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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 Junagarh(unpublished), which was issued by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

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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

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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,

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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

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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

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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,

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.