# Gajapati district

Gajapati district is a district of Odisha State in India. It was carved out of Ganjam District on October 2, 1992. As of 2011 it was the third least populous district of Odisha (out of 30), after Debagarh and Boudh. Gajapati district was named after Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deb, the King of the Paralakhemundi estate and the first Prime Minister of Orissa, who is remembered for his contribution to the formation of a separate state, and inclusion of his estate in Odisha. The district headquarters in Paralakhemundi, formerly a Zamindari, is clustered within a radius of approximately 5 kilometers around its geometric center.

## History

The history of Gajapati district dates back to the Paralakhemundi kingdom. 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 Dev, 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. Paralakhemundi remained under the administration as a feudatory state until its unification with Odisha.
Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati was an active member of Utkal Sammilani and was instrumental in the creation of the separate state of Odisha. Finally, through the efforts of Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati and Utkal Sammilani, the separate state of United Orissa was formed on 1 April 1936. The state of Paralakhemundi in the Vizagapatam district was partitioned into two—the capital and most of the princely state came under Orissa while the remaining Telugu-speaking areas remained under the Madras Presidency.
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.

## Geography

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.

## Climate

Gajapati district experiences a tropical monsoon climate with distinct seasonal variations.
* Summer (March–mid-June): Temperatures range from 30°C to 46°C, with high humidity exceeding 75%.
* Monsoon (mid-June–mid-October): The region receives an annual rainfall of approximately 1,000 mm, primarily from the southwest monsoon, with an average of 80 rainy days per year.
* Winter (November–February): Temperatures range from 9°C to 22°C, with humidity levels between 55% and 70%.

## Natural Resources

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

### Forests

Covering 57% (2,49,958 hectares) of the total geographical area, the forests are categorized as:
* Reserved Forests (RF): 1,29,800 hectares
* Protected Reserved Forests (PRF): 57,600 hectares
* Demarcated Protected Forests (DPF): 45,200 hectares
* Undemarcated Protected Forests (UDPF): 14,100 hectares
* Village Forests (VF): 3,258 hectares

### Water Bodies

The district has 1,698 water bodies, with 6 major reservoirs:
* Gajapati Sagar - 25.6 hectares
* Jagannath Sagar - 19.4 hectares
* Ram Sagar - 15.2 hectares
* Sita Sagar - 12.8 hectares
* Radha Sagar - 11.3 hectares
* Krishna Sagar - 10.9 hectares

### Soil Types

* Alfisols (Red Sandy and Red Loamy Soils): 72% of the district’s area
* Entisols (Alluvial Soils): 21% of the district’s area
* Lateritic and Other Soils: 7% of the district’s area
These soil types are suitable for cultivating paddy, maize, pulses, and various horticultural crops.

### Hydrology

The Mahendratanaya River, originating from Mahendragiri Hill, flows 72 km through the district, before merging with the Banshadhara River in Andhra Pradesh. The district’s rivers exhibit a dendritic drainage pattern, influenced by the Eastern Ghats’ geological formations.

### Connectivity

Paralakhemundi, the district headquarters, is well-connected by road and rail networks.
Rail: The Paralakhemundi railway station (station code: PLH) is part of the Naupada-Gunupur branch line, connecting the town to Bhubaneswar (292 km), Visakhapatnam (236 km), and Kolkata (780 km).
Road: The town has state highway connectivity to:
* Brahmapur (128 km via NH-59)
* Rayagada (134 km via SH-4)
* Srikakulam (67 km via NH-16 and SH-5)
The total paved road length in the district is 2,450 km, of which 1,035 km are state highways, 612 km are district roads, and 803 km are rural roads.

## Administrative setup

The Gajapati district is administratively divided into one sub-division, comprising 7 Tahasils and 7 Blocks, as listed in the following table.
7 Blocks and Tahasils :
| # | Paralakhemundi Sub-Division |
| 1 | Gosani |
| 2 | Gumma |
| 3 | Rayagada |
| 4 | Nuagada |
| 5 | Mohana |
| 6 | Kashinagar |
| 7 | R. Udayagiri |
There are 11 Police Stations under the two Police Districts in Ganjam Administrative district, which are listed in the following table.
11 Police Stations :
| # | Gajapati Police District |
| 1 | Adava P.S. |
| 2 | Mohana P.S. |
| 3 | Ramagiri P.S. |
| 4 | R. Udayagiri P.S. |
| 5 | Serango P.S. |
| 6 | Kashinagar P.S. |
| 7 | Paralakhemundi P.S. |
| 8 | Gurandi P.S. |
| 9 | Garabandha P.S. |
| 10 | Rayagada P.S. |
| 11 | Energy P.S. Paralakhemundi |

## Economy

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

## Demographics
### Religions

According to the 2024 census Gajapati district has a population of 814,722, approximate equal to the nation of Bhutan or the US state of North Dakota. This gives it a ranking of 573rd in India (out of a total of 766). The district has a population density of 212 inhabitants per square kilometre (550/sq mi). Its population growth rate over the decade 2001–2011 was 10.99%. Gajapati has a sex ratio of 1046 females for every 1000 males, and a literacy rate of 54.29%. 12.23% of the population lives in urban areas. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes make up 6.78% and 54.29% of the population respectively.

### Language

According to the 2011 Census of India, 41.51% of Gajapati district's population spoke Odia, followed by Sora (34.49%), Telugu (15.53%), Kui (5.54%), and Kuvi (1.25%) as their first language.

## Culture and Heritage

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 Pandavas, 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 Makar 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.

## Education
### Colleges

Gajapati district in Odisha is home to several notable educational institutions offering a range of programs across various disciplines. Here are some of the prominent colleges in the district:
1. Sri Krushna Chandra Gajapati (S.K.C.G.) Autonomous College, Paralakhemundi: Established in 1896, it is one of the oldest degree colleges in Odisha, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in arts, science, and commerce.
2. Centurion University of Technology and Management (CUTM), Paralakhemundi Campus: A private university recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC), providing undergraduate and postgraduate courses in engineering, agriculture, management, and applied sciences.
3. Government Polytechnic, Gajapati: Established in 2013, this institution offers diploma programs in mechanical, electrical, civil, and electronics & telecommunication engineering.
4. Gajapati College of Pharmacy, Paralakhemundi: Provides diploma courses in pharmacy, focusing on pharmaceutical sciences and practices.
5. Gajapati College of Nursing, Paralakhemundi: Offers programs in nursing education, preparing students for careers in healthcare services.
6. Indira Memorial College, Chandiput: Established in 1993, this college offers undergraduate programs in arts and science, affiliated with Berhampur University.
7. Meenaketan Degree College, Gurandi: Provides undergraduate courses in arts and science, contributing to higher education in the region.
8. Women's College, Paralakhemundi: Focuses on women's education, offering undergraduate programs in arts and science streams.
9. Sanskrit College, Paralakhemundi: Specializes in Sanskrit studies, promoting traditional language and literature education.
10. Centurion School of Rural Enterprise Management, Paralakhemundi: Part of Centurion University, this school offers management programs aimed at developing rural enterprises.
Gajapati district in Odisha hosts several notable educational institutions:
* Maha Raja's Boys High School (MRBHS), Paralakhemundi: Established in 1857, it's one of the oldest schools in the region.
* Maha Raja's Girls High School (MRGHS), Paralakhemundi: A prominent institution dedicated to girls' education.
* Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), Betaguda: A co-educational residential school affiliated with CBSE, offering quality education to talented rural children.
* Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV), Betaguda: Part of the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, providing education from Class I to XII.
* Centurion Public School (CPS), Paralakhemundi: Affiliated with CBSE, offering classes from LKG to X.
* St. Joseph's English Medium School (SJS), Paralakhemundi: An ICSE-affiliated institution known for its emphasis on English proficiency.
* N.M. High School, Narayanpur: Serving the Narayanpur area with a commitment to academic excellence.
* De Paul Public School, Khajuripada: Focuses on holistic education with moral and ethical values.

## Politics
### Odisha State Legislative Assembly

The district has two assembly constituencies, represented by members from major political parties, Odisha Vidhan Sabha. The following is the two Vidhan sabha constituencies of Gajapati district and the elected members of those areas.
| No. | Constituency | Reservation | Extent of the Assembly Constituency (Blocks) | Member of Legislative Assembly | Party |
| 136 | Mohana | ST | Mohana, R. Udayagiri, Nuagada, Rayagada | Dasarathi Gamango | INC |
| 137 | Parlakhemundi | None | Parlakhemundi (M), Kashinagar (NAC), Gumma, Kashinagar, Gosani | Rupesh Kumar Panigrahi | BJD |

### House of the People

The district is part of the Brahmapur Parliamentary Constituency, electing a Member of Parliament (MP) to represent it in the House of the People at the national level.
| No. | Constituency | Reservation | Extent of the Parliamentary Constituency | Member of the Parliament | Party |
| 20 | Brahmapur | None | Paralakhemundi Mohana (ST) | Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy | BJP |

## Tourism

Gajapati district in Odisha, India, is home to several notable tourist attractions:
* Mahendragiri – A mountain peak at 1,501 meters, associated with Hindu mythology and known for its biodiversity.
* Gandahati Waterfall – A scenic waterfall near Paralakhemundi, surrounded by dense forests.
* Gajapati Palace – A historic palace showcasing Indo-Saracenic architecture, reflecting the heritage of the Gajapati rulers.
* Khasada Waterfall – A serene waterfall near Chandragiri, popular for picnics and nature excursions.
* Chandragiri – Known for the Padmasambhava Mahavihara Monastery, a significant center for Buddhist culture.
* Mankadadian Waterfall – A pristine waterfall near R. Udayagiri, offering tranquil surroundings.