In Search of Success

An unassuming letter from an Indian geologist, P N Bose changed the course of Tatas’ fortune. Bose had found rich deposits of iron ore in the state of Mayurbhanj, which was profitable, too as there were limestone and the coal fields in the nearby districts of Jharia and Raniganj. Moreover, the then Maharaja of Mayurbhanj was willing to extend his support too.

Srinivas Rao, an assistant to Weld, was sent to conduct the preliminary survey of the area. Once he confirmed Bose’s findings, the experts, Weld and Perin, reached Mayurbhanj. The tribal ironworkers of Mayurbhanj led the expedition through dense forests. Finally, in the majestic Gorumahisani hill a veritable treasure of iron ore, with an iron content of 60% was discovered.

The Gorumahisani hills are situated in the heart of the dense forest, hence the workers had to be located at a junction which would be close to the source of the three main materials -iron ore, coal and limestone. A place called Sini did match their requirements but the lack of water disqualified it, and the team had to move on.