Khunti is the headquarters of Khunti district in the Indian state of Jharkhand. The place was named after Maharani Kunti of Mahabharata. According to legend the five Pandavas along with Kunti had spent time here during their year of anonymity.
Administration of Khunti
Until 2007 Khunti remained as the sub-division of Ranchi district but on September 12, 2007, it was carved out as the 23rd district of Jharkhand. It now comprises of one sub-division and six blocks.
Economy of Khunti
The economy of Khunti revolves around agriculture and forestry. It is the chief source of livelihood of the tribal living in the Khunti sub-division. The area receives high rainfall that exceeds 1100 millimetres. There are numerous small rivers, rivulets and streams, which carry water up to the month of February or March. Inspite of this there is dearth of water that results from inadequate water harvesting infrastructures.
The area is famous for the Lac cultivation. Huge part of India`s total lac production comes from this area. Lac, a natural polymer is produced by a tiny insect, Kerria lacca (Kerr). This is thus cultured on shoots of several species of trees, mainly palas, kusum and ber. This agricultural profession of lac cultivation is a subsidiary source of income for a large number of families in the area.
Tourism in Khunti
There are many tourist spots situated in Khunti that are visited by many tourists:
Angrabadi Temple
Angrabadi temple situated in the lap of calm and peaceful atmosphere is worshipped by many devotes. Sage Shankaracharya Swami Swarupananda Saraswathi had renamed the temple as Amreshwar Dham. The presiding gods of the temple are Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesh, Lord Rama, Sita and Lord Hanuman.
Deer Park
The Deer Park is located amidst pictorial surroundings, with beautiful gardens. The park is adorned with well laid pathways and playing parks for children. The park has arrangements for safari ride for its tourists.
Panchghagh Falls
Panchghagh Falls is located in the scenic village of Khunti. It is a beautiful place with five beautiful cascaded in a row. The foot of the falls serves a good picnic spot. Tourists can also enjoy bath under the gushing water. The place is often visited by tourists for its majestic beauty and calm atmosphere.
