99
CHAPTER -III
THE UNIVERSE OF THE STUDY
3.1 The Kalahandi District: An Introduction:
Kalahandi literally means „black pot‟ as well as „pot of
art1‟. The decorated pots made out of the black cotton soil found in
the form of Prehistoric paintings and drawings in red and black in
the caves of Guda Handi hill signifies the name. According to a
popular belief a powerful man from Rajputna named Kalahambir
ruled it for many years and after his name this country was called
Kalahambir, which in course of time, corrupted into Kalahandi2.
The name Kalahandi occurs for the first time in Dadhibaman
temple inscription. Junagarh(unpublished), which was issued by
Jugashahi Deo from Kalahandi Nagar, his capital in the juga era
1419 i.e. 1718.3
The district is situated between 1908‟ and 20025‟ North
latitude and 82032‟ to 83047‟ East Longitude.4 It lies in the western
part of Orissa-state. It is bound on the north by the district of
Balangir, on the east by the district of Phulbani and Rayagada, on
the south by Rayagada and Nawarangpur district and on the west
100
by Nawarangapur, parts of Madhya Pradesh and Nawapara district.
The district has an area of 7920 sq. Kms. Constituting 5.09 percent
of geographical area and it is the 7th largest district of Orissa5.
3.1.1 Geography:
The district is broadly divided into two distinct natural
divisions, the hill tracts and the plain country. The former chiefly
comprises the ranges of hills which run to the south-west of the
district and the later constitutes the river valleys of the tel and its
tributaries. The hill tracts rise in a series of precipitous hill ranges
from the plains. Karlapat, Thuamul-Rampur ranges are the
principal plateau which are situated above sea level of 1220 meters
and over. The principal hill ranges belong to the Eastern Ghats. The
main peaks in these ranges are Tangnidongar (1229m), Kattighara
(953 m) and Kalarapat (1213m).6 The highest peak Tangridonger is
situated in Thuamul-Rampur Police Station.
The district is noted for its forest wealth. Timber,
bamboo, firewood, kenduleaf, mahua flower, sabai grass,
broomgrass, mahua seeds, kusum seeds, Karanj seeds are some
of important forest products. Some of the important river of the
districts is Tel, Saguda, Hatti, Ret and Utei. These rivers are not
suitable for navigable as they dry up during the summer.
The climatic condition of the district is generally hot
with high humidity during March to August and cold during
101
September to February with temperature varying from 10.7 to 41.6
Degree. The average annual rainfall of the district was 2244.4 mm
in 2006 which is higher than the normal rainfall 1378.2 mm. In
June the monsoon enters the district. The district is rich in flora,
fauna and mineral wealth. The mineral reserves in the district
include Manganese, Graphite, bauxite, Gemstone and quartz.
3.1.2 Demography and Social Feature:
As per 2001 Census, the district has a population of
1335494 out of which 667526 are males and 667968 are females,7
and it shares 3.63 percent of the state population. Out of total
population people live in rural areas are 1,235,275 in number and
people live in urban areas are only 100,219 in number. The district
has total 320,624 households, comprising 299,942 rural and only
20,682 urban households 8. Total scheduled caste (SC) population
of the district is 236,019 which 17.67% comprised of 117,344 males
(49.71%) and 118, 675 females (50.29%). Total Scheduled Tribe (ST)
population of the district is 184,221 which is 13.79% out of which
90,901 are males (49.34%) and 93,320 are females(50.66%) 9. The
density of population of the district is 169 per sq.kms; as against
236 people per sq.km. of the state 10. Odia and Hindi are the main
languages spoken in the district.
From the religious point of view there are various
religious communities such as the Hindus, Christians, Muslims,
102
Jain, Sikh and Buddhist in the district of Kalahandi. As per 2001
Census, Hindus being the largest religious community comprise
1322363 numbers (99%), Christians 6923(0.51%). Muslim
3592(0.26%), Sikh 612(0.04%), Jain 1248(0.09%) and Buddhist 47
numbers only. 11 There is religious harmony and peaceful co-
existence among religious communities in the district.
Education is the important variable of all round
progress. However, Kalahandi is the backward district in the sphere
of Education. The percentage of literacy in the district is 45.94
percent against the state average of 63.09 percent. 12. While male
literacy rate in the district is 56.66 percent. The female literacy rate
is only 29.28 percent. There are 1383 nos. of primary schools, 565
nos. of middle Schools and 36 nos. of general colleges in the
district.. 13 There is a law college and B.Ed. College at
Bhawanipatna. One Medical college at Jaring an Engineering
college, an IIT and an agricultural college has started functioning in
the district.
3.1.3 Culture:
Kalahandi in literary meaning “The earthern pitcher of
art” or the “black pot” is the repository of Art and Culture right from
the dawn of the civilization. It has a rich legacy in the field of Art,
Architecture, Literature, Folk-song, Dance and Drama. Around
2000 years ago a well civilized urbanized and cultured people
103
inhabitated on this land. The world‟s largest celt Axe of stone age
and the largest cemetery of the Megalthic age have been discovered
in Kalahandi. Asurgarh near Narla in Kalahandi was one of the
oldest metropolises in Orissa whereas the other one was
Sisupalgarh near Bhubaneswar.
Kalahandi is rich in terms of contribution to the Indian
culture and temple architecture. Temple of Goddess Stambeswari at
Asurgarh build during 500 AD is a perfect example where the first
brick temple in Eastern India was built. Sanskritization in Orissa
was first started from Kalahandi, Koraput region, ancient
Mahakantara region. Earliest flat roofed stone temple of Orissa was
built at Mohangiri in Kalahandi during 600 AD. Temple architecture
achieved perfection at Belkhandi in Kalahandi and then traversed
to Ekamra, Present Bhubaneswar during the 1000-1100 AD.
Archeological record of Tel valley reveals the presence of the
primates in its various zones during the pleistocenephase
Paleolithic is being documented in Kalahandi like Moter river basin
in Dharamgarh region.14.
One of the special features of the Kalahandi is that the
district has high concentration of SCs and STs people who together
account for about two-thirds of total population. The tribals are
generally very simple, innocent, kind, truthful, helpful and
hospitable. The „Kondhs‟ or „Kandhas‟ are the original inhabitants of
the land which is called as the „kandhan Anchala‟. Women decorate
104
their body with ornaments made of conch shell, stone beads, cowni
feather, kaincha as well as the metal ornaments like armlet, bangle,
earring, nose ring made of gold, silver, alluminium, brass etc.
Kalahandi is also rich in handicraft. The woodcraft of
Khairpadar, the stone craving Kandagarh of Ampani and stone
wares of Dumal has already reached outside the state and
favourites of art lovers. The terracotta products of Balisara,
Jampadar etc. are popular. The artistic cane a bamboo works of
Junagarh and Narla are also famous. The paddy craft of Kalahandi
is unique and it is limited to Devaguru community only.
Kalahandi is a land of music and dance. Ghumura, the
martial dance is world famous dance from Mandai Dance of Gonds,
Dhaap of Kandhas, Martial dance Banabadi of Goud community
Boria dance of young girls, Singh Baja and Baja saal are important
dance and music form of Kalahandi. Some of the important dance
found in Kalahandi such as Dalkhai, Jaiphula, Rasarkeli, Sajani etc
have similarities with dance form in Bolangir ,sambalpur regions,
15,where as sari song, Kholia song related to nature etc has
similarities with koraput region. Ghumura dance is the most
sought folk dance in Kalahandi. It is a war dance in ancient India16
and it is used by Ravana in Ramayan. Ghumura dance is depicted
in sun temple of Konarka confirming this to medieval period. The
dance has evolved from war dance to dance of social entertainment,
relaxation, love, devotion and friendly brotherhood among all cast,
105
creed and religion in present days. Kalahandi has initiated a leading
role for retaining its unique identity and got the opportunity to
represent the nation in international events in Delhi, Moscow and
various other places. Of late Ghumura has been special attraction
for different Loka Mahotsava in Odisha.
3.1.4 Fairs and Festivals:
Next to Car Festival in Puri, The Chhater Yatra of Ma
Manikeswari at Bhawanipatana is the second biggest Yatra in
Orissa. A large number of devotees of Manikeswari coming not only
from Orissa but also from Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh
assembled here to get Her blessing. On the very day of Chhatar
yatra a large scale animal sacrifice is concluded on the return
journey of Chhater, from Jenakhal to temple situated at royal
Palace at Bhawanipatana in order to appease and draw grace of the
Deity. It has got its specialty for Her unseen Power.
Important fairs and festivals organized and observed in
the district are Shivaratri, Dola yatra , Chaitra parva, Baliyatra,
Bhuasani Devi Puja, Bhaunriaia Devi Jatra, Dasahara, Ratha
Jatra, Pousa Purnima , Kalasi Parva, Chandan Jatra and Jhulan
Jatra. Nuakhai or Navanna, Push-Puni or Chher Chhera puni is
more popular. The term chher chhera evolved out of a lexical
corruption of „Charchari‟ meaning a drum or a festival of drums.
Charchari chherchhari chherchhera would thus provide an
106
onomatopoeic derivation 17 and the festivals would mean one of
eating, marry making and dancing to the tune of drum beating.
Bhaijiuntia, puajiantia are important festivals observed by women
for wellbeing of their brothers and sons respectively.
3.1.5 Tourism (Tourist Attraction):
The following are some of the important tourist place of
Kalahandi District:
3.1.5.1 Gudahandi: - Gudahandi is situated in Koksara Block, 88
K.M from district headquarter Bhawanipatna on the border of
Kalahandi and Koraput district. Its fame lies in its antiquity. It is
one of the rarest spots of India where the man of the Upper
Paleolithic age started living.Its characteristic mystery over stone
flecking and proportionate carving is perceptibly depicted in the
pre-historic caves at a flat surface on the hill top about 250 meters
above surrounded by dense vegetation. These paintings in red ochre
of a hunting scene in the Gudahandi cave are characterized by
liveliness, movement and perfection.
3.1.5.2 Asurgarh: – Asurgarh is an ancient fort about 2000 years
old is 30 Km from Bhawanipatna and is in Lanjigarh Tahsil and 5
Km from Narla. It means fort of Asura (fort of Gosingha Daitya),was
one of the ancient metropolis. The place is surrounded by Deep
Gadakhai (Trenches) to prevent entry of enemies and there are four
gates in four sides of the fort and four deities are being worshipped.
107
3.1.5.3 Belkhandi: – It is an historic site situated at the confluence
of River Tel and Utei, has Shiva and Chandi temple which draws a
large crowd during Sivaratri Festivals. The temple is said to be of
12th century Ad and is one of the archaeological treasures of Orissa.
The ruins found in Belkhandi includes monuments, the figures of
Sapta Matrukas (Seven mother Goddess) and Uma Maheswari
which are strikingly noteworthy are found reserved in a small
museum adjacent to the temple premises.
3.1.5.4 Phulaijharana: – It is a perennial water fall. It is of 60 ft.
height and is surrounded by evergreen forest. It is 15 Kms from
Bhawanipatna on Bhawanipatna-Thuamul Rampur road and is
famous for its scenic beauty. It is a beautiful picnic spot where
multicolours of rainbow are visible when the sun rays fall on the
water particles of the fall.
3.1.5.5 Karlapat: – It is a wildlife sanctuary situated in Thuamul
Rampur Tahasil 42 Kms from Bhawanipatna. There are two
waterfalls named Kanaljhar and Udaya Sagar rushed from the
Khandwal hill and patshar hill. The importance of the place lies
here that different wild animals can be seen in bare eyes only after
sunset.
3.1.5.6 Thuamul Rampur: - It is a tahasil headquarters situated
80 Kms from Bhawanipatna.It is known as Cherapunje of orissa18
famous for waterfall, hill and mountains area. Tea plantation and
108
coffee plantation has been undertaken by the soil conservation
department. The origin of Indravati River (over which Indravati Dam
is built) in three springs beneath a mango tree at Mardiguda of
Thuamul-Rampur is sufficient to bewitch visitors.
3.1.5.7 Junagarh: – Junagarh (Literary means old fort or old
capital) was the seat of the Naga rulers of Kalahandi upto 1850 AD
and was known as Kalahandi Nagar19. Several archeological
monuments i.e. scattered in the periphery of the town. The
Bhairaba images and hero/sati stones lying scattered are
prominent among them. Importance of the local temples belongs to
the following deities. Lankeswari (family goddess of the Naga
Rulers), Jagannath Rama swami, Balaji, Gopinath, Kanaka Durga,
Dadhibamana and Budharaja. Besides there are a number of
shivashrines.On the occasion of „Khandabasa‟, people crowded
here to pay devotion to Goddess Lankeswari.
3.1.5.8 Bhawanipatna: – Bhawanipatna is the headquarter town of
Kalahandi distrit in the state of Orissa. It has been functioning as
the capital of Nanga dynasty, when Raja Fateh Narayan Deo
transferred the capital from Kalahandinagar (Junagarh) to
Bhaumadevapatna (Bhawanipatna)20. It is famous for centuries old
Manikeswari Temple, Royal palace, Chhatar Jatra and Kalanandi
Utsav.
109
3.1.5.9 Dharamgarh: – It is the other sub-division of the district of
Kalahandi. It is famous for paradeswar temple, Bhimkhoj, Nagbom,
Kalahandi Utsav and Chaitra.
3.1.5.10 Mukhiguda:- It is the site for the Asia 2nd largest power
project, Indravati Dam. The green lapping water of Indravati
reservoirs is of the enchanting places of boating which is covered by
lofty mountains.
3.1.5.11 Lanjigarh: – The village has some fortifications with a
large moat around. The temple of Gopinath and Dokari (female
Deity) greatly revered in the area. Thousands of people gathered
and witness the walking on burning charcoal by a number of
devotees on the occasion of Jhami Yatra or Jhamu Yatra in the
month of Chaitra (March-April).
3.1.6 Economic Feature:
Kalahandi is primarily an agricultural district as 92.5
percent of people live in rural areas.21 who rely mostly on
agriculture either as cultivators or as agricultural labourers or rural
artisans. During the year 2006-07 the net area sown was 262
thousand hectares against 5654 thousand hectares of the state.
The percentage of agricultural workers to the total workers of the
district has gone up from 41 percent to 50.30 percent from 1991 to
2001 census.22 Total workers of the district are 620,950 i.e. 46.50
per cent of the total population against the state‟s 38.79 percent
110
and national average of 39.10 percent. Main workers of the district
are 382,050 i.e. 61.63 percent and marginal workers of the district
are 238,900 i.e. 38.47 percent of total workers of the district.23
Only 2.76 percent people of Kalahandi district have
access to tap drinking water against the state average of 8.70
percent and natural averages of 36.70 percent. Only 13.22 percent
use electricity as source of lightning and 85.87 percent people of
Kalahandi use kerosene24. A huge 87.15 percent people of the
district use firewood as source of fuel, which has been a major
cause of deforestation, against the state average of 69.44 percent
and national average of 52.53 per cent.25.
3.1.6.1 Agriculture
Agriculture constitutes the principal source of Income
of Rural people as 43 percent of Kalahandi‟s main workers are
cultivators and 50.30 percent are agricultural labourers, the
highest in Orissa.26
Paddy is the main crop, cotton is the most important
cash crop grown in the district. Millets like Ragi and Bajra are
grown in up-lands. Wheat, mustard, caster, Til, Groundnut, Mung,
Biri are the other crops cultivated in the area. Agriculture is mostly
rain-fed and lacks irrigation facilities. Since 2000s the only project
„upper Indravati Project ‟the second biggest multipurpose project in
the state is expected to provide irrigation facility to 10,8000
111
hectares spread over in 416 villages of blocks like Jayapatna,
Kalampur, Junagarh, Dharmagarh, Koksara and Bhawanipatna
blocks of the districts are witnessing rapid agricultural growth. This
has boosted the highest number of Rice mills in Kalahandi among
district in Orissa.27
3.1.6.2 Forest Resources:
Forest based products like Mahua, Kendu leaf, Wood,
Timber and Bamboo are also contribute local economy largely. It
supplied substantial raw materials to paper mills in neighboring
Rayagada and Jaypore.
3.1.6.3 Gem Stone:
It was famous for gemstone (Karonda Mandal) which
included cat‟s eye, Sapphire, Garnet, Ruby, Crystal, Topaz,
Moonstone, Diamond, Tourmoline, Acquamarine, Beryle and
alexandrite etc.
3.1.6.4 Animal Husbandry:
Cultivators of the district are being educated to
supplement their income through livestock production program.
The livestock population of Kalahandi district consists of cattle,
buffalo, sheep, goats, poultry and ducks. There are 21 hospitals
and dispensary and 102 livestock aid centres.28
112
3 1.6.5 Trade And Commerce:
In pre-independence era village money lender viz.
Saukars, Mahajans and Gauntias constituted main bankers and in
post independence period co-operative and commercial Bank were
established for providing finance to the needy persons.
Item like Gudakhu, agricultural implements, Dalda,
Leather products and nails are manufactured and item like rice,
pulses, oilseeds, cotton, lac, hide, timber, teak wood are exported
and items like garment, petroleum and kerosene oil, spare parts are
imported to the districts.
3.1.6.6 Industry :
Vedenta Alluminum Limited (VAL) a subsidiary of
Sterlite Industries, a majot Aluminium processor has made major
investment by establishing an UMTPA Allumina Refinery and 75
MW captive power plants at Lanjigarh, has brought significance
changes in Socio-economic scenario of Lanjigarh and Kalahandi.
The company‟s proposal for expansion of the Refinery to 6 MTPA,
which would have made it one of the largest refineries in the world,
was halted by India‟s environment ministry.
3.1.6.7 Transport:
The nearest Airport is located in Raipur (200-250 KM)
having daily flight to major cities in India. Others are
113
Vishakapatnam which is located in 300 KM and Bhubaneswar
airport is 450 KM. Kesinga is the gateway of Kalahandi for Rail
connectivity which directly linked with most of the major cities in
India such as Delhi, Chennei, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad,
Ranchi, Bhubaneswar, Vishakhapatnam, Raipur, Nagpur,
Ahmedabad etc. by rail. Luxury night buses are available to
Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Raipur, Vishakhapatnam, Sambalpur and
Rourkela from Kalahandi. National Highway 201 and 217 pass
through Kalahandi.
3.1.7 3Administrative Set-Up:
The District Collector is the head of the district
administration which comes under Southern Revenue Division of
the state of Orissa. For administrative purposes, the district is
divided into 2 sub-divisions (Bhawanipatna and Dharamgarh). It
has 7 Tahasils, 12 police stations, 13 C.D Blocks or Panchayat
Samitis, 273 Gram Panchayats and 2,236 villages.29 It has 3 towns
(including census town), 1 Municipality (Bhawanipatna) and 2
Notified Area Councils (Junagarh and Kesinga)30 Bhawanipatna is
the headquarter town of the Kalahandi district.
3.1.8 Political History:
Kalahandi was the cradle of civilization and culture.
The region had a glorious past and great civilization in ancient time.
114
According to Archaeological evidence of Stone Age and Iron Age
human settlement has been recovered from the region.31
Asurgarh offered an advanced, well civilized, cultured
and urban human settlement about 2000 years ago in the region.
In early medieval period, various ruling dynasties like the
Rastrakutas, Somavamsis, Kulachuris and Chindakanaga ruled
over it. Kalahandi was known in various names in the different
period of history such as Kantara, Mahakantara, Titilaka Janapada,
Atavi land, Chakrakota Mandala, Kamala Mandala, Karunda
Mandala and Trikalinga In ancient time it was known as
Mahakantara (means great forest) and the region along with
Koraput and Bastar was part of Kantara referred in Ramayana and
Mahabharata.32 In 4th century Kalahandi region was known as
Indravana from where precious gem-stones and diamond were
collected for Maurya Treasury..33 It was called Atavi land.34 along
with Koraput and Bastar region during the period of Maurya
emperor Ashoka. Ashoka never faced the atavikas synomymous to
Kantaraka but Samudragupta encountered them. In the beginning
of Christian era probably it was known as Mahavana.35 The lower
part of the Tel valley was ruled by king Tastikara and his scions,
the kingdom was known as Parvatad-Waraka. During 6th century
A.D, Kalahandi lost its political entities and merged with eastern
part of South Kosal or Kosal, 36 and in 19th-10th century AD it
assumed a distinct name i.e, Trikalinga37. Which is included
115
Western Orissa, Kalahandi, Koraput and Bastar. But Trikalinga was
short lived and chindakanagas carved out a new kingdom called
Chakrakota Mandala or Bramarkota Mandala.38
As per the record in Kalahandi Darbar Nagas
succeeded the Gangas rule in Kalahandi. The Nagas hailed
fromChatnagpur which is the only dynasty in Orissa having a
record of thousand years (1050-1948). During 12th century AD
Chkrakota Mandal was incorporated with the Ganga of Kalinga and
renamed Kamala Mandala.39 Thus Chakrakota Mandal was
incorporated with the Eastern Ganga dynasty (of Kalinga Utkal) and
renamed as Kamala Mandala. Thus Kalahandi region became part
of Kalinga as a feudatory of the Eastern Ganga dynasty under
Nagas rules till 14th century. Dadpur was capital of Kamala
Mandala during Ganga monarch Anangabhimadeva in 13th century
AD. Raghunath Sai usurped the throne of Kalahandi in 1005 from
his father-in-law, Jagannath Deo, the last Ganga governor of
Kalahandi and established Naga rule. Junagarh (the old fort)
designated as “Kalahandi Nagar” was selected as capital with
„Kanaka Durga‟ as tutelary deity.4o Thirty one kings from
Raghunath Sai to pratap Kesari Deo ruled over Kalahandi and Naga
Kings claimed authority over eighteen Garh and was practically
independent as there is no evidence of suzerainty over it exercised
by the sultans of Delhi or the Mughal emperors.
116
After 14th century Nagas owed all allegiance from
Eastern Gangas to the Suryavamsi Gajapatis up to its downfall in
1568 A.D. Kalahandi was occupied by the Bhonsalas of Nagpur in
the middle of the 18th century A.D but still it was a Gadajat under
Nagas rule. In 1853 A.D, the Nagpur state lapsed to the British
crown as Raghuje III died without an heir. Then Kalahandi became
a princely state under British and known as Karonda Mandal due
to availability of corundum (Manikya) and Manikeswari (The
goddess of Manikya) the clan deity of the Naga Kings of Kalahandi
may have also necessitated the adoption of the name. Kalahandi
came under the control of the British during the reign of Raja Fate
Narayan Deo, who shifted the capital of Kalahandi from
Kalahandinagar (Junagarh) to Bhaumadevapatna alias
Bhawanipatna and accorded recognition to the local deity
Manikeswari.41
After independence Kalahandi joined with the union of
India on January 1, 1948. In November 1, 1949, Patna Bolangir
district and Subarnapur disteict together constituted a separate
district and the Nuapada sub-divition of Sambalpur was added to
the Kalahandi district. In 1967, Kashipur Block of Kalahandi
district was transfered to Rayagada division for administrative
convenience. In 1993, Nuapada sub-division was carved out as a
separate district, but Kalahandi Lok sabha constituency remained
117
unchanged i.e., (the constituency constitute with present Kalahandi
district and Nuapada district Together).
Two major kond rebellions took place respectively in
1855 and 1882 A.D. The first uprising took place at Uraladani
under the leadership of Rendo Majhi which was successfully
checked by the British. The next rebellion was started at Asurgarh-
Narla by the Konds against the Kultha community which was also
suppressed with the intervention of the British troops.
During the time of Brajmohan Deo, the father of
modern Kalahandi, Education, health, roads, railways, agriculture
were boosted in Kalahandi .Under his regime, Kalahandi did not
experience the tempo of freedom movement.42 His eldest son Pratap
Keshari Deo, who espoused the cause of Democracy by
inaugurating state Assembly, village Panchayat and Karunda Praja
Sabha succeeded him. As opposition leader in the Parliament, he
strengthened Indian Democracy. He was the vanguard of Odia
nationalism. Indravati Hydraulic project was his brain child.43 In
1877, the illustrious ruler Udit Pratap Deo was received with much
distinction and honour at the imperial assemblage at Delhi. A Gold
Medal and a sword were presented to him by the viceroy and
Governor-General. He was decorated with nine guns salute on this
durbar where Queen Victoria was declared the empresses of India,
a privilege not enjoyed by any other feudatory chief of Orissa.
118
3.1.8.1 Anti-Merger Agitation In Kalahandi:
Condemning the rulers‟ repressive policy and the
British Government‟s protection to the rules praja mandal
movement became a part of the Nationalist Movement. But
Kalahandi Durbar was an exception because Kalahandi had
developed a democratic political leadership. To ensure democratic
spirit of Governance Kalahandi legislative assembly was
inaugurated on 12th August 1946 by P.K. Deo – who voluntarily
conferred upon his subject as a free gift. This shows the democratic
attitudes of the Maharajas. The legislative Assembly consists of 31
members of whom 16 are elected and the rest (15) are nominated.
The ruler fully considers that their associations are vital to achieve
smooth working of Government machinery. Again Maharaja had
appointed elected member as a Minister of the state council which
consist of three ministers and entrusted him with some important
portfolios which is unique in all Orissa and Chhatisgarh state.
Maharaja had appointed a law graduate of untouchable class to a
Gazette officer‟s cadre and offered the untouchable facilities to
receive higher education by giving them scholarship, free
studentship etc. Their children freely mixed with the other high
class students in the High School. Thus, the Durbar was
eliminating the evil of untouchability from the state. Therefore,
members of this caste living in the state are not embracing other
religion44.
119
In 1942 the last king passed the village panchayat
order and Karunda Praja sabha order in order to introduce self-
government system in the state. Praja sabha were organized on
democratic basis at Bhawanipatna, Dharmagarh, Thuamul-
Rampur, Kashipur, Jaypatna, Karlapat, Lanjigarh and Madanpur-
Rampur and were given privileges to decide all matters of public
importance. These were the democratic trends and traditions set
before all other Orissa- States which have not implemented any
such reforms in order to receive people‟s participation in state
Administration. What has not been received in other states after
long agitation, repression and political uprisings has become
fruitful in this state without any agitation by the subjects of
Kalahandi state. Thus, the ruler as well as the ruled of Kalahandi
developed democratic political culture which is the core of our
present democratic polity. That‟s why the people of Kalahandi
supported Maharaja and gave the Anti merger slogan like “Orissa
Government Get out, we want separate state”. After Maharaja
P.K.Deo had signed the merger document on 14th December 1947
at the town hall of Cuttack, where he commented “Chorose leke kya
dakuko Raj Denge.”4. Maharaja P.K. Deo was intimidated at Cuttack
by V.K. Menon either to sign the merger documents or face military
action. The plea of P.K. Deo that Kalahandi assembly has already
unanimously passed resolution of the merger with the Eastern
States Union rather than with Orissa was bluntly ignored at
120
Cuttack Darbar in 1947 which was attended by Sardar Patel and
V.K. Menon at the behest of H.K. Mahatab, the then Orissa Premier.
The Administration of Kalahandi was taken over by Orissa
Government as soon as it joined with the Union of India on January
1, 1948. On 26th May 1948, the people disobeying the prohibitory
order of the Government organized against procession at
Bhawanipatna. In the next morning, the agitators called a meeting
at “Gandhi Chowk” where the leader advocated Eastern States
Union and opposed vehemently to the merger of Kalahandi with the
Orissa province with the fear that it would jeopardize the interest of
Kalahandi. Former British ruled Orissa like Cuttack, Balasore,
Ganjam, Sambalpur and Koraput where freedom movement took
place, would take upperhand on every issue. So the people were
justified to take anti-merger stand. They demonstarate at manyl
places of Kalahandi, displayed pamphlet, leaflet and soughted anti-
Orissa Slogan. Twenty five agitators were arrested and kept in
prison for a year. To suppress the anti-merger movement the
Government of Orissa amended the law on 1st August 1949, under
which the amalgamation of princely states with Orissa was made
final. Though the anti-merger movement came to an end, yet the
feeling of betrayal remained in the psychology of the people of
Kalahandi.
121
3.1.9 Political Process:
The pattern of electoral politics within undivided
Kalahandi since 1947 has passed through several distinct phases.
During the first two decades after independence Lok Sabha and
Assembly Election were dominated by the Ganatantra Parishad- a
party that had a strong hold in the tribal areas of the former
princely states where the feudal appeal of the Rajas remained
strong. Ganatantra parishad under the leadership of R.N. Singh
Deo, ex-maharaja of Patna estate, emerged as the most important
party and also an alternative to the Indian National Congress in
Orissa politics.46 It grew under the astute leadership of R.N. Singh
Deo and became widely popular and forceful net only in the ex-state
areas but also some of the old districts of British Orissa including
Kalahandi. Maharaja R.N. Singh Deo of Patna estate was requested
by the people to provide leadership and guidance in the formation of
this regional party.47 A meeting of some important political elites
from all parts of Orissa was convened at Sambalpur in October
1948 where a regional party named as „Koshalotkala praja parishad‟
was formed and R.N. Singh Deo was requested to be its principal
advisor. This party was renamed as „The Ganatantra Parishad‟ in
1950 and R.N. Singh Deo became its president. In 1952 Lok Sabha
election Sri Rajendra Narayan Singh Deo with Giridhari Bhoi
represented Kalahandi. In 1952 there were four Assembly
constituencies i.e. 3 double and one Single constituencies in which
122
congress won the single constituencies, Kashipur which was
reserved for a scheduled tribe candidate and it won the double seat
of Nuapara. Ganatantra prrishad under the leadership of the
Kalahandi Raja, won the other four seats. In the lok sable election
of 1957, 1962, 1967, 1971 and 1977 Ganatantra Prrishad under
the strong leadership of Kalahandi Maharaja won successfully and
Pratap Keshari Deo became leader of the opposition In the
parliament.
In the General election of 1952 to the Orissa legislative
Assembly, the Ganatrntra parishad won the four assembly seats in
Kalahandi district and total of 31 seats of the Orissa legislative
assembly. In March 1952, it emerged as principal opposition in the
Orissa legislative assembly when congress Government was formed
in Orissa.
In the election held in 1957 to the Orissa legislative
assembly, the Ganatrntra Parishad won 6 out of 8 seats in
Kalahandi district and 55 seats in total in Orissa.
It again became the principal opposition party in the
Orissa legislative assembly. The Ganatantra Parishad and the praja
socialist party had almost finalized their decision to form a coalition
government in March 1957 (the congress did not have the
necessary majority to form a government). But with the support of
the Jharkhand party, the congress leadership through the support
123
of the Governor formed a single party government which could not
last long. The congress was forced to share power in a coalition
government with the Ganatantra parishad on 22th may 1959 and
R.N. Singh Deo became the Deputy Chief Minister of this coalition
government. Ganatantra Parishad continued in power till 21st
February 1961.
In June 1961, Mid-term election to the Orissa
legislative Assembly were held and Ganatantra Parishad won 6, 1
seat won by Independent candidate and other by Swatantra Party
out of total 8, and 37 seats in total in Orissa. A congress
government was formed on 23 June, 1961 and Ganatantra
Parishad became the main opposition party in the Orissa legislative
Assembly. In 1961, the Ganatantra Parishad merged with newly
founded All India Swatantra Party and R.N. Singh Deo became its
principal leader in the state.
In the Assembly election of 1967 the swatantra party
secured 7 seats and congress 1 out of 8 assembly seats in
Kalahandi district and 49 seats in Orissa. The Swatantra party
formed a coalition government with the Jana Congress party and
R.N. Singh Deo became the chief minister of this coalition
government. The coalition collapsed in January 1971 and a mid-
term election to the Orissa legislative Assembly was held in March
1971.
124
In the election of 1971, out of total 8 Assembly
constituency of Kalahandi district 7 were won by swatantra party
and one that of Khariar was won by congress. Ganatantra parishad
secured total 36 seats in Orissa and coalition of Swatantra party
and Biju Patnaik‟s Utkal Congress party was formed. The
swatantra- Utkal Congress- Jharkhand coalition government
collapsed on 9th June, 1972 when Mrs Nandini Satapathy of the
congress party formed a government backed by the congress and
defecators of other parties. However, Mrs. Nandini Satapathy‟s
congress government collapsed on 1st March, 1973 and midterm
election was held in February, 1974.
In the election of 1974 Swatantra Party won 7 out of 8
Asseembly constituency and 1 seat won by National Congress.
Swantra Party won 21 seats in Orissa. After the elections, a
minority congress government supported by the CPI and some
independents was headed by Mrs. Nandini Satapathy. However, the
Swantra Party under the leadership of R.N. Singh Deo merged with
the Bharatiya Lok Dal in August 1974.
From the late 1960 until the end of the emergency
1977, the business oriented swantra party dominated state
Assembly and loksabha elections from Kalahandi constituencies;
the domination that ended when congress (1) succeeded in
broadening its support base in the region during the late 1970s and
early 1980s. Congress (I) has remained a dominant force in
125
Kalahandi lok Sabha and state Assemblies constituencies
throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with challenges during the late
1980s and early 1990s from Biju Pattnaik‟s Janata Dal(s) and
during the late 1990s from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its
1998 alliance partner, Naveen Patnaik‟s Biju Janata Dal (B.J.D.).
The next general election held in 1977, in the aftermath
of the imposition of the National emergency in 1975 , the Janata
Party secured 2 seats in Kalahandi district. The congress (I) won 5
seats and one seat was won by an independent candidate. The
congress (I) won an overwhelming electoral victory in Kalahandi.
The same was repeated in General election of 1980 in which
congress (I) won 7 out of 8 and one seat was won by independent
candidate. Such a landslide electoral victory of the National
Congress in Kalahandi district was unprecedented in its post-
merger political history. National Congress won in the general
elections held in 1980 to the Orissa legislative Assembly as well as
to Lok Sabha. In the General election held in 1985 congress won 5
seats whereas Janata Party won 3 seats. However in the 10th
General Elections to the Orissa legislative assembly held in 1990,
Janata Dal won 7 seats and one seat own by Bharatiya Janata
Party in Kalahandi district. In the Eleventh General election to
Orissa legislative Assembly held in 1995, in the Kalahandi district
the Janata Dal won 5 seats and BJP own 2 and congress(I) own one
seat.In the Twelveth General Elections to the Orissa legislative
126
Assembly held in 2000 in the Kalahandi District, congress bite the
dust and BJD and BJP alliance won 3 seats each and the same
thing happened in the 13th General Election held in 2004. However
the district in 14th General Election to Orissa legislative held in
2009 the congress came with flying colour winning 4 seats out of 5
and leaving one for BJD inspite of 8 years rule of BJP and BJD
alliance.
127
TABLE NO. 3.1 : Party-wise Representation of the Kalahandi District in the Orissa legislative Assembly
from 1952-2009
Year of General
Election
The Indian National
Congress/UT
Ganatantra Parishad/
Swatantra party
Janata Party/
Janata Dal /
BJD
Jharkhand Party/
Jharkhand Mukti
Morcha
BJP Independent Praja Socialist
Party
Total
1952 3 4 7
1957 2 6 8
1961 1 6 1 8
1967 1 7 8
1971 1 7 8
1974 1 7 8
1977 5 2 8
1980 7 1 8
1985 5 3 8
1990 7 1 8
1995 1 5 2 8
2000 3 3 6
2004 3 3 6
2009 4 1 5
Sources : State Election Commission .Govt of Orissa.48
128
TABLE NO 3.2: Party-wise Representation of the Kalahandi District in the Lok-Sabha from 1952 to
2009
Year of the General Election
The Indian National Congress
Ganatantra Parishad Swatantra
Party
Janata Partu/ Janata Dal/
BJD/ BJP
BJP The Bharatiya Lok Dal
Total
1952 2 2
1957 1 1
1962 1 1
1967 1 1
1971 1 1
1977 1 1
1980 1 1
1984-85 1 1
1989 1
1990-91 1 1
1996 1 1
1998 1 1
1999 1 1
2004 1 1
2009 1 1
Source: Election Commission of India, Government of India.49
129
Royal Palace of Kalahandi
130
Political map of Kalahandi District
131
In case of 8TH Ninth General election held in 1989
Samajwadi Janata Party (Rashtriya) won this seat in the 10th
General election to the Lok Sabha held in 1990 Subash Naik of INC
won the seat. In the Eleventh General election to Lok Sabha held in
1996 Samajwadi Janata Party won the Kalahandi seat. The three
subsequent General Election held in 1997, 1999 and 2004, the
Bharatiya Janata Party won the seat consecutively under the
stormy leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee of BJP. However in the
15th General Election held in 2009 Congress (I) again secured the
seat after a long gap.
Political pattern within the Kalahandi region have been
shaped by several important features. One has been a long standing
voter loyalty to the former royal family of Kalahandi P.K. Singh Deo
a descendant of this family was elected as Kalahandi M.P in
successive Lok Sabha election between 1957 and 1977, standing for
Ganatantra Parishad (1957, 1962) then for swatantra (1967, 1971)
then as an Independent candidate (1977). This factor also
influenced the Assembly election of those periods. A second
important features has been a long-standing voter loyalty to the
Gandhi family and the congress party, particularly amongst large
sections of the region‟s, SC and ST population. A much published
visit made by Indira Gandhi to the district during the severe
droughts in 1965-67 carved out a special place for her in the minds
of section of the Harijans and Adivasi communities as „the poor
132
person‟s politician‟. Subsequent visit ty Rajiv Gandhi to the district
in 1985 and 1987 reinforced the popularity of congress (I) and the
Gandhi family amongst this section of voters. In addition the
western Orissa region has also witnessed token political activity
from small sub-national groups, such as „Kalahandi liberation front‟
(KLF) and Western Orissa Liberation Front (WOLF) pressing for
independent statehood for the Kalahandi/ Western Orissa region.
Thus, an analysis of result of Lok Sabha and state
Assembly elections from 1952 till date revel that the district was
dominated by Ganatantra Parishad and Swatentra Party at the
begning then by Indian National Congress and at present by Biju
Janata Dal a regional party in Orissa.
3.2 The Sample: Socio-Economic Background
For the purpose of this research work, the Sample
comprises of all 138 political leaders of Kalahandi District. All the
M.Ps and M.L.As those who have elected from 1950 to till today
alive and present zilla parishada elected in 2008 and municipal as
well as NAC leaders elected in 2008. However strength of
Bhawanipatna municipality has increased from 15 to 20 in 2008.
So the researcher interviewed the 20 respondents instead of 15.
Hence, the total respondent increased to 138. Since this study
intends to delineate and analyze the emerging Pattern of political
leadership, the attitudinal pattern of the political leaders who
133
constitute the sample is required to be inquired into and examined.
This may become meaningful provided that socio economic
background of the respondent of the sample is found out and co-
related with their attitudinal pattern. It may highlight not only socio
-economic bases of political power structure in the district of
kalahandi but also the attitudinal Pattern of these political leaders
as shapes and determined by their distinct socio -economic
background. Hence, an endeavor has been undertaken in order to
enquire into the socio- economic background of the political leaders
of the sample in terms of some important variables such as age,
sex, caste, education, income and occupation.
3.2.1 Age Groupings of the Political Leaders:
In term of age, the political leaders have been grouped
under three age groups such as young age group, middle age group
and old age group. Those who are 34 years of age or below have
been grouped under young age group; Leaders coming up the age in
between35 to 54 are grouped under „middle age group‟; and „old age
group‟; lies with the leaders having 55 years and above. Table 3.3
shows the age grouping of the political leaders of the Kalahandi
District.
134
Table No- 3.3
Age Groupings of the Political Leaders
By the above grouping it is found that young age group
constitutes 25.36 Per cent, the middle age group constitutes 47.10
Percent and the old age group constitutes 27.54 per cent of the total
sample. So middle age group dominated the total sample.
On examining the age group of the respondents among
leaders it is found that old age group dominated the MPs MLAs in
kalahandi whereas zill parishad and NACs were dominated by
leaders of middle age group.
135
Sex grouping:
In order to find out sex ratio of males and females of
the sample the respondents have been grouped accordingly .Table
3.4 reveals sex grouping of the political leaders.
Table 3.4
Sex grouping of the political leaders
It is found that male constitute 63.77 per cent and
female constitute 36.23 per cent of the total sample. Except zilla
parishad male predominate in M.Ps, M.L.A. and municipal and NAC
Councilors. Again it is found that not a single woman of kalahandi
was elected as Member of Parliament and also Party President. Out
of 26 M.L.As only one woman was elected. This predominance of the
136
males in political leadership of kalahandi may be due to the
traditional attitude of the people who believe that politics and
public life is the domain of males, not of females.
3.2.3 Caste Grouping:
The political leaders of the simple have been grouped
into three caste groups such as High Caste Group (consisting of
Brahmins and kshyatriyas), Low Caste Group (consisting of persons
belonging to scheduled castes and schedules tribes) and the Middle
Caste Group (consisting of all other individuals) table -3.5 reveals
caste grouping of the political leaders.
Table No-3.5
Caste Grouping Of the Political Leaders
The total sample of respondents is found to have been
dominated by middle caste group, which constitutes 42.75 per cent
whereas low caste group constitutes 36.96 per cent and the high
137
caste group constitutes 20.29 percent of the sample. Again it is
found that, the lower caste group dominates MLAs and Zilla
Parishad Members constituency whereas High Caste Group
dominated MPs and Party President Leadership.
3.2.4 Educational Grouping:
In respect of the level of education political leaders have
been grouped into three groups such as College Educated group;
Secondary Educated Group and Primary Educated Group. Table 3.6
reveals the educational grouping of the political leaders.
Table No-3.6
Educational Grouping Of The Political Leaders
It is found that the College Educated Group dominated
the sample of respondents which constitutes 60.14 per cent.
Whereas Secondary Educated Group constitutes 27.54 percent
138
and Primary Educated Group constitutes 12.32 per cent. Again the
College Educated Group dominated leadership at the level of MPs,
MLAs, Zilla Parishad municipality as well as party president.
However, secondary education group dominated NAC leadership.
3.2.5 Income grouping:
In terms of monthly income, approximately, from all
sources, the political leadership have been grouped under three
income groups such as High Income Group, Middle Income Group
and Low Income Group. Those who are having average monthly
income below 5000/- are placed under Low Income Group, who
are coming under average monthly income in between 5,000/- to
14,000/- are grouped under the Middle Income Group, and those
who are earning monthly income of Rs. 15,000/and above are
enlisted under the High Income Group. Table 3.7 shows the income
grouping of the political leader.
139
Table No-3.7
Income Grouping of the political leaders
It is found that, the total sample is greatly dominated
by the high income group which constitutes 37.68 whereas the
middle income group constitutes 31.88 and low income group
constitute 30.44 percent of the sample. The high income group
dominates the political leadership at the levels of M.Ps, M.L.As and
party president.
3.2.6 Occupational Grouping:
In term of Occupation, the political leaders of the
sample have been grouped in to three groups such as the
Professional Group, the Businessmen Group, and the Agriculturist
Group. Table 3.8 revel Occupational Grouping of the political
leaders.
140
Table no-3.8
Occupational Grouping Of The Political Leaders
The total sample of the respondents is found to be
dominated by the Agriculturist Group, which constitutes 49.27 per
cent, whereas the Professional constitutes 28.26% per cents and
the Businessmen Group constitutes 22.47% percent of the sample.
On examining the respondent at various level of leadership it is
found that the Agriculturist Group dominates M.L.As, and Zilla
Parishad members where as MPs and party president are
dominated by Professional Groups.
141
3.2.7 The Emerging pattern:
The total sample of political leadership is found to be
have been dominated by the Middle Age of Group in terms of the
variable of age, by the Males in terms of the sex, by the middle caste
group in terms of the variable of caste, by the college educated
group in terms of the variable of education, by the High Income
Group in terms of the variable of income and by the agriculturist
group in terms of the variable of occupation. However, the
predominance of the variable of income and occupation is greatly
noticeable in the socio-economic composition of the sample of the
political leaders. Thus, the political leadership in kalahandi district
is found to be have been significantly influenced by the factor of
wealth and income. So, it may be inferred that the socio-economic
status of the individual is a vital determinant for political
leadership. Hence an attempt has been made in the following
chapter, to enquire into their political orientations in terms of their
socio-economic profile and to discern the pattern of leadership.
142
REFERENCES
1. B.S. Panda „Kalahandi Itihasa‟( Sanskriti Prakasani, N.C
1999,) p-1.
2. ‟Orissa district Gazetteers‟ Kalahandi Editor (chief) Shri
Nilamani Senapati (Ed) Durga Sharan Kumar
3. ibdi.
4. Nilamani Senapati and M.K. Sahu (Ed) Orissa District
Gazetters: Kalahandi (Cuttack, Orissa Government press,
1968), P-2
5. District Stastitical Handbook: Kalahandi 2007, Bhubaneswar:
Odisha Government Press, (2007.) P-1 and P-4.
6. The encyclopaedic District Gazetters of India: Kalahandi.
7. District statistical Handbook: Kalahandi 2007, Directorate of
Economics and stastics Orissa, Bhubaneswar: Orissa
Government Press, Cuttack (2007.) P-1 and P-11.
8. Ibid. compiled from P.-10.
9. Ibid. Compiled from P.11 and 12.
10. Ibid. P.1
11. Ibid. P-15.
143
12. Ibid. P
13. Ibid P-2.
14. R.P. Prusty , Paleolithic vestiges from Kalahandi, Orissa
Historical Research Journal,1992. XXXVII, No. 1-5, PP-
55-66, Orissa State Museum, Bhubaneswar.
15. C. Pasayat(ed, Paschima Odisara lokageeta (in oriya)
(Bhubaneswar: Folklore Foundation,2008)
16. Sanjaya kumar(ed). „The Heroic Dance Ghumura‟
(Bhawanipatana: Mahabir sanskratika,2002)
17. C.F “Chher Chhera”, G.C. Udgata, Odisara Parvaparvani,
Orissa Book Store, Cuttack.
18. Madhusudan Pati (ed). „West Orissa: A Study In Ethos‟.
19. Dadhivamana Temple Inscription, Junagarh (Unpublished).
N. Senapati (Ed) Op.cit, P-41, 1980.
20. B. Mishra; The cult of Manikeswari, J. of Orissan History, P-
39-40, Vol-XII, 1992, Orissa History Congress.
21. Statistical Abstracts of Orissa 2005, Directorate of economics
and statistics, Government of Orissa.
22. Pradeep Harichandan, “Roots of hunger in Kalahandi and
elsewhere”(New Delhi:Kunal books,2010)P.108.
144
23. Ibid.p.109
24. Ibid. p.109.
25. Statistical Abstracts of Orissa 2005, Directorate of Economics
and Statistics, Government of Orissa.
26. Pradeep harichndan „Roots of hunger in kalakhandi and alse
where‟,(New Delhi:Kunal books,2010) P-109.
27. Htpp://en. Wikipedia.org/wiki/history of kalahandi
28. District Statistical Handbook; Kalahandi, Directorate of
Economics and Statistics, Bhubaneswar, Orissa Government
Press, Cuttack (2007), P-34.
29. Ibid. P-4.
30. Ibid. P-4.
31 B.Mishra, J. Bengal Art, Vol-9 & 10, 2004-2005, P-383-410.
32 Mahabharata Sabhaparva, 31, Sloka – 11-16.
33. Proceedings, Indian History Congress, 1947, 10th Session, P-
178.
34. H.C. Rayachoudhury, Political History of Ancient India, P-
538.
35 N.K. Sahu, 1964, Op. Cit.
145
36. J.P. Singh Deo, Op. Cit.
37. M.N.Das (E.d.) sidelight on History and Culture of Orissa P-
36.
38. Orissa District Gazetters, Kalahandi 48-49.
39. Ibdi; 41.
40. B. Mishra, P. Mohanty Archaeological heritage of Dudpur
region, District Kalahandi, Orissa, J. Bengal Art, Vol- 4,
1999, Pages 343-357
41. Jitamitra Prasad Singh Deo, Kala Jharan Souvenir, Zilla
Sanskrit Parishad 2008, P-40.
42. Dr. Baba Mishra, Kala Jharan, Souvenier, Zilla Sanskritik
Parishad 2008, P-46.
43. Ibid.
44. Jitamitra Prasad Singh Deo, Kalajharan, souvenir, Zilla
Sanskritik Parishad 2008, P-46.
45. Jitamitra Prasad Singh Deo, Kala Jharan, souvenir, Zilla
Sanskritik Parishad 2008, P-40.
46. S.P. Guru Political Socialization of the urban political Elites :
Case study of the political Elits of Bolangir town of Orissa
(New Delhi: Discovery Publishing House,1991).
146
47. See, Balabhadra Sarangi, „Raja pada ru Jana Netrutwa‟ (From
ruler ship to popular leadership) an oriya article published in
Rajendra Narayan Singh Deo; Commemoration souvenir,
1976, PP-55 to57). Also see, Sunadhar Bag,‟Debatulya Neta‟
(God like leader)- an Oriya article published in Rajendra
Narayan Singh Deo; Commemoration souvenir, 1976, PP-
75to79.
48. Reports on the General Elections to the Orissa legislative
Assembly; 1952, 2957, 1961, 1967, 1971, 1974, 1977, 1980,
1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2004 and 2009.
49. Reports on the General Election to the Lok Sabha; 1952,
1957, 1962, 1967, 1971, 1977, 1980, 1985, 1989, 1990,
1996, 1997, 1999, 2004 and 2009.