both the finished and unfinished Neoliths, flakes and chips indicate the local manufacturing
centre for the Neolithic artifacts in this area. The huge collection of Neolithic axes, adzes, chisels and ring stones reflects the richness of the Neolithic culture of the area. The shouldered axes from this region are very typical, which can be able to correlate the cultural parallel with any Eastern Indian Neolithic sites. In support of these various types of evidence, it is clear that this small area of Odisha was occupied by different groups of people in different cultural periods since the time of the early Pleistocene era. The recent discovery of copper axes from Chaulagheri as well as earlier collected copper double axes from Bahagrapir indicates the rich and developed knowledge system in the region during ancient times as well as the process of urbanisation in this
hinterland of northern Odisha in particular and the eastern India in general.
Aayu Publications, 2016
All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval sys... more All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of the publisher.
Aayu Publications, 2020
All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval sys... more All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of the author/publisher.
Anthropos India oaie:cts like: leather, u)ood., metal, ceramic etc. These craft, products are eco... more Anthropos India oaie:cts like: leather, u)ood., metal, ceramic etc. These craft, products are eco-friendlg, cheap and durable. This article descibes uqrious tgpes of crafi objects prepared bg the Nara people alang uith t?eir methods of preparation and use. Since th.e first author of this article belongs to the studied ethnic group and region, it was easg to collect ttrc releuant data bg means of participant obseruation and interuieuts, The persanal experiences and knouledge of ttte first autlnr are also contributed a lot to make this uork more uteightg.
Crafts or handicrafts are multipurpose handmade items. The term craft is also used to refer to th... more Crafts or handicrafts are multipurpose handmade items. The term craft is also used to refer to the art of making handicrafts. Handicrafts vary across cultures, and usually they are grouped into several types based on materials employed in their manufacture. Basketry, pottery, wood crafts, and leather crafts are some of the traditionally made articles. Other types of crafts include textile and fiber crafts, paper crafts, silver crafts, plastic crafts etc., and usually they involve mechanized instruments. The art of craft making is handed down from one generation to another in a form of practical experience; and the skill of craft making is preserved through continuous practice and application by the communities. The Nara people - one of the small ethnic groups of western Eritrea (North East Africa) retain a bulk of age-old traditional crafts and still produce many of these crafts. They prepare different daily use household objects like: leather, wood, metal, ceramic etc. These craft products are eco-friendly, cheap and durable. This article describes various types of craft objects prepared by the Nara people along with their methods of preparation and use. Since the first author of this article belongs to the studied ethnic group and region, it was easy to collect the relevant data by means of participant observation and interviews. The personal experiences and knowledge of the first author are also contributed a lot to make this work more weighty.
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Papers by Basanta K U M A R Mohanta
with microlithic deposits of Burhaburi pahar, Bhangapahar and the rock paintings of Pakhanapahar indicate about the presence of a full-fledged Mesolithic culture in this region. Evidence of both the finished and unfinished Neoliths, flakes and chips indicate the local manufacturing
centre for the Neolithic artifacts in this area. The huge collection of Neolithic axes, adzes, chisels and ring stones reflects the richness of the Neolithic culture of the area. The shouldered axes from this region are very typical, which can be able to correlate the cultural parallel with any Eastern Indian Neolithic sites. In support of these various types of evidence, it is clear that this small area of Odisha was occupied by different groups of people in different cultural periods since the time of the early Pleistocene era. The recent discovery of copper axes from Chaulagheri as well as earlier collected copper double axes from Bahagrapir indicates the rich and developed knowledge system in the region during ancient times as well as the process of urbanisation in this
hinterland of northern Odisha in particular and the eastern India in general.
with microlithic deposits of Burhaburi pahar, Bhangapahar and the rock paintings of Pakhanapahar indicate about the presence of a full-fledged Mesolithic culture in this region. Evidence of both the finished and unfinished Neoliths, flakes and chips indicate the local manufacturing
centre for the Neolithic artifacts in this area. The huge collection of Neolithic axes, adzes, chisels and ring stones reflects the richness of the Neolithic culture of the area. The shouldered axes from this region are very typical, which can be able to correlate the cultural parallel with any Eastern Indian Neolithic sites. In support of these various types of evidence, it is clear that this small area of Odisha was occupied by different groups of people in different cultural periods since the time of the early Pleistocene era. The recent discovery of copper axes from Chaulagheri as well as earlier collected copper double axes from Bahagrapir indicates the rich and developed knowledge system in the region during ancient times as well as the process of urbanisation in this
hinterland of northern Odisha in particular and the eastern India in general.