Wa0003.

THE Odisha
HISTORY
A Material Crafted by Odisha Preps
For OPSC OCS Prelims & Mains

Salient Features
1. Aligned with Mains syllabus

2. To the point & revision friendly content
3. Pictures to make history interesting
4. Prelims & Mains Previous year Questions
Editors Note
It is with immense gratitude and a profound sense of accomplishment that we
present this material to you, dear readers. We extend our heartfelt thanks to
our dedicated team of scholars who toiled tirelessly to make this endeavor
possible.
Their unwavering commitment to gathering accurate and comprehensive
information has culminated in the creation of this resource, designed to assist
aspirants like you in your pursuit of knowledge.
The primary intention behind this book is to provide you with high-quality
content presented in a lucid manner.
We understand the importance of concise, point-wise representation to aid
in easy memorization and the retention of essential information. Our aim is to
simplify complex concepts and historical facts, making them accessible to all
those who seek to expand their understanding of the Odisha’s Glorious Past.
We owe a debt of gratitude to the great historians who dedicated their
lives to unraveling the mysteries of our past. Their contributions have
illuminated our understanding of our State’s history, and we are deeply
appreciative of their efforts.
The data contained in this book has been meticulously sourced from
various standard materials and information available in the public domain. Our
sole purpose in compiling this content is to provide assistance to aspirants on
their educational journeys. We wish to emphasize that this book is not intended
for commercial gain, but rather to serve as a valuable educational resource.
The images used in this material are solely for illustration purposes, and
no detailed research has gone into their creation.
We want to clarify that no copyright infringement is intended, and they
have been included solely to enhance the learning experience for aspirants
We hope that this material proves to be a valuable companion on your

OPSC journey and we are proud to be a part of that journey. Thank you for
entrusting us with the privilege of assisting you in your quest for excellence.
- Team Odisha Preps

ODISHA HISTORY SYLLABUS
PRELIMS
MAINS (OFFICIAL)
❖MAINS SYLLABUS DECODED BY ODISHA PREPS

A. Kalinga War and its significance
B. Dynastic History of Odisha:
✓ Mahameghavahan Kharavela,
✓ The Bhauma Karas and
✓ The Somavamsis,
✓ The Gangas and
✓ Gajapatis.
C. Early Resistance Movements in Odisha-
✓ Paik Rebellion,
✓ Vir Surendra Sai and the Revolt of 1857.
D. Creation of Odisha Province.
E. Freedom Movement and Praja Mandal Movements in Odisha;
F. Social bases of Odia Nationalism;
G. Integration of Princely States in Odisha;
H. Social reform movements in Odisha.
THE PYQs
MAINS PYQ
2021
1. Would it be correct to say that the people of Odisha continuously rebelled
against British domination? Comment. (10 marks)
2. Maratha domination over Odisha in the second half of the 18th century left
the people dissatisfied even while it regenerated the culture. Comment. (10
marks)
2019
1. Kuntala Kumari Sabat, a disciple of Gandhi, made sure that women were to
take part in Independence Movement. Examine. (5 marks)
2. Laxman Nayak was a martyr of Freedom Movement. Justify. (5 marks)
3. Societies were created for socio-cultural awakening. Discuss about Cuttack
Debate Club (1868) or Utkala Brahmo Samaj (Cuttack, 1869). (5 marks)
4. What is the 'Black Pagoda'? Explain its legend. (10 marks)
2018
1. Role of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose in India's Freedom Struggle. (5 marks)
2. Role of Gopabandhu Das in the Non- Cooperation Movement in Odisha. (5
marks)
3. Contribution of Sarala Devi to the struggle for India's independence in
Odisha. (5 marks)
4. Brahmo Movement in Odisha. (5 marks)
2017
1. Utkalmani Gopabandhu Dash and the Non- Cooperation Movement. (5
marks)
2. Harekrushna Mahatab and the integration of Princely States in Odisha. (5
marks)
3. Brahmo Samaj in Odisha. (5 marks)
4. Satyabadi School (10 marks)
2016
1. Role of Rama Devi in the Non-Cooperation Movement in Odisha. (5
marks)
2. Contribution of Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati Dev to the
formation of separate province of Odisha. (5 marks)
3. Bhoodan Movement in Odisha. (5 marks)
4. Mahima Dharma. (5 marks)
2015
1. Contributions of Subhash Chandra Bose to India's Freedom Movement.
(5 marks)
2. Role of Gopabandhu Das during Non- cooperation Movement in Odisha.
(5 marks)
3. Contributions of Madhusudan Das to social, political and economic
development of Odisha. (5 marks)
PRELIMS PYQ
2021
2019
2017
Topper’s Review
This pdf will be helpful in your preparation. To the point concept is
given which will be helpful to frame answers ..it will be a value
addition to your preparation. Within less time you can cover many
things .
Smruti Soumya Dash (OAS)
OCS 2020 – rank 67
I highly recommend this book on Odisha history. It offers a lucid and reader-
friendly narrative, making complex topics easily understandable, almost like
well-crafted handwritten notes. This book is an invaluable resource for aspiring
students and a must-read for anyone preparing for upcoming exams in the field Prakash Kumar Parida
of Odisha history.
OCS 2021 – Rank 240
The major problem in preparing odisha history part for opsc cse aspirants is that it's
content is scattered in various books. This book has solved this problem by
assembling the complete syllabus at one place in a lucid and comprehensive way
.The best part of this book is the content are represented in a point wise format . So
that these contents can be directly reproduced in the mains examination. I am sure ,
Rituparna Mishra aspirants will be greatly benefited from this book and it will be a great value addition
OCS 2021 – Rank 93 towards the journey of civil services preparation
The Odisha History Material prepared by Odisha Preps is an Amazing source for
the upcoming prelims as well as mains of OPSC , Catering to the portion of
Odisha History in the Syllabus . There is no extra need to search for this portion
in different books or internet as it is an alternative for those things . Odisha from
ancient period to being a separate province , aspirants can see the flow of the
events which can help them to better understand and visualize the whole thing
,which will help them in better retention . Adyasha Swain
It’s a great initiative by Odisha preps for which I Congratulate them . OCS 2021 – Rank 144
Many Congratulations to OP team for this material covering Odisha history as

per the syllabus of OPSC . The content is arranged very systematically in crispy
notes.
The most important aspect of this material is it is structured as mains answers ,
covering all aspects of possible questions . I believe it will help aspirants for
Nibedita Biswal reading and revising Easily
OCS 2021 – Rank 153
History, being one of those subjects which require a lot of cramming, poses the
challenge of retention as well as revision for civil service aspirants. Since
Odisha History has been added more comprehensively to the syllabus, it will
not be wise to neglect it. So, the need is to have a crisp description of the
topics in a structured way. I believe this book serves that purpose and is
helpful in last-minute revision. The contents of this book are structured in an
easy-to-grasp way, including the Previous years’ Questions and pictures. I Adyasha Rout
believe this would be helpful for the aspirants. OCS 2021 – Rank 186
1
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Content
1. KALINGA UNDER THE MAURYA RULE .................................................................................. 3
2. MAHAMEGHAVAHANA AIRA KHARAVELA........................................................................ 11
3. THE BHAUMA-KARAS ............................................................................................................... 23
4. THE SOMAVAMSI ....................................................................................................................... 35
5. GANGA DYNASTY ...................................................................................................................... 46
6. THE SURYAVAMSI GAJAPATIS ............................................................................................... 58
7. RESISTANCE MOVEMENT IN THE .......................................................................................... 72
NINETEENTH-CENTURY: ................................................................................................................. 72
THE PAIK .............................................................................................................................................. 72
REBELLION ......................................................................................................................................... 72
8. THE REVOLT OF SURENDRA SAI ............................................................................................ 84
9. FREEDOM MOVEMENT ............................................................................................................. 95
IN ORISSA ............................................................................................................................................ 95
10. CONTRIBUTION OF MADHUSUDAN DAS, GOPABANDHU DAS, KRUSHNA
CHANDRA GAJAPATI, RAMA DEVI, SARALA DEVI AND MALATI DEVI ............................ 113
11. THE PRAJAMANDAL MOVEMENT .................................................................................... 131
AND ..................................................................................................................................................... 131
THE MERGER OF PRINCELY STATE IN ORISSA ........................................................................ 131
12. FORMATION OF SEPARATE ORISSA PROVINCE: .......................................................... 146
ROLE OF KRUSHNA CHANDRA NARAYAN DEO ...................................................................... 146
13. SOCIAL REFORMS IN ORISSA DURING THE BRITISH RULE ....................................... 155
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3
1. KALINGA UNDER THE

MAURYA RULE

4
Syllabus points covered in the Chapter

• CAUSES OF KALINGA WAR
• RESULTS OF KALINGA WAR
• CRITICAL ANALYSIS
• NATURE OF POLITY IN KALINGA DURING ASOKA’S

INVASION
• ADMINISTRATION OF KALINGA UNDER ASOKA

5
INTRODUCTION
The Kalinga War was a major event in the life of Asoka. It occurred in 261 B.C., eight
years after his coronation. Kalinga was a powerful kingdom that had been independent
of Magadha for many years. Asoka's father, Bindusara, had not conquered Kalinga
because he was too interested in wine and philosophy. Asoka felt his duty was to
conquer Kalinga and unite it with his empire. The war was very bloody and resulted in
the deaths of many people
CAUSES OF THE KALINGA WAR

Political Cause
• The Magadhan empire during Asoka had surrounded Kalinga in the north, west, and
south.
• The existence of Kalinga on the border of Magadha was definitely a threat to the power
and potentiality of the latter.
Economic Cause
• Kalinga monopolized the overseas trade in the Indian Ocean and gained vast wealth.
Her wealth also increased from inland trade.
Commercial Cause
• In commerce, Kalinga was a great rival of Magadha.
• Important trade routes from the Gangetic Valley to the Deccan and further south passed
through Kalinga facilitating her trade and commerce.
Religious factor
• Perhaps, religion was a potential factor for Asoka's Kalinga invasion.
• Before the Kalinga War, Asoka was a devout Saiva. Though it is difficult to ascertain
what was the prevalent form of religion in Kalinga, with a tolerable degree of certainty,
it can be stated that Buddhism and not Brahmanism (Saivism) prevailed in Kalinga.
Asoka might have decided to wage a holy war against Kalinga to teach the Buddhists a
lesson.

6
RESULTS OF THE KALINGA WAR
Change in Asoka's mind

• Asoka was deeply remorseful of the suffering
caused by the war.
• He became a follower of Buddhism and adopted a
more peaceful and benevolent rule.
• He promoted the spread of Buddhism throughout his
empire and to other parts of the world.
Growth of art, architecture, and literature

• The Kalinga War led to a period of great artistic and cultural
achievement in the Mauryan Empire.
•
• Asoka commissioned the construction of many stupas and
other monuments and promoted the use of Pali as a common
language.
• This helped to unify the empire and spread Buddhist ideas.
•
Completion of Magadhan Imperialism

• The annexation of Kalinga marked the completion of Magadhan imperialism.
• Kalinga became the fifth province of the empire, and Asoka ruled it with love and
affection.
• This showed that Asoka had changed from a conqueror to a benevolent ruler.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF ASOKA’S CHANGE

Asoka's pacifism
• Asoka is often portrayed as a pacifist who renounced violence after the Kalinga War.
• However, some historians argue that Asoka's pacifism was not genuine.
• They point to the fact that he maintained a large army and continued to wage war
against his enemies.

7
Asoka's diplomacy
• Asoka was a shrewd diplomat who was always looking to
protect his empire.
• He may have used his newfound interest in Buddhism as a
way to gain the support of his subjects and to make his empire
more unified.
Asoka's realism
• Asoka was a realist who knew that war was sometimes
necessary.
• He may have been willing to use violence to achieve his
goals, but he also believed in the power of peace and
compassion.
Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether they
believe Asoka's change was genuine or not. There is no clear
consensus among historians on this issue.
THE NATURE OF POLITY IN KALINGA DURING ASOKA’S

INVASION
The type of government that existed in Kalinga is still a mystery. Either it had a
Monarchy (Ruled by a King or Queen), or a Democratic system (Where common
people have a say in decision-making).
Evidence for Republic Government in Kalinga

Rock Edict II of Asoka
• Rock Edict II of Asoka suggests that there was a democratic
setup in Kalinga.
The decision of Asoka not to conquer the frontier of
Kalinga
• Asoka did not conquer the entire Kalinga and was satisfied
with the conquest of the coastal Kalinga leaving the Atavika
kingdom intact.
• This suggests that there were other kingdoms or tribal areas in
Kalinga that were not conquered by Asoka.
• These other kingdoms or tribal areas may have formed a confederacy.

8
• Asoka applied ‘BHEDANITI’ to conquer the frontier of Kalinga. He took the people of
the Atavika kingdom into confidence and had a secret pact with them and defeated the
chiefs of the coastal area and did not invade the territory of these tribal groups of the
Atavika kingdom.
• Indirectly, this provides a clue that there was a democracy in Kalinga.
Rock Edict XIII

• Rock Edict XIII shows the absence of the Kalinga’s king’s name, which suggests that
they might have a government known as “SAMGHA”, which contains multiple rulers
suggesting a democratic system.
The prevalence of monarchy in Kalinga

• The Maha Govinda Suttanta of Digha Nikaya very well describes Kalinga as one of the
monarchical states with six other contemporary states like Assaka, Avanti, Sovira,
Videha, Anga and Kasi.
• From the time of the Mahabharata War till the rule of Mahapadmananda in Magadha,
Kalinga was a monarchical state based on a paternal conception.
• Around 350 B.C. Kalinga was annexed to the Magadhan empire during the period of
Mahapadmananda and taking the chance of the revolt against Dhanananda by Kautilya
and Chandragupta the Kalingans, perhaps, slipped away from the fold of Magadhan
imperialism and were independent till their land was conquered by Asoka in 261 B. C.
Evidence For Monarchy in Kalinga

Pliny's description
• Pliny’s description of Kalinga as a kingdom with a powerful army.]]]]
Raghuvamsam
• Kalidasa’s Raghuvamsam, which addresses the king of Kalinga as Mahodadhi Pati
(Lord of Ocean).
Arthasastra
• Kautilya's Arthasastra, which does not mention any form of government other than
monarchy in Kalinga.
Rock Edict XIII
• The fact that Asoka did not mention the name of the king(s) of Kalinga in his Rock
Edict XIII.

9
The anecdote of Karuvaki

• The anecdote regarding Karuvaki, suggests that the king of Kalinga had a son who
wanted to marry her.
Hatigumpha inscription
• Kharavela's Hatigumpha inscription, which mentions that he brought back Kalinga Jina
from Magadha, suggests that Jainism was the religion of the state in Kalinga before
Kharavela.
•
Conclusion
It is difficult to ensure that either the government is democratic or monarchical, but
based on most of the evidences, Kalinga was most likely ruled by a king or Monarchy
during Asoka’s time.
ADMINISTRATION OF KALINGA UNDER ASOKA

The administration of Kalinga under Asoka was based on the principles of peace, non-
violence, and Buddhism.
Appointment of Viceroy and Ministers

• Asoka appointed a prince of royal blood as Viceroy to look after the administration of
Kalinga.
• He also appointed a body of ministers to aid and advise the Viceroy.
• This was done to ensure that the administration of Kalinga was carried out in a fair and
just manner.
Appointment of Dharma Mahamatras
• Dharma Mahamatras were appointed to promote Buddhism in Kalinga.
• They were also responsible for spreading the message of peace and non-violence.

10
• Their appointment shows that Asoka was keen to promote Buddhism in Kalinga, even
after the Kalinga War.
Paternal Concept of Kingship
• Asoka believed that he was a father to his subjects.
• He wanted to ensure that they were happy and prosperous.
• This is evident from his statement in the Dhauli Edict, where he says that he wants his
subjects to be happy in this world and the next.
Administration with a religious tinge
• Asoka wanted to put a religious flavor into his administration.
• This was done to promote peace and harmony in the kingdom.
• He also wanted to make sure that his subjects were morally upright.
Well-organized bureaucracy
• Asoka appointed a well-organized bureaucracy to help the Viceroy in Kalinga.
• This bureaucracy was responsible for carrying out the day-to-day administration of the
province.
• It ensured that the laws were implemented and that the people were kept safe and
secure.
The motive of Asoka's administration in

Kalinga
Asoka was a complex ruler who was both benevolent
and coercive. He wanted to be seen as a father to his
people, but he was also willing to use force to maintain
his authority. His administration in Kalinga was initially
successful in pacifying the people, but it ultimately
failed to prevent them from rebelling.

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11
2. MAHAMEGHAVAHANA
AIRA KHARAVELA

12

• HATIGUMPHA INSCRIPTION
• EARLY CARRER OF KHARAVELA
• ACHIEVEMENTS OF KHARAVELA FROM FIRST TO

THIRTEEN REGNAL YEARS
• ESTIMATE

13
INTRODUCTION
After the Kalinga War, Orissa's history becomes
unclear. A significant source of information about this
period comes from the Hatigumpha inscription found
at Udayagiri in Bhubaneswar. This inscription talks
about Kharavela, a powerful king, who defeated the
rival kingdom of Magadha and expanded Kalinga's
territory. Kalinga prospered greatly under his rule. The
Hatigumpha inscription's details are supported by
excavations at Sisupalagarh near Bhubaneswar and
figures in caves at Udayagiri. Kharavela's time is
considered a golden period in ancient Orissan history,
marked by prosperity and pride for Kalinga.
HATIGUMPHA INSCRIPTION
• The Hatigumpha inscription was discovered in 1820 by A. Starling.

• It is written in Brahmi script and Prakrit language.
• Some portions of the inscription are damaged, which led to different interpretations of
its facts.
• In 1964, Prof. N.K. Sahu gave a new interpretation of the inscription in his book Utkal
University History of Orissa Vol-l.
• Prof. K. C. Panigrahi also analyzed the inscription and gave his critical views.
• The inscription provides a detailed account of the career and achievements of Kharavela
in a chronological sequence.

14
• It is the only inscription in India that describes so vividly and consistently the career
and achievements of a ruler.
• Some of the key achievements of Kharavela mentioned in the inscription:
1. He conquered many kingdoms, including Magadha, Kalinga, and Kosala.
2. He defeated the army of the Satavahana king, Gautamiputra Satakarni.
3. He performed many religious and charitable acts.
4. He built many temples and other public works.
EARLY CAREER OF KHARAVELA
Kharavela and Chedi dynasty
• Kharavela was the third ruler of the Cheti or Chedi dynasty.

• The country of the Chedis roughly corresponds to the modern Bundelkhand.
• Its capital was Sotthivatinagara which is probably identical with Suktimati of the
Mahabharata.
• The founder of this dynasty was Mahameghavahana, descendant of ancient Chedi
monarch Vasu identified with Vasu Uparichara of the Mahabharata.
• He was the grandfather of Kharavela.
• Kharavela's father is not mentioned in the Hatigumpha inscription.
Kharavela's early life
• The first fourteen years of Kharavela's life were spent in games befitting a young
prince.
• He received proper education in literature, coinage, mathematics, law, and
administration.
• He ruled as crown prince for nine years.
• At the completion of his twenty-fourth year, he was crowned Maharaja of Kalinga.
Kharavela's reign
• Kharavela was a great conqueror and expanded the boundaries of his kingdom.
• He defeated the armies of the Satavahanas, the Andhras, and the Magadhas.
• He was also a great patron of art and culture.
• He built many temples and other public works.

15
ACHIEVEMENTS OF KHARAVELA
First Regnal Year
• Kharavela's first year of reign was marked by significant actions.

• Repaired Kalinganagari's gates, ramparts, and structures damaged by a cyclone.
• Constructed embankments for clear-water pools and fixed damaged gardens and parks.
• Expenditure of 35,000,00 coins (currency).
• Corroborated by Sisupalagarh excavation: defensive ramparts, gateways, high towers
found.
• His actions made his people glad and cheerful.
Second Year
• Kharavela was an ambitious ruler who wanted to expand the boundaries of his
kingdom.
• He knew that the Satavahanas were a powerful dynasty in the Deccan.
• He dispatched a large army to the Deccan, led by his general, Mahapadma.
• The Kalinga army marched up to the river Krishna and besieged the city of Asika, the
stronghold of the Satavahanas.
• The battle was fierce, but the Kalinga army was defeated.
• It is possible that Kharavela was captured and taken prisoner.
• The battle of Asika is mentioned in the Hatigumpha inscription, but the outcome is not
clear.

16
• The identity of Satakarni is not mentioned in the inscription, but it is likely that he was
Satakarni I.
• The evidence is inconclusive, but it is more likely that Kharavela was defeated.
• The defeat at Asika was a setback for Kharavela, but it did not crush his ambition.
• He continued to expand his kingdom and conquer other territories, including Magadha
and Kosala.
Third Year
• In his third regnal year, Kharavela organized various performances of dance and music,
both vocal and instrumental.
• He also arranged ceremonials and social gatherings in which feast and merrymaking
were part.
• The Hatigumpha inscription mentions that Kharavela was proficient in all arts of music
and dance.
• This is supported by the scene from Ranigumpha which shows a dance and song
program.

17
• There are two possible explanations for this:

1. Kharavela may have won the battle that he fought with Satakarni 1 of Deccan in
his second regnal year and arranged such performances to celebrate the victory.
2. He may have done it in order to instil joy in the minds of the people of Kalinga,
in general, and his army, in particular, to forget the discomfiture at the hands of
3. Satakarni so that the army would regain the mental strength again for further
conquest.
Fourth Year
• In his fourth regnal year, Kharavela mobilized his army and marched towards the
Deccan again.
• He conquered the territories of the Rathikas and Bhojakas, which lie respectively to the
south and north of Nasik region.
• The Rathika and Bhojaka chiefs were defeated and forced to pay obeisance to
Kharavela.
• The intention of Kharavela in crushing the Rathikas and Bhojakas was to weaken the
Satavahanas.
• It is possible that the Rathikas and Bhojakas had helped the Satavahanas in the previous
war against Kharavela.
• By conquering their territory, Kharavela was able to further weaken the Satavahanas
and increase his own power.
• It is also possible that the widow queen Nayanika, who had assumed power after the
demise of Satakarni I, surrendered herself to Kharavela along with her two sons.
• This would have further weakened the Satavahanas and made it easier for Kharavela to
conquer their territory.

18
Fifth Year
• Kharavela's benevolent rule reflected in his fifth regnal year.

• In his fifth regnal year, he extended a canal that had been built by a Nanda king for the
purpose of irrigation.
• This shows that he was
concerned about the well-being of
his people and wanted to improve
their lives.
• There is some controversy

over the identity of the Nandaraja
mentioned in the Hatigumpha
inscription.
• Some historians believe that
he was Asoka, while others believe
that he was Mahapadma Nanda.
• This is because Mahapadma Nanda was a whimsical and oppressive ruler, and it is
unlikely that he would have undertaken such a benevolent project as building a canal.
• Asoka would not have been referred to as "Nanda" in the inscription, as the Mauryan
dynasty was well-known at that time.
Sixth Year
• In his sixth regnal year, Kharavela remitted taxes and benevolences both in urban and
rural areas of his kingdom.
• This shows that the treasury of Kharavela was overflowing with wealth.
• As a benevolent ruler, he took up this task of remitting taxes to his beloved subjects to
win their hearts.
Seventh Year
• In this specific year of Kharavela's reign, he became a father.

• His chief queen, referred to as 'the queen of Vajiraghara,' gave birth to a son.
• This was a great source of joy for Kharavela, who had no other children.
• It also ensured the continuation of the royal lineage.

19
Eighth Year
• In his eighth regnal year, Kharavela led an expedition to the north and attacked
Rajagriha, the capital of Magadha.
• He devastated Gorathagiri, a hill fort near Rajagriha.
• His triumph at Rajagriha created fear among the Yavanas who were then in occupation
of Mathura.
• The Yavanas had planned to attack Magadha, but they fled away from Mathura when
they heard of Kharavela's exploits.
• The Yavanas ruler, whose name is read doubtfully as "Dimita" or "Dimata", might be
Demetrius or Minandar.
• Kharavela reached Mathura and drove the Yavanas away from that place.
• He brought a branch of the sacred Kalva Vriksha with leaves.
• He distributed the wealth among the households, Brahmins, Shramanas, Arhats, etc.,
that he had brought from Mathura.
Ninth Year
• In his ninth regnal year, Kharavela distributed the wealth gained from his exploits
among the Brahmins and Arhats of his empire.
• This was a way of showing his gratitude to them for their support.
• He also built the 'Great Victory Palace' (Mahavijaya Prasadam) in order to
commemorate his victory.
• The palace was built at a cost of 38,000,000 coins.
Tenth Year
• In his tenth regnal year, Kharavela, who was the embodiment of the principles of
politics, diplomacy and peace, directed the army towards North India for conquest.
• However, the result of this campaign is obscure.
Eleventh Year
• In his eleventh regnal year, Kharavela ploughed Pithunda, a place established by his
ancestors, with a plough driven by asses.
• This was a symbolic act of humility and submission to the gods.

20
• It also showed that he was a wise and prudent ruler who was not afraid to show
weakness in order to achieve his goals.
• In the same year, Kharavela fought a severe war against the Tamil confederacy.
• The Tamil confederacy consisted of the Cholas, Pandyas, Keralaputras, Satyaputras and
Tamraparni.
• Kharavela defeated the Tamil confederacy and secured from its members jewels, pearls
and precious stones as a symbol of allegiance.
Twelfth Year
• In his twelfth regnal year, Kharavela led a campaign towards the north with a vast army.
• He proceeded upto north-west India and compelled the Indo-Greek rulers for
submission.
• He encamped on the river bank of the Ganges and his elephants and horses drank water
from the river.
• This sight struck fear in the mind of the Magadhan people.
• Bahasatimita (Brihaspatimitra), the king of Anga and Magadha, surrendered at the feet
of Kharavela without waging any war.
• Kharavela brought back from Magadha the image of Kalinga Jina as trophy of his
victory.
• He also brought a vast treasure of wealth from Anga and Magadha.
Thirteenth Year
• In his thirteenth year of reign, Kharavela, by the request of the queen Simhapatha, built
117 caves at Kumari Parvata (Udayagiri) for Jaina monks, monks of other religions,
shears and Arhats who came from distant places to take rest.

21
• This was his noble service rendered to the Jaina and other monks.
• He revived the art and architecture
of ancient Kalinga (Mukhiya Kala)
which was going to be extinguished.
• In different caves of Udaygiri and

Khandagiri, the images of Jaina
Tirthankaras, trees, creepers, images
of royal servants were built by him in
that year.
• On the floor meant for the Brahmins, Sramanas, Arhats, the pillars decorated with
emerald were fixed.
KHARAVELA- AN ESTIMATE
Kharavela as a Warrior and Ruler
• Kharavela known as a formidable warrior.

• Conquered regions including Mathura and the Tamil country.
• Subdued Magadha and crushed the Tamil confederacy.
• Expelled Indo-Greeks from Mathura and asserted authority over Magadha.
Benevolent Rule and Cultural Patronage
• Kharavela always cared for his subjects' welfare.

• Proficient in music, entertained subjects with performances and feasts.
• Enlarged irrigation canal for agriculture.
• Remitted taxes and distributed wealth among Brahmanas.

22
Architectural and Administrative Achievements
• Rebuilt Kalinganagari after cyclone devastation.

• Constructed gates, walls, buildings, and 'Mahavijaya prasadam.'
• Efficient administration seen through identified royal servants from cave inscriptions.
Trade and Commerce Flourished
• Prosperity during Kharavela due to trade and commerce.

• Sisupalagarh excavation reveals trade importance.
• Pithunda city likely a port city based on historical identification.
Kharavela's Faith and Tolerance
• Devout Jaina with evidence of faith in inscriptions.

• Brought back Kalinga Jina and built caves for Jina monks.
• Displayed tolerance toward other religions.
Kharavela's Legacy
• Chedi dynasty's zenith under Kharavela's reign.

• Freed Kalinga, subdued Magadha, defeated Decca, revived Jainism.
• Kharavela's rule brought prosperity, religious revival, and freedom.
• Successors and end of Chedi rule in Orissa remain unclear.
• Kharavela's legacy honored by proud Kalingans to this day.

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23
3. THE BHAUMA-KARAS

24
INTRODUCTION
ORIGIN OF THE DYNASTY
• There is no consensus on the origin of the Bhauma-Kara dynasty. Some scholars

believe that they originated in Orissa, while others believe that they originated in
Assam.
• The view that the Bhauma-Karas originated in Assam is more plausible because of
the close political and cultural ties between Orissa and Assam during this period.
CAPITAL
• The capital of the Bhauma-Kara dynasty was Guhadevapataka or Guhesvarapataka,
which is modern Jajpur.
SOURCES
• The Vishnu Purana, Brahmanda Purana, Harivamsa Purana, Dathavamsa,

Gandavyuha, and Hudud-al-Alam are the main literary sources for the history of the
Bhauma-Karas.
• The inscriptions and grants of the Bhauma-Kara rulers are also an important source of
information about the dynasty.

25
POLITICAL HISTORY
• The Bhauma-Karas ruled Orissa in the 8th-9th centuries AD.
• They were a powerful and influential dynasty, and their rule helped to shape the culture
and history of Orissa.
• The first ruler of the dynasty was Sivakaradeva I, who ruled from 736 to 793 AD.
•
• He was succeeded by his son Subhakaradeva I, who ruled from 793 to 836 AD.
• The dynasty continued to rule for about two hundred years, with a total of 19 rulers.
KSHEMANKARADEVA
• Kshemankaradeva was the founder of the Bhauma-
Kara dynasty in Orissa.
• He established the traditional four-fold caste system
in the society.
• He maintained law and order in the empire with a
blood and iron policy.
• He also showed a conciliatory policy towards his
subjects to bring peace and harmony in the society.
• He prevented the Rastrakuta ruler Dantidurga from
attacking Odra and Utkala.

26
SIVAKARADEVA I
(C-736-783 A.D.)
MILITARY CONQUESTS
• Conquered the entire Kalinga region from the

river Vamsadhara to Godavari, defeating the Ganga
power.
• Extended his sway to Kongoda and Svetaka.
• Defeated the ruler of Radha and took away his
daughter as a captive.
CULTURAL RELATIONS
• Sivakaradeva 1 was eager to maintain cultural relation

with countries outside Odisha.
• He sent a Buddhist work Gandavyuha as a presentation
to the Chinese emperor Te-tsong through Prajna, a
Buddhist scholar who was instructed to provide the
emperor of China a translation of that Work.
• Patronized distinguished scholars.
SUBHAKARADEVA I
(C-780-800 A.D.)
MILITARY CAREER
• Succeeded his father Sivakaradeva I and inherited a

vast kingdom.
• Was instrumental in extending the sway of the
Bhauma-Kara dynasty to Kalinga, Kongoda, and
Svetaka.
• Faced the brunt of the Rastrakuta ruler Govinda III.
• Was defeated by Govinda III, but his glory was never impaired.

27
RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE
• Was a Buddhist ruler, but was known for his religious tolerance.
• Granted villages to 200 Brahmins.
• His queen Madhavadevi built a Siva temple and appointed a Saivacharya for the
worship of the God.
SIVAKARADEVA II (C-800-820 A.D.)
MILITARY DEFEATS
• He was defeated by Devapala, the Pala king.

• This is corroborated by the Badal Pillar inscription and the accounts of Taranath.
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION
• He was a Buddhist king.

• His queen Mohinidevi was a Saiva.
• She built the Mohini temple at Bhubaneswar.
ABDICATION OF SIVAKARADEVA II
• He stepped down from the throne due to the defeats of the Bhauma-Karas.
• The Bhauma kingdom was in a state of decline.
SHANTIKARADEVA I (C-820-835 A.D.)
MILITARY ACHIEVEMENTS
Inflicted a crushing defeat upon the Palas.
Under his leadership, Orissa soon emerged as an

independent kingdom.
Cemented matrimonial alliance with the Western Ganga

king Rajamalla.
• Exercised tremendous control over his feudatories.

28
SUBHAKARADEVA II (C-835-838 A.D.)

• Subhakaradeva II was a Buddhist king.
• His reign period was completely barren, as nothing glorious had been attained during
his reign period.
• He granted a village named Lavaganda in Sulantarakurbha Visaya in South Tosali in
favour of six Brahmins of Bharadvaja gotra.
SUBHAKARADEVA III (C-838-845 A.D.)

• He was a Buddhist king who was known for his catholicity.
• He built the temple of Pulindesvara at Yuvangulapatika and installed there a deity
named Vaidyanatha Bhattaraka.
• He donated a village Naddilo in the Kankavir visaya of Northern Tosali for the
maintenance of this temple.
• He was also generous to other religions, as evidenced by the Dharakot plate, which
records the grant of the village Gundaja in the Jayantika visaya of Kongoda mandala
in favour of two Brahmins named Narayana and Devakantha of Maudgalya and
Kausika gotra respectively.

29
TRIBHUVANA MAHADEVI (C-845-850 A.D.)
ACCESSION TO THE THRONE
• Succeeded her son Subhakaradeva III, who died

issueless.
• She was the first woman to rule the Bhauma-kara
dynasty.
• Her accession was not without opposition, but she
quelled the rebellion with an iron hand.
REIGN
• Tribhuvana Mahadevi I was a capable ruler.

• She maintained an effective hold over her vassals.
• She gave an efficient administration to her subjects.
• She was a patron of Vaishnavism.
• She set an example for subsequent women rulers of the Bhauma-Kara dynasty.
LEGACY
• Set an example by taking the reign of administration of the Bhauma family for the
first time.
• Gave inspiration to the subsequent women rulers of the Bhauma-Kara dynasty.
SHANTIKARADEVA II (C-850-865 A.D.)

• Shantikaradeva II was the grandson of Tribhuvana Mahadevi I.
• He is also known as "Lonabhara" or "Lavanabhara I" and "Gayada II".
• His queen was Hira Mahadevi, who took up the reign of administration for a short
time after the death of her husband when their son was minor.
SUBHAKARADEVA IV (C-865-882 A.D.)
EARLY LIFE
• Subhakaradeva IV showed signs of promise since his childhood
• He delved deep into the inner meaning of the sacred hymns narrated in the Sastras.

30
REIGN
• During his reign, the Bhauma-Kara kingdom had to bear the brunt of the Somavamsi
aggression.
• Janmejaya 1, the Somavamsi ruler, attacked the Bhauma kingdom.
• This was the first signal of the decline of the Bhauma-Kara power.
• Janmejaya 1 cemented a matrimonial alliance with the Bhaumas by giving his
daughter Prithivi Mahadevi to Subhakaradeva IV.
• This was another blunder of the Bhaumas and was largely responsible for
contributing a lot to the extinction of the Bhauma authority.
SIVAKARADEVA III (C-882-890 A.D.)

• Sivakaradeva II was the brother of Subhakaradeva IV.
• In his records, he was known as 'Paramamahesvara' and 'Paramabhattaraka'.
• He was a devout Saiva and a patron of Buddhism.
• He granted two villages in favor of the "Buddha Bhattaraka" whose temple has been
built by Ambubhattaraka.
PRITHIVI MAHADEVI alias

(TRIBHUVANA MAHADEVI II, C-890-896 A.D.)
ACCESSION OF PRITHIVI TO THE THRONE
• Prithivi Mahadevi was the daughter of Janmejaya I, the Somavamshi ruler.

• She was married to Subhakaradeva IV, the Bhauma-Kara ruler.
• After Subhakaradeva IV died childless, Prithivi Mahadevi ascended the throne.
• This was possibly due to the interference of her father, Janmejaya I.
REIGN
• Prithivi Mahadevi's reign was short-lived.

• She was challenged by the widowed queen of Sivakaradeva III, who also claimed the
throne.
• The loyal officials of the Bhauma-Kara dynasty eventually sided with the widow
queen, and Prithivi Mahadevi was forced to step down.

31
LEGACY
• Prithivi Mahadevi's reign is a reminder of the declining power of the Bhauma-Kara
dynasty.
• The dynasty was eventually overthrown by the Somavamsi rulers, who were aided by
the Kalachuris.
TRIBHUVANA MAHADEVI III

(C-896-905 A.D.)
• Tribhuvana Mahadevi III was the widow queen of Sivakaradeva III.
• She ascended the throne after the death of her husband.
• She assumed the imperial titles of "Paramabhattaraka", Maharajadhiraja, and
"Paramesvari".
• She was a Vaisnava by faith.
• She was a pious lady who granted a village Kontaspara in favour of one Bhatta
Jagadhar, an astrologer for the purpose of bringing down rains in order to avert the
calamity of death.
• She reigned for a brief period of nine years.
SHANTIKARADEVA III AND SUBHAKARADEVA V

(C-905-910 A.D.)
• Shantikaradeva III and Subhakaradeva V were the sons of Sivakaradeva III.
• They succeeded Tribhuvana Mahadevi III one after another.
• Their reign period was quite uneventful.
• Peace and tranquility prevailed over the Bhauma kingdom.
• Shantikaradeva III was a fearless ruler who lived happily after defeating his enemies.
• Subhakaradeva V was a prosperous ruler who was loved by his subjects.
• However, nothing concrete is known about their activities.
THE TWILIGHT OF THE BHAUMA-KARA DYNASTY

32
(C-910-950 A.D.)
FEMALE RULERS OF BHAUMA-KARA DYNASTY
• After the death of Subhakaradeva V, the last male ruler of the Bhauma-Kara dynasty,
four female rulers occupied the throne one after another.
• They were Gauri Mahadevi, Dandi Mahadevi, Vakula Mahadevi, and Dharma
Mahadevi.
Gauri Mahadevi
• Gauri Mahadevi was the queen of Subhakaradeva V.
• She was able to preserve law and order in the kingdom.
• She was praised in the Kumurang plate of Dandi Mahadevi.
Dandi Mahadevi
• Dandi Mahadevi was the daughter of Gauri Mahadevi.
• She secured the borders of the Bhauma-Kara dynasty from hostile kings.
• She issued a large number of grants, including the Kumurang grant, Santarigrama
grant, Arual grant, Ambagan grant, and two Ganjam grants.
Vakula Mahadevi
• Vakula Mahadevi was the step-mother of Dandi Mahadevi.
• She belonged to the Bhanja family.
• Nothing more is known about her except the donation of a village in Uttara Tosali.
Dharma Mahadevi
• Dharma Mahadevi was the wife of Shantikaradeva III.
• She was the last known ruler of the Bhauma-Kara dynasty.
• She issued two charters, the Angul charter and Taltali charter.
• She was a Bhanja princess.
• Her rule was not significant and paved the way for the downfall of the Bhauma-Karas.
DECLINE OF THE BHAUMA-KARA DYNASTY

33
• The rise of the Somavamsis under Janmejaya I led to the decline of the Bhauma-Kara
dynasty.
• Yayati I, the Somavamshi ruler, ousted the Bhanjas from Baud-Sonepur region and
occupied the Bhauma kingdom.
• He killed Dharma Mahadevi, the last ruler of the Bhauma-Kara dynasty.
• This marked the end of the Bhauma-Kara dynasty and the beginning of the
Somavamshi rule in Tosali.
ADMINISTRATION
GOVERNMENT
• The Bhauma-Karas had a monarchical form of government.

• They followed the law of primogeniture, but there were exceptions.
• The Bhauma kings were assisted by a number of officers, including: mahasamanta,
rajaputra, antaranga kumaramatya, uparika, visayapati, ayuktaka, danda pasika,
sthanontarika, vallabha, chata, Bhata, pratihara, mahasandhivigraha (ka),
mahakshapatalika, kutakola, dutaka.
• The capital of the Bhauma kingdom was Guhadevapataka (Guhesvarapataka) at
Biraja in Jajpur.
RELIGION
• The Bhauma-Karas were patrons of Buddhism, Saivism, Vaishnavism, and Saktism.

• They built many temples and monasteries dedicated to these religions.
• The Buddhist art and architecture of this period reached its perfection.
CULTURE
• The Bhauma-Karas were great builders and patrons of the arts.

• Their capital, Guhadevapataka, was a major center of culture and learning.
• The period witnessed the coherence among various religions like Buddhism,
Saivism, Saktism and Vaishnavism.
LEGACY
• The Bhauma-Kara rule was a landmark in the sociopolitico-cultural life of Orissa.

34
• They brought a stable administration and promoted trade and commerce.

• They were great builders and patrons of the arts.
• Their rule ended with the capitulation of power by the Somavamsis.

HOLD ON !

Odisha Geography

35
4. THE SOMAVAMSI

36

• Introduction
• Genealogy of the SOMAVAMSIS
• Somavamsis Rulers

37
INTRODUCTION
Origin and Early History

• They are also known as the Panduvamsis.
• They belonged to the family of Moon (Chandra) and were Kshatriya by race.
• They ruled over Mekala, identified with the modern Maikal range in Madhya
Pradesh.
Rule of the Somavamsis in Orissa

• The history of the Panduvamsis before the 5th century AD is obscure.
• The Somavamsis ruled over Orissa from the 9th to the 12th centuries CE.
• They unified the kingdoms of Kalinga, Utkala, Kongoda, and Kosala.
• They established a uniform system of administration.They promoted a culture of
peace and prosperity, and their reign is considered a golden age in Orissan history.
• The Somavamsis were also patrons of art and architecture, and their temples are
some of the most beautiful and impressive in India.
Sources of information about the Somavamsis
• The most important sources of information about the Somavamsis are their own
inscriptions.
• These inscriptions provide details about the rulers of the dynasty, their achievements,
and their religious beliefs.
• Other sources of information about the Somavamsis include the inscriptions of their
contemporaries, such as the Bhanjas, Bhauma-Karas, and Gandas.

38
GENEALOGY OF THE SOMAVAMSIS
Mahasivagupta
.
1.Janmejaya
I
2.Yayati I. Vichitravira Prithi Mahadevi (Bhauma Queen)

.
3.Bhimaratha
.
4.Dharmaratha 6.Indraratha.
5.Nahusa. Abhimanyu
.
7.Chandihara Yayati II.
8.Udyotkesari. Abhimanyu II (Kosala)
9.Janmejaya II Kumara Somesvara.
Yuvaraja Dharmaratha. 10.Puranjaya 11.Karnadeva.

.

39
SOMAVAMSIS RULERs
1. JANMEJAYA I.(C-882-922A.D.)
Lineage
• He was the first ruler of the Somavamsi dynasty of
Kosala.
• Janmejaya I was a descendant of the Panduvamsi or
Somavamsi dynasty.
• His copper plates depict his relation with
Mahasivagupta, his only predecessor, who is supposed to be
his father.
Reign
He defeated the Bhanja king Ranabhanjadeva and annexed the Baud-Phulbani area to
his kingdom.
He extended his sway over Utkala and placed Tribhuvana Mahadevi II alias Pritivi
Mahadevi, the widow queen of Subhakaradeva IV on the throne of the Bhaumas.
He also subdued the Kalachuris.
Accomplishments
• Janmejaya I was a powerful ruler.
• He assumed high sounding titles like 'Paramesvara', 'Paramabhattaraka,
Trikalingadhipati etc.
• He has been given great regard and respect in the records of his successors.
2.MAHASIVAGUPTA YAYATI I. (C-922-955A.D)
Consolidation of the empire
• He was the successor of Janmejaya I.

• He consolidated his empire and followed a policy of expansion.
• He shifted his capital from Suvamapura to Vinitapura, and then to Yayatinagara near
Baud.
Expansion of the empire
• He had a rift with the Kalachuris.

o He captured 32 elephants and rescued the captured women from Kosala.

40
o He killed the protector and burnt a part of the Kalachuri country.

• He annexed the Bhauma kingdom into his own kingdom.
o He granted a village Chandragrama in Dakshina Tosali in favour of a Brahmin named
Sankhapani of Odra desa.
o He offered a village named Gandharad in the Gandhatapati mandala.
Military achievements
• He was a brave warrior.

• He defeated the Kalachuris and the Bhanjas.
• His sword was sharp enough to cut through the pearls on the foreheads of elephants.
3. BHIMARATHA MAHASIVAGUPTA I. (C-955-980A.D)
• He was the son of Yayati I and the successor to the Somavamsi throne.
• There is not much information about his political career.
• The Bilhari stone inscription of the Kalachuri king Yayati II states that
Lakshmanaraja defeated the king of Kosala and took away the effigy of Kaliya (the
serpent) from Odra.
• This shows that Odra was under the sway of Kosala and that Bhimaratha may have
appointed subordinate rulers for Odra.
• Bhimaratha was praised as a "religious, courageous, valorous" ruler who "performed
wonderful activities and assumed the status of Devaraja (Indra)."
• His rule contributed to the consolidation of the Somavamsi empire and brought
peace and tranquility to the country.
• He suffered reverses at the hands of the Kalachuris, but Kosala or any part of it had
not been annexed by the Kalachuris.
4. DHARMARATHA. (C-980-1005A.D)
• Dharmaratha was a powerful ruler who succeeded Bhimaratha.
• He was the master of the Bhauma Kingdom by the time he granted a village in the
Antaruda Visaya.
• He was described as the "Second Parasurama" in the Brahmesvara temple
inscription.
• He fought against the Palas in Gauda and the Eastern Chalukyas in the south.
• He drove away his enemies and became the master of the coastal region from the
Himalayas in the north to Rameswaram in the south.
• He was a successful military leader who expanded the Somavamshi empire.

41
5. NAHUSA. (C-1005-1021A.D)
• Dharmaratha died issueless, so his brother Nahusa succeeded him to the throne of
Kosala.
• Nahusa's reign was uneventful.
• His inefficiency might have made him unpopular.
• He was possibly killed by Indraratha, another brother of Dharmaratha, who ascended
the throne after him.
6. INDRARATHA. (C-1021-1023A.D)
• Indraratha was the governor of Kalinga under Dharmaratha.
• He was ambitious and wanted to become the king of Kosala.
• He killed Nahusa and his uncle Abhimanyu to achieve his goal.
• He was not accepted as the legitimate ruler by the Somavamshi people and his name
does not figure in their charters.
• He was defeated by Rajendra Chola and was probably killed.
7. CHANDIHARA YAYATI II. (C-1023-1040A.D)
His accession to the throne
• He was declared king by the ministers after the death of Indraratha.

• He was the son of Abhimanyu and grandson of Vichitravira.
His conquests
• He subjugated the kingdom of Utkala.

• He is credited with conquering Karnata, Lata, Gujrat, Dravida country, Kanchi, Gauda,
Radha, and Trikalinga.
His patronage of Brahmanism
• He invited 10,000 Brahmins from Kanyakubja to perform the Dasasvamedha sacrifice

at Jajpur.
• His patronage of Brahmanism helped to flourish Brahmanism in Orissa.
• He also built the Lingaraj temple at Bhubaneswar.

42
His legacy
• He is considered the greatest ruler of the Somavamsi dynasty.

• He consolidated the empire and extended its borders.
8. UDYOTKESARI MAHABHAVAGUPTA.
(C-1040-1065A.D)
His military conquests
• He was the son of Chandihara Yayati II.
• He was an illustrious son of an illustrious father.
• He settled the score with Karna, the Kalachuri ruler who had first invaded the
Somavamshi kingdom.
• He invaded Dahala and got victory over it.
• He defeated Vigrahapala I of the Pala dynasty.

43
His administrative reforms

• Divided his kingdom into two parts
• Kosala part left under the care of his
grandfather Abhimanyu
• Utkala portion ruled by himself.
His cultural contributions

• Completed the construction of the Lingaraj temple at Bhubaneswar.
9.JANMEJAYA II. (C-1065-1085A.D)

• Janmejaya II was the son of Udyotakesari.
• He was a weak ruler and the disintegration of the Somavamshi dynasty began during
his reign.
• The Chandika Naga ruler Somesvaradeva sent his general, Yasorajadeva of Telugu
Choda family, who occupied Eastern Kosala.
• The Western Kosala also passed into the hands of the Kalachuris.
• Janmejaya II also faced an invasion from the Ganga king Raja Raja II of Kalinga.
• He died after the Ganga invasion.
10.PURNAJAYA. (C-1085-1100A.D)
• Janmejaya II was succeeded by his son Puranjaya I.
• During his reign, he kept his feudatory chiefs in control.
• He also resisted the invasion of the kings of Gauda, Dahala, Kalinga, and Vanga.
• However, the Somavamshi empire was already in decline and the invasions of
these powers paved the way for its downfall.
11. KARNADEVA. (C-1100-1110A.D)
Political history of the Somavamsi dynasty.
• Karnadeva was the brother of Puranjaya.

44
• His kingdom extended up to Balasore district.

• He was attacked by Chodagangadeva, the king of the Ganga dynasty.
• He was saved from the onslaught of the Gangas by his minister Krishnadeva.
The political unification of Orissa under the Somavamsis.

• The Somavamsi kings brought political unification to Orissa.
• They shifted their capital from time to time.
• Their capital was Yayatinagara (Jajpur).
• The king occupied the highest position in the administrative structure.
• The king was assisted by ministers and officers.
• The Somavamsis divided their kingdom into several mandalas.
Religious history of the Somavamsi dynasty
• The Somavamsi kings were great patrons of Saivism.

o They took up the royal title "Parama Mahesvara".
o They used the Salvite emblem of the bull on their seals.
o They patronised the Lakulisa Pasupata sect.
• The Somavamsi kings also patronised Vaishnavism and Saktism.

o They built temples for Vishnu, Shiva, and Shakti.
o They also patronised Jainism and Buddhism.
o
Art, architecture and cultural achievements
• The Somavamsi kings built a number of temples, including the Muktesvara temple,
the Rajarani temple, and the Lingaraja temple.
• They also patronized sculpture and other art forms.
• The Somavamsi rule ushered in a new era in the history of medieval Orissa.
• The rulers of this dynasty were great conquerors and patrons of art and culture.
• Their cultural achievements remained uneffaceable for all times to come.

45
(Mukteshwara Temple )
(Raja Rani Temple )

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5. GANGA DYNASTY

47
SYLLABUS TOPICS TOUCHED IN THIS CHAPTER
• Indian architecture from medieval times

• Temple architecture of Odisha
• Socio-cultural development of Odisha
• Regional tradition of Odisha festivals
• Dynastic history of the Gangas

48
INTRODUCTION
The Eastern Gangas ruled over Orissa from 498 to 1435 AD. They faced many challenges in the early
part of their rule, but eventually went on to enjoy a period of four hundred years of glorious rule.
During this time, they built a vast empire and created many architectural wonders, including the
Jagannath Temple at Puri and the Sun Temple at Konarka. The Gangas were also known for their
well-organized administrative system. Some of the most important sources of information about the
Gangas are their inscriptions and literary works.
THE IMPERIAL GANGAS
Anantavarman Vajrahasta V (c. 1038-70 A. D.)
● First independent Ganga King

● Rule marked by peace
● Used many titles: the most prominent one being Trikaligadhipati (Tri:
three regions- Utkala, Kongoda, Kaliga- brought under his rule) . Other
titles: Maharaja, Maharadhiraja, Parameshwara, Paramabhattaraka
● Followed the policy of matrimonial alliance, Married the Kalachuri
Princess: Vinaya Mahadevi
● Strengthened his position in the South

49
Diplomacy
● Friendly relations with Viajayabahu of Ceylon
● Succeeded by his son
Devendravarman Rajarajadeva 1070-77 A.D.
Contemporary rulers:
● Somavamsis of Utkala
● Chalukya of Vengi
Vigorous military policy

● Defeated Kulattongachoda alias Rajendrachoda II and married his daughter Raja Sundari
● Acquired neighbouring territories after defeating their rulers: Vengi, Utkala, Khimidi, Gidrisingi, Kosala,
Chola
● Source: Dirghasi inscription
● Political stabilisation due to expansion
● Titles: Parama Maheshvara, Paramabhattaraka, Maharajadhiraja, Trikalingadhipati
Anantavarman Chodagangadeva (1077-1147 A. D.)

● His name comes from the product of the titles of Rajaraja I (Ganga monarch) and Rajasundari (daughter
of Kulattongachoda)
War with Cholas (1093-94)

Cause: he gave shelter to his father-in-law Virachoda who had bad blood with Kulattongachoda
Effect:
● Initial defeat of Chodagangadeva as he lost the Southern part of Kalinga
● But he defied paying tribute to the Cholas who marched to Kalinga and were defeated by
Chodagangadeva
● His rule now expanded into Vengi
Utkala conquest
● Source: The Corni Copper plate grant reveals that Chodagangadeva fought
with the Cholas to acquire Vengi and with the Somavamsis to acquire
Utkala simultaneously

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● Expected time period of the war: 1110 A.D.
Relation with the Palas of Bengal

● Owing to the weakness of the Pala rulers, Chodagangadeva acquired Aramya.
● He appointed Samantasena (Sena King who as arch enemy of the Palas) as his nominee to rule over the
Suhma territory
● Samantasena’s grandson Vijayasena was appointed to rule over the Radha desa.
● With the control from River Ganga in the North and River Godavari in the South, Chodagangadeva was
rightfully recognized as the most powerful king in South-Eastern India .
Names and titles of Chodagangadeva

• Chodagangadeva had several names, including
• Anantavarman, Chalukya Ganga,
• Virarajendra Chodaganga,
• Vikrama Gangesvara,
• Gangesvara Deva Bhupa.
These titles show that Chodagangadeva was a great king of the Ganga dynasty.
Capital
The capital of Chodagangadeva's empire was Kalinganagara, which has been identified with modern
Mukhalingam.
Patronage of literature and art by Chodagangadeva

• Chodagangadeva was a patron of literature and art.
• He was well-versed in Sanskrit, Oriya, and Telugu literature.
Religious tolerance of Chodagangadeva

• He built the temple of Jagannath at Puri and endeavored to bring all
religious faiths into the fold of a single cult, i.e., the Jagannath cult.
Achievements of Chodagangadeva
• Chodagangadeva was a great military genius.
• He extended his empire from the Ganges to the Godavari.
• Succeeded by his son
[NOTE: He could not acquire the Sambalpur-Sonepur-Bolangir tract
due to the Kalachuri ruler Ratnadeva II.]

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Kamarnava (Period of rule: 1147-56 A.D)

● Son of Chodagangadeva and Kasturikamohini
● Also was unsuccessful in acquiring the Sambalpur-Sonepur-Bolangir tract from Kalachuris
● Performed the Tulabhram Ceremony (weighing himself against gold and distributed it among the Brahmins
and his courtiers)
● Succeeded by his younger brotheR
Raghava (Period of rule: 1156-70 A.D.)

● Son of Chodagangadeva and Indiradevi
● Titles:
○ Anantaverma Devidasa .
○ Ranaranga Raghava Chakravarti.
Sources: 2 inscriptions in the Jaganmohana of the Lingaraja Temple has a description of Jayadeva (the
poet of Gita Govinda).
● Peaceful reign
● Succeeded by his step-brother as he had no son or brother
Rajaraja II (Period of rule: 1170-90)

● Son of Chodagangadeva and Chandralekha
● Retrieved the territory extending from Simhachalam to Godavari lost during Kamarnava’s and Raghava’s
rule
● Had to accept the supremacy (remained a vassal king) of Velanati Chola ruler Prithvisara who extended
his sway up to Srikurmam
● Succeeded by his brother as he was childless
Anangabhimadeva II ( Period of rule: 1190-98 A. D.)

● Built Shaivite temples
● Interested in public welfare activities like building roads, digging wells, etc
● Patronised men of letters
● Looked after the material and spiritual well-being of his subjects

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Rajaraja III (Period of rule: 1198-1121 A. D.)
● Period of rule: 1198-1121 A. D.

● Son of Anangabhimadeva II and his queen Bhugalladevi
● Imminent threat of Muslim invasion
● Succeeded by his son.
Anangabhimadeva III/ Aniyanka Bhima (Period of rule: 1211-38 A. D.)

● He was instrumental in repulsing the Muslim invasion
Between 1211-25 A. D., he fought against Ghiyas-ud-din Iwaz and defeated him (according to
Chatesvara inscription at Krishnapur in the undivided Cuttack district)
He defeated the Kalachuris and acquired the Sambalpur-Sonepur-Bolangir tract

● Place of battle: bank of river Bhima at the skirts of the Vindhya Hills and on the sea-shore
● Year: 1220 A. D.
Invasion of Kanchipuram and Srirangam

● The weak Cholas suffered a defeat the hands of the Kakatiya King Ganapathi and his Kingdom expanded
over the coastal distrcts east of Warangal and Kalinga.
So, Anangabhimadeva III had to interfere and take over Kanchipuram and Srirangam
● Ganga Empire crossed the River Godavari and extended upto Krishna
Source: Allalanatha temple inscription of Kanchipuram
Year: around 1230 A. D.
Matrimonial alliance
● Married his daughter Chandrika off to Kalachuri Prince Paramadrideva
● completely moved his capital to Abhinava Varanasi Kataka (Cuttack) on the banks of Mahanadi around
1230 A. D.
● This was instrumental in making the city a political capital as well as a place of cultural synthesis.
Religious activities
● Great devotee of Vishnu
● Had massive respect for Shaivism and Saktism
● Gifted lands to Brahmins
Humanitarian efforts
● Construction of roads and temples
● Undertook works related to land settlement in the whole of Odisha
● Source: Madala Panaji

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● The total revenue collected amounted to 4 crores and 43 lakhs of tankas which was used for public
welfare.
● Made efforts for preservation of historical monuments
● Donated land to potters for repairing the roofs of the Lingaraja temple periodically
Narasimhadeva I/ Langula Narasimhadeva (Period of rule: 1238-64 A. D.)

● led the Ganga empire to its zenith
● Title: Gajapati for his vast possession of elephants
● Other titles include: Vavanani Uallabha, Vira-Nara-Kesari-Dharadhipa
● Exerted a great fear into the Muslim rulers of Bengal and Oudh
Followed a policy of aggressive imperialism

● In 1234 A. D., he acquired several semi-independent regions of small Hindu
Kings with Paramadrideva before launching an offensive against Tughril Khan
(Governor of Bengal) and defeated him.
● 1247-56 A. D. : fought 4 battles against Ikthiyar-ud-Din Yuzbak (Governor of Lakhnauti) in which he lost
the first 2 battles.
● Paramadrideva lost his life in the course
● Lakhnauti came under the direct grip of the Delhi Sultanate.
● Narasimhadeva I subjugated Bengal, Midnapur, Howrah and Hooghly into the kingdom of Odisha.
● Was famous for his religious toleration
Bhanudeva I (Period of rule: 1264-79 A. D.)

● A benevolent ruler , Promoted Brahmanism: gave lands, gardens, mango trees to Brahmins
● Disintegrating tendencies begun during his reign because the following feudatories grew defiant towards
the Ganga dynasty.
● Matsys of Oddadi
● Chalukyas of Elamancili
● Pallavas of Virakutam
Narasimhadeva II ( Period of rule: 1279-1306 A. D.)

● Somewhat peaceful reign
● Facilitated trade and commerce by improving communication and bringing in prosperity to the land
● He also performed Tulapurusadana, a religious ritual involving the weighing of oneself against gold and
donating the proceeds to charity.
● Titles: Vira Narasimhadeva, Sri Narasimhadeva, Pratapa Vira Sri Narasimhadeva
● Patronised Brahmanas: established many Brahmana Sasanas (villages)

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Bhanudeva II (Period of rule: 1306-28 A. D.)

● Peaceful reign but the decline of the Gangas progressed further
● Title: Deputy of God Jagannath (Purushottama)
Narasimhadeva III (Period of rule: 1326-52 A. D.)

● The Musunuri Nayakas, who were the overlords of the Reddies and Velemas, had weakened, and these
two groups had carved out independent kingdoms in the coastal Andhra region.
● Narasimhadeva III took advantage of this situation and extended his sway up to Sikakulam.
● However, his victory was short-lived, as Anavota Reddi, a powerful Reddi ruler, forced the Kalingan army
to retreat to the border of Kalinga.
● This defeat marked the beginning of the final decline of the Ganga empire.
Bhanudeva III (Period of rule: 1352-78 A. D.)

● Titles: Sri Vira, Pratapavira Bhanudeva, Vira Sri Bhanudeva
His kingdom suffered 3 major attacks
● Delhi Sultanate ruler Firoz Tughluq attacked Jajnagar while Bhanudeva III was unprepared and also fell
victim to treason by several officials , Concluded a peace treaty with the Sultan of Delhi
● Vijayanagara Empire under the able command of Sangama (1356 A. D.) attacked Odisha. Bhanudeva III
was defeated
● Lost the southern empire
Anavema Reddi subjugated the Ganga empire upto Simhachalam (1375 A. D.)
Was succeeded by his son
Narasimhadeva IV (Period of rule: 1378-1414 A.D.)

● Cuttack and South Kalinga suffered an attack from Kataya Velma (his brother-in-law), who was influenced
by Kumaragiri.
● Narasimhadeva IV sued for peace by marrying his daughter off Kumara Anavota (son of Kumaragiri)
● His reign was marked by the conflict between the Reddis and Velemas in the South.
● The Reddi power weakened during this time, and Narasimhadeva started to consolidate his sway over
South Kalinga.
● His reign was peaceful but Ganga dynasty did not have the military superiority like the earlier days.
● Succeeded by his so
Bhanudeva IV (Period of rule: 1414-35 A.D.)

● He was the last ruler of the Ganga dynasty.
● Due to the weakening position of the Reddis, he planned with the Vijayanagara King Devaraya I to attack
the Reddy territory.
● Allada Reddi had to conclude peace with both of them.
● Meanwhile, he was betrayed by his trusted minister Kapilesvara Routraya who usurped the throne with
the help of the Brahmins.

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ADMINISTRATION
● Followed the principles laid out in Niti and Smriti texts
● Were concerned about the fulfilment of the desires of the subjects concerning Trivarga:
● Dharma (piety)
● Artha (material prosperity)
● Moksha (salvation)
Powers of the King included
● Appointment of Ministers
● Imposition of taxes and exemption of subjects from taxes
● Building temples
● Declaration of war and conclusion of peace
● Granting lands to Brahmins
● Conducting tours to understand the problems of the subjects
Several officials
● Mantri
● Purohita
● Yuvaraja
● Sandhivigrahika
● Senapati
● Dauvarika
Provincial administration
● The entire empire was divided into provinces known as Visayas like Kusamandala Visaya, Puskarini
Visaya, etc
● Another political division known as Panchali was also present: Pushyagiri Panchali, Chikhali Panchali, etc
● Bhoga too was another political division
● Later, a Province came to be known as:
● Desa: governed by Desadhikari
● Dandapata: governed by Dandadhikari/Dandapariksha
● Mandala: governed by Mandalesvara/Mandalika
● Visayas were governed by Visayapatis and were further divided into
● Khandas (in Odisha portion of the Empire)
● Nadus (in Andhra portion of the Empire)
● Village: lowest administrative unit
● Towns, cities: administered by officers like Maji and Veharana

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Revenue system
● Variety of taxes
● Bheta
● Voda
● Paika
● Ohour
● Paridarsana Eastern Ganga Fanam of king Anantavarman
Chodaganga (Anka year 63–1128 CE)
Judiciary
● King was the final arbiter of the law and the fountain of justice
● An officer titled Dandapasika had the law and order responsibility
Military
● Infantry and Cavalry divisions

● Elephants constituted an important part of the army, hence the title-Gajapati
ART AND ARCHITECTURE

Temples
● Shri Jagannath Temple at Puri: (started by Yayati I and) completed by Ananbhimadeva III
● Sun Temple at Konark
● Development of Kalinga architecture as a whole:
● The evolution of Natamandapa
● Building of subsidiary temples for Parsvadevata
Inscriptions that serve as sources of the Imperial Gangas

● Draksaram Temple inscription
● Kenduli plate
● Korni/Corni Copper plate: throws light on the fact that Chodagangadeva had waged war on Utkala and
Vengi simultaneously
● Nagari Plate: shows the details of Chodagangadeva’s achievements in Bengal, , Hiranyagarbha
Mahadana and Tulapurusa Mahadana organised by Anangabhimadeva III
● Kendupatana plate: Narasimhadeva’s victory over the Muslim army
● Jagannath Temple inscription
● Chinna Badami plates
● Ronaki inscription: of Chodagangadeva that showed the titles that he bore

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● Kanchipuram inscription
● Kapilasa inscription
● Kamarnava Copper plate (Choudwar)
● Chatesvara inscription: describes about Vishnu (the Brahmin minister of Anangabhimadeva III) who also
built the Chatesvara Siva Temple
Literary works
● Madala Panji
● Tabaqat-i-Nasiri
● Tarikh-i-Firoze Shahi
● Ramacharita: of Sandhyakaranandi proves that the last Somavamsi ruler- Kamadeva/Kamakeshari was
killed by Chodagangadeva
● Kalingattuparani: composed by Jayamagondam, the court poet of Kulottunga; reflects the fact that
Chodagangadeva had defied the payment of tribute to the Cholas after his initial defeat in the 1093 A. D.
War.
● Chodagangadeva: himself was a patron of literature and had knowledge of Sanskrit, Odia, Telugu literary
works.
● Bhasvati: composed by Satananda was a manual of rules to determine the position of heavenly bodies
● Gitagovinda: by Jagamohana who was a contemporary of Raghava and Rajaraja II
● Ekavali: Alankara work by Vidyadhar (Narasimhadeva’s court poet) describe about the achievements of
the King
● Shraddhapaddhati: by Vajapeyi (contemporary of Narasimhadeva II)
● Nityachara Paddhati, Kamadipika: by Vidyakara (contemporary of Narasimhadeva II)
● Smriti Samuchaya: by Sankhadhara (contemporary of Narasimhadeva II)
● Odia language and grammar developed due to the efforts of Narasimhadeva IV
Forts
Jaipur Kataka, Amaravati Kataka, Choudwar Kataka, Saragagarh Kataka by Chodagangadeva
The legacy of the Gangas

• The four hundred years of glorious rule of the Gangas is unique in many senses in the history of medieval
Orissa.
• The land was united politically and culturally.
• The Orissan school of architecture reached the zenith during the reign period of the Gangas.
• Sanskrit literature developed to a greater extent during that period.

HOLD ON !

Odisha Geography

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6. THE SURYAVAMSI
GAJAPATIS

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CONTENTS
o GAJAPATI VIRUDA
o KAPILENDRADEVA
o PURUSOTTAMADEVA
o PRATAPRUDRADEVA
o ADMINISTRATION
o ART & ARCHITECTURE
o LITERATURE
o DECLINED OF THE GAJAPATI DYNASTY

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INTRODUCTION
The Eastern Ganga rulers had been ruling Orissa for over 400 years when they began to
decline. Kapilendradeva was a skilled military leader who was able to defeat the
Muslim invaders and drive them out of Orissa. He also re-established control over the
refractory chiefs and unified the Orissan kingdom.
GAJAPATI VIRUDA
Origin of the Suryavamsi rulers
• They invariably bore the title "Gajapati" or "Lord of elephants."

• Some Eastern Ganga rulers also bore this title, but they were not as famous as the
Gajapati rulers.
• The royalty of the Suryavamsi rulers may have been due in part to their possession
of a large number of elephants.
Zenith of Orissa's glory
• In the 15th and 16th centuries, Orissa reached the zenith of its glory under the
Suryavamsi kings.
• These kings were not only noted for their aggressive imperialism, but their rule for a
century and a little more also marked the renaissance in Oriya literature.

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Literary sources
Sanskrit literary works

• Parasurama Vijaya
• Abhinava Venisamharam
• Sarasvati vilasam
• Jagannatha vallabha
• Prabodha Chandrodaya
Oriya literary works

• Madala Panii
• Sarala Mahabharata
• Chaitanya Bhagavata
• Jagannatha Charitamrita
Bengali literary works
• Chaitanya Charitamrita
• Chaitanya Mangala
Telugu works
• Manucharitam
• Krishnarasa Vjayamu
Persian works
• Tarikh-i-Ferishta
• Tabagat-i-Akbar
• Akbarmamah
• Burhan-i-Ma'asir

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Inscriptional sources
• Velagalani copper plate inscription
• Lingaraj temple inscription
• Puri Jagannath temple inscription
• Inscriptions found from Simhachalam
• Sri Sailam, Srikurmam
• Velicherla copper plates
• Kondavidu inscription
Gajapati Kapilendradeva
He was born in a humble family and was adopted by the last Ganga king, Bhanudeva
IV. He ascended the throne in 1435 AD.
Military conquests
• He subdued the rebel chiefs like the Matsyas of
Oddadi, the Salivamsi chiefs of Nandapura, the
Vishnuvardhana Chakravartins of Panchadharala
and the Gangas of Khimindi.
• He also defeated the Reddi rulers of Rajahmundry
and the Sultan of Bengal.
Patronage of art and literature
• He was a great patron of art and literature.
• He built many temples and promoted Sanskrit
learning.
Legitimacy of Kapilendradeva's rule
• Some sources claim that he was adopted by Bhanudeva IV, while others claim that he
usurped the throne.
• It is likely that Kapilendradeva's claim to the throne was based on a combination of
factors, including his military prowess and his patronage of art and literature.
Kapilendradeva's legacy
• Kapilendradeva is considered to be one of the greatest rulers of Orissa.

• He expanded the kingdom's borders and promoted art and literature.

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• He is also credited with founding the Suryavamsi Gajapati dynasty.
GAUDA
• Kapilendradeva wanted to defeat the Illyas Shahis of Bengal.
• He took advantage of the internal squabbles of the Sarquis of Jaunpur to expand the
frontier of Orissa up to the river Bhagirathi (Ganges).
• While fighting against the combined army of the Reddis of Rajahmundry and
Vijayanagara Empire, he received the news of the attack of Sultan Nasiruddin Abul
Muzzafar Mahmud Shah of Bengal.
• He rushed immediately and inflicted a long defeat upon him, extending his sway up to
the river Ganges.
• In an inscription dated 1447 CE, Kapilendradeva assumed the title "Goudesvara". This
confirms that Bengal was under his sway by 1447 CE.
RAJAMAHENDRI
• The Reddi ruler of Rajahmundry, Virabhadra I, was a major obstacle to
Kapilendradeva's southward expansion.
• An inscription at Draksharam dated 1444 CE proves that Rajahmundry was under the
control of the Vijayanagara empire at that time.
• Kapilendradeva had suffered a setback at the hands of Mallappa Odeyar, who was sent
by the Bahmani ruler Devaraya II, when Kapilendradeva attacked Rajahmundry.
• After Devaraya II's death in 1446 CE, the Vijayanagara empire became weak under his
son and successor Mallikarjunaraya.
• The hold of Vijayanagara over Rajahmundry became weak. Taking advantage of this,
Kapilendradeva sent his son Hamvira to occupy Rajahmundry.
• Hamvira defeated the Reddis with ease and Rajahmundry was annexed to the empire of
Kapilendradeva.
KONDAVIDU
• Kapilendradeva postponed his conquest in the South as he had to pay attention towards
his northern frontier.
• The Vijayanagara empire controlled the territory to the South of Krishna River.
• Taking advantage of the weakness of the Vijayanagara empire, Kapilendradeva's army
crossed the Krishna River and occupied Kondavidu.
• Now, he became the master of the Reddi Kingdom of Rajahmundry and Kondavidu.

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TELINGANA COAST
• Kapilendradeva was successful in his conquests in the south and he wanted to extend
his sway to the Telingana coast.
• Kapilendradeva's victory over the Bahamani forces
• After this victory, the Bellamas of Devarkonda, Rachakonda and Warangal became
vassals of Kapilendradeva.
BAHMANI KINGDOM
• Humayun Shah died in 1461, creating an opportunity for Kapilendradeva to invade the
Bahamani kingdom.
• After dealing with the Sultan of Bengal, Kapilendradeva marched towards the
Bahamani kingdom again with renewed vigor.
• Captured Hahur, Bidar, and several other places, rightfully earning the title
"Kalavargasvara."
VIJAYANAGAR EMPIRE
• The death of Devaraya II and the succession of his son in 1447 A.D. created an
opportunity for Kapilendradeva to attack.
• Pasupati Tamma Bhupati, another lieutenant of Kapilendradeva, attacked the fort of
Chandragiri and occupied it before 1464 A.D.
• By extensive conquests of Kapilendradeva, the Orissan empire extended from the
river Ganges, in the north to Kaveri, in the south.
LAST DAYS OF KAPILENDRADEVA

• He nominated his younger son Purustottamadeva as his successor.
• His elder son Hamvira was not happy with this decision.
• There was a threat of a civil war between the two brothers.
• Kapilendradeva also lost some territories in the north and south.
• This made him weak and he died in 1466-67 CE.
Patron of literature
• Gajapati Kapilendradeva wrote the play “Parasurama Vijaya”.
• Nrusingha Vajapavee, a famous Advaitavadin, wrote a commentary named Samkshepa
Saririka Vartika on Sankaracharya's work Samshepa Saririka during his reign period
• Sarala Dasa's Oriya Mahabharata represented the totality of Orissan culture & his
“Vilanka Ramayana” and “Chandi Purana” were two other great works

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Great builder
Outer wall of the Jagannath temple at Puri
• Kapilesvarpura and Damodarapura Shasana
• The temple of Kapilesvara near Bhubaneswar
• The Gokarnesvara Siva temple at Midnapur and Malikarjuna Siva temple contained the
inscriptions of Kapilendradeva
Devotee of Lord Jagannatha
• Always described himself as the Sevaka (servant) of the God

• Provided the number of facilities for the worship of the God in Puri Jagannath temple
• In achieving his political goal, he also used the name of the God as a magic wand.
PURUSOTTAMDEVA
• A unique figure among the Suryavamsi Gajapati kings of Orissa.
• Chosen to rule by the will of God Jagannath. Challenged by his older brother Hamvira,
who had a legitimate claim to the throne.
The Fratricidal War

• Purusottamadeva was the younger son of Kapilendradeva, the king of Orissa.
• His elder brother, Hamvira, was the rightful heir to the throne.
• However, Kapilendradeva appointed Purusottamadeva as his successor, perhaps due to
the influence of Purusottamadeva's mother.
• This decision angered Hamvira and he rebelled against Purusottamadeva.
• The war lasted for several years and ended with the defeat of Hamvira.
The Recovery of Kondavidu and Rajahmundry

• After the war, Purusottamadeva faced challenges from Saluva Narasimha, a powerful
ruler from the south.
• Saluva Narasimha had occupied a large part of Orissan territory.
• Purusottamadeva was able to recover Kondavidu and Rajahmundry from Saluva
Narasimha.

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The Recovery of Udayagiri-rajya

• Purusottamadeva also aimed to recover Udayagiri-rajya, which had been occupied by
Saluva Narasimha.
• He was able to defeat Saluva Narasimha and conquer Udayagiri-rajya.
The Later Years of Purusottamadeva

• After the conquest of Udayagiri-rajya, Purusottamadeva focused on peace and stability
in his kingdom.
• He spent his time with the company of eminent scholars and performed religious and
constructive works.
• He died in 1497 AD.
THE KANCHI-KAVERI LEGEND
• The legend tells the story of King Purusottama's desire to marry Padmavati, the
daughter of Saluva Narasimha, the ruler of Kanchi.
• Saluva Narasimha initially agrees to the marriage, but later changes his mind after
visiting Puri and seeing Purusottama performing the Chherapahanra ritual.
• This ritual involves sweeping the ground in front of the Jagannath temple, which is
considered to be a humble act.
• Purusottama is enraged by Saluva Narasimha's rejection, and he leads an expedition to
Kanchi to take Padmavati by force.
• He is successful in defeating Saluva Narasimha and bringing Padmavati back to Orissa.
• However, Purusottama is forced to marry Padmavati to a Chandala (lower-born person)
in order to appease her father.
• Padmavati eventually garlands Purusottama at the car festival, and he is able to take her
as his queen.
PRATAPRUDRADEVA
• Gajapati Prataparudradeva was the last Gajapati ruler of Odisha.
• Prataparudradeva succeeded his father Purusottamadeva to the throne in 1497.
• He ruled for 43 years, until 1540.
EARLY SOUTH INDIAN EXPEDITION

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• Prataparudradeva led two expeditions to the South Indian region.

• He was successful in defeating Hussain Shah of Bengal, who had invaded Orissa.
• However, he was defeated by Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara empire.
WAR WITH HUSSAIN SHAH

• When Prataparudra was away in the south, Hussain Shah tried to cross the border into
Orissa.
• He conquered the country up to Orissa marched up to Puri and destroyed the images of
Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra.
• On hearing the advance of the Sultan, Prataparudra marched back to Orissa in haste and
inflicted a crushing defeat upon the invader.
• He pushed the invader back up to Bengal.
KRISHNADEVRAYA’S INVASION OF ORISSA

• Krishnadevaraya captured the Udayagiri and Kondavidu forts.
• He also defeated Prataparudradeva's son, Virabhadra.
• Prataparudradeva was forced to conclude a peace treaty with Krishnadevaraya, giving
his daughter in marriage to the latter.
QULI QUTB SHAH’S INVASION OF ORISSA

• Quli Qutb Shah, a general of the Golkunda Sultanate, invaded Orissa.
• Prataparudradeva defeated Quli Qutb Shah and drove him back to Golkunda.
ADMINISTRATION
THE GAJAPATI EMPIRE
• The empire was founded by Kapilendradeva in 1390, and its capital was Cuttack.
• The Gajapati Empire reached its peak under the rule of Purusottama Deva (1466-
1504), who conquered much of southern India.
• The empire declined in the 16th century, and it was finally overthrown by the
Mughals in 1568.

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GOVERNMENT & ADMINISTRATION

• The king was the supreme authority, and he was advised by a council of ministers.
• The empire was divided into provinces, each of which was ruled by a governor. The
provinces were further divided into districts, and each district was ruled by a district
officer.
• The lowest level of government was the village, which was ruled by a headman.
MILITARY
• The Gajapati Empire had a powerful military, which was used to conquer new
territory and defend the empire from its enemies.
• The army was composed of infantry, cavalry, and artillery.
• The Gajapatis were also known for their use of elephants in battle.
JUDICIAL SYSTEM
• The king was the highest judge in the land, and he was assisted by a council of
judges.
• There were also lower courts in the provinces and districts.
• The judicial system was based on Hindu law.
ECONOMY
• Agriculture was the most important sector of the economy, and the main crops were
rice, wheat, and sugarcane.
• Trade was also important, and the Gajapatis controlled many important trade routes.
• Industry was also developed, and the Gajapatis were known for their production of
textiles, metalwork, and pottery.

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SOCIETY
• The highest class was the Brahmins, who were the priests and scholars.
• The next class was the Kshatriyas, who were the warriors and rulers.
• The Vaishyas were the merchants and farmers.
• The Shudras were the artisans and laborers.
• The lowest class was the Dalits, who were the untouchables.
RELIGION
• The Gajapati Empire was a Hindu empire, and Hinduism was the dominant religion.
• The king was considered to be a god-king, and he was responsible for upholding the
Hindu faith.
ART & ARCHITECTURE

During the Gajapati period
• The half-ruined temple near the Papanasini tank in Bhubaneswar
• Kapilesvara Temple at Bhubaneswar

• Sundara Madhava Temple at Puri
LITERATURE
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SANSKRIT LITERATURE
• Kapilendradeva was an accomplished scholar in

Sanskrit.
• He wrote the play Parasurama Vijaya.
• Nrushimha Vajapayee composed Kasimimamsa

and wrote a commentary named Samkshepa Saririka Vartika on Sankaracharya's work
Samkshepa Saririka.
• Narayana Mishra's commentaries on Purvamimamsa and Uttaramimamsa of
Sankaracharya and his younger brother Jalesvara's notable work Jalesvara Paddhati
belonged to this period.
• Purusottamadeva's monumental work Abhyinava Gitagovinda that contained 800 slokas
was a Kavya of no mean order.
• Prataparudradeva, the last Gajapati king of Orissa was a great poet and writer. His
Sarasvativilasam, Kautuka Chintamani, Nirnya Samgraha and Praudha Pratapa
Martanda were flamboyant literary creations of that period.
ORIYA LITERATURE
The contribution of Sarala Dasa was so illuminating that the literary works produced
during that time were known as the literature of
'Sarala Yuga'.
• Sarala Dasa's Mahabharata is the magnum opus
of his creation.
• Sarala's Mahabharata is not only an epic but also
a mirror of political, social, historical and cultural
traditions of Orissa.
• Sarala Dasa also composed Chandi Purana and
Vilanka Ramayana.
• Chaininka Chakada Pustaka was another Oriya
work composed during Purusottarmadeva's reign
period by Fakira Chaini.
• Another famous poet of the Sarala age was
Arjuna Dasa who was famous for his works
Kalpalata and Rama Vibaha.
• Sisu Sankara Dasa's Ushabhilasa, Markanda Dasa's Kesaba Koil, Damodara's Rasakoili
Chautisa etc, were other creations of that time.

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PANCHASAKHA YUGA
• The age that immediately followed Sarala

Dasa, is famous as the Panchasakha Yuga
(Age of the Panchasakhas).
• The age has been so called after the name of
five celebrities like Balarama Dasa,
Jagannatha Dasa, Ananta Dasa, Achyutana
Dasa, and Rama Dasa.
• These five poets were all disciples of
Balarama Dasa and they composed a large
number of works in Oriya, mostly on religious themes.
Overall, the Gajapati period was a golden age for literature in Orissa.
The decline of the Gajapati dynasty
• The Suryavamsi Gajapatis ruled medieval Orissa and created a vast empire.
• They also patronized Oriya literature, which flourished during this period.
• However, feudalism became a major problem during the Gajapati rule.
• This, along with the weakness of the Orissan army, led to the downfall of the empire.

THE WAIT IS OVER
Governance & Social

Justice
# OP for OPSC
72
7. RESISTANCE MOVEMENT
IN THE NINETEENTH-
CENTURY: THE PAIK
REBELLION

73

• CAUSES OF THE REBELLION
• THE REBELLION
• STEPS TO CAPTURE BUXI
• BUXI’S SURRENDER
• RESULT OF THE PAIK REBELLION
• NATURE OF PAIK REBELLION

74
INTRODUCTION
The British occupation of coastal Orissa in 1803 was initially unopposed by the people
because they wanted to get rid of the Maratha rule. However, their hopes and aspirations
were shattered when they experienced the British administrative structure and economic
exploitation, which was characterized by faulty land revenue policies, salt monopolies,
and the deprivation of local servants. The British also showed a lack of sympathy for the
people of Orissa. The situation came to a head in 1805, when the British hanged Jayi
Rajaguru, the minister of Raja Mukundadeva II of Khurda, and confiscated his estate.
This act of injustice sparked an armed rebellion by the Paiks, who were led by Buxi
Jagabandhu Bidyadhar Mahapatra Bhramarabara Ray. The British eventually crushed the
rebellion, but it left a lasting legacy of resentment and distrust.
CAUSES OF THE PAIK REBELLION

EXPLOITATION:
• Raja's Expulsion: The rebellion started when the British removed the Raja of Khurda
and put Major Fletcher in charge of the entire area.
• Unsympathetic British Rule: The British rule became harsh and unfriendly towards the
native people.
• Language Barrier: The British laws and rules were in languages like Bengali and Persi,
which the local people didn't understand. This made it hard for them to know their
rights.
• Exploitative Clerks: Non-native clerks, who were often English, took advantage of the
locals' ignorance and cheated them in important matters like taxes and court cases.

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• Lack of Fair Judgement: Getting a fair decision from British courts became almost
impossible for the local people.
• Communication Gap: There was a big gap between the local people and the British
government. The locals couldn't tell the British authorities about their problems and
grievances.
THE SUNSET LAW:
• The British government had a problematic revenue policy that harmed local landowners
(zamindars) and peasants (royats).
• The British imposed short-term land revenue settlements, which hurt the zamindars
because they couldn't pay what was owed in time.
• The British didn't give zamindars any chance to delay or reduce payments, even during
tough times.
• If zamindars couldn't pay on time, they lost their lands due to reasons like crop failures,
droughts, and natural disasters.
• The flawed revenue system caused suffering not only for zamindars but also for the
peasants, as they were burdened with heavy assessments and overassessments.
THE SALT MONOPOLY:
• The British government imposed a salt monopoly in Orissa.

• Salt monopoly by the British in Orissa caused a lot of suffering for the local people.
• Orissa has a long coastline, and salt was abundantly available for the people to use.
• The British took away the traditional rights of the coastal zamindars (landowners) and
locals to make salt.
• This led to a rise in the price of salt, which made it unaffordable for many people.
• The salt monopoly was a major source of revenue for the British government.
• It also allowed the British government to control the supply of salt, which could be used
as a tool to control the people.
PLIGHTS OF THE KHURDA PEOPLE:
• The British salt monopoly made salt unaffordable for many people in Khurda.
• The amlas (government officials) involved in the administration smuggled out vast
quantities of salt and made a profit.

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• The common people of Khurda, who depended on smuggled salt, found themselves in
utter hardship.
• They violated the British salt laws and manufactured salt themselves, but they were
imprisoned for doing so.
• This was a social stigma, and the people who were imprisoned were excommunicated
from society after their release from jail.
• People tried to get the British government's attention to complain about the harsh salt
laws, but no one listened.
• Edward Impey described how the people of Khurda suffered greatly due to the salt
monopoly.
• This monopoly was a major factor in causing the revolt against British rule.
THE NEW CURRENCY SYSTEM:
• The British changed the currency system in Orissa, and this contributed to the Paik
Rebellion.
• In the past, cowrie shells were commonly used as
money in Orissa during the Maratha rule.
• Cowrie shells had a set exchange rate with silver
coins.
• When the British took over, there was a shortage of
cowrie currency, making it hard for British troops to
buy everyday items from local markets.
• In November 1804, the British introduced
Sicca rupees as a new currency in Orissa.
• This sudden change surprised and

confused the people of Orissa.
• Zamindars (landowners), peasants, and
others struggled to pay their taxes in the new
currency.
• Villagers had trouble using the new money and were taken advantage of by local
moneylenders (mahajanas).

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CONDITION OF KHURDA:
• The situation in Khurda made its people very rebellious.

• The hanging of Jayi Raiaguru, the removal of Raja Mukundadeva II, and the changes
made by Major Fletcher in how Khurda was governed angered the Khurda people
greatly.
• They were determined to resist British rule in Khurda with all their strength.
DISCONTENTMENT OF BUXI JAGABANDHU:
• Buxi Jagabandhu's discontentment was the immediate cause of the Paik rebellion.
• He was the hereditary Commander of the Raja of Khurda and highly respected.
• Buxi received jagir lands, known as Buxibar, including the quilla of Rorung and four
paraganas (territories).
• Major Fletcher's new administration in Khurda took away Rorung from Buxi.
• Chandra Prasad Singh played a role in selling Buxi's four paraganas to Lakshmi
Narayan, who later gave them to Krishna Chandra Singh.
• Buxi complained to Commissioner Richardson about this secret deal.
• A legal challenge by Krishna Chandra Singh and Buxi's cousin Gadadhar Vidyadhara
further led to Buxi losing his income sources.
• The Daroga of Khurda, with false information from Charan Patnaik, attempted to arrest
Buxi on suspicion of links with the Pindaris.
• These hardships made Buxi Jagabandhu rebellious and, with the help of the Paiks, he
wanted to confront the British.

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THE REBELLION
BEGINNING OF THE REBELLION:
• The Paik rebellion in Khurda started on March 29, 1817.

• A group of 400 men from Goomsur in Ganjam entered the district of Cuttack and joined
forces with the Paiks and Dulbeheras of Khurda.
• They attacked the police station and government buildings at Banapur, killing more
than 100 men and looting government money.
• They also attacked Charles Becher, the Salt Agent of Southern Division, and plundered
his boats on the Chilka lake.
FOOTSTEPS OF THE REBELLION IN KHURDA:
• The Paiks of Khurda, led by Buxi Jagabandhu, joined forces with the Chuhars (referred
to as Kund or Khond by Impey) from Ghumser.
• Together, they set fire to government buildings and looted the government treasury in
Khurda.
• The rebels then moved towards Lembai and killed Charan Patnaik in Rathipur.
• Quickly, Khurda and nearby areas fell under the control of these rebels.
• They set up barricades and controlled Gangapara Pass, a key route between Cuttack and
Khurda.

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MEASURES OF IMPEY:
• The actions of the rebels in Khurda alarmed the British authorities.

• Edward Impey sent troops to Khurda and Pipli under Lieutenants Prideaux and Faris.
• Accompanied by Lieutenant Travis, he led a group of sepoys towards Gangapara on
April 1, 1817.
• The British troops could not pass the barricade set up by the rebels to reach Khurda.
• Hidden Paiks in the jungle would sporadically attack the British sepoys, forcing them to
retreat.
• Impey informed the government of Bengal that their retreat was forced, and Khurda
was in a full state of insurrection.
THE HORRIBLE STEPS OF THE INSURGENTS:
• Under Captain Wellington's orders, Lieutenant Faris pursued the insurgents but was
shot dead, along with an Indian Subahdar.
• Pipli was captured by the rebellious Paiks.
• On April 7, 1817, some insurgents, led by Rajballav Chhotrai, attacked Hariharpur and
severely beat the Tahasildar of Kothdes.
• They also drove away the new zamindars of Balarampur and Budhakera.
• Many common people from Lembai, Pipli, and Kothdes joined the insurgents and
punished zamindars who supported the British.
• They burned villages and destroyed crops.
• The insurgents also captured Rani Mukta Dei of Samtbalpur, who had sought refuge
with the British, and looted her house.
• Following Buxi's orders, they killed Jagabandhu Patnaik and his family members, who
were spying against Buxi.
MUKUNDADEVA ANNOUNCED AS KING:
• The insurgents, after success in various places like Khurda, Lembai, Pipli, Gangapara,
and Hariharpur, entered Puri town.
• They burned and destroyed both public and private buildings.
• On April 14, Buxi and many of his followers reached Puri.
• The temple priests welcomed him and rejected British authority.
• They declared Raja Mukundadeva as their ruler, who was not involved in this revolt.

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STEPS OF LE FEVRE:
• The British government took drastic measures to suppress the rebellion.

• Martial law was imposed in Puri, Pipli, Lembai, and other areas.
• Captain Le Fevre led a strong military force towards Puri and burned several Paik
villages on the way.
• The Raja and his son Ramachandradeva were captured and taken to Cuttack.
• This action by the British weakened the morale of the insurgents.
• However, the rebellion continued in places like Pattamundai, Kujang, Gope, and others.
• Captain Wellington ordered troops to quell the revolt.
• Captain C.R. Kennet was sent to suppress the rebellion in Gope, Golra, and nearby
areas.
• Captain A. Macleod went to Pattamundai to control the rising insurgency.
• Eventually, the Raja of Kujang surrendered, and Captain Kennet successfully captured
Narayana Paramaguru and Bamadeva Patajoshi, along with their followers, who were
key leaders of the Paik rebellion.
• They were sent to the Barabati fort, and this restored normalcy in places like
Pattamundai, Asureswar, Praharajpur, and others.
NEW STRATEGY OF INSURGENTS:
• Suppressive actions by the British government forced Buxi and his followers to seek
refuge in Nayagarh and Ranapur.
• A combined military operation from Ganjam led to
Buxi and his followers frequently changing their
hiding places.
•
• Buxi proposed a new plan to his followers,
suggesting they destroy the lands so that no revenue
could be collected.
• The insurgents stopped Sarbarkars from making
revenue deals with the British.
• The resistance against British authority began with
the Khonds of Banapur, who attacked British
officers' camps.
• This rebellion spread to Khurda, Puri, Balakat, Gope, Tiran, Bolgarh, and other places.
• The government tried to suppress the uprising and capture Buxi Jagabandhu.

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• Major E. Roughsedge, with the help of Lieutenant D. Ruddell, attempted to capture

Buxi and his followers who had escaped from Baud with the assistance of the Raja of
Dasapalla in September 1818.
STEPS TO CAPTURE BUXI
• To prevent support to the insurgents, British authorities threatened the Raja of Nayagarh
with estate confiscation.
• Some of Buxi's followers were captured.
• The British offered rewards of Rs. 5,000 for Buxi Jagabandhu and Rs. 2,000 for
Krushnachandra Bhramarabara Rai, but these offers were unsuccessful.
• Following the suggestion of the Commissioner of Cuttack, the Governor-General-in-
Council announced a monthly allowance of Rs. 200 for Buxi if he surrendered.
• Buxi responded by sending a representation through his adopted son to the government.
• In the representation, he explained how he had been unfairly stripped of his property,
criticized Major Fletcher's rule in Khurda, and highlighted the British salt monopoly
causing discontent among the people of Khurda.
• Unfortunately, the government ignored his plea.
CONDITION FOR BUXI'S SURRENDER:
• Buxi Jagabandhu did not surrender even after his two wives and many of his followers
were captured.
• The Commissioner of Cuttack recommended to pardon Buxi and his staunch supporter
Krushnachandra Bhramarabara Rai.
• The Governor-General-in-Council ordered that if Buxi and his friend would surrender,
they would be pardoned and their pension would be fixed at Rs. 100 and Rs. 50
respectively per month.
• Buxi did not agree to the proposal and maintained silence for two years.
• His friend Krushnachandra deserted him and his followers were captured or
surrendered.
• At last, Buxi decided to surrender.

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THE NEGOTIATION:
• The British authorities sent Waz Mohammed to negotiate with Buxi Jagabandhu.
• They offered him a pardon and a monthly allowance of Rs. 150 if he surrendered.
• Buxi surrendered on May 27, 1825, along with his followers.
• He was allowed to live in Cuttack, but he was effectively a prisoner.
• He died on January 24, 1829, at Cuttack.
• The Paik rebellion of 1817 opened the eyes of the British government.
• A committee was appointed to enquire the causes and suggest remedies of the rebellion.
• The committee found that economic factors, judicial maladies, and maladministration
were the main causes of the rebellion.
RESULT OF THE PAIK REBELLION:

Administrative changes
• Oriyas were employed in government services and entrusted with responsible works.
• Judges were instructed to visit even the interior villages of a district accompanied by
the Oriya Amlas and receiving petitions from the people there and then, they redressed
the grievances of the people.
Judiciary changes
• The court language was changed from Persian to Oriya.

• Judges were instructed to visit even the interior villages of a district accompanied by
the Oriya Amlas and receiving petitions from the people there and then, they redressed
the grievances of the people.
Economic changes
• The price of salt was reduced and more salt was made available for the smooth
purchase of the people.
• The revenue burdens of the local zamindars were reduced.

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Political changes
• Raja Mukundadeva II ( The son of Mukundadeva I) was allowed to move to Puri and
take over the charge of the management of the Jagannath temple.
• The Paiks were forced to leave the profession of militiamen of the king and to adopt
cultivation and other works as means to earn livelihood.
Reorganization of the British administrative structure
• The commissioner was appointed and vested with special powers to implement various
reformative measures.
• The Board of Revenue, Board of trade, provincial Court of Appeal, Circuit Courts, etc.
all remained under his supervision.
NATURE OF THE PAIK REBELLION:
• The Paik Rebellion was a direct challenge to the British authority in Orissa.
• It was not a sudden outburst of popular sentiment, but was planned and organized by
Buxi Jagabandhu.
• The rebellion spread to a vast area, including Pattamundai, Gope, Kanika, and Kujang.
• It was a political rebellion, and involved people from all sections of society, including
Paiks, peasants, common people, amlas, and sarbarkaras.
• The British suppressed the rebellion with a heavy hand, but the valour and heroism of
Buxi Jagabandhu inspired the people of Orissa to continue their struggle against British
rule.
• The rebellion inspired other uprisings against British rule, such as the Sambalpur
Rebellion led by Surendra Sai.

HOLD ON !

Odisha Geography

84
8. THE REVOLT OF
SURENDRA SAI

85

• EARLY MEASURES OF THE BRITISH AT
SAMBALPUR
• THE REVOLT
• INTRODUCTION ON SURENDRA SAI
• BRITISH OPERATION AGAINST SURENDRA SAI
• BRITISH DIPLOMECY
• DEATH OF SURENDRA
• EFFECT
• NATURE OF THE REVOLT

86
INTRODUCTION
Surendra Sai was a freedom fighter who led a resistance movement against the British
in Sambalpur Orissa. He was captured by Britishers & imprisoned in Hazaribagh jail.
He was released during the revolt of 1857 & continued his fight against the British.
EARLY MEASURES OF THE BRITISH AT SAMBALPUR
• Balaramadeva, a Chauhan ruler, established the

kingdom of Sambalpur in the 2nd half of the 16th
century.
• The British occupied Sambalpur in 1804 but the
Marathas regained control of the kingdom after
negotiations.
• In 1817, the British defeated the Marathas in the 3rd
Anglo-Maratha War & took control of Sambalpur.
• Surendra Sai, a descendant of another Chauhan ruler,
challenged Rani Mohan Kumasi’s (Chauhan ruler)
came to the throne.
THE REVOLT
• Surendra Sai’s fight against the British authorities shows his bravery & heroism. He
gave a toe fight to British imperialism at Sambalpur.
SURENDRA SAI- A BRIEF INTRODUCTION
• Surendra Sai was born in a village 21 miles North of Sambalpur town. He had six
brothers & one sister. He was popular among the people, including the tribal.
• In 1828, he challenged the claim of Rani Mohan Kumari to the throne of Sambalpur.
His claim was rejected by the British authority.
• He led a revolt against the British for 14 years. He was finally captured & imprisoned in
1862.
• The following events led Surendra Sai to raise the standard of revolt:
• The British denied his claim to the throne.
• They imposed high taxes on the people.
• They were cruel to the tribals.
i. The interfered in the religious practices of the people.

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SUPPORT OF ZAMINDARS TO SURENDRA
• The zamindars were dissatisfied with the British rule and they saw Surendra Sai as a
potential leader who could overthrow the British.
• Surendra Sai's brother Udanta was also a popular figure among the people and he was a
skilled military commander.
• The support of the Zamindars and Surendra Sai's brother gave him a strong base of
support for his revolt.
• In 1833, the British removed Queen Mohan Kumari from the throne of Sambalpur and
placed one Narayan Singh, an old man of the Chauhan dynasty as king.
• This decision was unpopular with the people of Sambalpur and it led to a great
discontentment among them.
• Surendra Sai saw this as an opportunity to launch his revolt against the British.
• In September 1837, Surendra Sai's forces clashed with the British sepoys at Debrigarh
hills. Surendra Sai's ally, Balabhadra Deo, was killed in the skirmish, but Surendra Sai
himself escaped.
• In 1840, Surendra Sai, his brother Udanta, and uncle Balarama Singh were captured by
the British.
• They were sent to the Hazaribag jail as political prisoners.
• Balarama Singh died in the jail.
• Surendra Sai and Udanta were released from jail in 1857 during the Great Revolt of
1857.
APPLICATION OF THE DOCTRINE OF LAPSE IN SAMBALPUR
• The Doctrine of Lapse was a policy of the British East

India Company that stated that if a native ruler died
without a male heir, his territory would be annexed by the
British.
• When Raja Narayan Singh died in 1849 without a male
heir, Sambalpur was annexed by the British under the
Doctrine of Lapse.
• This led to a great deal of dissatisfaction among the
people of Sambalpur.
• The British increased the revenue demands on the people
and settled some villages in favor of Europeans. Lord Dalhousie (Doctrine of lapse)
• This led to even more dissatisfaction and anger among the people.
• The tribal people of Sambalpur, such as the Gonds, became hostile towards the British
authority.

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THE GREAT REVOLT OF 1857 & SURENDRA SAI
• Surendra Sai & his brother Udanta were released from Hazaribagh jail in August 1857
by the rebellious sepoys.
• Captain R.T. Leigh, the senior Assistant Commissioner of Sambalpur, wanted to
capture Surendra and his followers.
• However, the detachment of troops that he was expecting to join him from the 40th
Regiment, M.N.J., joined hands with the rebels instead.
• This forced Captain Leigh to send a message to Surendra Sai for negotiations.
THE NEGOTIATION
• Surendra promised not to revolt in exchange for the cancellation of his remaining
imprisonment terms.
• He also demanded to be recognized as the king of Sambalpur.
• Captain Leigh agreed to the 1st proposal & asked Surendra to stay in Sambalpur with 20
followers while they considered the 2nd proposal.
FATE OF SURENDRA’S PETITION
• Surendra Sai sent two petitions to the commissioner of Chhotanagpur to be made the
king of Sambalpur, but the commissioner rejected his request.
• Captain Leigh suggested that the Sai brothers be deported to Cuttack.
• Surendra Sai sensed that something was wrong and declared an open revolt against the
British authority on 1 November 1857.
STRATEGY OF SURENDRA SAI
• Securing the support of the tribal zamindars: Surendra Sai was able to secure the
support of the tribal zamindars of Ghens, Kolabira, Paharsirgira, Laida, etc. These
zamindars provided him with men and resources for his revolt.
• Stationing his supporters in strategic places: Surendra Sai stationed his supporters in
two strategic places, Jharghati and Khinda.
• Launching surprise attacks: Surendra Sai's forces launched surprise attacks on British
troops and outposts. This kept the British off balance and made it difficult for them to
mount a coordinated response.
• Disrupting communications: Surendra Sai's forces also disrupted communications by
attacking Dak posts and cutting telegraph lines. This made it difficult for the British to
communicate with each other and coordinate their efforts.

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BRITISH OPERATION AGAINST SURENDRA
• The British authority started an operation against Surendra Sai.

• The British troops became sick while fighting with Surendra’s followers in the forests.
• The rebels attacked the two doctors & their party near Jujumura on November 17, 1857.
• Captain Leigh visited the spot with 50 soldiers, but most of his soldiers were killed &
injured by gunfire & arrows.
STEPS OF COCKBURN
• The British authority was gravely concerned about the attack on the medical officers.
• They sent more troops to Sambalpur to help Captain Leigh.
• The rebels took measures to oppose the British troops.
• The British authority threatened the local zamindars and Rajas to confiscate their
property and title if they helped the rebels.
• They also offered rewards to those who helped the British in suppressing the revolt.
• 1500 rebels gathered at Sambalpur in the second week of December 1857.
• Captain Saxton, the assistant Surveyor General was attacked by the rebels.
WOOD’S ATTACK
• On December 30, 1857, Captain E.G. Wood attacked the rebels at Kudopali.
• He feigned a retreat to lure the rebels out of their hiding places.
• When the rebels came out to attack the retreating party, Captain Wood turned back and
charged his cavalry, killing 53 rebels.
• Surendra Sai escaped, but his brother Chhabila Sai was shot dead.
• This victory encouraged the British authority to deal with the rebels more vigorously.
• On January 7, 1858, Major Bates besieged the Jharghati Pass and then attacked
Kolabira, a stronghold of the rebels.
• He was later joined by Captain Wood.
MURDER OF WOODBRIDGE
• The insurgents were thinking of avenging the murder of Chhabila Sai.

• They attacked Captain Woodbridge, who was besieging the fort at Ranarasirgida hills.

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• Captain Woodbridge was shot dead in the battle.

• Captain Leigh, Captain Wood, and Captain Dyre marched to the spot, but the insurgents
avoided fighting with them and fled away to the jungles.
• Surendra Sai didn’t give up. He moved to the hills near Dewaree & continued to fight
the British.
•
STEPS OF FORESTER
• Colonel forester took over the charge of Sambalpur from captain Leigh in March 1857 .
He arrested people at random & gave them condign punishment.
• The Zamindary of Khurral was offered to Zamindar Rai Rup Singh Bahadur as a
reward for helping trace out the rebels.
• Surendra Sai fled to the central provinces & in 1860 encamped in the Zamindari of
Khurral supported by the Garjat chiefs of Raipur.
• Colonel Forester continued his repressive measures in Sambalpur & nearby areas, so
the insurgent didn’t get any scope to enter into Sambalpur.
ACTION OF THE REBELS
• Despite the efforts of Colonel Forster, the rebels continued to fight.

• They were led by Khageswar Deo.
• They killed Trikait Deo of Kusumunda, who acted as a spy for the British.
• They received help from the Khalsa villages of Sambalpur.
• They made their camp at Barapahar.
• In the last week of January 1861, they attacked the village of Manpura.
• The attack was foiled by the joint operation of Captain J. Smith, Lieutenant R. Dundas,
Captain John Dyre, and Lieutenant Cornish.
STEPS OF IMPEY
Major H. B Impey succeeded to forester as the Deputy Commissioner of Sambalpur &
he adopted a concillatory policy towards the rebels. The proclamations of amnesty were
issued granting pardon to all rebels who would surrender. Many rebels & their
supporters came to help the British persuasion was made to Surendra Sai for his
surrender but he didn’t pay any heed to it. Since, the plans on Impey bore no fruit.
THE AMNESTY

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• Surendra Sai did not surrender to the British even after the proclamations of amnesty.
• He continued to fight for his claim to the throne of Sambalpur.
• He tried to gain public sympathy for his cause.
• Many rebels, including Kartika, Sindhu, Bhuboo, Udanta, Dayal Singh and others, also
did not surrender.
• They continued to fight alongside Surendra Sai.
OPERATION OF RATTRAY
• Major Rattray's operation against the rebels in the last week of December broke the
spirit of the rebels.
• On May 16, 1862, Surendra Sai surrendered to Major Impey and was granted a free
pardon.
• He was also granted a pension of Rs. 1,200 and an amount of Rs. 4,600 per annum.
• Surendra Sai was allowed to stay in the village Bargaon.
THE BRITISH DIPLOMACY
• Kunjal Singh & Kamal Singh didn’t surrender after Surendra Sai surrendered in 1862.
They wanted to restore Surendra Sai's throne of Sambalpur.
• A delegation of prominent citizens of Sambalpur requested the Chief Commissioner to
restore the Chauhan dynasty to the throne, but he rejected their request.
• The superintendent of police reported that Surendra Sai had links with dacoits.
• Impey rejected the plea to imprison Surendra Sai & retained his faith in Surendra Sai’s
honesty & integrity.
HARSH STEPS OF CUMBERLEDGE
• After the death of Major Impey, Major A.B. Cumberledge took over the charge of the
administration of Sambalpur.
• He had no faith on the Conciliatory policy of Impey.
• Some British officers impressed Cumberledge that Surendra Sai and his followers had
been planning to wage war against Her Majesty's government.
• A party headed by Cumberledge surrounded the house of Surendra Sai at Bargaon in
the night of January 23, 1864.
• Surendra Sai was captured at Sambalpur by the treachery of Dayanidhi.

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• Mitrabhanu Sai, the son of Surendra, Dhruba Sai, Udanta Sai, Dharanidhara Misra and
others were captured and imprisoned.
SESSION COURT TRIAL
• Surendra Sai & others were tried for treason at the session court in Raipur on 23 June
1864.
• They are found guilty & sentenced to life in prison & they appealed against the Verdict.
• Campbell acquitted them on 18 August 1864, completely reversing the judgment of the
session court.
DEATH OF SURENDRA SAI
• Surendra Sai & other rebels were arrested but later acquitted. They were still detained
under Regulation II of 1818.
• They appealed to the Governor–General - in – Council but the petition was rejected.
• They filed petitions again but some of them died. Surendra Sai died in 1884 & the
uprising ended.
EFFECTS
PEACE AND STABILITY
• The arrest of Surendra Sai and his subsequent imprisonment led to peace and
stability in Sambalpur.
• The government officers were relieved from the task of dealing with the rebels.
• The people of Sambalpur were able to live in peace and tranquility.
RESTRICTIONS ON ZAMINDARS
• The British authority-imposed restrictions on the local zamindars.

• The zamindars were no longer the undisputed masters of their localities.
• This led to a more equitable distribution of land and resources.
ABOLITION OF BETHI AND BEGAR
• The system of bethi and begar was abolished.

• This meant that people were no longer forced to work for free.

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• This was a major victory for the people of Sambalpur.
TRANSFER TO CENTRAL PROVINCES
• Sambalpur was transferred to the Central Provinces in 1864.

• This created problems for the administrative authority due to the ethnic and
linguistic differences between Sambalpur and the Central Provinces.
• Sambalpur was again transferred to the Orissa Division of Bengal in 1905.
BRITISH IMPERIALISM
• The British imperialism was totally felt by the people of that region.
• The manner in which the claims of Surendra Sai were set aside and the way
Surendra and his supporters were allegedly captured and imprisoned after the verdict
of the judicial commissioner exposed the British authoritative attitude towards the
people of that region.
• This led to resentment and anger among the people of Sambalpur.
PERMANENT RULE OF BRITISH
• With the suppression of the revolt, Sambalpur remained permanently under British
clutch.
• No cry for the restoration of the Chauhan dynasty to the gadi of Sambalpur was
heard hereafter.
• This showed that the British were determined to maintain their rule in India.
NATURE OF THE REVOLT
• Nature of the revolt: Anti-British

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• Cause of the revolt: Unlawful annexation of Sambalpur to the British suzerainty

• Supporters of the revolt: Local people, zamindars, kings, tribal people
• Role of the tribal people: Dominant
• Planning of the revolt: Not sudden, but planned
• Facilitating factor: Great Revolt of 1857, escape of Surendra Sai from Hazaribagh jail.
• Impact of the revolt: Paralysed the administration of Sambalpur, forced the British to
adopt a conciliatory policy.
• Significance of Surendra Sai: Prominent figure among the rebels who resisted the
British authority, his name had a magic touch.

THE WAIT IS OVER
Governance & Social

Justice
# OP for OPSC
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9. FREEDOM MOVEMENT
IN ORISSA

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• THE NON-COOPERATION MOVEMENT
• THE CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE MOVEMENT
• THE QUIT INDIA MOVEMENT
• ANALYSIS OF THE MOVEMENT

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INTRODUCTION
India's struggle for freedom had a major influence on Orissa. The people of Orissa took
part in all major freedom movements, including the Non-Cooperation Movement, the
Civil Disobedience Movement, and the Quit India Movement.Their enthusiasm for the
freedom struggle was boundless.They plunged into the struggle with zeal and
daringness.
THE NON-COOPERATION MOVEMENT

• Gopabandhu Das was a freedom fighter from Odisha who
inspired the people of his state to join the Indian National
Congress.
• Gandhiji's visit to Odisha in 1921 further galvanized the
Congress movement in the state.
• The Non-Cooperation Movement of 1920-22 attracted
millions of people in Odisha and helped to intensify the
freedom struggle in the state.
LEADERSHIP OF GOPABANDHU DAS
• Gopabandhu Das was a leading figure in the Indian National Congress (INC) and
he played a key role in the Non-Cooperation Movement in Orissa.
• He was the president of the first Pradesh Congress Committee in Orissa and he
was responsible for spreading the message of Non-Cooperation throughout the
state.

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• He asked the people of Orissa to boycott British goods and institutions, and he
encouraged them to participate in strikes and protests.
• He was arrested several times for his participation in the movement and he was
eventually forced to go into hiding.
• Despite the repression, the Non-Cooperation Movement was a success in Orissa
and it helped to raise awareness of the Indian independence movement.
GANDHIJI’S VISIT TO ORISSA
• Gandhiji visited Orissa in 1921 to make the Non-Cooperation Movement popular.

• He addressed a mammoth crowd in
Cuttack and then went to Bhadrak, Puri, and
Berhampur.
• He stressed the importance of using Khadi,
the spinning wheel, and Swadeshi goods.
•
The people of Orissa contributed
generously to the Tilak Swaraj Fund. Women
even gave away their ornaments.
• They welcomed Gandhiji with conches
and other instruments, shouting "Gandhiji Ki Jai!"
NON-COOPERATION IN ORISSA
BOYCOTT OF EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
• Students in Orissa boycotted British-run educational institutions as a way of

protesting against British rule.
• The boycott was led by Jagannath Misra, Laxmi Narayan Misra, and Nrusingh
Guru of the Sambalpur district school.
• Students from Cuttack, Puri, and Balasore districts also joined the boycott.
• Students of Ravenshaw College also gave up classes.
• Notable leaders of later years, such as Harekrushna Mahatab, Naba Krishna
Choudhury, Nityananda Kanungo, and Jadurnani Mangarai, also gave up their
studies.
• In place of British-run schools, national schools were set up in Orissa.
• The first national school was the Satyabadi Bana Vidyalaya, which was
established by Gopabandhu Das at Sakshigopal.

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• Other national schools were set up in Cuttack, Chakradharpur, Berhampur,

Balasore, Basta, Soro, and Parlakhemundi.
• The Utkal Swaraj Sikhsha Parishad was established at Cuttack to oversee the
national schools.
ESTABLISMENT OF ASHRAMAS
• The earliest ashram - Swaraj Ashram at Cuttack.

• Gopabandhu Chowdhury - Alaka Ashram at Jagatsinghpur.
• Karunakar Panigrahi and Harekrushna Mahatab - Swaraj Mandir at Balasore.
• Several other ashrams were set up at Bhadrak, Soro, Puri, and Sakshigopal.
• Swaraj Sevak Sangh at Cuttack.
RESIGNATION FROM GOVT. SERVICE
• Government servants gave up their titles and resigned from their posts.
• Gopabandhu Chowdhury spearheaded the move by resigning from the post of
Deputy Magistrate of Baragarh.
• Other government servants who resigned include:
• Puma Chandra Das and Raghunath Mishra (resigned from govt. schools)
• Kshetra Mohan Mohanty, Hari Charan Mohanty (gave up clerical posts)
• Pandit Lingraj Mishra (Professor of Sanskrit in Muzafarpur Govt. College)
• Pandit Nilakantha Dash (Professor of Oriya at Calcutta University)
• Surendra Nath Das (Sub-inspector in Balasore)
• Mohammed Hanif (Excise Sub-inspector in Bhadrak)
BOYCOTTING OF FOREIGN GOODS
• Cloth merchants of Cuttack, Puri, Balasore and Sambalpur were instigated by the
Non-cooperation movement to not import foreign textiles.
• On 6 August 1921, foreign clothes were set fire at Puri.
• On 11 and 14 August, huge bundles of foreign textiles were gathered and burnt in a
bonfire.
• A protest demonstration was staged in Orissa during the visit of the Prince of Wales
to Bombay. Foreign liquor was boycotted in Orissa.
• People took a vow not to accept anything that was foreign-made.

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BOYCOTT OF COURTS
• Gopabandhu Das, Bhagirathi Mohapatra, Achyutananda Purohit, Mahendranath

Verma, Gour Mohan Das, and Banchhanidhi Mohanty gave up legal practice to join
the Non-Cooperation Movement.
• They set up private legal chambers to provide legal advice to the local people. This
resulted in a tremendous boost to the Non-Cooperation Movement in Orissa.
PROHIBITION
• Non-cooperators staged rallies and demonstrations in front of foreign liquor shops

and banned the sale of foreign liquor.
• Liquor traders were advised not to import liquor.
• Breweries manufacturing country-made liquor were advised to close down their
shops.
• People were made aware of the evil effects of drinking.
REPRESSION BY THE GOVERNMENT
• The British government responded to the success of the Non-Cooperation

Movement with repression.
• Gopabandhu Das was jailed for a month
for an article he published in the daily
'Samaj'.
• The British arrested Harekrushna Mahatab,
Mathura Mohan Behera, Kamruddin
Haque, Banchhanidhi Mohanty, Balram
Das, Daitari Sahu, and other leaders on
some pretext or the other.
• The Misra Press of Sambalpur was fined Rupees 25 for printing the 'Swaraj
Sangeet'.
• Several cases of burning were witnessed at Puri, Balasore, Kendrapara, and Cuttack.
• The police in many cases had to resort to lathi charge to suppress the non-co-
operators.

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THE KANIKA REBELLION
• The people of Kanika rebelled against the authorities during the Non-cooperation
movement.
• Students quit the Raja Rajendra Narain High School and incited farmers to join the
movement.
• The newspapers 'Samaj' and 'Utkal Dipika' regularly published about the atrocities at
Kanika.
• Gopabandhu Das and Bhagirathi Mohapatra were arrested and sent to the
Hazaribagh Jail for disobeying the order.
• Kanika bears testimony to the oppression of the British during the last phase of the
Non-cooperation movement in Orissa. It still bears a tearful memory.
RESULTS OF THE NON-COOPERATION MOVEMENT
Mahatma Gandhi’s Leadership
• Gandhi's visit to Orissa helped to popularize the Non-Cooperation Movement.

• He was accepted wholeheartedly by the people of Orissa.
• His leadership inspired the people to fight for their freedom
Popularity of Oriya leadership
• Gopabandhu Das, Ekram Rasool, Gopabandhu Chowdhury, and Harekrushna Mahatab
were among the most popular leaders of the Non-Cooperation Movement in Orissa.
• They inspired the people to take action against the British.

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Peasant agitation in Kanika

• The Non-Cooperation Movement fueled the peasant agitation in Kanika.
• The people of Kanika were angry with the British for their exploitation.
• They took to the streets to protest against the British.
•
The fire of revolt
• The Non-Cooperation Movement ignited the fire of revolt in the hearts of the Oriyas.
• They were determined to fight for their freedom.
• The movement prepared them for a greater and nobler struggle in the future.
Milestone in india’s freedom struggle
• The Non-Cooperation Movement was another milestone in India's freedom struggle.
• It created an overwhelming consciousness among the people of Orissa.
• It helped to unite the people of Orissa and to create a sense of common purpose.
Prohibition and Swadeshi

• The Non-Cooperation Movement was successful in the field of prohibition and
Swadeshi.
• People in Orissa gave up drinking and started using Swadeshi goods.
• This helped to weaken the British economy.
THE CIVIL DISOBEDIENT MOVEMENT
• The Civil Disobedience Movement was a major milestone in the freedom struggle in
Orissa.

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• Gopabandhu Chaudhury, Acharya Harihar, Ramadevi, and many other leaders played a
key role in making the movement a success in Orissa.
• Inchudi in Balasore district became known as the "Second Dandi" of the Civil
Disobedience Movement.
BEGINNING OF THE MOVEMENT IN ORISSA
• In 1929, the Indian National Congress (INC) passed the Purna Swaraj resolution in
Lahore. The British Viceroy, Lord Irwin, rejected the resolution.
• As a result, Mahatma Gandhi launched the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1930.
• In February 1930, the Utkal Pradesh Congress Committee (UPC) met and appointed
Gopabandhu Choudhury as the leader of the Civil Disobedience Movement in
Orissa.
• The satyagrahis (non-violent protesters) were divided into four groups:
Lauhastarmba Vahini, Patitapaban Vahini, Ganjam Vahini, and Sambalpur Vahini.
BALASORE
Preparations for the Salt Satyagraha in Inchudi
• Harekrushna Mahatab and Surendra Nath Das were given the charge of bringing
together the Satyagrahis of Balasore.
• Gopabandhu Chowdhury made plans to start his march from Cuttack to Balasore, but
he was arrested on 8 August 1930.
• Acharya Harihar took the leadership in leading the Satyagrahis to Balasore.
The Salt Satyagraha in Inchudi
• On 12 April 1930, Acharya Harihar and the Satyagrahis moved towards Inchudi
from Balasore.
• On 13 April, in the presence of thousands of people, Acharya Harihar grabbed a
handful of salty soil on the Inchudi sea-coast and thus broke the salt law.
• He and other Satyagrahis were promptly arrested.
• Meanwhile, preparation of salt was on in the Satyagrahi camps.
The Salt Satyagraha in Sartha
• After Inchudi, the next Satyagraha camp was set up at Sartha.

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• Smt. Rama Devi and Malati Devi arrived at Balasore and got together many local
women to start preparing salt.
• Initially the police resorted to lathi-charge, but subsequently rescinded from the
act.
• Fearing a major law and order problem, the British were forced to remain silent
spectators to the activities of the Satyagrahis.
CUTTACK
• Salt Satyagraha was started in Kujang, Cuttack district.

• The Maharani of Kujang joined the movement.
• Camps were set up at Paradip, Ersama, Chatua to prepare salt.
• Narayan Birabar Samant led the movement in Kujang.
• Rama Devi and Malatidevi were accompanied by other leaders to spread the
movement.
PURI
• Salt Satyagraha was started at Kakatpur in Puri district.

• Pandit Nilakantha Das worked relentlessly to make the movement more active in
other places.
• On 22 May 1930, the police lathi-charged the satyagrahis to suppress the movement.
• The satyagrahis continued with their work with great excitement, despite police
atrocities.
GANJAM
• In Ganjam, Biswanath Das and Niranjan Patnaik took the leadership of the Salt
Satyagraha movement.
• On 7 May 1930, Niranjan Patnaik broke the salt law at Ganjam.
• Under the leadership of Radhakrishna Bisweswarray, many young satyagrahis from
Koraput joined the salt satyagrahis in Ganjam.
• Though the police remained silent at first, they later arrested Niranjan Patnaik and
Sarala Devi.

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The movement spread to Laxmipur, Pallibund, and Jayantigarh apart from Huma and
Ganjam.
OTHER ASPECTS OF THE MOVEMENT

SOCIAL OSTRACIZATION
• In Rasalpur, Balasore, the youthful leader Sardar Surendranath Das explained the
significance of satyagraha to the people.
• Food grains and other daily necessities were no longer sold in the Motiganj market.
• Journalists were put to trouble because they were considered agents of the British
government.
• In Sartha, the police were not given any food, which forced them to arrest a large
number of people from the village.
THE MONKEY BRIGADE
• Children below the age of sixteen who joined the women demonstrators as.
Satyagrahis, They called the Vanarasena. In the absence of women
demonstrators, the VanaraSena preformed the job.
• In many places the Vanar Sena was caned by the police. But fearlessly the children
sang lines written by the National poet Birakishore.
• The fearlessness and the dedication of the VanaraSena in Orissa was indeed
unique, and this gives an insight on how well spread the movement was .
ABOLITION OF CHOWKIDARI TAX
• A movement was started in Inchudi-Srijang areas of Balasore to abolish Chowkidari

Tax in Orissa. Gourmohan Das and Bidyadhar Rath took the leadership of the
movement.
• Some people who refused to pay the tax were arrested but the people in general
forced the police to release them.
• The District Magistrate and the police tried to suppress the people ruthlessly.
• The police atrocities became so inhuman that it constitutes a dark page in the history
of British rule in Orissa.
PROHIBITION

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• In response to Gandhiji's call, a prohibition campaign began in Orissa.

• Satyagrahis (non-violent protesters) instigated people to uproot date palms and other
trees from which intoxicating drinks were prepared.
• In Cuttack, demonstrations were staged in front of large foreign liquor shops and
people were advised to give up drinking.
• As a result, the British were deprived of excise duty (tax on alcohol).
REPRESSIVE MEASURES OF THE GOVERNMENT
The Government's response to the Satyagrahis
• Local dailies like Samaj, Prajatantra, and Asha were warned not to publish anything
against the government.
• The editors of these dailies were threatened with punishment if they did not comply.
• The police wanted to seize the hand-printed papers Bidrohi and Biplabi, which were
widely circulated among the people.
• The young leaders of the Congress were sent to jail for publishing these papers.
• The British treatment of the Satyagrahis was barbaric.
• They were arrested and ill-treated in jail.
The impact of the Movement in Orissa
• The movement became virulent and people in the coastal areas broke laws and
acquired huge quantities of salt.
• Outstanding women leaders like Rama Devi and Sarala Devi took part in the
movement and popularised it.
• The movement exposed the British rule in India and inspired the people to merge
with the national mainstream.

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THE QUIT INDIA MOVEMENT
• The Quit India movement spread from towns to villages and even the forest regions
of Koraput.
• The students of Ravenshaw College took the initiative in this movement.
• The police resorted to brutal firings at places like Khiradihi, Iram, Dhamnagar,
Mathili and Paparahandi.
BEGINNING OF THE REVOLT
• The Quit India Movement began in Orissa on 9 August 1942 with the arrest of
Congress leaders.
• On 14 August 1942, under the direction of student leaders, the college office was set
on fire and all furniture were destroyed.
• Government servants were instigated by the students to quit service and join the
movement.
• The police promptly arrested Bibhudendra Misra and Suraj Mal Saha and sent them
to Bethampur jail.
• On 16 August 1942, people attacked the Bari Congress Ashram which had been
taken over by the police.
KAIPADA FIRING
• The arrest of Gopabandhu Chowdhury and Rama Devi infuriated the people of the
area. They along with the Vanar Sena set fire to the Kaipada post office on August
17, 1942.
• When the situation was beginning to get out of control, the Deputy Superintendent
of Police reached there on August 25. On August 26, morning, many people crossed
the Baitarini river and gathered at the place.
• Leaders like Indramani Tripathy, Dambarudhar Ray, and Benudhar Das were
arrested by the police.
• When Smt. Annapurna Moharana reached the place, the excited mob demanded the
release of the arrested leaders.
• The police then resorted to indiscriminate firing. Three people were killed and 17
were injured.

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AWAKENING IN JAJPUR
• After the Kaipada firing incident, the police brought the arrested satyagrahis to
Jajpur. The police refused permission to hold meetings and gatherings in the region.
• Disobeying the orders, about 15,000 people marched towards the police station and
the jail.
• The police opened fire on the crowd, killing and injuring several people.
• As a result, the people dispersed in confusion and the situation was brought under
control.
THE REVOLT IN PARTS OF CUTTACK
• The Quit India Movement was gathering momentum in Cuttack, especially in

Barchana, Mahanga, and Ersama.
• In order to protect themselves from the police, the people started learning martial
arts, such as wielding the lathi.
• Gourang Charan Das of Bagalpur trained the youth in Gobindpur division on
wielding the lathi.
• In Batemura village, a 'Rakta Vahini' (blood brigade) was created to repulse police
attacks.
• Bhairab Chandra Mahanti quit government service and joined the movement.
TROUBLE AT BHANDARIPOKHARI
• More than 5000 people besieged the police station at Bhandaripokhari in Balasore.
• They destroyed all the documents in the station and beat up a constable.
• They set fire to the police station and destroyed the only bridge linking it to the
village.
• The furious magistrate fined six thousand rupees, which was to be collected from
twelve nearby villages.
• Jagannath Das and Dwarakanath Das were arrested in connection with the incident.

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FIRING AT DHAMNAGAR
• After the Bhandaripokhari incident, the British decided to teach the revolutionaries a
lesson.
• Muralidhar Panda was a revolutionary who activated the Quit India Movement in
Dhamnagar. He was alleged to have burnt the uniform of a chowkidar in the
Srijanga village.
• When the police reached there, the people started blowing conches and beating
drums, which resulted in a large number of people gathering from nearby villages.
• The helpless police resorted to firing, killing about 10 - 11 people and injuring many
others.
• The savage firing took place on 21 September 1942. Muralidhar Panda was
arrested.
FIRING AT TUDIGADIA & KHAIRADIHI
• A few people insulted the police sub-inspector at the Tudigadia market place.
• The police resorted to 9 rounds of blank firing to drive the people away, but they did
not disperse.
• On 29 September 1942, the police went to the Khairadihi village to arrest
Baidyanath Rout. The police were attacked with bows and arrows, and they resorted
to firing.
• Two people were killed in the police firing. The people took the dead bodies to the
Tudigadia police station and surrounded it.
• The police again resorted to firing, killing a few people from the Nilgiri region.
FIRING AT IRAM
• On September 28, 1942, a large crowd gathered at Melan Padia in Iram, Basudevpur
to protest against the British Raj and to resolve not to pay taxes.
• The meeting was led by Kamala Prasad Kar and Ganesh Prasad Tripathy.
• The D.S.P. of Basudevpur, Kunjabihari Mohanty, ordered the police to fire on the
crowd. The firing resulted in 29 deaths and 55 injuries.
• This event is known as the Iram Massacre and is considered to be the ‘’Second
Jallianwala Bagh Massacre’’.
• Iram is now known as Rakta Tirtha, which means "Blood Pilgrimmage."

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FIRING AT NIMAPADA
• On September 16, 1942, people in Nimapada, Puri district, held a meeting and
resolved not to pay taxes to the government.
• They then went to the police station and asked the officers to quit their jobs and join
the movement.
• When the national flag was hoisted at the police station, the police warned them not
to do so.
• The mob became angry and set fire to the police station. The police opened fire,
killing one person and injuring several others.
REACTION IN GANJAM
• The Quit India Movement spread to the Ganjam district. Revolutionaries cut the
telegraph lines at Aska.
• Political prisoners in Berhampur jail burnt a thatched house and were lathi-charged
by the police.
• Prisoners in Rasoolkonda became rebellious and the police lathi-charged them.
ADIVASI AWAKENING IN KORAPUT

FIRING AT MAITHILI
• Laxman Naik was a great adivasi leader & strong supporter of the Indian National
Congress who lived in Koraput district
of Orissa.
• He organized protests against the British
Raj and led a large band of supporters to
gherao the Maithili Police station on 21
August 1942.
• The people refused to move from the
place and the police resorted to firing,
killing 5 people.
• Laxman Naik was arrested and sent to
Berhampur jail on false charges. He was hanged on 29 March 1943, becoming the
only Oriya to be hanged during the Quit India Movement.

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FIRING AT PAPARAHANDI
• On August 24, 1942, many people from Koraput marched to destroy a bridge and
police station. The police tried to stop them, but the people marched on.
• The police then opened fire, killing 15 people.
• It is also alleged that many Congress workers were killed and their bodies were
thrown into the river.
REACTION IN SAMBALPUR
• Sambalpur was deeply influenced by the freedom movement.

• The people went on strike and disobeyed the government. The students shut down
educational institutions.
• They instigated people to liberate themselves from the clutches of foreigners.
• The people's role in activating the movement in Sambalpur was commendable.
REACTION IN PRINCELY AREAS
• The Quit India movement was warmly welcomed in areas ruled by native princes.
• Its influence was deeply felt in Talcher, Dhenkanal, Athagarh and Nayagarh. Pabitra
Mohan Pradhan took the leadership in Talcher.
• On 26 August 1942, Baishnav Charan Patnaik led 19 revolutionaries and set fire to
the jail, the police station and the ammunition depot.
• At Nuagaon in Nayagarh, Kashi Dakua was killed in police firing.
OBJECTIVES OF THE MOVEMENT
• To stop paying taxes

• To loot godowns
• To instigate government servants to join the movement
• To go on strike
• To cut off communications so as to impede the movement of the police
• To set up Panchayats
• To break forest laws

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• To disobey government orders

• To stop providing food grains to government officials
ANALYSIS OF THE MOVEMENT

• The Quit India Movement in Orissa was a mass-oriented and widespread movement. It
got tremendous support in towns, villages, adivasi areas and princely areas.
• People of Orissa perceived that along with India, Orissa too would become independent
and the British would have to leave.
• Hence the people of Orissa plunged into the movement with great enthusiasm.
• Though the British used barbaric methods of repression like firing and imprisoning the
leaders of the Congress, the movement continued in some form or the other till 1944.

HOLD ON !

Odisha Geography

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10. CONTRIBUTION OF
MADHUSUDAN DAS,
GOPABANDHU DAS,
KRUSHNA CHANDRA
GAJAPATI, RAMA DEVI,
SARALA DEVI AND MALATI
DEVI

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INTRODUCTION
The spread of English education led to the rise of a group of intellectuals who dreamt of
building a new Odisha. These intellectuals established printing presses, circulated
newspapers and magazines, and founded cultural organizations. The rise of educated
youth created a renaissance in Odisha in the second half of the 19th century. Women
also played a significant role in the freedom struggle in Odisha.
MADHUSUDAN DAS
● The main architect of the creation of Odisha as a
separate province
● Also known as ‘Madhu Barrister’ and ‘Grand Old
Man
● used Utkal Union Conference/ Utkala Sammilani as a
medium to mobilize the local people
● Born: 28 April, 1848
● Death: 4 February, 1934
Odisha Association
● Formed in 1878 by some people of Cuttack
● 21 May 1883: Madhu Babu joined (influenced by Gourishankar Ray)
● Showed unanimous support to Ilbert Bill
● Madhu babu and Gourishankar Ray attended the Madras Session of INC in 1888
● Till 1903 the association expressed the liberal principles as propagated by the INC
The Utkal Union Conference/ Utkal Sammilani

● played a vital role in the amalgamation of Odia-speaking tracts
● 30 December, 1903: 1st session
● Invitees of Madhu Babu included:
● 30 kings
● Zamindars
● Important representatives
● Presided by: Sri Ramachandra Bhansali Deo (The King of Mayurbhanj)
● Important proposals that were accepted are:
● Lord Curzon was appreciated for his efforts of amalgamation of Odia-speaking tracts
● Expression of gratitude to the British Government for the prevalence of Odia Language
in Sambalpur instead of Hindi

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● Formation of many committees for social reforms and improvement of Odia Language
● Steps taken for improvement of industries in the Odisha Division
● Important Outcome
● Madhu Babu facilitated the submission of a proposal to the British Government to
amalgamate Sambalpur, Ganjam, Chotanagpur, Vishakapatnam and Midnapur with
Odisha.
Efforts to form Odisha Province

● Madhu Babu was a strong advocate for the formation of a separate province of Odisha.
● He argued that the Odia-speaking people were culturally and linguistically distinct from
the other peoples of the region.
● He also argued that the Odia people were being denied their fair share of resources and
opportunities.
● In 1903, Madhu Babu founded the Utkal Union Conference, which was a major
political organization that campaigned for the formation of a separate province of
Odisha.
● The Utkal Union Conference submitted several proposals to the British government, but
the government was initially reluctant to grant Odisha a separate province.

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● In 1911, Madhu Babu traveled to London to create public opinion in favor of the
formation of Odisha Province.
● In 1912, the British government created the Bihar and Orissa Province, which included
Odisha. However, Madhu Babu was not satisfied with this arrangement, as he believed
that Odisha should be a separate province.
● Madhu Babu continued to campaign for the formation of Odisha Province, and in 1936,
his efforts were finally successful. Odisha was granted a separate province, and Madhu
Babu is considered one of the architects of the modern state of Odisha.
MadhuBabu’s Political Career

• Madhu Babu was also active in the Indian National
Congress, but he resigned from the party in 1903 due to
their opposition to the formation of a separate province
of Odisha.
• He was elected to the Bengal Legislative Council in
1902 and to the Bihar and Orissa Legislative Council in
1912.
• He served as a minister in the Bihar and Orissa
government from 1921 to 1923.
Effort for the economic independence of the Odias

● Promoted the development of cottage industries
● Encouraged traditional filigree work of Cuttack
● Opened ‘Orissa Art Wares’ at Cuttack
● Established a factory called ‘Utkal Tannery’ at Cuttack
● Encouraged weavers
● Was instrumental in establishing the Palm-sugar factory
Madhu Babu’s defense of the Puri Jagannath Temple
• Madhu Babu was a staunch defender of the Puri Jagannath Temple.

• He believed that the temple was a symbol of Odia culture and heritage.
• In 1902, the British government appointed a deputy magistrate to manage the temple.
• Madhu Babu opposed this move, arguing that it was an infringement on the rights of the
Gajapati, the traditional custodian of the temple.

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• Madhu Babu took the case to the Calcutta High Court, where he argued that the
Gajapati was the sole custodian of the temple and had the right to manage it as he saw
fit.
• The High Court agreed with Madhu Babu, and the deputy magistrate was removed from
his post.
GOPABANDHU DAS
Gopabandhu Das was a prominent Odia leader who was

known as the "Gem of Utkal". He was a social reformer,
educationist, and politician. He was a strong advocate for
the upliftment of the common people of Odisha. He was
instrumental in spreading national education in Odisha. He
founded the Satyabadi School, which was a model school
that promoted national education. He also founded the
Samaj, a newspaper that was a major voice for the Odia
people.
Establishment of National School

● Established Open Air Middle English School in 1909 at Satyabadi of Puri district.
● Acharya Harihar Das, Pandit Nilakantha Dash,
Pandit Godabarish Mishra and Pandit
Krupasindhu Mishra joined in. (These five
celebrities are known as the 'Five Friends of
Modern Odisha’.)
● Gopabandhu taught idealism and nationalism
to the students.
● Visited and appreciated by Eminent persons
like Mahatma Gandhi, Sir Ashutosh Mukherjee, Sir Edward Gate, Dr. Lancastore and
many others.
● In 1921, this school became the main centre during the non-cooperation movement.
The Utkal Union Conference

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• Gopabandhu was closely associated with the Utkal Union Conference since its
formation in 1903.
• He wanted to amalgamate the Odia-speaking tracts into a single province.
• He wanted to make the Utkal Union Conference a part of the Indian National Congress,
but Madhusudan Das opposed this.
• In a speech at the Utkal Union Conference, Gopabandhu said that Odisha is a great land
with a rich history and culture.
• He described the Utkal Union Conference as a combination of Indian nationalism and
Odia aspiration.
• However, his active association with the Indian National Congress eventually led him
to disassociate from the Utkal Union Conference.
Gopabandhu and Indian National Congress

● Gopabandhu Das wanted to merge Utkal Sammilani with Congress but Madhubabu
opposed.
● He left Utkal Sammilani due to his active association with Congress.
● He was inspired by Gandhian ideology after attending INC session in Calcutta.
● He spread Gandhian activities in Odisha.
● He attended Bombay session of INC and supported resolutions like boycotting foreign
goods, visit of Prince of Wales, and adoption of national education.
● He went to jail for popularizing Congress activities in Odisha.
Role in the Non-Cooperation Movement

● Gopabandhu Das formed Utkal Pradesh Congress Committee in 1921.
● He was its first president.
● Dr. Ekram Rasool was its vice president, Bhagirathi Mohapatra was its secretary, and
Brajabandhu Das was its joint secretary.
● Many people joined the Indian National Congress under the influence of Gopabandhu,
including Pandit Krupasindhu Mishra, Acharya Harihar, Harekrushna Mahatab,
Jagabandhu Singh, and others.
● Mahatma Gandhi's visit to Odisha on March 23, 1921 gave a great impetus to the Non-
Cooperation movement in Odisha.
● Gopabandhu translated Gandhiji's Hindi speech into simple Odia, which inspired many
people to participate in the Non-Cooperation movement.
● By June 30, 1921, Utkal Pradesh Congress Committee was able to collect 21,000
rupees for the Tilak Swaraj Fund.
● In the meantime, 39,000 workers joined the Congress.

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● Inspired by nationalism, Harekrushna Mahatab, Nabakrushna Choudhury, and other

young leaders joined the Indian National Congress.
Gopabandhu and People's Welfare

● Gopabandhu Das was a selfless social worker who dedicated his life to the service of
the people.
● He was the first Odia to become a member of the Servants of the People Society.
● He was elected as the Vice-President of the society in 1928.
● He worked tirelessly to eradicate untouchability from Odishan society.
● He followed the principle of non-violence of Gandhiji and tried to give a strategic blow
to the British government in Odisha.
● He popularized the Gandhian program in every part of Odisha.
KRUSHNA CHANDRA GAJAPATI NARAYAN DEO
He was one of the makers of modern Odisha. He played a major

role in the creation of Odisha as a separate province. He was
loved by the people of Odisha and was twice the Prime Minister
of the state. He was able to convince the British authorities
regarding the need for the amalgamation of Odia-speaking tracts
and the creation of a new province.
K. C.Gajapati and the Utkal Union Conference

● The Utkal Union Conference, created by Madhusudan Das, tried for the amalgamation
of Odia-speaking tracts.
● The 10th session of the conference was organized by K.C. Gajapati at Padakhemundi in
1914.
● The conference was a grand success and the leaders, organizers, doctors, advocates,
writers, kings, and Dewans who attended were well treated.
● Madhu Babu presented a resolution for the amalgamation of Odia-speaking tracts of the
Madras presidency.

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● However, everyone was astonished when Krushna Chandra Gajapati gave a proposal
for the amalgamation of all the Odia-speaking areas of different provinces to form an
Odisha province.
● Madhu Babu showered his praise and blessings on K.C. Gajapati.
Leadership for creation of Odisha Province

● Gopabandhu took the leadership of Utkal Sammilani and tried to merge it with the
Indian National Congress.
● Madhu Babu disagreed and withdrew from the National Congress.
● K.C. Gajapati took up the cause of creating a separate Odisha province.
● The central government sought the opinion of Madras, Bihar, Bengal, and Central
Provinces.
● Madras presidency was anti-Odia and Telugus of Andhra never wanted a separate
province.
● This attitude of Madras presidency perturbed the king.
Krushna Chandra and Simon Commission

● The Simon Commission was a British parliamentary commission that was appointed in
1927 to investigate the political situation in India.
● The commission was boycotted by the

Indian National Congress and other
nationalist organizations.
● However, K.C. Gajapati and other

members of the Utkal Sammilani
welcomed the commission and met with
them in Patna.
● The commission's report, which was published in 1930, recommended the formation of
a separate Odisha province.
● This recommendation was accepted by the British government and Odisha was created
as a separate province on April 1, 1936.

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K.C.Gajapati and Creation of Odisha Province

● O'Donnel committee was formed to examine the case of Odisha province after the
First Round Table Conference.
● K.C. Gajapati welcomed the committee at Berhampur railway station.
● The committee submitted its report to Samuel Hoare.
● A 'White Paper' was published by the British Parliament without mentioning
Parlakhemundi.
● This put K.C. Gajapati on stress and he went to London to convince dignitaries.
● A Joint Parliamentary Committee was formed to finalize the matter concerning Odisha.
● In 1933, Hubback Committee was formed to give a shape to the province of Odisha.
● In its report, Parlakhemundi was again absent from the new province.
● K.C. Gajapati went to Shimla in 1934 with a delegation and convinced the Viceroy
regarding the inclusion of Parlakhemundi in Odisha.
● In the Article 289 of the Government of India Act, 1935, Odisha was given the status
of a separate province with the inclusion of Parlakhemundi in it.
● On 1 April 1936, a separate Odisha province was formed.
Prime Minister Krushnachandra and Progress of Odisha

● K.C. Gajapati became the first Prime Minister of Odisha on 1 April, 1937.
● He devoted his heart and soul for the progress of Odisha.
● He established the following institutions:
● Odisha High Court
● Sri Ramachandra Bhanja Medical College at Cuttack
● Utkal University
● Rice Research Institute at Bidyadharpur at Cuttack
● He was conferred with honorary Doctorate degree by Utkal University and Berhampur
University.
● Berhampur medical college and Gajapati district have been named after him.

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RAMA DEVI
Rama Devi was a celebrated women freedom fighter

from Odisha. She belonged to a rich family, but she was
inspired by Mahatma Gandhi to participate in the
freedom struggle. She became a source of inspiration for
millions of Odias. After India achieved independence,
she devoted herself fully to work for the poor and
destitute. She followed the dictum "Service to mankind
is service to God". Her death was an irreparable loss to
the people of Odisha.
Participation In the freedom struggle

● Rama Devi presented Mahatma Gandhi with her hand-spun thread and contributed all
her ornaments to the Tilak Swaraj Fund.
● She took a vow not to wear ornaments and to wear khaddar saree throughout her life.
● She was determined to forgo all the luxuries of her life and to devote her body, mind
and soul for the freedom struggle.
Rama Devi and the Civil Disobedience Movement

● Rama Devi participated in the Salt Satyagraha in Odisha.
● She reached Inchudi and called the women of the area to join her in the preparation of
salt.
● She also influenced Queen Bhagyabati Pattamahadei to break salt law at Kaliapatna
in Paradeep.
● Due to her active participation, the Civil Disobedience Movement at Paradeep, Ersama,
Chatua, Daria, and other places became quite successful.
Rama Devi at Bari Ashram

● After Alakashram was raised to the ground, Rama Devi and her husband went to Bari
and stayed at the Bari Ashram.
● At Bari Ashram, Rama Devi devoted herself to the following activities:
● Khadi work
● Uplift of Harijan
● Upliftment of women
● Prohibition

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● Bee-keeping
● Basic education
● Adult education
● Cleaning of village
● Establishment of a maternity home
● Her service in that area carved a special position for her and people called her "Maa"
(Mother) with love and devotion.
Gandhiji's Padayatra, Berboi Conference and Rama Devi

● Rama Devi participated in the Harijan Padayatra in Odisha.
● Gandhiji advised her to start Congress organization vigorously in Bhadrak. She did so
and the organization became very strong in the area.
● She also worked a lot in the Berboi conference near Delang in the Puri district.
● The conference was attended by Gandhiji, Kasturba, Maulana Azad, Rajendra Prasad,
Sardar Patel, and others. They appreciated the selfless service of Rama Devi.
Rama Devi and the Quit India Movement

● Rama Devi actively participated in the Quit India Movement in 1942.
● She was arrested with Gopabandhu Choudhury, Malati Devi, Manmohan Choudhury,
Annapurna Maharana, and Sharat Chandra Maharana.
● She was imprisoned in the Cuttack jail.
● Even inside the jail, she preached about nationalism.
● She was released from jail in 1944.
● Returning to Bari Ashram, she was again engaged in Gandhian constructive works.
Representative Of Various Organizations

● Rama Devi was a member of Seva Mandal of Wardha.
● She was elected as the treasurer of All India Charkha Association.
● She was also a member of provincial Khadi Board and All India Women's
Association and Kasturba Gandhi Memorial Trust.
● She formed an association at the Tumbadiguda of Koraput named Navajeevan Mandal
in 1946 to serve the forest people.
● In 1947, she worked as the vice-president of the Utkal Khadi Mandal and Utkal
Gandhi Smarak Nidhi.

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Rama Devi, Congress sessions and Bhoodan Movement

● Rama Devi was an active participant of the various sessions of the Indian National
Congress.
● She became the member of the Utkal Pradesh Congress Committee in 1924.
● She participated in the Bhoodan Padayatra with her husband and went to different
places like Parjang, Angul, Tainsi, Brahmagiri, Ganjam, Gunapur, Ramanguda, Bisama
kataka, Bolangir, Padmapur etc.
● In 1955, she moved with Vinoba Bhave from Balasore to Koraput.

● She became ill in 1958, the year her husband expired.
● Thereafter, she went to Bari and devoted herself for the welfare of the people.
● She also presided over the All India Sarvodaya Sammilani at Pandarpur of
Maharashtra.
Some other facts about Rama Devi

● Rama Devi served the wounded soldiers during the Sino-Indian war of 1962.
● She also went to other villages of Assam and Mizoram and worked as volunteers.
● She solved a communal riot between the Hindus and Muslims at Kachhad town.

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● She was an ideal social worker.

● She rendered relief work in the drought-
affected areas of Balasore, Koraput,
Dhenkanal, Puri, Ganjam, Phulbani, and
Mayurbanj districts in 1968.
● She also worked in the flood-affected areas.
● She worked for the refugees who came from
East Pakistan to Odisha during the Indo-Pak
war of 1971.
● She also worked for the lepers and Harijans.
● She pacified the students' strike at
Ravenshaw College in 1964.
● She took a leading role in the celebration of
Gandhi's centenary in Odisha in 1969.
● In 1977, a cancer institute was established at
the SCB Medical College, Cuttack by her
effort.
● She was awarded an honorary Ph.D. degree by the Utkal University for her social
works.
● She was also awarded by the Jamunalal Bajaj Foundation.
● She donated one lakh rupees for the welfare of the people from the awards she received.
● In her memory, Rama Devi Women's College was founded at Bhubaneswar, which
has now become a university.

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SARALA DEVI
Sarala Devi was a prominent freedom fighter and social

reformer from Odisha. She was inspired by the thought of
Mahatma Gandhi and joined the freedom movement. She
was instrumental in popularizing the Indian National
Congress in Odisha. She was imprisoned during the Civil
Disobedience Movement. She devoted herself to the uplift
of the Harijans (Dalits). She enriched Odia literature
through her writings.
Sarala Devi, Congress Sessions, and the Non-Cooperation Movement

● Sarala Devi participated in the Nagpur session of the Indian National Congress in 1921.
● She was the first woman to bring the message of the Non-Cooperation Movement to
Odisha.
● She was inspired by Gandhi's address to the women at Binod Bihari.
● She observed a week-long fast in response to Gandhi's call for fasting during the Non-
Cooperation Movement.
● She collected money for the Tilak Swaraj Fund by moving from village to village.
● She distributed spinning wheels to the villagers and taught them spinning.
Sarala Devi and the Civil Disobedience Movement

• Sarala Devi played an important role in the Civil Disobedience Movement in Odisha.
• She went to Inchudi and helped the women there to prepare salt.
• By her influence, many people of Lakshmipur, Pallibandha and Huma joined the salt
satyagraha in Ganjam.
• Kulalata Devi of Ghumsar was inspired by her speech and contributed her ornaments to
the national fund.
• While preaching against the British Government, she was arrested by the police and
produced before the Chhatrapur court and got six months imprisonment. She was the
first lady to go to jail by the order of the court.
• The Udyog Mandi, which was established at Berhampur to train the Satyagrahis, got
impetus by her presence.

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• After her release from jail, she was welcomed by people at Cuttack railway station and
a meeting was organized under the leadership of Binapani Devi to felicitate her. In that
meeting, the Union Jack was burnt and a no-tax campaign was launched. Thousands of
people had attended that meeting.
Sarala Devi and no tax campaign

• As a part of the Civil Disobedience Movement, people were encouraged not to pay tax
to the British government.
• Sarala Devi inspired the people of Srijang in Balasore and other places of Odisha to not
pay tax.
• The people also picketed foreign goods shops, such as cloth, wine, and shoe shops.
• This caused a loss to the British government, as they could not collect taxes and people
could not buy foreign goods.
• Sarala Devi also preached in favor of spinning wheels and khaddar, and popularized the
Swadeshi movement in Odisha.
Sarala Devi and craeation of separate Odisha Province

• Sarala Devi persuaded Mahatma Gandhi to form a separate Odisha province on
linguistic basis.
• Gandhiji did not take any step in this regard.
• Sarala Devi's proposal shows her love for Odisha and Odia language.
Sarala Devi and the Quit India Movement

• Gandhiji selected Sarala Devi as the women leader to start the Quit India Movement in
Odisha.
• She was imprisoned and sent to jail for three years.
• During that time, she gave birth to a son.
• She chalked out a plan with other prisoners to get the British out of India.
Sarala Devi, Gandhian Constructive works and uplift of Harijan

• Sarala Devi popularized Gandhian constructive works in Odisha.
• These works included women's education, uplift of women, eradication of
untouchability, adoption of Swadeshi, and prohibition.
• She proposed that the Odisha government provide education and jobs to Harijans.
• She advised the government to open agricultural banks and land mortgage banks to
protect Harijans from moneylenders.
• With her efforts, the Odisha government built a hostel in Cuttack for Harijans.

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MALATI DEVI
Malati Devi was a freedom fighter from Odisha. She was a

Bengali by birth. She married Nabakrushna Choudhury and
settled in Odisha. She played a key role in the Prajamandal
movement. She is remembered by the Odias for her
contributions to the freedom struggle and social upliftment.
Salt Satyagraha
● Took active part in the salt satyagraha at Inchudi of Balasore district
● Encouraged the women to participate in the movement
● Arrested by the police and sent to jail
Karachi Session of the Congress and other works

● Malati Devi attended the Karachi session of the Indian National Congress.
● It was decided that the next session will be held at Puri.
● To make the Puri session successful, the Hindustani Seva Dal was formed.
● Malati Devi was the first woman from Odisha to receive training as a member of the
Seva Dal.
● She returned to Cuttack and enrolled many women as members of the Seva Dal.
● In 1940, when Gandhiji decided to continue individual Satyagraha, he selected Malati

Devi as one of the participants.
Formation of Congress Socialist Party

● Some Congress workers wanted to form a new party separate from the National
Congress.
● In Odisha, Nabakrushna Choudhury and Malati Devi formed the Utkal Congress
Socialist Party at Anakhia Ashram.
● The party was not antithetic to the National Congress, but was formed to do good to the
peasants.

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Gandhian Constructive Programme

● Malati Devi played an important role in popularizing the Gandhian constructive
programme in Odisha.
● She delivered a fiery speech on 30 April 1930 inspiring the people to boycott foreign
clothes.
● The cloth merchants of Cuttack were inspired by her and did not sell foreign goods.
● She moved a resolution in the Congress workers meeting at Sambalpur in 1946

regarding the steps to be undertaken for the uplift of Harijans, which was unanimously
passed.
● In 1927, she took steps with her husband for the improvement of agriculture.
● She encouraged the use of khadi and started a spinning wheel in her house.
● She also worked for the uplift of women and children.
Quit India Movement and Other Works

● Malati Devi was arrested at the Cuttack railway station while returning after attending
the Bombay session of the National Congress where the Quit India Resolution was
passed.
● She was sent to jail and released in 1945.
● In 1946, she traveled with Mahatma Gandhi in the Noakhali area of West Bengal to
pacify the communal riots which had taken place among the Hindus and Muslims.
● She was elected as a member of the Constituent Assembly in the same year, but
resigned by the request of Thakkar Bapa.

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The Peasant Movement and Malati Devi

● Malati Devi wanted the all-round progress of the peasants.
● In 1933, she formed the Utkal Congress Socialist Workers' Union with her husband and
donated all her ornaments to the union.
● A magazine titled "Sarathi" was published on behalf of the union and Malati Devi
regularly wrote in the magazine reflecting the problems of the workers.
● She also edited a magazine named "Krusaka".
● She addressed farmers' gatherings at different places in Odisha and tried her best for the
all-round development of the peasants.
● She also formed the Utkal Congress Socialist Workers Association.
Malati Devi and Prajamandal (Garjat) Movement

● Malati Devi was a key figure in the Prajamandal (Garjat) movement, which was a
peasant uprising against the rule of the zamindars in Odisha.
● She organized many secret meetings in different Garjat areas and encouraged the people
to fight for their rights.
● She published a pamphlet titled "Ranaveri" which inspired the people to take up arms
against the zamindars.
● She was arrested by the police but was released due to lack of evidence.
● She constructed a hostel in the memory of Baji Rout, a young boy who was killed by
the police during the Prajamandal movement.
Malati Devi and the Bhoodan Movement

● Malati Devi was inspired by Vinoba Bhave and actively participated in the Bhoodan
movement in Odisha.
● She established the Navajeevan Mandal at Angul, where the meeting of the All India
Sarvodaya Sevasamgha was held.
● She preached about the Bhoodan movement in Koraput in 1952.
● She also participated in Vinoba's padayatra in Odisha in 1955.
● She composed poems in Odia which were sung by the women during the padayatra.

THE WAIT IS OVER
Governance & Social

Justice
# OP for OPSC
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11. THE PRAJAMANDAL

MOVEMENT AND THE
MERGER OF PRINCELY
STATE IN ORISSA

132

• THE PRAJAMANDALA MOVEMENT
• EMERGENCE OF NATIVE STATES
• FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MOVEMENTS
• THE FIRST PHASE OF THE MOVEMENT
• MOVEMENT AT DIFFERENT PLACES
• MERGER OF PRINCELY STATES
• MERGER OF NILGIRI
• GAJRAT STATES
• REVOLT AT KHARASUAN AND SAREIKALA
• RESULT

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INTRODUCTION
• Maratha rule in Orissa came to an end in 1803 with the occupation of Orissa by the
British.
• During British rule, princes of the native states committed barbaric atrocities on their
subjects.
• The British unhesitatingly supported the authority in these princely or native states.
• When torture and exploitation of the princes became intolerable, the subjects of these
provinces revolted against the authorities.
• The princes, however, crushed this rebellion with traditional ferocity.
• When India became independent on 15 August 1947, the hitherto sovereign princely
states of Orissa merged into the national mainstream largely through the efforts of
Sardar Patel and Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab.
EMERGENCE OF NATIVE STATES

• The Garajat states were a group of princely states in Orissa that were ruled by
hereditary feudatory kings.

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• The Garajat states had been enjoying internal sovereignty since the days of the
Mughals.
• They paid taxes and homage to the Mughals, but were otherwise allowed to rule
their own domains.
• This system continued when the Marathas occupied Orissa, and then when the
British captured Orissa.
• In 1936, the new Orissa province was created and the Eastern States Agency was
divided into three sections.
• Of the 26 Garajat regions under the Orissa division, 23 were retained in Orissa.
• Mayurbhanj stayed in the Bengal Agency, while Kalahandi and Patna were
retained under the Chattisgarh Agency.
• In 1937, the Garajat states were further divided into three categories based on their
importance:
A category:
• It included the most important states - Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj,
Bamanda, Boudh, Gangapur, Patria, Kalahandi, Sonepur, Sareikala and Nayagarh-
a total of 11 states.
B category:
• It included the less important states - Athagarh, Baramba, Narsinghpur,
Athamallik, Hindol, Daspalla, Khandapara, Kharasuan, Rairakhol, Talcher,
Bolangir, and Nilgiri - a total of 12 states.
C category:
• It included the least important states - Pallahara, Ranpur and Tigiria - a total of 3
states.
• Prior to the Prajamandal movement, the Garajat states paid taxes to the British and
were loyal to them.
• In return, the British allowed them to enjoy internal sovereignty.
•
FACTORS FOR THE PRAJAMANDAL REBELLION
Economic Exploitation
• Factors for the Prajamandal movement in Orissa were quite evident.
• The kings of the Garajat states led a life of extreme luxury and pomp.
• This required a lot of money, which was extracted from the people through taxes
and other means.
• The people were already poor and the high taxes made their lives even more
miserable.

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• The people's economic backbone was broken and they could no longer endure the
exploitation.
• This led to a widespread revolt against the kings and their rule.
The King's Tyranny

• Apart from the regular taxes, the kings extracted money and services from the people
through various dubious means:
• Bethi: Forced labor for the king, such as for palace construction or garden
beautification, without pay.
• Begari: Forced labor for the king's officers, such as carrying goods and domestic
articles, without pay.
• Magana: A tax paid in cash or kind for royal weddings, deaths, or other events.
• Rasad: A tax paid to provide food and comforts for the king's officers when they
toured village areas.
• Bheti: A gift offered to the king when he gave audience.
• Karasamagri: A tax paid in the form of rice, pulses, cereals, and ghee at half the market
price.
Frequent tax increase

• The kings of the princely states of Orissa frequently increased taxes.
• The people were already struggling to make ends meet, and the tax increases made
their lives even more difficult.
• The frequent tax increases led to widespread resentment among the people.
THE FIRST PHASE OF THE MOVEMENT
INTRODUCTION
• Between 1908 and 1928, there were five peasant rebellions in Bamanda.
• The rebellions were caused by the unjustified tax increase imposed by the king.
• In 1922, a people's rebellion broke out in Dhenkanal under the leadership of Maheswar
Subahu Singh, Purna Chandra Mohapatra, and Benudhar Panda.
• Peoples' movements were witnessed in Nilgiri in 1928, in Boudh in 1930 and in
Talcher in 1932.
• All of these rebellions were suppressed by the king's forces, and several leaders were
imprisoned.

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CONFERENCE OF THE PEOPLE OF ORISSA GARAJAT STATES

• The Orissa Garajat State People's Association was founded in 20th June 1931 in
Cuttack to give a proper direction to the Prajamandal movement.
• The first session of the conference was presided over by Bhubanananda Das.
• The conference gave a call to the subject people to establish their rights through
rebellion.
• The second session of the conference was held in 1937 and was presided over by
Pattabhi Sitarammayya.
• The conference adopted a resolution for the abolition of Begari, Magana, Rasad, and
Bheti.
• An enquiry committee was set up under Satish Chandra Bose, Balwantrai Mehta,
Braja Sunder Das, and Sarangadhar Das.
• The committee was sympathetic to the cause of the 'Prajas' and it supported their
demands.
• This gave a new momentum to the Prajamandal movement.
THE MOVEMENT AT DIFFERENT PLACES
Nilgiri
• In 1938, a Prajamandal was formed at Gariamal under the initiative of Harakrushna
Mahtab and Sarangdhar Das.
• Its president was Kailash Chandra Mohanty and the secretary was Banamali Das.
• On July 11, 1938, they addressed a huge gathering on the day of the Rath Yatra
(car festival) and made pointed references to the misrule of the king.

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• Their demands included the formulation of a new agricultural policy, to stop

paying unjustified taxes, and for evolving a welfare-oriented administrative
system.
• The people were advised to achieve their aims through non-violent means.
• By the king's order, 120 people were arrested of whom 50 were fined Rs. 50 each
and the rest were put in jail.
• The Prajamandal movement leaders, including Banamali Das, led a peaceful
satyagraha march to Machhuapatna.
• The king sought help from the Orissa police to suppress the Prajamandal
movement.
• Finally, through the intervention of the Political Agent Major Bezelgate,
Harekrushna Mahtab, and the Balasore magistrate Sulaiman, the rebellion came to
an end.
• The people's demands were conceded by the king to a very large degree.
‘Ranabheri’ Dhenkanal
• The people of Dhenkanal rebelled against the payment of Bethi, Magana, Rasad, and
Sunia Bheti.
• The movement's objectives were printed in pamphlets called "Praja Patras" and
circulated among the people.
• On 13 September 1938, a mammoth rally of more than 50,000 people was addressed
by Harekrushna Mahatab, Naba Krushna Chowdhury, and Sarangdhar Das.
• The state police and the British police resorted to lathicharge on the people.
• Many of the Prajamandal leaders were arrested and sent to jail, including Harmohan
Patnaik and their houses were burnt.
• A 12-year-old boy named Baji Rout was killed in police firing.
• The people celebrated 29 October 1938 as the "Garajat Day".
• Despite the repression, the people continued with the movement.
• In 1939, the British government withdrew all support to the king of Dhenkanal.
• The king's powers were now vested in the hands of Khan Bahadur A. K. Khan.
• Forced labor was revoked, land tax was reduced, and other reforms were
implemented.
Talcher
• The Prajamandal movement in Talcher was a rebellion against the oppressive
practices of the king.

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• The movement was led by Pabitra Mohan Pradhan, Krutibas Rath, Maguni
Pradhan, Dasarathi Pani and other Prajamandal leaders.
• The king's forces meted out extremely loathsome and inhuman treatment to the
people, including severe caning, spitting, and urinating in their mouths.
• In 1939, the people presented the king a petition of demands for stopping these
barbaric punishments and for the withdrawal of Magana and Rasad.
• The people also left Talcher and took refuge in the British-ruled Anugul region.
• Many Congress leaders reached Anugul and the political agent Mr. Hessene and
Harekrushna Mahatab signed a pact in 1939. This is known as the Hessene-
Mahatab Agreement.
• Gandhiji expressed his satisfaction over the agreement.
• The king had to accept most of the clauses of the agreement.

• Peace was restored at last and the people who fled Talcher returned home.
Gangapur
• The Gangapur Prajamandal movement was a rebellion against the tax increase
imposed by the queen.
• The movement was led by Nirmal Munda, a leader of the Munda tribe.
• Munda tried to protest against the tax increase, but his efforts were futile.
• He then incited the people not to pay taxes.
• The queen requested the assistant political agent Lt. Megar to arrest Munda.

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• While having discussions with the people, the police misinterpreted the people's
language and their signs.
• This resulted in an unprovoked firing by the British on innocent people and many
were killed and injured.
• Many people denounced the British for having resorted to such barbaric acts.
• Even then, the queen of Gangapur showed no sympathy to the people.
Ranpur
• The Ranpur Prajamandal movement was a popular uprising against the misrule and
tyranny of the king of Ranpur state.
• The movement was started on 27 December 1939, when the people demanded an end
to the king's rule and the establishment of a benevolent administration.
• The king imprisoned the rebels, but this only served to anger the people further.
• On 5 January 1939, a large crowd of people marched towards the palace. The political
agent, Major Bezelgate, opened fire on the crowd, killing one person.
• The people became enraged and beat Bezelgate to death.
• The British government responded by suppressing the movement and imprisoning
many of the leaders.
• Two of the leaders, Raghunath Mohanty and Dibakar Parida, were hanged.
• The movement eventually succeeded in bringing about the end of the king's rule, but
at a great cost.
• The memories of the martyrs Raghu-Dibakar are still alive in the minds of Oriyas.
Nayagarh
• There was a rebellion in Nayagarh, like in Ranpur.
• Bezelgate was supposed to move to Nayagarh from Ranpur to suppress the rebellion.
• However, he was killed by the people of Ranpur before he could reach Nayagarh.
• The death of Bezelgate stalled the rebellion at Nayagarh.
Bonai
• The Prajamandal was formed in Bonaigarh in 1938.
• The praja raised their voice against Bethi and other obnoxious taxes.
• They submitted a representation to the king.
• The king considered their demands and withdrew Bethi.

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• However, he levied small taxes on the people for the purpose of construction of
roads and government buildings.
• The people held a meeting and decided to disobey the orders of the king.
Sonepur
• The Sonepur Prajamandal was formed on 11 December 1938 under the presidency of
Bhimsen Bhoi.
• The people started satyagraha against the oppression of the king.
• The king of Sonepur declared the Prajamandal illegal and arrested Bhimsen Bhoi.
• Gauntia Dolamani Das was also arrested, his property was confiscated, and he was
deported to the Andamans.
• In this manner, the Sonepur rebellion was suppressed.
Mayurbhanj
• The Prajamandal was formed in Mayurbhanj in 1940.
• Sarat Chandra Das was its president.
• To denigrate the Prajamandal in the eyes of the people, the king formed a parallel
government organisation known as the Prajamangal and started delivering assistance
to the people.
• However, the Prajamandal slowly and steadily pursued the movement in a non-violent
manner.
• On 16 September 1947, it presented a charter of demands to the king Maharaja Pratap
Chandra Bhanjadeo.
• The charter specifically demanded reforms in the administration.
• As a result, the king was forced to form a three-man cabinet which included Sarat
Chandra Das.
• He became a constitutional monarch looking after the well-being of the people.
• Though very late, the Mayurbhanj Prajamandal had achieved success beyond
expectation.
Other Places
• The Prajamandal movement was witnessed in other parts of Orissa too, such as
Khandapara, Patna, and Kalahandi.
• The people had become quite conscious about their rights.
• Through the Prajamandal, by non-violent means, they were successful in presenting
their viewpoint to their respective kings.

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• Many leaders of the Congress addressed the 'prajas' and greatly helped them in
activating their movement.
• This resulted in making the Prajamandal movement in Orissa successful to a very
large degree.
Results
• The movement was successful in putting forth the demands of the people in a forceful
way.
• The killing of Bezelgate made the fact brutally clear to the kings that they needed to
be more tolerant towards the people.
• The Government of Orissa set up a State Enquiry Committee in 1939 to investigate
the reasons for the movement.
• The committee found that excessive oppression by the kings was the root cause of the
movement.
• The people realized that non-violence was the most effective weapon they possessed
and they were convinced that it was through this that their demands could be fulfilled.
• The Prajamandal movement was a catalyst in accelerating the process of merger of
the 'garajat' or the native, princely states.
• The movement opened a new chapter in the history of Orissa and sounded the death-
knell of monarchy in the state.
MERGER OF THE PRINCELY STATES OF ORISSA
INTRODUCTION
• After the end of World War II, the Congress Party won the elections to the Orissa
Provincial Legislative Assembly.
• Harekrushna Mahatab was appointed Prime Minister of Orissa on April 3, 1946.
• During that year, the Cabinet Mission visited India and Mahatab assured them that
he would place the issue of merging the 'garajat' states with Orissa before them.
• After India's independence, Nilgiri was the first 'garajat' state in Orissa to revolt
against the rulers.
The authorities were forced to merge Nilgiri with the Orissa administration.

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• Subsequently, Sardar Patel and Harekrushna Mahatab made persistent efforts to

merge all the other 'garajat' states with Orissa.
PROLOGUE TO THE MERGER

• Harekrushna Mahtab took the initiative to merge all the native states with the Orissa
administration.
• He put forth this demand before the Cabinet Mission.
• On October 16, 1947, he convened a meeting of all the kings of the princely states at
Sambalpur.
• He tried to convince them that it was essential for the maintenance of peace, discipline,
law and order for all the native states to merge with Orissa.
• However, the kings were not convinced and argued that they would lose their
privileges if they merged with Orissa.
• They also ignored the implications of the Prajamandal movements in the recent past.
• Mahtab was discouraged by the outcome of the meeting.
CUTTACK PRAJAMANDAL CONFERENCE
Prajamandal Conference
• Held on 10 August 1947, just before India's independence

• Convened by the Prajamandal, a political organization that advocated for the merger
of the native states with Orissa
• Attended by people from Chhatisgarh and other native states of Orissa
• People expressed their desire to merge with Orissa
• Proposal was formally accepted in the conference
Opposition to the merger
• The decision of the people in the conference fell on deaf ears of the concerned
kings of the native states
• The king of Patna, Rajendra Narayan Singh Deo, tried to foil Mahatab's efforts for
the merger
• He formed the Eastern Zone Native States Association, which had its own police
force
• This new body was prepared to crush any sign of disturbance in any native state

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• This made it seem remote that the Garajat states would merge with Orissa
• This was a rude shock to Mahatab .
MERGER OF NILGIRI
• The king of Nilgiri tried to strengthen his position by befriending the tribal people and
directing them to fight against the non-adivasis.
• He believed that this would terrorize the people and compel them to seek his
protection.
• However, the people saw through his game and regrouped to revolt against him.
• This was a rare opportunity for the then Prime Minister of Orissa, Harekrushna
Mahatab.
• He promptly dashed to Delhi and sought permission of the Home Minister, Sardar
Patel, for the merger of Nilgiri with Orissa.
• The permission was granted immediately.
• On his return from Delhi, Mahatab despatched the Magistrate of Balasore and the
Revenue Minister of Orissa, Naba Krushna Chowdhury, with an armed police force
to take over the administration of the Nilgiri state.
• The king of Nilgiri was undone and had no alternative but to surrender the
administration of his state to the Province of Orissa.
• Thus, Nilgiri was the first of the Garajat states to merge with Orissa.
POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT
• On November 20, 1947, a meeting was held in the chamber of the Home Secretary,
V. P. Menon.
• The meeting was attended by Harekrushna Mahatab, C. C. Desai, and B. D. S. Bedi.
• They unanimously supported the merger of the Garajat states with Orissa.
• It was decided that the kings of all the Garajat states would be summoned together
and advised to merge their respective states with Orissa.
• At the same time, Sardar Patel proposed to break up the Eastern Region Native States
Association (Purbanchal Desiya Rajya Sangha).
• This was a major victory for Mahatab, as it weakened the opposition to the merger.
• Mahatab returned to Orissa and began to work to implement the decisions that had
been made in Delhi.

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THE CUTTACK CONFERENCE

• On December 24, 1947, a meeting was convened in Cuttack for the purpose of
merging the Garajat states with Orissa.
• The meeting was attended by Sardar Patel, Harekrushna Mahatab, and the kings of
the Garajat states.
• Sardar Patel advised the kings that it was in their best interest to merge their states
with Orissa.
• He also warned them that there was no scope for the princely states in independent
India.
• The kings of the A category states opposed the merger, but the kings of the B and C
category states agreed.
• Sardar Patel patiently waited at the Cuttack railway station for an hour until V. P.
Menon returned with the signatures of all the kings.
• The king of Mayurbhanj put forth the argument that he had installed a constitutional
government, but he eventually agreed to merge his state with Orissa.
• This marked the final step in the merger of the Garajat states with Orissa.
MERGER OF THE GARAJAT STATES

• The merger was made possible by the efforts of Sardar Patel, Harekrushna Mahatab,
and V. P. Menon.
• On December 23, 1947, the administration of the Garajat states was transferred to the
hands of the Government of Orissa.
• The merger became operational on January 1, 1948.
• The leaders of the Prajamandal movement were not invited to the merger conference.
• After the merger, Mahatab appointed Kapileswar Nanda of Bolangir, Kailash Chandra
Mohanty of Nilgiri, and Pabitra Mohan Pradhan of Talcher as advisors with the rank
of ministers.
• 24 Garajat states, namely A, B, and C categories, merged with Orissa.
• Mayurbhanj merged with India on October 16, 1948, but was later handed over to
Orissa in 1949.
• Sareikela and Kharasuna remained detached from Orissa forever.

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REVOLT IN SAREIKELA KHARASUAN

• Mayurbhanj merged with Orissa, but the twin Garajat states of Sareikela and
Kharasuan were merged with Bihar.
• This resulted in the outbreak of a rebellion in these two states.
• The rebellion was crushed with brutal force.
• The people of these two states wanted to merge with Orissa, but their desire remained
a distant dream.
• This was due to Sardar Patel's policy of "blood and iron", which he used to keep these
two states in Bihar.
RESULTS OF GARAJAT MERGER
Consequences of the merger of the Garajat states
• The kings and people of the Garajat states could feel the sweet taste of
independence.
• The people and the kings of the native states gradually got acquainted with a new
form of government and its working process.
• The fire of the accumulated anger of the people of these areas was finally
extinguished.
• The huge deposit of mineral resources in these Garajat areas were now beneficially
utilized by the state.
A new era in the history of Orissa
• The 'Prajas' or people, now basked under the refreshing sunshine of independence.
• The barrier between the ruler and the ruled was broken forever into pieces.
• All were now the sons of mother Utkal.
• The memory of the merger of the Garajat states with Orissa still fascinates Oriyas.

HOLD ON !

Odisha Geography

146
12. FORMATION OF
SEPARATE ORISSA
PROVINCE: ROLE OF
KRUSHNA CHANDRA
NARAYAN DEO

147
• INTRODUCTION
• THE MAHARAJA AND THE UTKAL SAMMILANI
• KRUSHNA CHANDRA AND THE PHILIP-DUFF

COMMITTEE
• K.C. GAJAPATI AND THE SIMON COMMISION
• K.C. GAJAPATI AND THE ROUND TABLE CONFERENCE
• THE MAHARAJA AND THE O’DONNELL COMMITTEE
• DELEGATION TO LONDON
• DISCUSSION WITH THE VICEROY
• CREATION OF ODISHA PROVINCE

148
INTRODUCTION
The formation of a separate Orissa province was a landmark event in the modern
history of Odisha. The fragmented Oriya-speaking tracts that remained in Bihar, Madras
Presidency, Central Province and Bengal were united to form a separate province of
Orissa on 1st April 1936. This was made possible due to the untiring efforts of many
leaders, including Madhusudan Das, Fakir Mohan Senapati, Gangadhar Meher, Krushna
Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deo, Lingaraj Panigrahi, Niranjan Patnayak, Jagabandhu
Singh, and many others.
Among these leaders, the role of Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayana Deo, the
Maharaja of Paralakhemundi, was unique and memorable. He played a key role in the
formation of a separate Orissa province in the following ways:
• He used his influence to persuade the British government to form a separate

Orissa province.
• He donated land for the construction of the Utkal
Sammilani Bhavan in Cuttack, which was the
headquarters of the Orissa movement.
• He hosted the Utkal Sammilani conference in
Paralakhemundi in 1931, which was a major boost
to the Orissa movement.
• He was a member of the Orissa Enquiry Committee,
which was set up by the British government to study
the feasibility of forming a separate Orissa province.
• He was a vocal advocate for the formation of a
separate Orissa province and never wavered in his support for the cause.
THE MAHARAJA AND UTKAL SAMMILANI

• The 10th session of Utkal Sammilani was held at Paralakhemundi in 1914.
• The session was attended by leading personalities of the land, including Madhusudan
Das, Gopabandhu Das, and Godavarish Mishra.
• The Maharaja of Paralakhemundi took a keen interest in the organization of the session
and spent 10,000 rupees for the event.
• The session passed several resolutions, including a call for the creation of a separate
state of Orissa.

149
• The session also urged the British government to declare Oriya as the court language in
certain areas and to make provision for educational facilities through the medium of
Oriya.
• The Maharaja was inspired by the proceedings of the session and became more
committed to the cause of the Oriyas.
KRUSHNA CHANDRA AND THE PHILLIUP-DUFF COMMITTEE
The Philip-Duff Committee
Background
• The Montagu-Chelmsford proposals and the Sinha Resolution led the Government of
India to realize the problem of the transfer of Oriya-speaking tracts from Madras
Presidency.
• In 1922, a resolution was passed by the Bihar and Orissa Legislative Council for the
amalgamation of Oriya-speaking tracts.
Formation of the committee

• The Government of India appointed the Philip-Duff Committee in 1924.
• The committee consisted of C. L. Philip and A. C. Duff.
Findings of the committee

• The committee found that there was a genuine desire among the Oriya-speaking people
of Madras Presidency to be amalgamated with Orissa.
• The committee recommended that Mandasa, Tekall, Tarala, Budarsingh, Jalantar, and
Paralakhemundi estates of Ganjam should be included in Orissa.
The Madras Government's response
The Madras Government opposed the report of the Philip-Duff Committee.
• They opined that if Ganjam is to be transferred to Orissa, it should be on a restricted

basis.
• They also posed difficulties in such an amalgamation.
The role of K.C. Gajapati
K.C. Gajapati was a leading advocate for the amalgamation of Oriya-speaking

tracts.

150
• He suggested for the formation of Orissa Province on linguistic basis.

• The committee's recommendation was mostly guided by his views and wishes.
K.C GAJAPATI AND THE SIMON COMMISION
The Simon Commission
• The Simon Commission was a group of seven British members who visited India in
1928 to study the possibility of constitutional reform.
• The Commission was boycotted by the Indian National Congress and other Indian
political parties, who felt that it was not representative of the Indian people.
• The Commission was welcomed with black flags and the chant "Simon, go back!"
The Oriyas and the Simon Commission
• The Oriyas are a linguistic community who inhabit parts of present-day Odisha,
Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Jharkhand.
• The Oriyas had long been demanding a separate province for themselves.
• The Government of Bihar and Orissa submitted a memorandum to the Simon
Commission stating that the Oriyas wanted a "United Orissa."
• K. C. Gajapati, a leading Oriya nationalist, met the Simon Commission at Madras
and convinced it of the need for a separate Orissa province.
• The Utkal Sammilani, a leading Oriya organization, also submitted a memorandum
to the Simon Commission urging the formation of a separate Orissa province.
The Recommendations of the Simon Commission
• The Simon Commission recommended that the formation of Orissa as a separate

province should be examined further.
• This gave new inspiration to the Oriyas in their quest for a separate province.

151
K.C GAJAPATI AND THE ROUND TABLE CONFERENCE
K. C. Gajapati's decision to attend the First Round Table Conference
• The conference was boycotted by Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National
Congress.
• K. C. Gajapati was recommended by the Government of Bihar and Orissa to
represent the cause of the Oriyas.
• K. C. Gajapati went to London to attend the conference, even though the Congress
had asked people to boycott it.
K. C. Gajapati's speech at the First Round Table Conference
• He spoke about the long-standing grievances of the Oriyas.

• He said that the formation of a separate province for the Oriyas was a life-and-death
problem for them.
• He argued that the Oriya problem was the least controversial of all the problems that
the conference had to deal with.
The impact of K. C. Gajapati's speech
• His speech led the British authorities to feel the genuineness of the Oriyas' demand
for a separate state.
• His name was included in several subcommittees of the conference.
• He exerted great influence over Sir Samuel Hoare, the Secretary of State, and other
members of the conference.
• His speech is credited with helping to facilitate the creation of Orissa Province in the
future.
THE MAHARAJA AND THE O’DONNELL COMMITTEE
Orissa Boundary Committee
Members of the committee

• S. P. O'Donnell (Chairman).
• H. M. Mehta (Bombay).
• T. R. Phookun (Assam).
• Maharaja K. C. Gajapati (Orissa).
• Sachidananda Sinha (Bihar).

152
• C. V. S. Narasimha Raju (Andhra Pradesh).
Meetings and investigations

• First meeting on November 7, 1931.
• Invited memorandum from public bodies, associations, and leading public figures.
• Visited Chaibasa, Jamshedpur, Raipur, Sambalpur, Midnapur, Gopalpur, Waltiar,
Coconada, and Cuttack.
• Examined 410 witnesses.
Recommendations
• Proposed that the new Province of Orissa would include "the Orissa Angul, the Khariar
zamindari of the Raipur district and the greater part of the Ganjam district and the
Vizagapatam Agency tracts".
• Having an area of 33,000 square miles and a population about 8,277,000 persons.
Creation of Orissa province
Declaration by Secretary of State for India

• Sr Samuel Hoare declared on December 24, 1932, about the creation of a separate
province of Orissa.
White Paper
• Published in 1933.
• Mentioned Orissa as a Governor's province.
• Reduced the boundary from 33,000 square miles to 21,545 square miles by excluding
Vizagapatam Agency, Jalantar Malias, and Paralakhemundi.

153
DELEGATION TO LONDON
The people of Orissa were disappointed with the proposed boundaries of the new
province.
• Sachidananda Sinha, a member of the Joint Select Committee, proposed to further

modify the White Paper proposals regarding the boundary of Orissa.
• K. C. Gajapati, the Raja of Paralakhemundi, headed a delegation to meet the
Secretary of State for India to demand the inclusion of Paralakhemundi in the new
province.
• The Secretary of State agreed to include Jeypore in the new province but refused to
include Paralakhemundi.
K. C. Gajapati was disappointed with the decision to exclude Paralakhemundi

from the new province.
• He sent a letter to Madhusudan Das, the leader of the Oriya movement, expressing
his disappointment.
• He even offered to divide his estate in order to keep Paralakhemundi in the new
province.
• However, the Parliamentary Committee ultimately decided not to include
Paralakhemundi in the new province.
DISCUSSION WITH THE VICEROY
Utkal Gaurav Madhusudan's death
• Utkal Gaurav Madhusudan was a great leader who passed away on February 3,
1934.
• His death was a great loss to the people of Orissa.
K. C. Gajapati's efforts to form a new province
• K. C. Gajapati was a prominent leader who worked tirelessly to form a new

province of Orissa.
• He met with the Viceroy in Delhi and was told to produce census records and
maps to support his case.
• He sent a telegram to his Dewan to get the records and maps, and they were
sent to Delhi immediately.
• The Viceroy sent the records and maps to London, and the Joint-Select
Committee approved the plan to create a new province of Orissa.

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• The new province included the Paralakhemundi and Jalantra Malihas, and a
small portion of the Paralakhemundi Estate.
The fulfilment of K. C. Gajapati's desire
• The formation of the new province fulfilled K. C. Gajapati's long-cherished desire.

• He was a great leader who worked tirelessly to achieve this goal.
CREATION OF ODISHA PROVINCE
Formation of Orissa Province
• Government of India Act, 1935.

• Order-in-Council for the formation of the province of Orissa.
• Provisions of the separate Orissa Province.
• Total area of the new province of Orissa.
• Date of creation of the new province of Orissa.
• First Governor of Orissa.
Reception of K. C. Gajapati
• Cordial welcome by the people of Orissa.

• Reply of K. C. Gajapati.
• Appeal to the people of Orissa.
• Concern for Oriyas outside the province.
K. C. Gajapati's Contribution to Orissa
• Dream of a separate Orissa province.

• Election of 1937.
• Formation of government.
• Dedication to a prosperous Orissa.
• Memorable fight for a separate Orissa province.
• One of the makers of modern Orissa.

THE WAIT IS OVER
Governance & Social

Justice
# OP for OPSC
155
13. SOCIAL REFORMS IN

ORISSA DURING THE
BRITISH RULE

156

▪ SATI
▪ THUGEE
▪ MERIAH
▪ INFANTICIDE

157
INTRODUCTION
Superstitions prevailed in Orissan society in the 19th century. These included the
practice of Sati, Mariah, human sacrifice, and infanticide. Sati was the practice of a
widow immolating herself on her husband's funeral pyre. Mariah was the practice of
sacrificing a human being to appease the gods. Infanticide was the practice of killing a
newborn child, usually a female child. Thuggee was a crime in which people were
strangled and robbed. The British government took steps to curb these inhuman
practices in Orissa.
SATI
• Sati is the practice of a widow immolating herself on her husband's funeral pyre.
• The origin of Sati in Orissa is obscure, but it is presumed to have begun in the 12th
century AD.
• The earliest reference to Sati in Orissa was reported in the Princely States of Hindol.
• Sati was common in the royal families of Orissa.
• With the progress of time, the number of Satis increased in Orissa.
• Under this practice, the woman who was to be Sati was administered opium to be
intoxicated and she was to be burnt with the funeral pyre of her husband.
• The Brahmins encouraged this practice because they had to get the ornaments of the
lady.
• The zamindars also encouraged this system because they had to get a portion of the
property of the Sati who was without a child.
• The British administrators in Orissa tried to discourage this system but they could not
abolish it.

158
• In 1829, a Regulation was passed by the Governor-General in council which declared

Sati illegal.
• Although Sati was declared illegal in 1839, it occurred in the feudatory states of
Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar.
• The Government of India directed the Tributary Mahals to do the needful in this
direction.
• From 1842, Sati was not to be seen in Orissa.
THUGEE
INTRODUCTION
• Thuggee was a crime in which people were strangled and robbed.
• The Thuggees were a secret society of criminals who worshipped the goddess, Kali.
• They believed that strangling people and offering their bodies to Kali would bring them
good luck.
• Thuggee was active in Orissa for many years, but it was eventually suppressed by the
British.
HISTORY OF THUGGEE IN ORISSA

• The Thuggees entered into the Feudatory States of Orissa in 1832.
• They made their position strong in the States of Ranpur and Nayagarh.
• They influenced the boys from twenty years to twelve and painted rosy dreams in their
minds that without labor they could lead a happy and prosperous life by looting the
wealth of others.
• They availed the patronage of the royal families.
• They created fear psychosis in the minds of the people.

159
• The Thugs became a constant headache for the British administration in Orissa.
SUPPRESSION OF THUGGEE IN ORISSA

• The British employed spies to get information regarding the Thugs.
• In 1839, Ewart, the Collector of Cuttack went to Ranpur and knew that Sham Pittei was
the head Sardar of the Thugs.
• He reported this to Sadar Nizamat Adalat which declared Rs.500/- as rewards for the
capitulation of Sham Pittei.
• Captain Vallancy suggested steps like the ban of entry of the Thugs to the Feudatory
States, removal of the family of Thugs from the place of their settlements and the
village Sarbarakars to inform the activities of the Thugs to suppress them.
• A.J.M. Mills Suggested the Magistrate of Khurda to work upon the recommendation of
Captain Vallancy and he started his operation to put an end to the Thugee system in
Orissa.
• In 1840 the Rajas of Ranpur and Khurda were contacted and given assurance for
putting an end to the Thugs.
• For effective implementation of the plan, police outposts were opened in the rural areas.
• Being fearful, the Thugs left their profession and led normal life.
• Without any hindrance, the British Government was able to suppress the Thugs in
Orissa.
MERIAH
ORIGIN OF MERIAH SACRIFICE

• The word "Meriah" was derived from the Khond word "Mirvi Pennu", the Goddess of
Khonds.
• The practice of Meriah sacrifice originated when a child was sacrificed to please the
Goddess Earth.
• The Khonds believed that human blood would please the Goddess and ensure a good
harvest.

160
CAUSES OF MERIAH SACRIFICE

• The Meriah sacrifice was performed to increase the fertility of the soil.
• It was also performed to ensure a good turmeric crop.
• The sacrifice was also made to ask for a favorable season and good crops.
• Lastly, the sacrifice was made to free the society from diseases and epidemics.
VICTIMS OF MERIAH SACRIFICE
• The victims of Meriah sacrifice could be of any age, sex, or caste except for Brahmins
and Khonds.
• The victims were usually poor and low-caste Hindus like the Pans, Dams, and Haris.
• The victims were often purchased or kidnapped by the Khonds.
MERIAH SACRIFICE
Detection of the practice
• The Meriah sacrifice was detected in 1836 by British officers who came to put down
the Ghumsar uprising during 1835-1837.
• G.E. Russel of Madras Civil Service, who was in charge of suppressing the uprising,
reported this inhuman practice.
British efforts to stop the practice
• The British government tried to woo the Khonds through moral influence, but this
failed.
• John Campbell, the Principal Assistant of G.E. Russel, took steps to curb out this filthy
practice by adopting coercive measures and awarding condime punishment.
• Campbell stopped this cruel practice at Ghumsar in 1842.
Establishment of the Meriah Agency
• The Meriah Agency was established in 1845 to stop the practice of Meriah sacrifice.
• Captain S.C. Macpherson joined there as the first agent.

161
• He was succeeded by John Campbell, who took thirteen years to suppress the practice.
INFANTICIDE
Economic reasons
• The practice of female infanticide was prevalent among some sections of the Khond
tribe in Orissa.
• The reason for this was the economic condition of the Khonds, who were largely poor.
• When a Khond man married, he had to pay his in-laws a bride price of Rs.60/- or
Rs.70/-.
• If the wife left her husband, her father had to return the bride price.
• Therefore, the birth of a girl child was seen as a financial burden.
Superstitious beliefs
• The Khonds also believed that the birth of a girl child was inauspicious.
• They believed that the soul of a dead person would not return to a family if a girl child
was born.
• They also believed that if a Jani or Dessari (a priest) told them that the birth of a baby
was inauspicious, the baby should be killed.
Methods of infanticide
• There were different methods of infanticide practiced by the Khonds.
• One method was to keep the living infant in a new earthen vessel and bury it.
• Another method was to administer opium to the baby, causing it to die silently.
• The mouth of the infant was sometimes filled with cow dung or its head was immersed
in cow milk.
British efforts to stop the practice

• The British government took steps to stop the practice of female infanticide in Orissa.
• In 1836, G.E. Russel brought the practice to light during the Ghumsar rising.
• Campbell also took steps to suppress the Khonds in pursuing female infanticide.
• He surveyed the villages and the police entered the villages to create fear psychosis in
the minds of the people.
The success of British efforts

162
• The British government's efforts were successful in stopping the practice of female
infanticide in Orissa.
• In 1856, Lord Dalhousie declared with satisfaction that infanticide had been curbed out
from India.

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THE Odisha

A Material Crafted by Odisha Preps

For OPSC OCS Prelims & Mains

1. Aligned with Mains syllabus

We hope that this material proves to be a valuable companion on your

- Team Odisha Preps

❖MAINS SYLLABUS DECODED BY ODISHA PREPS

Many Congratulations to OP team for this material covering Odisha history as

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1. KALINGA UNDER THE

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Syllabus points covered in the Chapter

• RESULTS OF KALINGA WAR

• NATURE OF POLITY IN KALINGA DURING ASOKA’S

• ADMINISTRATION OF KALINGA UNDER ASOKA

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CAUSES OF THE KALINGA WAR

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RESULTS OF THE KALINGA WAR

Change in Asoka's mind

Growth of art, architecture, and literature

Completion of Magadhan Imperialism

CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF ASOKA’S CHANGE

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THE NATURE OF POLITY IN KALINGA DURING ASOKA’S

Evidence for Republic Government in Kalinga

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Rock Edict XIII

The prevalence of monarchy in Kalinga

Evidence For Monarchy in Kalinga

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The anecdote of Karuvaki

ADMINISTRATION OF KALINGA UNDER ASOKA

Appointment of Viceroy and Ministers

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The motive of Asoka's administration in

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Syllabus points covered in the Chapter

• EARLY CARRER OF KHARAVELA

• ACHIEVEMENTS OF KHARAVELA FROM FIRST TO

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• The Hatigumpha inscription was discovered in 1820 by A. Starling.

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EARLY CAREER OF KHARAVELA

Kharavela and Chedi dynasty

• Kharavela was the third ruler of the Cheti or Chedi dynasty.

Kharavela's early life

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• Kharavela's first year of reign was marked by significant actions.

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• There are two possible explanations for this:

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• Kharavela's benevolent rule reflected in his fifth regnal year.

• There is some controversy

• In this specific year of Kharavela's reign, he became a father.