Dhenkanal: The 20th edition of Dhenkanl Heritage Walk in Odisha took around 20 participants on a visit to the magnificent Hindol Palace in the district.
The participants included students, researchers, historians and others. The event unfolded the palace’s rich history, offering insights into its architectural splendor, the struggles it has endured, and the fascinating timeline of the Hindol kings, who once ruled there.
While the King of Hindol could not join the walk due to prior commitments, he extended his best wishes to the participants. In his absence, the heritage enthusiasts had the privilege of interacting with his personal secretary, who narrated the palace’s culture, its historical significance and present status in details.
The walk uncovered numerous anecdotes highlighting the courage, vision and challenges faced by the rulers of Hindol. Participants heard the stories of resilience and legacy that continue to inspire admiration for the palace and its custodians.
“During our trip, we learned that the king had donated 1,600 double-blade swords to 1,600 Paika soldiers, making him the first ruler to recognise and honor their bravery. To this day, these swords remain with the respective families and are revered as sacred objects of worship,” said one of the participants.
The entire journey was documented through photographs and videos, capturing not only the architectural grandeur of the palace but also the enthusiasm and curiosity of the participants. To further the impact of this heritage walk, participating students were encouraged to write articles reflecting on their experiences and learnings.
These articles, along with the photographs taken during the event, will be published in a special magazine. The initiative aims at preserving the knowledge gained during the walk and sharing it with a wider audience.
The 20th DHW palace trail was led by Suresh Prasad Mishra. On their arrival at Hindol palace, social activist Ratikanta Gadanayak welcomed them. Among others, the event was attended by Cuttack Heritage Walks convenor Dipak Samantarai, Puri Heritage Walks convenor Biswaranjan Dehury, well-known photographers Kishore Bit and Hrudananda and students from Dhenkanal College.
