The history of the Gajapati district in Odisha is a captivating tale of a princely state’s transformation into a modern administrative hub under British rule. The district, carved out of the larger Ganjam district in 1992, is named after Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deb, a pivotal figure in the formation of the separate state of Odisha. To understand its genesis, one must journey back to the ancient Gajapati Empire and the subsequent rise of the Paralakhemundi kingdom, which formed the core of the present-day district.
The name “Gajapati” itself harkens back to the medieval Hindu monarchy of the Suryavamsa Gajapatis, who ruled over a vast empire stretching from the Ganges to the Kaveri rivers from 1434 to 1541. While the modern district is not a direct continuation of this empire, its history is deeply intertwined with the royal lineage and the cultural heritage of the region. The Paralakhemundi kingdom, a fragment of the Khemundi state, emerged in the 12th century CE following a trifurcation. It was this kingdom that would become the epicenter of the British-era history of the region.
The British East India Company’s influence began to spread across the subcontinent in the 18th century, and Paralakhemundi became a feudatory state under British rule in 1767 during the reign of Gajapati Jagannatha Narayanadev. This transition was not without conflict. The British’s attempts to assert direct control and the arrest of the king and his son led to an uprising by the local tribals and Paikas (a class of warrior-peasantry). This revolt, a testament to the strong local resistance against foreign interference, forced the British to reinstate the king, allowing Paralakhemundi to retain its status as a feudatory state, albeit under British oversight.
The true hero of this historical narrative is Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deb. Born in 1892, he inherited the throne during a period of immense political and social turmoil. The Odia-speaking people were scattered across various administrative provinces, including Bengal, Bihar, and Madras, leading to a sense of cultural and political marginalization. Krushna Chandra Gajapati became a fervent advocate for a separate linguistic state of Odisha. He was a key member of the Utkal Sammilani, a socio-political organization that spearheaded the movement for the unification of all Odia-speaking tracts.
His efforts were relentless. He attended the First Round Table Conference in London in 1930, where he passionately argued for the creation of a separate province for the Odia people. His compelling case, supported by the recommendations of the Joint Selection Committee, led to the passage of the 1935 Act in the British Parliament. This monumental legislation paved the way for the formation of the new province of Odisha on April 1, 1936.
Following the formation of the new state, Krushna Chandra Gajapati was invited by the British Governor to form the first cabinet, and he became the first Prime Minister of Odisha on April 1, 1937. His role was crucial in integrating his home kingdom of Paralakhemundi into the newly formed state, cementing its place in the administrative map of Odisha. His legacy extends beyond politics; he was a visionary who established schools, colleges, and industrial institutions, and modernized agricultural practices in his region. The present-day Brundaban Palace in Paralakhemundi, which he used as his summer residence, stands as a testament to the architectural and cultural heritage of this era.
The creation of Gajapati district on October 2, 1992, from the erstwhile Ganjam district was a fitting tribute to Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati. It recognized his tireless struggle and monumental contribution to the state’s formation and the preservation of its cultural identity. The district’s journey from a defiant princely state under British rule to a vibrant administrative unit is a powerful story of perseverance, leadership, and the enduring spirit of a people fighting for their identity.
Disclaimer Section
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is based on historical records and publicly available information. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, historical narratives can be subject to different interpretations. The author and publisher do not assume any responsibility for errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of this information.
