Khordha district
Encyclopedia
Khordha is an administrative division of the state of Orissa
, India
. It was formed on April 1, 1993 by the division of former Puri District
into Puri, Khurda and Nayagarh
districts. In the year 2000 the district name was changed to Khordha. The district headquarters is Khordha Town, formerly known as Jajarsingh, or Kurada. The capital city of Bhubaneswar
is located in this district. Khurda is the most urbanized of all the districts of Orissa. Khurda Road, the railway station that serves the town is also the divisional headquarters of the East Coast Railway of the Indian Railways. Khurda is known for its brass utensils, cottage industries, railway coach manufacturing, and cable manufacture.
from 1568 to 1803. It is also known for its fort, often described as the "last independent fort". The commander who kept it free from British East India Company
was Bakshi Jagabandhu
, popularly called 'Paika Bakshi'.
The Savara
s tribal group, who are still to be found in the district in some pockets, once heavily populated the area. Khurda came into prominence when the first Rajas of the Khordha dynasty, Ramachandra Deva, made it the capital of his kingdom during the last part of the 16th century. Khurda suffered repeated onslaughts from Muslim and Maratha
cavalry but its royal house retained independence till 1804, when the British East India Company
dispossessed Raja of his territory following the Second Anglo-Maratha War
.
Khurda occupies a distinct place in the historical map of Orissa
. Khurda was the capital of Orissa Kingdom from 1568. British government took Orissa
under its rule in 1803. But it could not include Khurda in its territory till 1827. The strong protest from Paikas of Khurda shook the backbone of British rule in Orissa
. Khurdagada is known as known as the "Last Independent Fort" of India. Now the remains of this historic fort lies as an evidence of India's glorious past. Bhubaneswar, the capital of Orissa
belongs to this district.
and Kuakhai rivers flow through Khurda. Forest Area: 618.67 km²
has a population
of 2,246,341 , roughly equal to the nation of Latvia
or the US state of New Mexico
. This gives it a ranking of 201st in India (out of a total of 640
). The district has a population density of 799 PD/sqkm . Its population growth rate
over the decade 2001-2011 was 19.65 %. Khordha has a sex ratio
of 925 females
for every 1000 males, and a literacy rate
of 87.51 %.
Orissa
Orissa , officially Odisha since Nov 2011, is a state of India, located on the east coast of India, by the Bay of Bengal. It is the modern name of the ancient nation of Kalinga, which was invaded by the Maurya Emperor Ashoka in 261 BC. The modern state of Orissa was established on 1 April...
, India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
. It was formed on April 1, 1993 by the division of former Puri District
Puri District
Puri being a coastal district of Orissa, is famous for its Historic antiquities, Religious sanctuaries, Architectural Grandeur, Sea-scape beauty,moderate climate.It holds a wealth of attraction for the visitors. It boasts of a continuous history from the 3rd Century B.C...
into Puri, Khurda and Nayagarh
Nayagarh
Nayagarh is a town and a notified area committee in Nayagarh district in the Indian state of Orissa. It is the headquarters of Nayagarh district.-Geography:Nayagarh is located at...
districts. In the year 2000 the district name was changed to Khordha. The district headquarters is Khordha Town, formerly known as Jajarsingh, or Kurada. The capital city of Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar is the capital of the Indian state of Orissa, officially Odisha. The city has a long history of over 2000 years starting with Chedi dynasty who had Sisupalgarh near present-day Bhubaneswar as their capital...
is located in this district. Khurda is the most urbanized of all the districts of Orissa. Khurda Road, the railway station that serves the town is also the divisional headquarters of the East Coast Railway of the Indian Railways. Khurda is known for its brass utensils, cottage industries, railway coach manufacturing, and cable manufacture.
History
It was the capital of OrissaOrissa
Orissa , officially Odisha since Nov 2011, is a state of India, located on the east coast of India, by the Bay of Bengal. It is the modern name of the ancient nation of Kalinga, which was invaded by the Maurya Emperor Ashoka in 261 BC. The modern state of Orissa was established on 1 April...
from 1568 to 1803. It is also known for its fort, often described as the "last independent fort". The commander who kept it free from British East India Company
British East India Company
The East India Company was an early English joint-stock company that was formed initially for pursuing trade with the East Indies, but that ended up trading mainly with the Indian subcontinent and China...
was Bakshi Jagabandhu
Bakshi Jagabandhu
Jagabandhu Bidyadhar Mohapatra Bhramarbar Rai popularly known as "Bakshi Jagabandhu " or "Paika Bakshi" was the commander of the forces of the king of Khurda. He is one of the earliest freedom fighters of India...
, popularly called 'Paika Bakshi'.
The Savara
Savara
Savara may refer to:*Sora people*Sora language, a Munda language spoken in India*Savara language, a Dravidian language spoken in India*Savara , a Noctuidae genus...
s tribal group, who are still to be found in the district in some pockets, once heavily populated the area. Khurda came into prominence when the first Rajas of the Khordha dynasty, Ramachandra Deva, made it the capital of his kingdom during the last part of the 16th century. Khurda suffered repeated onslaughts from Muslim and Maratha
Maratha
The Maratha are an Indian caste, predominantly in the state of Maharashtra. The term Marāthā has three related usages: within the Marathi speaking region it describes the dominant Maratha caste; outside Maharashtra it can refer to the entire regional population of Marathi-speaking people;...
cavalry but its royal house retained independence till 1804, when the British East India Company
British East India Company
The East India Company was an early English joint-stock company that was formed initially for pursuing trade with the East Indies, but that ended up trading mainly with the Indian subcontinent and China...
dispossessed Raja of his territory following the Second Anglo-Maratha War
Second Anglo-Maratha War
The Second Anglo-Maratha War was the second conflict between the British East India Company and the Maratha Empire in India.-Background:...
.
Khurda occupies a distinct place in the historical map of Orissa
Orissa
Orissa , officially Odisha since Nov 2011, is a state of India, located on the east coast of India, by the Bay of Bengal. It is the modern name of the ancient nation of Kalinga, which was invaded by the Maurya Emperor Ashoka in 261 BC. The modern state of Orissa was established on 1 April...
. Khurda was the capital of Orissa Kingdom from 1568. British government took Orissa
Orissa
Orissa , officially Odisha since Nov 2011, is a state of India, located on the east coast of India, by the Bay of Bengal. It is the modern name of the ancient nation of Kalinga, which was invaded by the Maurya Emperor Ashoka in 261 BC. The modern state of Orissa was established on 1 April...
under its rule in 1803. But it could not include Khurda in its territory till 1827. The strong protest from Paikas of Khurda shook the backbone of British rule in Orissa
Orissa
Orissa , officially Odisha since Nov 2011, is a state of India, located on the east coast of India, by the Bay of Bengal. It is the modern name of the ancient nation of Kalinga, which was invaded by the Maurya Emperor Ashoka in 261 BC. The modern state of Orissa was established on 1 April...
. Khurdagada is known as known as the "Last Independent Fort" of India. Now the remains of this historic fort lies as an evidence of India's glorious past. Bhubaneswar, the capital of Orissa
Orissa
Orissa , officially Odisha since Nov 2011, is a state of India, located on the east coast of India, by the Bay of Bengal. It is the modern name of the ancient nation of Kalinga, which was invaded by the Maurya Emperor Ashoka in 261 BC. The modern state of Orissa was established on 1 April...
belongs to this district.
Geography
It is also the district headquarters of Khurda district located at 20.11° N 85.40° E. The DayaDaya River
The Daya River starts as a branch of the Kuakhai River at Saradeipur in Orissa state in India. It is joined by the Malaguni River below Golabai and flows through Khordha and Puri districts before emptying into the north-eastern corner of Chilika Lake, km from its origin.The historically important...
and Kuakhai rivers flow through Khurda. Forest Area: 618.67 km²
Climate
- Temperature: 41.4 (Max), 9.5 (Min)
- Rainfall: 1443 mm (Avg)
Economy
It is also renowned for its Brass utensils cottage industries, cable factory, spinning mill, watch repairing factory, railway coach repairing factory oil Industry,Cocacola factory and small metal industry.Divisions
- Parliamentary constituencies: 2
- Assembly constituencies: 6
- Sub-Divisions: 2
- Villages: 1,561
- Blocks: 10
- Grama panchayat: 168
- Tehsils: 8
- Towns: 5
- Municipality: 2 (Khordha, Jatni)
- Municipal Corporation: 1 (Bhubaneshwar)
- N.A.C: 2 (Balugaon, Banpur)
Tehsils
- BanapurBanapurBanpur is a town and a notified area council in Khordha district in the state of Orissa, India.The town is named after the King Banasura of Lord Krishna age.Banasura, a demon-king who is said to have ruled over this place. The place was under the control of a line of feudal lords, the ancestors of...
- Begunia
- BhubaneswarBhubaneswarBhubaneswar is the capital of the Indian state of Orissa, officially Odisha. The city has a long history of over 2000 years starting with Chedi dynasty who had Sisupalgarh near present-day Bhubaneswar as their capital...
- Bolagarh
- JatniJataniJatani or Jatni or Khurda Road is a city and a municipality in Khordha district in the Indian state of Orissa. It is close to Bhubaneswar, the state capital of Orissa. Jatni town is also known as 'Khurda Road' in railways. It is an important railway junction and gateway to the vast tribal hinterland...
- Khurda
- TangiTangi, OrissaTangi is a semi urban city and block in Khordha district, Orissa, India. It has a tehsil also.The population is close to 15,000 as per 2001 census. Tangi has several old and nicely designed temples, like Raghunath temple and Lokanath temple....
- BalugaonBalugaonBalugaon is a town and a notified area committee in Khordha district in the state of Orissa, India.-Geography:Balugaon is located at . It has an average elevation of 76 metres .-Demographics:...
Sub-Divisions
- BhubaneswarBhubaneswarBhubaneswar is the capital of the Indian state of Orissa, officially Odisha. The city has a long history of over 2000 years starting with Chedi dynasty who had Sisupalgarh near present-day Bhubaneswar as their capital...
: consists of 4 blocks, viz. Balianta, Balipatana, JataniJataniJatani or Jatni or Khurda Road is a city and a municipality in Khordha district in the Indian state of Orissa. It is close to Bhubaneswar, the state capital of Orissa. Jatni town is also known as 'Khurda Road' in railways. It is an important railway junction and gateway to the vast tribal hinterland...
, BhubaneswarBhubaneswarBhubaneswar is the capital of the Indian state of Orissa, officially Odisha. The city has a long history of over 2000 years starting with Chedi dynasty who had Sisupalgarh near present-day Bhubaneswar as their capital...
. - Khurda: consists of 6 blocks, viz. BanapurBanapurBanpur is a town and a notified area council in Khordha district in the state of Orissa, India.The town is named after the King Banasura of Lord Krishna age.Banasura, a demon-king who is said to have ruled over this place. The place was under the control of a line of feudal lords, the ancestors of...
, Begunia, Bolgarh, Chilika, Khurda Sadar and Tangi.
Demographics
According to the 2011 census2011 census of India
The 15th Indian National census was conducted in two phases, houselisting and population enumeration. Houselisting phase began on April 1, 2010 and involved collection of information about all buildings...
has a population
Demographics of India
The demographics of India are inclusive of the second most populous country in the world, with over 1.21 billion people , more than a sixth of the world's population. Already containing 17.5% of the world's population, India is projected to be the world's most populous country by 2025, surpassing...
of 2,246,341 , roughly equal to the nation of Latvia
Latvia
Latvia , officially the Republic of Latvia , is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by Estonia , to the south by Lithuania , to the east by the Russian Federation , to the southeast by Belarus and shares maritime borders to the west with Sweden...
or the US state of New Mexico
New Mexico
New Mexico is a state located in the southwest and western regions of the United States. New Mexico is also usually considered one of the Mountain States. With a population density of 16 per square mile, New Mexico is the sixth-most sparsely inhabited U.S...
. This gives it a ranking of 201st in India (out of a total of 640
Districts of India
A district is an administrative division of an Indian state or territory. Districts are further subdivided, in some cases into Sub-Divisions, and otherwise directly into tehsils or talukas.District officials include:...
). The district has a population density of 799 PD/sqkm . Its population growth rate
Family planning in India
Family planning in India is based on efforts largely sponsored by the Indian government. In the 1965-2009 period, contraceptive usage has more than tripled and the fertility rate has more than halved , but the national fertility rate is still high enough to cause long-term population growth...
over the decade 2001-2011 was 19.65 %. Khordha has a sex ratio
Sex ratio
Sex ratio is the ratio of males to females in a population. The primary sex ratio is the ratio at the time of conception, secondary sex ratio is the ratio at time of birth, and tertiary sex ratio is the ratio of mature organisms....
of 925 females
Women in India
The status of women in India has been subject to many great changes over the past few millennia. From equal status with men in ancient times through the low points of the medieval period, to the promotion of equal rights by many reformers, the history of women in India has been eventful...
for every 1000 males, and a literacy rate
Literacy in India
Literacy in India is key for socio-economic progress, and the Indian literacy rate grew to 74.04% in 2011 from 12% at the end of British rule in 1947. Although this was a greater than sixfold improvement, the level is well below the world average literacy rate of 84%, and India currently has the...
of 87.51 %.
Tourist Attractions and Nearby places of interest
- Arikama : Village Arikama under Bolagarh block is famous for Maa Koshalsuni mandir in the forest. This green forest is protected by villagers of Arikama, Thanapalli etc. It is a picnic spot. The annual festival on Mahasthami, Raja festival, annual Yagna are some of the festivals observed by the villagers. It is around 28 km away from Khurda and lies on Rajsunakhala Dhalapathar Road. It is around 5 km from Dhalapathar & 9 km from Rajsunakhala.
- Atri (Hot Spring) : It is situated in the village of BaghamariBaghamariBaghamari is a village located in the Western part of the district of Khurda in the Indian state of Orissa. The population is more than 20,000. The meaning of the name of this village is 'Killing the Tigers'...
, at the distance of 42 km from BhubaneswarBhubaneswarBhubaneswar is the capital of the Indian state of Orissa, officially Odisha. The city has a long history of over 2000 years starting with Chedi dynasty who had Sisupalgarh near present-day Bhubaneswar as their capital...
and nearly 14 km from Khordha bus stand. It is famous for its Sulfur-Water springs and a temple dedicated to Lord Hatakeswara (Lord Shiva).
- Banapur : Banapur is famous for Maa Bhagabati (one of the incarnation of Hindu Goddess Maa DurgaDurgaFor the 1985 Hindi Film of Rajesh Khanna see DurgaaIn Hinduism, Durga ; ; meaning "the inaccessible" or "the invincible"; , durga) or Maa Durga "one who can redeem in situations of utmost distress" is a form of Devi, the supremely radiant goddess, depicted as having eighteen arms, riding a lion...
) temple. One of the interesting thing on display is that of a heavy iron piece that floats on water.
- Barunei : This temple is situated on the famous Barunei hills. It is at a distance of 28 km from Bhubaneswar. Goddess Barunei is the famous deity of Khurda. A beautiful stream flows from the hills which is known as Swarna Ganga, which enhances the beauty of this place. This place is recognised as one of the most significant historic places of OrissaOrissaOrissa , officially Odisha since Nov 2011, is a state of India, located on the east coast of India, by the Bay of Bengal. It is the modern name of the ancient nation of Kalinga, which was invaded by the Maurya Emperor Ashoka in 261 BC. The modern state of Orissa was established on 1 April...
.
- BhubaneswarBhubaneswarBhubaneswar is the capital of the Indian state of Orissa, officially Odisha. The city has a long history of over 2000 years starting with Chedi dynasty who had Sisupalgarh near present-day Bhubaneswar as their capital...
: It is the Capital city of OrissaOrissaOrissa , officially Odisha since Nov 2011, is a state of India, located on the east coast of India, by the Bay of Bengal. It is the modern name of the ancient nation of Kalinga, which was invaded by the Maurya Emperor Ashoka in 261 BC. The modern state of Orissa was established on 1 April...
, which was also know in the ancient times as the Kingdom of Kalinga. BhubaneswarBhubaneswarBhubaneswar is the capital of the Indian state of Orissa, officially Odisha. The city has a long history of over 2000 years starting with Chedi dynasty who had Sisupalgarh near present-day Bhubaneswar as their capital...
, is popularly known as the Temple City of India due to its large number of ancient temples (most notable among them being Lingaraj Temple, Khandagiri, Kedar Gouri, Ram Mandir, etc.). This city also features attractions like: Orissa State Museum, Bindusagar Tank, Rabindra Mandap, Raj Bhavan, Legislative Assembly, Nandankanan, City Parks & Gardens, etc. This is one of the major shopping centers in OrissaOrissaOrissa , officially Odisha since Nov 2011, is a state of India, located on the east coast of India, by the Bay of Bengal. It is the modern name of the ancient nation of Kalinga, which was invaded by the Maurya Emperor Ashoka in 261 BC. The modern state of Orissa was established on 1 April...
.
- Chilika : Situated at a distance of 100 km from the state capital BhubaneswarBhubaneswarBhubaneswar is the capital of the Indian state of Orissa, officially Odisha. The city has a long history of over 2000 years starting with Chedi dynasty who had Sisupalgarh near present-day Bhubaneswar as their capital...
, Chilika (or Chilka) lake is the largest lake of IndiaIndiaIndia , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
. The lake is surrounded with natural scenic beauty. The Indian Naval Training center is also situated nearby. Several types of migratory birds visit Chilika with advent of different seasons (mostly during winter). The lake has been declared as a Bird Sanctuary by the OrissaOrissaOrissa , officially Odisha since Nov 2011, is a state of India, located on the east coast of India, by the Bay of Bengal. It is the modern name of the ancient nation of Kalinga, which was invaded by the Maurya Emperor Ashoka in 261 BC. The modern state of Orissa was established on 1 April...
State government. There are numerous islands within the lake, and one such picturesque island is called KalijaiKalijaiKalijai Temple is located on an island in Chilika Lake. It is considered to be the abode of the Goddess Kalijai. Highly revered by the local populace, the deity has been venerated in the local folklores and legends. The island provides an excellent destination for pilgrims as well as tourists...
, which hosts Kalijai TempleKalijaiKalijai Temple is located on an island in Chilika Lake. It is considered to be the abode of the Goddess Kalijai. Highly revered by the local populace, the deity has been venerated in the local folklores and legends. The island provides an excellent destination for pilgrims as well as tourists...
, an important place of worship for the nearby people.
- Deras & Jhumka : These are two beautiful picnic spots situated at a distance of 15 km from BhubaneswarBhubaneswarBhubaneswar is the capital of the Indian state of Orissa, officially Odisha. The city has a long history of over 2000 years starting with Chedi dynasty who had Sisupalgarh near present-day Bhubaneswar as their capital...
. They are two dams surrounded by a dense forest on three sides giving it the sense of exhilarating scenic beauty and is a very good picnic spot. It is very popular with the picnickers during winter season where thousands of picnickers flock there.
- Dhauligiri : It is situated at a distance of 15 km from Bhubaneswar. The rock edict of Dhauli bears the early history of Kalinga and this rock edict was engraved by Emperor AshokaAshokaAshok Maurya or Ashoka , popularly known as Ashoka the Great, was an Indian emperor of the Maurya Dynasty who ruled almost all of the Indian subcontinent from ca. 269 BC to 232 BC. One of India's greatest emperors, Ashoka reigned over most of present-day India after a number of military conquests...
.
- Garamanitri : Garamanitri is famous for Ramchandi temple and is a picnic spot.
- GolabaiGolabaiGolabai Sasan is a village in Khurda District, Orissa, India at .It is known for its medieval temple architecture. This settlement site is located on the north bank of the Malaguni River, North of Chilika lake....
: Golabai Sasan is known mostly from its medieval temple architecture. This settlement site is located on the left bank of the Mandakini (locally Mallaguni) river, near the Chilka lake. Trial excavations in 1991 showed a succession of Chalcolithic and Iron Age assemblages, presumably dating to the 2nd and 1st millennia BC.The pottery as dull red and grey wares. Ground lithics bring to mind those of East and South-east Asia. This site and Sankarjang are the main sites in Orissa which represent this time.
- Guapur: Located midway between Bhubaneshwar and Puri, this peaceful village is accessible through a road to the east of the highway. It is 20 kilometers from Bhubaneshwar. Beautiful rice paddy landscapes and serene temples await anyone who goes there.
- Hatabasta : Village Hatabasta (Srichandanpurpatna) is three km from Raj-Sunakhela and Famous for Goddess Maa Jogamaya. There is a big pond which is covered with lotus flowers in all season and very very beautiful known as Bada Pokhari where Lord Sapaneswar worshipped by the villager of Hatabasta. Many festivals are celebrated in this village such as "Jhamu Yatra","Rama Lila","Kartika Purnima "
- Kaipadar : Kaipadar is situated at a distance of 15 km from Khurda. A beautiful mosque is present here. This place is the meeting place of Hindus and Muslims.
- Khandagiri and Udayagiri : These twin hills are situated in Bhubaneswar. There are 117 caves in these twin hills. The Rani Gumpha is the largest cave in the Udaygiri hill. Another famous cave called the Hati Gumpha is also there where the rock is engraved with Hathigumpha inscriptionHathigumpha inscriptionThe Hathigumpha inscription , from Udayagiri, near Bhubaneshwar in Orissa, was written by Kharavela, the king of Kalinga in India, during the 2nd century BCE...
by King KharavelaKharavelaKhārabēḷa was the third and greatest emperor of the Mahāmēghabāhana Dynasty of Kaḷinga . The main source of information about Khārabeḷa is his famous seventeen line rock-cut Hātigumphā inscription in a cave in the Udayagiri hills near Bhubaneswar, Orissa.During the reign of Khārabēḷa, the Chedi...
. These caves contain a Barabhuja temple and a Jain temple.
- Lingaraj TempleLingaraj TempleLingaraj Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Harihara, another name for Shiva and is one of the oldest temples of Bhubaneswar, a revered pilgrimage center and the capital of the state of Orissa, India....
: Lingaraj temple is the largest and most famous Lord Shiva temple in Orissa. A couple of other temples exist there around it.
- Maa Ugra TaraMaa Ugra TaraThe goddess Ugratara is the tutelary deity of Eastern Ganga dynasty Gajapati kings. Her ancient temple lies 65 kilometers from Bhubaneswar. The icon of Mother Tara is Chaturbhuja, holding potent weapons in her hands. She is very popular as Ugratara due to her fierce aspect, but benevolent to the...
: This temple is located in between Rameswar chowk & chandpur(Tangi block) in NH-5 & 55 km from Bhubaneswar towards Balugaon & 35 km from Balugaon towards BBSR. It is beautiful natured location for picnic & also movie shooting. Maa ugratara is the deity of entire Tangi block. Nearby, there is a village named Bhusandpur is the largest village among Orissa. This place is famous for fishermen's ground, because Chilika lake is nearby to this village.
- Nandankanan Zoo : This is a famous Zoo of Orissa situated at a distance of 20 km from Bhubaneswar. It is famous for the Botanical garden, zoo and the natural lake. The recently opened Natural lion safari is the largest of its kind in India. The white tigers present here makes it unique across the world.
- Shishupalgarh : Situated at a distance of 13 km from Bhubaneswar. The ruined fort Shishupalgarh and ancient capital of Kalinga named Toshali are being discovered by the Archeological Survey of India.
- Shikhar Chandi : It is situated at a distance of 15 km from Bhubaneswar towards Nandankanan. A temple dedicated to Goddess Chandi on the hill top and the scenic beauty is the main attraction of this place.