Explore Gajapati District and Its Living Heritage

Gajapati district is named after Maharaja Sri Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deb, the ex-Raja Sahib of Parlakhemundi estate (the first Prime Minister of Odisha), who is remembered for his contribution to the formation of a separate Odisha province and inclusion of Parlakhemundi estate in Odisha. Gajapati got a District status on 2nd October 1992. Before this, it was a part of the Ganjam district.

History

Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deo, Maharaja of Parlakhemundi, was the direct descendant of the historic dynasty of the Gajapati kings who ruled Odisha for more than seven centuries. During the reign of these kings, the boundaries of Odisha extended from the Ganga in the North to Udayagiri in Nellore district in the South. Kolahomee, one of the sons of Kapilendra Dev, the Gajapati king of Odisha in the latter half of the 15th century, came to this part of Parlakhemundi (then in Ganjam district) and founded the Raj family of Parlakhemundi.

Geographical Location and Natural Resources

This district lies between 18 °45′ East to 19 °40′ West Latitude and 85 °48′ North to 84 °27′ South Longitude. Ganjam district borders this district on the East, Rayagada district on the West, Phulbani district on the North and Andhra Pradesh on the South.

• Climate and Rainfall: Atmospheric temperature varies from 16 °C to 48 °C. The normal rainfall received in the district is 1323.55 mm.
• Mineral Resource: The mountains contain no exploitable mineral of economic value. However, the major economic minerals in the district are granite decorative stones, found in some parts of the Parlakhemundi Tahasil.
• Water Resources: The river Vansadhara and Mahendratanaya are two important rivers of the Gajapati district. The river Vansadhara originates in the Lanjigarh area of Kalahandi district, passes through the Kashinagar block, and flows southwards along the border of Gajapati district. The river Mahendratanaya originates from the Mahendragiri range, flows westward through the Rayagada block, and then in a southward direction through the Gosani block. Another river Badanadi, flows through the western part of the Mohana block. There are 171 M.I Projects and 162 L.I Projects in this district. There is excellent scope for tank and reservoir fishery and scientific fish farming.
• Forest: Out of the total forest area of 2,351.11 sq km, 446.12 sq km are reserve forest. The major forest products are Timber, Bamboo, Hill Broom, Patala Garuda, Soap nut, Marsinga leaf, Dhatuki flowers, Kochila seeds, Genduli gum, Siali leaves, and Kathalai, etc.

How to reach there?

There is no major rail/road communication to this district. The district has a narrow-gauge railway route from Naupada (Andhra Pradesh) to Gunupur (Rayagada district of Odisha), constructed in 1889 by the Maharaja of Parlakhemundi. It covers 93 km of the district.

Where to stay?

A large number of good and reasonable hotels are available in the district.

Fairs and Festivals

Gajapati district has a rich culture and heritage. Almost all the streets of Parlakhemundi have a public library, Matha/Temple of God and Goddess. People in the district celebrate several festivals each year. The famous among those are Ratha Jatra (Car Festival) (during Asadha Sukla Dwitiya) at Parlakhemundi, Kasinagar, Jirang, Narayanpur, Mohana, Chandragiri, R. Udayagiri, Ramagiri, Chelligoda, Mandal Sahi, Jirang, Rayagada, Garabandha, and Gurandi. Dusherra, Kumar Purnima (during Aswina), Thakurani Jatra (during Chaitra), Pongal (Bhogi and Makar) (during Magha) are celebrated here with much pomp and gaiety.

Shopping

• Horn Craft: Horn Craft is a rich cultural heritage of the artisans of the Maharana caste in Parlakhemundi, Gajapati district of Odisha. Originally carpenters by birth and trade, they took to horn craft during the reign of Sri Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deb, the Maharaja of Parlakhemundi. Rao Sahib K.V.Appa Rao is acclaimed as the father of horn craft in its present form.
• Pattachitra: Pattachitra of Gajapati District is also famous for its contribution to the arts. Sri Hari Krushna Maharana (Mahapatra), a great artist/painter, is regarded as the father of Pattachitra of Parlakhemundi.