Gajapati district

The history of Gajapati district dates back to the Paralakhemundi Estate. It was part of the Gajapati Kingdom of Odisha. During the 12th century CE Paralakhemundi was part of the Khemundi state. During the reign of Mukunda Deba, Khemundi was trifurcated, creating three states: Bada Khemundi, Sana Khemundi, and Paralakhemundi. After the trifurcation, Subhalinga Bhanu became the ruler of the Paralakhemundi. This line of kings continued to rule Paralakhemundi throughout the Mughal and Maratha rule of Odisha. Before the British gained complete control over Odisha, Paralakhemundi became a feudal state under British rule in 1767, during the reign of Gajapati Jagannatha Narayanadev. The state had conflicts with British administrators, leading to the arrest of King Gajapati Jagannatha Narayanadev and his son. As a result, the state came under direct British supervision. However, a revolt broke out among the tribals and Paikas against the king's detention. Due to this uprising, the British reinstated the king to his position.^[5] Paralakhemundi remained under the administration as a feudatory state until its unification with Odisha.^[6]

In 1937, the first Governor of Orissa, Sir John Austin Hubback, invited Krushna Chandra Gajapati Dev to form the cabinet. Shri Gajapati became the first Prime Minister of Orissa, serving from April 1, 1937, to July 18, 1937. He held the position again for a second term from November 24, 1941, to June 30, 1944.^[7][8]

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Gajapati district is located in the southeastern part of Odisha, India, between 84°32'E and 83°47'E longitude and 18°44'N and 19°39'N latitude. It shares borders with Andhra Pradesh to the south, Rayagada district to the west, Ganjam district to the east, and Kandhamal district to the north. The district spans an area of 3,850 km² and is part of the Eastern Ghats, characterized by rugged terrain and narrow valleys.

The Mahendratanaya River, a tributary of the Banshadhara River, is the primary river flowing through the district. The highest peak in the district is Mahendragiri, standing at 1,501 meters (4,925 feet), followed by Dandamera Parbat at 1,103 meters (3,619 feet) and Tangiri Parbat at 1,155 meters (3,789 feet). The average elevation of Paralakhemundi, the district headquarters, is 145 meters (476 feet) above sea level.

Gajapati district features a tropical monsoon climate with localized microclimates alternating between the coastal plains and the interior high-altitude regions of the Eastern Ghats.

• Temperature: The hot season peaks in May with average maximums reaching 38.5 °C (101.3 °F), while extreme heat waves can elevate inland temperatures up to 46 °C (115 °F). Mild winters lower temperatures to averages around 15 °C (59 °F).^[9]
• Precipitation: Rain is intensely seasonal; approximately 80% to 85% of the total annual precipitation is concentrated between June and September via the southwest monsoon.^[10]
• Humidity: Relative humidity peaks during the peak monsoon months, exceeding 80%, before declining steadily from late November onward.^[11]

The district is endowed with significant forest cover, water bodies, and fertile soils, supporting its 65% agrarian population.

The Gajapati district is administratively divided into one sub-division, comprising 7 Tahasils and 7 Blocks, as listed in the following table.

There are 11 Police Stations under the two Police Districts in Ganjam Administrative district, which are listed in the following table.

In 2006 the Ministry of Panchayati Raj named Gajapati one of the country's 250 most backward districts (out of a total of 640).^[12] It is one of the 19 districts in Odisha currently receiving funds from the Backward Regions Grant Fund Programme (BRGF).^[12]

Gajapati district has a rich cultural and historical heritage, blending tribal traditions with ancient legends. Mahendragiri Mountain, part of the Eastern Ghats, is located in Paralakhemundi. According to legend, it is the abode of Lord Parashurama, a Chiranjeevi engaged in eternal tapasya. The site features temples believed to be built by the Pandabas, and Shivaratri is the main festival, dedicated to Lord Shiva, the guru of Parashurama.

The district’s culture is deeply influenced by the Saura tribe, known for Saura art (traditional wall paintings) and Tantangbo (tribal tattooing). Odia, Saura, and Kui are the primary languages spoken. Festivals like Makara Sankranti are celebrated with great fervor. The Gajapati Palace in Paralakhemundi stands as a testament to the region’s historical legacy. The Paika Akhada, once a warrior training tradition, is now performed as a martial dance showcasing combat techniques.