# Athmallik

Athmallik is one of the sub-divisional headquarters in the district of Angul in Odisha, India and it is a notified area council in Angul. Earlier it came under Dhenkanal district but now it is a part of Angul district. The Athmallik sub-division of Angul includes Athmallik and Kishorenagar blocks.

## History

Athmallik was initially an estate (jagir) which was recognized as a princely state in 1874. Athmallik was one of the 26 feudatory states of Odisha. Kaintaragarh was the capital of Athmallik State, being carved out of the erstwhile Baudh ex-feudatory state. In the 11th century, it became a separate princely state, established by King Pratap Deo, a scion of the Kadamba Dynasty. Pratap Deo was said to have found a Honda (Metal Vessel) which was considered to be lucky enough, after which the territory was then named as "Hondpa". In the course of time, one of the chiefs divided the ex-state into eight divisions and placed one sub-chief called "Malla" in each division with a view of suppressing the unruly tribes; on this basis the kingdom changed its name from "Hondpa" to "Athmallik". The state merged with Dhenknal from the rule of Kishore Chandra Deo in 1948 and remained under Dhenkanal District until 31 March 1993. Due to bifurcation of the District Athmallik, a Sub-Division, is now under Angul District, as from 1993.

### Rajas

Rajas of the princedom are as follows:
* Jogendra Samant (1874-1877)
* Mahendra Deo Samant (4 February 1877 - 1900)
* Bibhendra Deo Samant (1900 - 3 November 1918)
* Kishore Chandra Deo Samant (born 1904) (3 November 1918 – 15 August 1947)
* Raja Surajmani Deo Samant (born 1995)

## Geography

The Panchadhara hills, on the northern side of Athmallik acts as a physical barrier for natural disasters such as floods and storms. The length of Panchadhara mountain range is around 100 km and its height is around 400 meters and its width is around 5 km.
Panchadhara mountain range separates Athmallik city from Thakurgarh and Boinda. The Panchadhara mountain range provides a shelter for wild animals like elephants, leopards, bears, wolves, deer, wild goats, wild boars and various types of birds.
The river Mahanadi passes through Athmallik sub-division. The river Mahanadi, which floods every year, is known as the "Tragedy of Athmallik". The river separates the Angul and Boudh districts. I is the only natural source of water for the people of Athmallik.
There are only two tributaries near Athmallik. One is Malipadar Canal - which provides the larger portion of water to Mahanadi from Athmallik region, another is the Liploi canal - which is a small canal.

## Demographics

As of 2001 India census, Athmallik had a population of 11,383. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Athmallik has an average literacy rate of 65%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 59% of the males and 41% of females literate. 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.

## Culture

The language and culture of Athmallik sub-division is largely influenced by the western Odisha culture or Sambalpuri culture. So many festivals which are celebrated in Western Odisha are also celebrated in Athmallik sub-division.
The Danda Nrutya is oldest folk festival of Athmallik. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is celebrated in summer season of every year. The Liploi Danda is the folk dance of Athmallik.
The Rath Yatra festival is the most celebrated festival of Athmallik.
The biggest festival of Western Odisha, Nuakhai, is also celebrated in Athmallik.

## Outstanding personalities

Athmallik is the birthplace of Swedish artist P. K. Mahanandia. Mahanndia painted a portrait of Indira Gandhi before he rode by bicycle to Sweden with his Swedish wife, Charlotte "Lotta" von Schedvin. Sanjay Leela Bhansali is a making a film on Mahandia's early life in Athmallik.

## Access

Athmallik is located at 235 km from Bhubaneswar, 200 km from Cuttack and 160 km from Sambalpur and is well connected by road. The nearest railway station is at Boinda, 36 km away. The nearest airports are Veer Surendra Sai Airport and Biju Patnaik Airport.

## Accommodation

A circuit house (reservation authority is sub-collector, Athmallik), an inspection bungalow of public works department (reservation authority is executive engineer, R & B, Dhenkanal), a guest house of Manjore Irrigation Project (reservation authority Executive Engineer) and a dharmasala managed by NAC provide accommodation facilities to the tourists. However the comfort loving travellers are advised to stay at Angul and cover the shrine in a day by hiring a vehicle.

## Education

Athmallik has several educational institutions. It houses many Odia, Hindi, and English-medium schools. Athamallik College (junior and degree) is the key centre for education in this area.