Sundargarh District

Sundargarh District is an administrative district of Orissa. The district headquarters is located at Sundargarh. Sundargarh District is also known as Sundergarh District. This district was constituted on 1st of January, 1948 out of two ex-states of Gangpur and Bonai, which merged with Orissa on that day. Sundargarh District is one of the beautiful districts of the state with about 43 percent of its total area under forest cover and numerous colourful tribes dotting its landscape. This district is said to have abundant mining potential. Main languages spoken in the district are Oriya language, Bengali language, Hindi language, Telugu language and Urdu language.

Location of Sundargarh District

Sundargarh District lies in the north western portion of the sate. This district is located at 21 degree 36 minutes north to 22 degree 32 minutes north latitude and between 83 degree 32 minutes east to 85 degree 22 minutes east longitudes. Total geographical area of Sundargarh District is 9712 sq kms. Sundargarh District is bounded by Ranchi District of Jharkhand on the north, Raigarh district of Chhattisgarh on the west and north-west, Jharsuguda District, Sambalpur District and Angul District of Orissa on the south and south-east and Singhbhum District of Jharkhand and Keonjhar District of Orissa on the east.

History of Sundargarh District

Two princely states of Gangapur and Bonai constitute the present district of Sundargarh, consequent upon their merger in 1948. In the past, the district comprised the territory of South Kosala. However, divergent views are available regarding the origin of the ruling family. But these ex-states were once under the sovereignty of Sambalpur which formed part of the dominion of the Maratha Rajas of Nagpur. They were ceded to the British Government in 1803 by the Maratha Chief Raghuji Bhonsla of Nagpur under the treaty of Deogaon. But they were restored to him by special engagement in 1806. They were finally ceded in 1826. In 1905, they were transferred from the control of the commissioner of Chota Nagpur to that of Orissa and a separate political agent was appointed.

Geography of Sundargarh District

Geographically, Sundargarh District is not a compact unit. It consists of widely dissimilar tracts of expansive and fairly open country dotted with tree-clad isolated peaks, vast inaccessible forests, extensive river valleys and mountainous terrains. The region of Sundargarh District is an undulating tableland of different elevations broken up by rugged hill ranges and cut up by torrential hill streams and the rivers Ib (major tributary of Mahanadi River) and Brahmani. The general slope of the district is from north to south. Because of this undulating, hilly and sloping nature of landscape, the area is subject to rapid runoff leading not only to soil erosion but also to scarcity of water for both agriculture and drinking purpose. Alluvial soil and Lateritic soils are mainly found in Sundargarh District. There is an open well-cultivated plain country along the valley of the Ib River particularly in the south. The rest of the Sadar sub-division consists of undulating table-land about 700 feet in average height, dotted here and there with hills and peaks rising to about 2000 feet. The portion occupied by Bonai sub-division to the south-east has rugged forest and hills intersected by gorges and passes and having a narrow valley of the Brahmani River and its tributaries. The east and west of the Brahmani valley is filled with high range of mountains.

The forest of Sundargarh District is of northern tropical dry deciduous type, mainly containing Sal, Assan and Kurum. The forest area is mostly studded with rich mineral deposits, like iron, manganese, limestone, lead; also forest products like bamboo, timber and kendu leaf which are export-oriented. The forests occupy an area of 3534.92 sq kms which includes 2664.64 sq kms under reserved forest and 612.07 sq kms under protected forest.

Demography of Sundargarh District

Total population of Sundargarh District is 18,29,412 as per 2001 Census. Male population of the district is 9,34,902 that accounts for around 75.69 percent of the total population and female population of the district is 8,94,510 that accounts for nearly 54.25 percent of the total population.

Administration of Sundargarh District

Administration of Sundargarh District comprises three sub-divisions, nine tehsils and 17 Community Development Blocks. It has 9 towns and 1744 village (1688 inhabited villages and 56 uninhabited villages). Further, Sundargarh District has 262 Gram Panchayats.

Sundargarh District is a tribal dominated district. There are several small scale industries in this district.

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Angul District

Angul District is a centrally located district in the state of Orissa. Angul District came into existence on 1st of April, 1993. This district covers a geographical area of 6232 sq kilometres. According to 2001 census, total population of Angul District is about 11.40 lakh. Angul city is the district headquarters located at around 150 kilometres from Bhubaneshwar. The district headquarters is situated on the National Highway No.42. Angul District is well accessible from all the corners of the state. Angul District is well discovered for its hot spring named Athamallik.

History of Angul District

Angul was politically awakened long before the rise of nationalism in India and commencement of Gandhi Era of freedom struggle. Like other ex-state areas of the district, Angul was also once a feudatory state. It is believed to have been inhabited at one time by Khond tribe. The early history of the Ruling family of Angul has remained in obscurity.

Culture of Angul District

Angul District is like a bridge between western and coastal halves of Orissa where the prehistoric and protohistoric relics are found in several villages. The geographical location of Angul made the Bhanjas of Angulaka-pattana, the Sulkis of Kodalaka Mandala, the Nandodbhavas of Airavatta Mandala, the Tungas of Yamagartta Mandala rule over it. But all through the rules of different dynasties, Angul has retained her cultural identity which is much more prominent than its political establishments. Angul District is not only a land of magnificent hill ranges, old monuments, virgin and long river beds, downy flakes melodious jungle streams, healing hot springs, luxuriant forests, picturesque landscape, industrial houses but also a land of exciting and exuberant fasts and festivals. All the seasons of the year are marked with a variety of colourful celebrations. The traditions and customs, rites and rituals, dances and delicacies of the district are just precipitous. The fasts and festivals of Angul District are mostly of two types namely Sarbajanina or community based and Gharoi or family based. The Sarbajanina festivals are celebrated with pump and ceremony by the people in general at the community level. The language used by the people is Oriya language. It has many variants with slight alterations. Some of the tribal use their own language. Dances are many dimensional, such as, martial, ritualistic, ecstatic and funeral etc. Such dances are always accompanied by music which makes them enjoyable. In the tribal communities there are many types of dances. They are pigeon dance, boar dance, elephant dance, and snake dance, bear dance, etc. Angul District is a land of great writers, poets and historians. Many great authors have born in this piece of land. Famous temples and unique puppet dances signify the rich culture and tradition of this district.

Geography of Angul District

Mahanadi River and Brahmani River flows through the district of Angul making it fertile. Various natural resources are found in abundance in Angul District and make a major contribution to the maximum amount of revenues to the state government. It is because of this reason that it is considered as the most strategically advanced district.

Economy of Angul District

Angul District is the site for many big industries like National Aluminum Company (NALCO), Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), Heavy water Plant, Talcher, Indian Aluminium Product Ltd etc. Apart from animal husbandry and agriculture, Angul District has a flourishing mining industry as well. Angul District has around 2, 16,403 hectares of cultivable land.

Tourism in Angul District

Angul District also offers a host of tourist attractions covered with lush green forests and rocky hills. Among them, the most popular ones are Bhimkund, Baranpal, Bulajhara, Binikei, Pitha, Hingula, Khuludi, Talcher, Rengali and Tikarapara. The place called Talcher is situated at a distance of 65 kilometres and is famous for coalmines, thermal power project, and heavy water project and fertilizer factory. In the region of Bhimkund, one can see the sleeping statue of Lord Vishnu, which is at a distance of 28 kms from Talcher. The place called NALCO is famous for the aluminum factory. The hot spring, which forms one of the major tourist attractions in Angul District, is known as Deulijhar and is situated at a distance of 5 kilometres from Athagarh. Another very famous tourist spot is Tikarapada, which is situated at a distance of 60 kilometres from Angul District. One can visit the famous Gharial Crocodile Sanctuary and Satakosia George of River Mahanadi amidst the evergreen woodlands.

Being the central landmark of Orissa, Angul District continues to enthrall the tourists with its charm and beauty.

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Nayagarh District

Nayagarh District is located towards the west of Puri District surrounded by Cuttack District in the north, Phulbani District in the west, Ganjam district in the south and Khurda district in the east. The District of Nayagarh lies between 19 degree 54 minutes to 20 degree 32 minutes north latitude and 84 degree 29 minutes to 85 degree 27 minutes east longitude. Nayagarh District is situated in the hilly ranges in the west and its north eastern parts has formed a small well cultivated fertile valleys intersected by small streams. This district is in the higher altitude than the sea level and above flood level. Mahanadi River flows in the eastern boundary of the district.

History of Nayagarh District

Birth history of Nayagarh District in around the thirteenth century and is considered as an important part in the political history of Orissa. King Suryamani of Baghela dynasty came to Puri on a pilgrimage from Madhya Pradesh and established his kingdom at Nayagarh. Nayagarh District consists of the four Garjat states of ex-states Ranpur, Nayagarh, Khandapara and Daspalla. The aboriginal `Savaras` and Kandhas are the indigenous people of Nayagarh District. The Aryans came later. Besides, there are people of Semitic and Islamic faiths. Nayagarh District with its ex-states of Nayagarh, Khandapara, Daspalla and Ranpur played a major role in the freedom struggle of India.

Geography of Nayagarh District

Geography of Nayagarh District comprises a hilly patch of land. There are several rivers that flow through the district. Mahanadi River enters this district at Kuturi under Gania Block and takes an easterly course along Gania, Khandapara and Bhapur Blocks for about 55 kms. The river here discharges a large volume of water in narrow channel flanked by high precipitous hills. River Brutanga, a tributary of river Mahanadi, rises from the hilly areas of Phulbani and Bhanjanagar and carries large volumes of water to river Mahanadi. Kusumi River rises from Panchabati in Bhanjanagar Sub-Division of Ganjam District. River Malaguni emanates from the hills of Ranpur Tehsil and takes its winding course and merges in Chilka Lake. Other rivers flowing through in Nayagarh District include Budhabudhiani, Kuanria and Dahuka rivers where medium Irrigation projects have been constructed. The climate of Nayagarh District is of extreme type and it is very hot in the summer season.

Culture of Nayagarh District

Culture of Nayagarh District is a composite culture of heterogeneous faiths. Culture of Nayagarh District includes several indigenous festivals like Ravanapodi at Daspalla, Pana Sanakranti of Dakhinakali, Shivaratri at Sarankul, Magha Saptami (Kantilo Mela) at Kantilo, Ramnavami at Odagaon and Car Festival at Nayagarh, Khandapara, Dasapalla and Ranapur. Kalesi dance, Dinda Dhangedi dance, Matia dance, Paika dance, Dhuduki nacha, Duari dance and Danda nacha are some of the popular folk dances of Nayagarh District.

Tourism in Nayagarh District

Tourism in Nayagarh District comprises visits to several well known sites having historical and religious significance. Sarankul, Odagaon, Dutikeswar, Kantilo, Daspalla, Ranapur, Asurkumari, Barmul, Satokasia Gorge Sanctuary, Sitalpani, Baisipalli sanctuary, Tarabalo and Udayapur Library are some of the popular places to be explored in Nayagarh District. Diverse species of fauna can also be seen here. People from far and wide come and explore the various tourist places of this district. Further, there are several Shaiva Shrines in the district. Prominent among the Shaiva Shrines in Nayagarh District are the twelve Swayambua Siva; Ugrasvara at Badapandusar, Dhabaleswar at Lachhipur, Phulesvara at Bahadajholla, Singhesvara at Jadupur, Madhukesvara at Rabera, Somanath Dev at Gondapur, Maktesvara at Gotisahi, Dutikesvara at Jamupatna, Gatisvara at Malisahi, Ardha Sambhu at Panchagada Dibyasinghpur. Besides, there are so many other Shaiva temples scattered all over the district.

Nayagarh District is famous for its brass works.

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Sambalpur District

Sambalpur District is the westernmost district of Orissa and it had been named after the headquarters town, Sambalpur. According to historical records, the town derived its name from the presiding goddess Samalai, whose stone image was discovered by Balaram Dev, the first Chauhan king of Sambalpur.

Location of Sambalpur District

 
Sambalpur District lies between 20 degree 40 minutes north and 22 degree 11 minutes north latitude and 82 degree 39 minutes east and 85 degree 15 minutes east longitude with a total area of 6,702 sq kms. The district is surrounded by Deogarh District in the east, Bargarh District and Jharsuguda district in the west, Sundargarh District in the north and Subarnapur District and Angul district in the south.

History of Sambalpur District

 
Sambalpur District has a history full of events including its role in the freedom struggle of the country. History of Sambalpur states that Samudragupta in 4th century defeated King Mahendra of Koshala, the kingdom that included Sambalpur. During the 5th and 6th centuries Sambalpur came under the rule of Sarbhapuriyas. In 7th century it passed in to the hands of Panduvansi king Trivaradeva. Further, towards the close of 9th century king Janmajaya I Mahabhavagupta extended his empire which comprised Sambalpur District and Balangir District. Hence forward, his dynasty came to be known as Somvanshi dynasty. During the last part of the Somvanshi rule, Sambalpur was occupied by the Kalachuris of Ratnapua. 13th century saw a bitter fight between the Kalachuris and the Gandas. Later on, the Gandas occupied Sambalpur. During the mid 14th century Ramai Dev laid the foundation of the Chauhan rule in Western Orissa. However, the Chauhan rule ended in April, 1800, when Sambalpur was occupied by the Marathas. Sambalpur was occupied by the British on 2nd January, 1804. Finally it passed on to the Brithish in 1817. The subsequent years witnessed the movements of the Kandhas and Binjhal Zamidars against the British. The erstwhile Sambalpur District was divided into four districts namely Sambalpur, Bargarh, Jharsuguda and Deogarh on 31st March, 1993. Jharsuguda District and Deogarh District started functioning on 1st of January, 1994. The important historical relics in the district of Sambalpur are the temples built by the Chauhan rulers.

Geography of Sambalpur District

Sambalpur District has three distinctive physiographic units such as, hilly terrain of Bamra and Kuchinda in the north, plateau and ridges of Rairakhol in the south-east and valley and plains of Sambalpur sub-division in the south east. This district experiences extreme type of climate with hot and dry summer followed by humid monsoon and severely cold winter. The hot season commences from 1st week of March and lasts till the second half of June. Sambalpur district experiences 66 rainy days and 153 centimeters rainfall on an average per annum. Most of the rainfall is confined to the months from June to October visited by south west monsoon. Mercury increases up to 47 degree Celsius during May with intolerable heat wave and falls as low as 11 degree Celsius during December with extreme cold. The rainfall is highly uneven and irregular. After rainy season the humidity gradually decreases and the weather becomes dry towards the winter. Sambalpur District forms a part of the Mahanadi River basin. The Mahanadi, the longest river of the state, enters into the district in the north western border, where the famous Hirakud Multipurpose Dam Project is built. Other important rivers of the district are the Maltijor, the Harrad, the Kulsara, the Bheden, and the Phuljharan. The district has a total forest area of 3986.27 sq kms which is around 59.46 percent of the total area of the district. Total land under cultivation in the district is 173540 hectares. Most of the villages of the district are inaccessible during the rainy season. Sambalpur district forms a part of North-West upland of Orissa, which is rolling and multiplying the ground slopes from a height of 776 feet to a height of 460 feet. The district has regur soil.

Culture of Sambalpur District

 
Culture of Sambalpur District is influenced by the customs and lifestyle of the tribal people. Tribals in Sambalpur District constitute 35.08 percent of the total population of the state. There are two types of tribal groups in the district scattered in nine Community Development Blocks. Mundari group includes tribes like the Kisans, the Orams, the Mirdhas, the Hos, the Mundas and the Kharias. The tribes like the Gonds, the Khanda, the Binjhal, and the Kudas come under the Dravidian Groups. Most of the community dances of the district are connected with worship of a deity. Colourful folk dances form an integral part of the culture of Sambalpur District. Dalkhai Dance, Karma Dance, Humo and Bauli, Koisabadi Dance are some of the popular folk dances of this district of Orissa. The folk instruments which are in vogue in Sambalpur Region are Dhole, Madal, Nishan, Tasa, Pakhoj, Bansi, Bir-Kahali, Gini, Ektara, Muhuri, Ghulgula, Ghunguru, Jhanj, etc. Oriya language is the principal language of the district. The language spoken in Sambalpur differs from that spoken in the costal districts of Orissa. It is generally known as Sambalpuri and is spoken in western part of Orissa. The architecture in the district attracts the people of all over world because of its unique designs.

Tourism in Sambalpur District

Sambalpur serves as the gateway to the bewitching western zone of Orissa, abounding in lush green forests, colorful wild-life, exquisite array of hills, waterfalls of streaming pearls, rich tribal life and culture, folk songs and dances and a variety of monuments. Nature has been bounteous to Sambalpur in more than one way. The wide diversity of flora and fauna in and around Sambalpur is an eloquent testimony attracts travellers from far and wide. There are many places of interest. Here, one can visit the temples of Samaleswari, Patneswari, Budha Raja, Brahmapura and the Gopaljee monastery. One of the longest dams in the world, Hirakud Dam stands in its lone majesty across the great river Mahanadi. Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary is the famed wildlife sanctuary at Badrama and it has already gained prominence among the tourists. Chiplima is the place that has gained prominence as the second Hydro-Electric Project of the Hirakud Dam. Other attractions are Nrusimhanath and Huma (famous as the abode of Lord Shiva, Huma contains the lone leaning temple of Orissa and also famous as a scenic spot of great excellence). Vikramkhol and Pradhanpat hill with its picturesque waterfalls offers a rare scenic beauty. All these places are worth seeing.

Sambalpur District is served by National Highway No.6, National Highway No.42 and by major district roads and a section of South Eastern Railways making it accessible from all parts of the country.

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Mayurbhanj District

Mayurbhanj is one of the administrative district of Orissa, consists of four subdivisions Baripada, Karanjia, Udala and Rairangpur. Mayurbhanj is a land locked district with a total geographical area of 10,418 sq kms, which is round 6.68 percent of the total geographical area of the state and is situated in the northern boundary of the state with district Head quarters at Baripada. Originally a princely state of British India, the region of Mayurbhanj was merged with Orissa on 1st of January, 1949 with the identity of the separate functional district.

Location of Mayurbhanj District

Mayurbhanj District lies between 21 degree 16 minutes and 22 degree 34 minutes north latitude and at 85 degree 40 minutes and 87 degree 11 minutes east longitude. The district is bounded in the north by Midnapore District of West Bengal, Singhbhum District of Jharkhand in the south, Balasore District in the west and by Kendujhar District in the east.

Geography of Mayurbhanj District

The central part of Mayurbhanj District is covered by a group of hills known as the Similipal Range and the remaining portion is covered by undulating plains raising and falling in gentle slopes. Mayurbhanj District is mainly covered by a group of hills; the percentage of plain lands is quite lower in comparison to other lands. As the area is mainly undulating except along the few rivers and as it comprises ridges, slopes and depressions the agricultural lands are mostly terraced to catch the surface drainage coming from the uplands. Precisely the district may be divided into three distinct natural divisions. The central hill ranges divide the plains of the district into two halves eastern and western. The Eastern Division, which slopes gently from the foot of the hills towards the sea, is served by a number of hill streams forming an ideal land for cultivation comprising Baripada and Kaptipada sub-divisions. The western division is mainly a plain rising and falling in gentle slopes studded with many rocky mounds and hills. The northern portion of this western division is very fertile for extensive cultivation. The district is 559.31 metres above the sea level.

Stretches of leafy green forest served with a network of perennial streams and its refreshing climate contribute so much to make the district an ideal habitat for tropical flora and fauna. Diversified flora and fauna has infested the district with immaculate freshness, which is alluring to the tourist. Hence the district of Mayurbhanj is one of the significant tourist corners in Orissa. Out of the total cultivable area of 4,47,214 hectares of Mayurbhanj District, 1,95,441 hectares (around 43.7 percent) constitute high land, 1,24,730 hectares (nearly 27.9 percent) medium land and 27043 hectares (28.4 percent) low land. The soil is generally acidic in reaction. The soil types noticed are sandy loam and Lateritic, light textured with low water retentive capacity.

Economy of Mayurbhanj District

In spite of the storehouse of a huge quantity of economically important mineral resources, due to the lack of roper infrastructure the district is not industrially developed. Hence, economy of Mayurbhanj District is mostly dependent on agriculture. The agro climatic zone and the favorable soil type induce the proper growth of agriculture in the district of Mayurbhanj. Paddy is the major cultivated crop, followed by pulses and oilseeds. While there has been decrease in the coverage of Khariff paddy in high lands, the area under pulses, oilseeds and other cereals has been showing an increasing trend due to diversifications of cropping pattern in such land. Moreover the land utilisation pattern is quite accommodating for the genesis in the field of agriculture. Quite a good number of small scale industries including Mineral grinding, Stone Crushing, China-Clay Washing, Ceramic industries, Fertilizer, Safety Matches, Paper Mill, Paints and Chemicals, Washing, Soap, Electrical Items, High-Voltage, cable manufacturing, Aluminum Utensils, Cold Storage, Mechanised Hatchery, General Fabrication, Sheet-Metals, Poly-leaf Cups and plates making, cement products, Sabai products, rice-Huller, flour mill and allied repairing and servicing etc. serve the industrial economy of Mayurbhanj District.

Administration of Mayurbhanj District

Mayurbhanj District is divided into four administrative sub-divisions namely Sadar sub-division with headquarters at Baripada; Bamanghaty sub-division with head quarters at Rairangpur; Panchpir sub-division with headquarters at Karanjia and Kaptipada sub-division with headquarters at Udala. The district is divided into nine tehsils, 26 Community Development blocks, 316 Gram Panchayats, 3718 Villages, 26 Police stations, 16 police out-posts and four major towns. The number of Lok Sabha and Assembly seats for the district is 1 and 10 respectively.

Culture of Mayurbhanj District

Culture of Mayurbhanj District is heavily influenced by the indigenous traditions and beliefs of the tribal people as Mayurbhanj is a tribal dominated district. Out of 62 different tribal communities in Orissa, Mayurbhanj alone houses 53. The major tribes found in Mayurbhanj are the Santhal tribe, Kolha, Bhuyan, Bathudi Bhuyan, Gond tribe, etc. The tribes constitute 57.67 percent of the total population of this district. They are almost dependent on settled cultivation and forest produces. The Khadia, Mankadia and Lodha are primitive tribal groups of special mention in the district. A number of fairs and festivals constitute the culture of Mayurbhanj District. Like for instance, Ersim (Paddy sowing festival), Harialism, Jamtala Bonga (Jantal Festival), Karama Parva and Makar Parva are some of the main festivals of this district. The handicrafts in the district of Mayurbhanj were in a manner acknowledged as an important part of rich cultural heritage of this region. Handicrafts of Mayurbhanj are available in several materials and forms namely stone carving, stone wares, Dhokra, Brass and Bell Metal wares, Artistic Mats, Wooden painted items, lacquered toys, Terracotta, Sabai-Grass product, Cane craft and Bamboo crafts, musical instruments, costume jewellery, folk paintings, Tassar Textiles, Solapith work and Sea shell items.

Tourism in Mayurbhanj District

Tourism in Mayurbhanj District offers visits to several places of interest including holy sites. The District of Mayurbhanj preserves many temples built in different styles of magnificent architecture, such as Rekha, Bhadra and Gauriya. Among the Rekha temples the most important are the temples of Kakharua Baidyanath at Manatri of this district and that of Lord Jagannath at Baripada. Other tourist spots of Mayurbhanj District include Similipal, Deokund, Devagram, Lulung, Khiching, Kuchai, Manatri, Haripur, Badasahi, Bhimkund and Simla. In the eyes of tourists, the spot, which is bewitching and enthralling, is Similipal National Park, the ideal habitat of animals like tiger, leopard, elephant, deer and birds.

Mayurbhanj District is a rural district of Orissa. Mayurbhanj district is also considered as one of the `Non Industrial` districts of the state.

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