Chapter -1

Introduction and
Source materials

- VI -
 The origin of the name of Kalahandi is not known. No record is available
to cast its origin . However it was previously known by the name “ Karond”.
According to lieutenant Elliot., Deputy commissioner of Raipur in 1856^ this
dependency is known only on the Nagpur §ide as “ Karonde” or “Karond” and
the original name being Kalahandi. As there is no place or village
corresponding to the former name it would appear to be a corruption of the
latter .though it has been originally entered in the accounts. 1

In the Maratha records the word Karond occurs invariably, but since
1905 when this territory formed a part of Bengal presidency the name of
Kalahandi is commonly used. 2

It has been mentioned in he records of old central provinces that this

territory has always been known in Orissa as Kalahandi Literarily, Kalahandi
means “ black pot” . The name of the territory is also associated with the
name of black cotton soil of this place which brings out black , pots from the
potters, wheel. This is mostly a speculative idea and does not hold any
purposeful meaning. 3

It is known from the tradition that a powerful man named Kalahambir

came from outside world and ruled Kalahandi for a couple of years. By the
process of this great man this territory was known after his name as
Kalahambir. Butrin course of time^this name was corrupted into Kalahandi. 4

Kalahandi was an inaccessible hill tracts in ancient days. Alongwith

Koraput region, it formed one of the biggest kingdoms in the 4th and 5th
century A.D and was known as Mahakantara. This territory was located in the
South Western part of present Orissa. A king of this region was Vyaghraraja
who was defeated by Samudragupta, the great Gupta Monarch. 5

1. Senapati Nilamani- ODGK- 1980, P -2

2. [bid.
3. I bid
4. I bid
5. Sing Deo Jitamai tra pr Cultural Profile of South Kosala, 1987, P-87.
 Mahakantara may be identified with the present forest area that extents
from Kalahandi to the Mahendra Mountain. 6

In the third century B.C Kalahandi alongwith Koraput tract was known
as “Atvika country in the inscription of Ashok. In 261 B.C Ashoka Launched
an invasion of Kalinga and the Atvika people fought against him on the side
of Kalinga and were defeated . But Ashok did not annex this country, rather,
he followed liberal and friendly attitude towards the people which was declared
in his special Kalinga Edict II. 7

Western Orissa comprised the eastern part of ancient south Kosala.

Hiuen Tsang stated that there was an old “ Sangharama” which was situated
not far away from the city and by the side of which Ashok had built a stupa. In
this place,Tathaggta called an Assembly and exhibited his super natural power
and subdued the unbelievers. Afterwards, Nagarjuna Bodhisattva known as
Longmeng-pu-sa by Huen Tsang dwelt in the Sangharama. The king of the
country was then called Sadavaha . He greatly honoured Nagarjuna and
provided him with shelter. 8

Kalahandi was a land of wealth and prosperity in the ancient days. It

was the store house of many precious stones. It finds reference in Kautilya’s
Arthasastra that a state named Indravana comprising the present Kalahandi
district was existing during ancient period which was famous for diamond . 9

6. Rajaguru Satyagraha-History of the Gangas-part 1

7. Senapa ti Nilamani-ODGK-1980 P.2
8. SinghDeo JitamitraJhe Cultural Profile of South Koala 198 7P. P.81 -82
9. A Historical Atlas of South Africa, Chicago University (USA) 1978 P16 Plate B-2
 Kalahandi had played an important role in the early history of India.
The Jataka glorifies this region as a seat of superior culture which was in a
flourishing condition even during the pre-Buddhist period. The river Tel had
played an important role in the development of trade and commerce of
Kalahandi with outside world and prosperity to the land in the past. The Sera
Vanijja Jataka marked out the activities of the merchants of this place and
points out that the merchants were sailing in the Telavaha river with their
merchandise. The Telavaha river is identified with the modern Tel. 10

There is a reason to believe that during the Buddhist period, the valley
on the Tel river in Kalahandi was flourishing. It was at the zenith of its power
and prosperity. Even after wards, when the native dynasties rose and fell, it
had witnessed many ups and downs on the corridors of civilization. 11

There is an inscription in the old Siva temple at Narla in Kalahandi

which records the name of a king named Madana Mahadeva. This King was
ruling over this “Mandala “ in the Saka year Rama Vana Rudra meaning
3511 i.e. 1153 equivalent to 1231 A.D. Madana Mahadeva was most probably
a semi-independent feudatory King under the Gangas. In course of time,this
Mandala was transferred as a feudatory state of Kalahandi under the Naga
Chiefs 12

S.C. Behera endorsed the view of Pargitor and believed that Rama’s
long stay in Dandakaranya gave rise to the name of Kosala in the south. This
Kosala was comprising roughly the present Raipur and Bilaspur districts of
Madhya Pradesh and Sambalpur, Bargarh, Bolangir, Sonepur, Kalahandi ,
Nawapara, Baud, Phulbani, Koraput Nawarangpur, and Rayagada districts^
Orissa. 13

10. Senapati Nilamani-ODGK-1980-P 42.

11. Jena K. C History of Modem Orissa P-192
12. Singh Deo Jita Mitra -The Cultural Profile of South Koala - 1987 P.46
13. I bid.
 As the hili tracts is a continuation of the eastern Ghats it commences
from about 5 miles , south east of Bhawanipatna and stretches up to the
border of Korapu district.Long ranges of hills appear like a vast wall on the
plain and form a conspicuous land mark in the scenery. There are strips of
lands in beween the ranges of hills and there is cultivation with hamlets of
Kandhs'i' The breadth of such lands varies from one mile to 3 miles . They
are intersected with perennial stream/rising from he plateau above. The tract
is inaccessible and can be negotiated by foot only. Recently in 1946,a fair
weather road has been opened via Koraput which runs to Thuamul-Rampur
and Kashipur and connectsthe Rayagada-Koraput road at Rapkana. Except
an area,410 square miles which is the Khalsa , the rest had been included in
the zamindary areas of Karlapat, Kashipur,Lanjigarh .Mahulpatna and
Madanpur Rampur. The river Indravati .tributary of Godavari,flows through a
portion of this hill tract. The tract is densely covered with forest where wild
animals of different varieties and also man- eating tigers are found in
abundance. 14

Nagesh.Brahmani, Kumkot.Dhanupanching.Chuda, Ghana, Ampani,

Brajagarh are some of the most important hills in the country .Many natural
caves are noticeable in Chuda hill; There is a hearsay that many hermits
used to take shelter in these caves secretely in the past. 15

The highest pqrt of hills being perhaps that called Nyamgiri near
Lanjigarh. 16

In between those forest areaswere found a few valleys and patches of

fertile low lands ideally suited for cultivation. 17

14. J. Das Final Report of the Land Revenue Settlement in Kalahandi District
-

1946-56 P.1
15. NN Kalahandi Bhongol 1937 P.12
16. Senapati Nilamani- ODGK-Elliot Report in Kalahandi state 1956 1980
_ P.469
17. Jagannath Patnaik-Feudatory states of Orissa Vol.2 1988 P.20

[4
 Kalahandi has magnificient scenic spots with towering hills and deep
valleys. Standing on the hill top;one can see very thick valleys with wild
banana catching the eye. The Khonds live in the hill tract;enjoy the babbling
brook by the side of which they have builftheir huts. They also make their
home brewed liuor without which they cannot live. 18

Man jumps with joy to see the pictureque beauty and scenery of the
hills .mountains , green forest and water of. streams, and rivers and derived
great pleasure. 19

The territory of Kalahandi lies between 19° 3’ & 20° 23’ North latitude
and 82° 47’ East latitude. Kalahandi is divided into two distinct natural
divisions, the plain country and the hill tracts. The plain intersected in many
places by hill ranges and isolated peaks. It contains a large number of cultivable
lands with an area of 2,330 square miles. It is elevated 900 feet above the
sea level. The plain country is occupied by the Kultiyas and a few number of
Khonds. The Kultiyas are most clever and capable cultivators . Fine
embankments and tanks are found everywhere in the plain. A certain number
of Khonds left the hills and settled down in the plain to plough cultivation.
The plain stretches away towards south from river Tel and covers an area of
about 40 miles. Like wise it inchludes a large portion of Madanpur -Rampur
Zamindari in the east. The plain country sweeps round in the west from
Bhawanipatna through Junagarh and runs southwards to the Jaipana border
by forming a regular valley between the uplands of dangarla and the high hills
of Jeypore and Khariar. 20

18. Senapati N -ODGK-1980 P.01

19. N.N. Kalahandi Bhongol~Pg. 17-18
20. Ramsay Cobden LEB -Bengal Gazetters-Feudatory states of Orissa 1982 P.-193
 The plains in the Nawapara subdivision are drained by rivers^Jonk and
Masankuda. The villagers of this sub-division cut down the forest to their
convenience at some places for cultivation. In fact, the Nawapara tract
considerably deforested excepting the portion lying between Saipalla and
Lakhna. There is important place in this region between the village Gidhanipani
and Maraguda from which extends a very wild and almost inaccessible forest
tract called Kalam Dadar. 21

The hills are in most part well wooded except where the process called
podu cultivation has been practised. In the hill tracts of the state, the hill
sides, have been recklessly cleared of forest by the khonds who burn the
forest for cultivation . However, the hill sides leading up to the valleys and
plateau lands of the hil tracts are densely covered with fine and valuable
forest. 22.
The dangarla commences about eight kilometers south east of
Bhawanipatna which covers a vast area of about 3,665 sq.k.m.,on the eastern
side of Kalahandi and extends southwards to the Koraput border. These tracts
rise in a series of precipitous hill ranges from the plains. Many parts of the hill
tracts are inaccessible except by foot. The hill sides are covered with dense
Sal forests. The open valleys at the higher elavation are splendidly watered
being intersected by perennial streams . There are cultivation of rice and
crops of wheat in some patches of lands, but for the most part,the country is
given over to dahi cultivation or jhuming.The hill area forms a conspicuous
land mark in the scenery and the wild precipitous ranges which mark their
border stand up from the plains like a vast wall and are visible from a
considerable distance. Fine open valleys are found from about 850 to 975
meters above the sea level .Great hill ranges, rising from these valleys are
running towards north and south and atthe top of which are found the plateau
lands covered with long grass. The largest of these ranges are above 15
kilometers long with a breadth of about half to three kilometers and water is
available close to their summits. 23

21. Senapati-Nilamani- ODGK- 1980 P.-7

22. Ramsay Cobden LEB -Bengle Gazetters-Feudatory State of
Orissa, 1982, PP-194-195
23. Senapati Nilamani-ODGK- 1980-P.5
 The flora of ravines and valleys are evergreen where few patches of
cropland that of pure sal (i,e shorea robusta ) or plateau Sal occur. The
adjacent hill sides are covered with grass and mixed forest with no trace of
Sal. 24
The forest found on the outer slopes of the plateaus of 300 to 700 m is
a *
essentially a dry mixed deciduous forest with charactaristic species of Acacia
lenticularis, Anogeissus latifolia, Cleistanthus collinus, Dolbergi.a latifolia,
pterocarpus marsupium , Flacourtia romantchi, stereospermum , sauveolens
, spondias mangifera and Dendrocalmus.strictus (common bomboo) with
Nyctanthes arbortrists and petalidium barlerioides as typical shrubs. On the
drier and rocky sites are found trees, like bursera serrata, Butea superba
cochlospermum gossyplum , Euphorbia nivulia and sterculia urens. While on
lower slopes , on slightly moist sites are found; Adina cordifolia Alangium
salviifolium , antidesma diandrum , garuga pinnata, Helinus lanceolateus
Lxoraparviflora, Justilcia betonica, Hymenodictyom excelsum, Fluggea
obovata and ventilago madaraspatana . Common grasses are Amphilophis
globra, Apluda varia, Eragrostis interrupta.Fleteropogon contortus, Themeda
triandra and T. Laxa. 25

The more open valleys above 800'm are cultivated but in almost all
areas a stream fringed with trees flows down the centre of each valley .
Albizzia stipulata, cedrela toona.cipadessa fluticosa , ficus glomerata,
magniferaindica salix tetrasperma and trema politoria are abundant along
the course of the streams .On the lower slopes;in the valley are scattered
trees like Ailanthus excelsa ..anthocephalus cadamba and bauhinia retusa
etc. Trewia nudiflora was seen along the Indravati in some abundance
below Mahulpatna where glycosmis cochinchinensis was common on the
banks . Aristida setacea and pennisetum hohenackeri are the two grasses
growing in abundance throughout the area. Along the nallas are found apluda
varia , heteropogon contortus, themeda triandra etc. Solanum torvum is
remarkably common on the high lands of Mahulpatna. The mohuatree, madhuca
indica is absent on the southern plateau in Thuamul- Rampur. It is common in
Mandibisi and on the northern slopes of the plateau of Karlapat, but absent
else where .26

24 Senapati N. ODGK\980 P.17.

25 1 bid
26 1 bid, P-19
 The ravines between 800-110Ometers comprise the upper courses of
numerous perennial streams.For most part they are narrow glens of steep
gradient. They bear the most evergreen type of vegetation . This vegetation
does not extend far on either side of the stream. The flora has more affinity
to Madras flora and comprised characteristic species viz, actinodaphne
angustifolia, amoora spectablis, anodendron paniculatum , ardisia depressa
and calamus sp. citrus medica which is frequent in thickets along the streams
etc.Tree ferns are met with in several areas .27

The higher slopes between 1000-1150 m were formerly covered with a

moister type of vegetation than at present, constant felling and burning for
shifting cultivation leaves the area denuded of evergreen species and the
vegetation assumes a xerophilous aspect. Atypical hill sal is seen in Goyal-
Khoj where Syzygium cumini, bauhinia retusa are common and Albizzia
stipulata , cedrela toona and xylia are in the overwood. 28

The hill tops , ranging from 1200 to 1300 m are found with , for the
must part, flat Laterit eplateaus, some of them are extensive as in Sijimali
(1330m) and Baphlimali (120,0m) and others like Sasobohumali hill (1200m)
and some parts of Jherka hill .These are dry except during rains when they
are grassy expanses and much resorted to pasturage . A few stunted tree
species are found along water courses. Karlapat and Jherka hills are wooded
with Sal at 1300 m. 29

27. Senapati N-ODGK- 1980, P.P. 19-20

28. Ibid, P.P-20
29. Ibid, P.P20-21
 The village site has its characteristic flora in the groves,gardens, tanks
and house -enclousers where during rains small crops of vegetation and
grain are reared . The vegetation differs on the river beds and along the
stretches of sandy banks .There are many excellent groves close to villages,
pre-dominated by Mango trees (mangifera indica) and occasionally by Tamarind
trees. Gold Mohur, Sisoo and Chandana are the recently grown trees. 30

The principal and finest ranges are the Karlapat ranges, 3,981 feet and
Bafliamali 3,587 feet .near the Kasipur plateau from which a glorious view is
obtained as far as the eyes or glass can sweep vast bellowing mountain ranges
which rise and fall like the waves of sea. One standing on it, looking towards
south can see the peaks of Tikrigura 3,683feet and Bankasam 4,182 feet in
Kalahandi and looking towards the east on the horizon can see the magnificent
peak of Nimagiri, 4,972 feet now the highest peak in Orissa, in the Ganjam
district. In the hills of the dangarla area^the splendid stream Indravati takes its
rise near Thuamul. 31

The report of lieutenant C.Elliot} Deputy Commissioner of Raipur

contains the following description of the country:-

“ The country is high , lying near the foot of the main line of the Eastern
ghats and partaking of the watersheds, both of the Mahanadi and the Indravati
, which last, with several tributaries and sub-tributaaries of the first .rise within
its limits, it is well supplied with water, and in some parts( as Thuamul, Kasipur
, Karlapat, Lanjigarh etc ) the soil is enabled to yield two crops of rice within
the year. The hills are chiefly plutonic and independently of two or three
considearable ranges , detached hills of great or less size are interspersed
throughout the state.” 32

30. Ibid, P.-21

31. Ramsay Cobden LEB Bengal Gazetters-Feudatory states of Orissa 1982 ,P.P.3-4
32. Senapati Nilamani-ODGK-1980 ,P.6
 The mountainous tract extending towards Western part of Nawapara
from North to South contains a broad plateau , varying from 61 Oto 915 meters
in height is cut off from the plains below by a range of precipitous hills. It
contains the remains of fortifications and was the strong hold of the Bhunjias,
These are the sites of old and forsaken villages. Then herds of bison were
about to roam undisturbed .Once upon a time , there was considerable
cultivation, but ,now ,two villages remain. 33

The Sunabeda or Gouragarh plateau is the most important plateau in

Nawapara sub-division. It extends over a considerable portion measuring
about 780 to 1,035 sq.km and it varies in height between 610 mtres and 915
metres .The rivers Udanti and Sundar have their source on it . About half a
dozen of villages lie scattered over this plateau . The sides of the plateau are
very precipitous to the East, but the slopes are easier to the East.The plateau
offers an ideal site for a sanatorium;according to Mr. Hewitt, the \ ■
plains,below . It is mostly covered with inaccessible jungles. One may have
access to it from the Komna side through the passes of Gaighati and
Maharchuan.The famous hill fortressof Manikgarh is situated within this range
of hills.This hill$ fortressis accessible from the village;Maraguda. It is about 80
Km long from North to South and about 25 Km broad on the average . The
country to the west of the plateau extended up to. Fingeswar in Madhya Pradesh
. It consists of massive granite .The peaks of Deo-dangari ,929 m and Darpani,
887 m are situated to the west of the plateau. The name Gouragarh is derived
from gouras or cowherds meaning the fort of cowherds. 34

The hill ranges of the Nawapara sub-division belong partly to Chhota

Nagpur mountain system and partly to Eastern ghats and the largest of these
ranges is the Katparpuruvadi range.The Gouragarh or the Sunabeda plateau
forms a part of it. 35

33. Ibid
34 Senapatl Nilamani-ODGK 1980, PP 7-8
35. I bid
 Among other peaks ,.Kunkot , Parbat, 852 m in Kegaon, Jamharpat
Dongari ,537 m Burharas Parbat 741 m, Gochki Dongar,' 555 m and Ara
Dongar in Nawapara, Supkon Dongar 882 m, Chaura Dongar 933 m, Godma
784 m, Guru Dongar 734 m , and Gaijhar Pahar ,494 m, in Komna, Barepat
Dongar, 1006 m, and Kachki Dongri, 506 m, both in Khariar are most notable.
36
Rev. Emit Menzel, a Christian missionary,has given an account of the
hills around Khariar during the early part of twentieth century. He mentions
that Khariar rest less in the warm and kindly lap of a perfect circular mountains
of that deep blue colour that speaks of friendliness and sincerity. 37 ,

Nearly half of the total Geographical area of Kalahandi covering

5,859.57sq. km is covered with forests . 38

The sal (shorea robusta)forest is of a moderate moist type. It

corresponds, more or less,with Champions Moist Penisular Sal. The quality
is for the most part IV / III and passes into III quality over considerable areas
in Lanjigarh and Madanpur Ramur and very occasionally attains quality II in
the latter forests. The percentage of sal is generally 80;in these forest and at
places reaches 90 percent. The common associates of sal (shorea robusta)are
chiefly Asan (Terminalia tomentosa) Dhaura (Anogeissus Latoifolia) Jamun
(eugenia Jambolana) Kendu (Diospyros Melanoxylon) Bahara (Terminalia
Belerica), Harida (Termenalia Chebula) Kusum (Schleichera trijuga) Mohul
(Madhuka Latifolia), Kasi (Bridelia Retusa), Bija (Ptearocarpus Marsupium)
and Kurum (Adina cordifolia) Tangan (Xylia xylocarpa)Of widespread
occurrence and is often locally abundant in parts of Karlapdt, Lanjigarh and
more especially in Madanpur Rampur. Bija (Pterocarpus marsupium ) is also
noticeably common in parts of Madanpur Rampur. 39

36.. I bid
37. I bid
38. Senapati N- ODGK 1980 P.22
39. I bid P.22
 In the dry mixed forest the number of species , the principal among
them are Asan (TerminaliaTomentosa) Dhaura (Anogeissus latifolia), Mahul
(Madhucca latifolia) Harida (Terminalia chebula), Bahara (terminalia belerica),
Kasi (bridelia retusa), Sidha (lagerstroemia parviflora )Jamun (Eugenia
jambolana ) Bija (Pterocartus marsupium) (there were formerly some fine
trees in chura Block), Bandhan (ougeinia dalbergioides) and Sisu (Dalbergia
latifolia). On the upper slopes , Kusuma (Schleichera trijuga), Mundi, Mai
(lannea) Aonla (Phyllanthus umblica) Bel aegle marmelos, Simul ,Haldu,
Kotkol, Ambada ankule on alluvium and lower slopoes, and Khari and Bheru
(Chloroxylon swietenia). On the calcareous soils and iroded ravines where
Rohini is also found . Besides , Grewia, Albizzia and many other specises
also occur. The Albizzia stipulata is extremely common along the hilly streams
above 60 meters. Tangan also occufs in the dry and mixed forests, but doesnot
attain a large sixe. 40

A country for its unity and prosperity depends to a great extent upon
its rivers system. 41

The rivers for the most part in Kalahandi are small and all are
distributaries of large rivers. The most worthy rivers of the state are Indravati
, rising atThuamui, the Zamindari of RampurThuamul a tributary of Godavari.
,Tel, thetributaryof Mahanadi, and Hati, rising in the Mahulpatna Zamindarai
, falls into the Tel. The river Rahula rising in the hills of Rampur joins the Tel.
The scenery along with banks of these streams especially during their course
is exceedingly fize and varies from wild raging torrents sweeping over steep
base rocks to placid stretches a deep pools with the stream swirling in eddies
between rich and meadow land , verdant with grass and banks overhung with
willows . 42

40. Ibid P.23

41. MSS Singh Bishwanath- Kalahandi Madala, P-1
42. MSS Singh pataraja Padman- Nagavamsa Charita, P-188
 The country is well supplied with water by the rivers. 43

The Tel, Indravati and Jonk are the principal rivers of Kalahandi.They
are the tributaries of large rivers like the Mahanadi and Godavari. 44

Other main rivers of Kalahandi are the Hati ,Sagada,Utei,Ret, Kamala,

Gaidhar and Mudrahira .They rise from the hills and raise fertility to the soils
on their banks. 45

The rivers of Kalahandi are scarcely subjected to high flood. The

Hati,very often over tops its low banks and spread out into the surrounding
plains .The floods remain for a short duration and generally cause formation
of sand deposits. No other loss or demage is normally recorded by the floods
.The Tel .sometimes deposits sand on the fertile agricultural land along its
course. 46

The Tel rises from Jeypore hill and runs through Bendra Nuagarh and
entire Kalahandi and joins the Mahanadi .The villages like. Chilchila and
Belkhandi in Kalahandi and Sonepurtown;Sonepur district/ are situated on
its bank .47

The Tel is by far the longest and most important river in Kalahandi
.Pursuing almost an Eastern course through the Dharamgarh Sub-division ,
it instantly takes a more northern direction after its junction with Sagada until
it meets the Udanti on its left bank and almost about eight Km from this point
of confluence, it runs towards north-east > Through Risida and Kumbhar
pada in Kalahandi and forms the boundary between Bolangir and Kalahandi.
The bed of this river is generally sandy. It is more observable from breadth
than depth.Its water decreases very much during the hot season , but does
not entirely dry up. 48

43. I bid.
44. Senapati Nilamani- ODGK- 1980, P-10
45. NN Kalahandi Bhugoi, P.13. .
46. Senapati Nilamani- ODGK- 1980, P-10
47. NN Kalahandi Bhugoi, P.13.
48. Senapati Nilamani- ODGK- 1980, P-10
 In the language of Mr. Cobden Ramsay the Tel enters the Kalahandi
state from the north west and flowing north east discharges itself into the
Mahanadi .close to the town of Sonepur .it forms about half the length of the
boundary between Kalahandi and Patna and through the rest of its course
forms the boundary between the states of Sonepur and Baud. 49

The most important tributaries on its right bank are the Moter, Hati,
Sagda, Bulat, Ret, Utei, and the Raul. 50

There are five open valleys in Kalahandi .These valleys are found from
about 2,800 to 3,200 feet above the sea level . The great hill ranges of the
state rise from these valleys and run towards North and South . The tops of
the valley contain plateau lands ; .which are covered with long grasses.The
breadth of the ranges are varying from about half to three Km, and water is
available to their summits . The principal plateau lands are Karlapat .Kasipur
Thuamu) Rampur ranges and Baflamali hills .These are standing' on an
elevation above see level of 4000 feet and above . These hills are chiefly
Plutonic in character. 51

49. Mojumdar, BC- Orissa in Making-1984, P-9

50. Senapati Nilamani- ODGK- 1980, P-11
51. Ramsay Cobden, LEB- Bengal Gazetteers- Fendatory States of Orissa,
1982, P-194
 The valleys of Tel and Utei are more rich and fertile. Bhawanipatna
and Dharamgarh Sub-divisions are located in these valleys . It is indulating
and most of its parts are closely cultivated. Generally this portion of the plain
is elevated about 275 meters above the sea level. The valleys of Tel and Utei
are intersected hither and thither by hill ranges and isolated peaks. The plain
stratehes away from river Tel to the south and covers about 65 km . In the
east, this plain covers a large portion of Madanpur Rampur areas. There are
few ambankments and tanks in the valleys of Tel and Utei. In Nawapara sub­
division the valleys of Jonk and Masankuda qre fertile and especially the
valley of river Jonk covers a larger plain than Masankuda. The more fertile
plain in Nawapara is the valley of the rivers Sundar and Udanti which forms
its granary . The most precious teak wood forests lie within this area. 52

Karlapat', Kashipur, Thuamul Rampur ranges and the Baflamali hill

are the principal and fine plateau lands on the boarder of Kashipur and
Mahulpatna Zamindari and are found on an elevation of 4,000 feet above the
sea level. 53

The Maraguda Valley is one of the most picturesque sites in Orissa. It

is a notable centre of rich archaeological relics of both prehistoric and historic
periods. This Valleys is located at the foot hill of the Manikgarh which is
extended up to a place called . lac bridge. It is an old bridge across.the
river Jonk. This pot or bridge is believed to have been made of lac and the
stones in the river where the bridge once existed are of chocolate colour.
They produced the smell of lac when placed in fire. 54

52. Senapati Nilamani- ODGK-1980, P-7-8

53. C. EShot Report 1856, P-194
54. Senapati Nilamani- ODGK- 1980, P-39
 While giving the description cf Maraguda Valley complex, P.K. Deo
narrated that near the village ,Tikrapada, the stream Giribara, a tributary of
Jonk flows. It is observed that attempt has been made to construct an anicut
to divert the water of this stream to the fields. The mortar used to bind these
stones is reported to contain Dhup or Rasin, Lac or sellac and G. or Molasses.
It is proved by a chemical analysis of this paster. This is known as lac bridge
locally and if fire is lighted on it, lac smell perplexes out. 55

There are a number of mounds in the valley. They contain important

antiquities. Recently several beautiful sculptures were recovered by opening
one of these mounds. They are assigned to. 7th and 8th Century AD and
mostly of Join religion. The most important secular sculpture unearth from
the mound is a dancing girl hastily ti e ing jingling ornaments or Nupura to her
feet while drummers and pipers stand waiting by her side. Sri Bisahu Ram
Yadav of Maraguda Village has recovered a number of iron clamps with a
royal clay seal of Maharaja Nannaraja of Pandu dynasty of 7th century A.D
from the Maraguda Valley. The iron clamps are being used for construction
of stone monuments in the Maraguda valley during medieval period. Maharaja
Nannaraja is a beautiful image of Nagaraja, a royal figure seated on the coils
of a five hoods snake, whose hoods form a canopy on his head, is found on
the bank of thejonk. It is locally called Yogisundar Shri Yadav has presented
the seal to Sambalpur University. 56

The Maraguda valley has continuous traces since stone age to 14th
century A.D. . There are many mounds in the valley which require excavation.
There are the remains of a ruined town on the right bank of the river Jonk.
They are many iconic and non-iconic sculptures are hewn hither and thither
throughout the valley. 57

55. Sing Deo Jitamitra- Cultural Profile of South Kosala, 1987- P-360
56. Sing DEo Jitamitra - Cultural Profile of South Kosal, 1987, P-19
57. Senapati Nilamani- op,cit, P-39
 The Raital Sagar in the Maraguda Valley covers an area of 150 acres
and is full of acquatic birds. Flights of steps were constructed in early time
round about the Sagar. The remains are still visible . The embankments of
the Sagar are 40 to 50 feet wide even at present. 58

The Nawapara plains are drained by the rivers Jonk and Masankuda.
The forest tract is lying between the village Saipalla and Lakhna stretching
upto the Nawapara Road Railway station. The only forest worth of mention
within this region is found between the villages Gidhnipani and Maraguda.
The forest Kalami Dadar is a very wild and almost inaccessible tract. 59

The Udanti-Sundar valley is the most fertile area in the Nawapara Sub­
division . It really forms its granary. The village Nehena is a black-cotton tract.
The most precious teak wood forest was located within this area, though it is
impoverished, at present, due to ruthless exploitation. 60

58. Senapati Nilamani- op,cit, P-40

59. Senapati Nilamani - ODGK-1980-, P-7
60. Ibid.

a
 The valleys of the Tel and Utei are highly fertile areas. Most of the part
of Bhawanipatna and Dharamgargh Sub-division is closely cultivated . The
general elevation of this tract is 275 meters above the sea level. The area is
intersected by hill ranges, and isolated peaks .hither and thither ..The-cultivable
lands were largely occupied by the .kultas. They are most clever and capable
cultivators. A certain number of Khonds left hills and settled down in the plain
to cultivate lands. The plain area stretches away from the river Tel towards
south for about 65 km and it includes large portion of the Rampur Madanpur
Police Station in the east. The plain country sweeps from Bhawanipatna
towards west through Junagarh and runs up to the border of Jeypore in the
south forming a regular valley between the uplands of the dangarla and the
high hills of Koraput and Nawapara sub-division. 61

Kalahandi is geologically rich but it is not yet thoroughly exploded. The

different lithostratigraphic units are basement gneisses, charnockite and
khondalite suits of rocks, leptynite, anorthosite, granitoid gneiss, vein quartz,
pegmatite, metodolerite.nepheline and horblende, syenite,sub- arkosic
quartzite, shale , quartzite Jaterite.soil and alluvium. But the position of
charnockite, suite of rocks and that of leptynite stratigraphic sequence is not
very certain. 62

61. Ibid.
62. Senapati Nilamani- ODGK- 1980, P-27
 There are charnockite group of rocks which are well exposed near
Bhawanipatna, Dharamgarh, Mahulpatna19°25\ 82°35’ and at Ranimal 19°35’.
The garneferous granite occurs as lenses and bands within the charnockite
and khondalite suits of rocks in the hilly tracks of the country .The khondalite
and charnockite groups of rocks have been introduced by anorthosite near
Jugsaipatna, Bandpani, Dharamgarh .Ghatikunduru and east of Kunduru.
Basement gneiss is exposed in the western part of Kalahandi between the
plateau 250 m and 1000 m . The eastern Ghat groups hornblende and
nepheline syenites and nephelites occur as discontinuous bodies being
confined to the shearzones within the granite gneiss. Granite and Granitoid
Gneiss are intruisive into Khondalite and Charnockite suits of rocks.They are
course grained .gneissose and contain large grains of pink feldspar and broken
fragments of red garnet distributed within a dark coloured ground mass in the
vicinity of Bhawanipatna. Cuddapah or Vindhya occur as detached and
discontinuous outcropss They are exposed between Ampani 19°35’ ,83°40’

and Khariar Plateau almost following Orissa and the boundary of Madhya
Pradesh. 63

The graphite deposits of Kalahandi occur in the rocks of the Eastern

Ghats group. The individual occurrences of graphite have been noticed at
Komna ,20*30’ ,8240’,Billanjore 20°28’,82°42,1 Baghmunda 20°31\ 82°42\
Babupali 20°39\ 82°44’,Gandamer ,20°38\82-46\ Rang 28°38’, 82°42’ Tapan

hill and north east of Bengura, Kunc'ughat, Kusmal, Loitara, Gantasala,

Singhjharan, Ketupada, Dengsugi, Salepali, Ranikot, Dayabhati, and Barabali.
They are prospecting pits of graphite at Kineikula Tunda,Tapan, Salibota
Rindabati, Surda.,Benagura, Kerlakuta, and other places. 64

63. I bid. PP-14-15

64. Senapati Nilamani - ODGK-1980-, P-16
 Manganese deposits are located in an area stretching over a belt of 27
km from Boriputtu in Koraput to Minakhunti in Kalahandi. The manganese
content of these ores varies from 25 percent to 40 percent and found at
Taldoshi, Podakana, Nishilkhal, Kinch<hal, Koka Liligumma, Karanjiguda and
Balakpai. 65

Galena occurs sporadically in the area to the north-west of

Baminimunda village in Kalahandi .Besides road and building materials such
as Khondalites, granulite gneiss, massive quartzites and pyroxene grtanulites
are plentiful in Kalahandi. 66

There are plentiful of local fish available in different tanks in

Kalahandi .Their local name being chital,singal,balia,magur,letara , gadisa,
sahali.badachingudi, tengana, khurus,kalaj, karat, banju, Chilha'ti.kewai,
malada Bhedo.Dhoben and Tula. They are available in Somia bandha,
Laxmisagar, Kastura, Hira Sagar, Antara Bandh, Banji Bandh, Soni Bandh,
Dhobasar, Tala Bandha, in Junagargh. 67

There are varieties of large and small fresh water fish in Kalahandi
they are clarias batrachus or Magur, Heteropheuster fossils or Singhi, Barbus
or Kerandi ,Glonogobius giuris or Baligarada, and Amblyphasyngodon Mola
or Mohurali are most common. They are plentiful in small and big tanks all
over Kalahandi in large number. They are also available in the water of rivers,
flowing in different parts of the state. 63

Labeo Rohita or Rohi and Catla or Bhakur are very rare in the tanks and
rivers of Kalahandi. 69

65. I bid, P.P-16-17

66. Personal Interview with Sri Bada Kaibarta on, Dt- 5.1.2001
67 Senapati Nilamani - ODGK-1960-, P-16
68. I bid
69. J. Das - Final Report of the Lnd Resources in Kalahandi, in Kalahandi
District ex-Stateg Kholaa Area -1946-56
 The yearly rainfall of Kalahandi is 55” in 1946. In the paucity of records ,
it is difficult to furnish detail statistics year wise. Mansoon usually breaks in
the 3rd week of June. The second half of August and September are critical
periods for the tenants. Failure of timely rain during this period causes
considerable damage to crops and during this time water stored in tanks
and katas are generally made use of. 70

The average rainfall of the country for 6 years from 1902-03 to 1907-
08 was 55,83 inches when the country is near the ghats, the rains were
regular and abundant during which season , fever prevailed particularly
amongst the new arrivals and to those who were unaccustomed to the climate
and food of the country. 71

The variation in the annual rainfall in the country from year to

year is not large. The highest rainfall occurred in 1919 , within a period of 48
years .commencing from 1902 to 1950. It amounted to 139 percent of the
normal. In the year 1923 , the lowest rainfall was recorded to 66 percent of
the normal. Consecutively for five years during the period from 1902 to 1950
the rainfall was less than 80 percent of the normal. Of course, these were
no two consecutive years with rainfall less than 80 percent of the normal, at
Bhawanipatna alone. 72

On an average, these are 65 rainy days i,e, days with rainfall of 2.5
mm-10 percents-or more in ayear. This number varies from 59 at Nawapara
to 69 at Bhawanipatna.73

The climate of the country is good. The whole country,except the hill
tract, is cool in winter and hot in summer season. 74

70. Ramsay Cobden- Bengal District Gazeiters Fendatry States of Orissa-1982, P-196
71. Senapati Nilamani-ODGK-1980, P-30
72. I bid.
73. NN, Kalahandi Bhugol, 1957, P-07
74. Ramsay cocodn -BDG Fendutory States of Orissa, 1982,P-20-21
 In December and January the high grass is coated with thick rhyme in
the plateau country of Kalahandi. A Thermameter placed out on the open
ground at Rampur , the head quarters of Thuamul-Rampur Zamindari of
Kalahandi state in early part of January recorded temperature of 33 and 34
degrees at 6 o’clock in the morning .75

The hot season commences by about beginning of March when

temperatures begin to rise . May is the hottest months in the year when the,
mean daily maximum temperature is about 41 ’C and the mean daily minimum
temperature is about.28°C . On individual days the maximum temperature
may reach 47° C with the onset of the south west monsoon by about the
second week of June, temperatures drop appreciably and throughout the south
west monsoon the weather is generally cool. After the first week of October
when the south west monsoon withdraws, the day temperatures increase
slightly while temperatures at night begin to decrease progressively. December
is usually the coldest month with the mean daily maximum at about 28°C and
the mean daily minimum at about 13°O’ C . In cold season , short spells of
cold weather occur in association with the passage of western disturbances
across the northern India and the minimum temperature may go down to
abou 6°C. 76

The year may be divided into four seasons . The hot season commences
from march and remains till the end of May. It is followed by the south-west
monsoon season from June to.September. October and November constitute
the post monsoon season. The cold season remains from December to
February. 77

The climate of forest tracts is far more healthy and is notoriously

malarious. Rampur-Thuamul Zamindari is delightfully cool, even in the hottest
months, the temperature rarely rising about 84° in the shade and falling as
low as 74° in the morning and during winter the cold is intense.. 78

75. Senapati Nilamani- ODGK- 1980, P-31

76. "l bid. P-30
77. Ramsay Cobdn -BDG-Fendatory States of Orissa-1982,P-196
78. Senapati Nilamani- ODGK- 1980, P-373
 A part from the forest tracts in Madanpur Rampur and Lanjigarh which
are more or less malarious,the climate of the more open parts in the north
and west of Kalahandi forest division is fairly healthy. But the southern hill
regions of Thuamul Rampur and Karlapat have unbracing climate particularly
for persons unaccustomed to the food and atmosphere of the country. It has
a very evil reputation for malignant terrain and cerebral form of malaria. The
northern plateau of Sunabeda in Nawapara has, however, cooler,climate and
is considered to be a suitable site for a sanatorium. The climate of Komna
area which is a low lying tract and surrounded by ranges of hills and forests,
is usually dampand unhealthy .Khariar though not unhealthy ,is rather
malarious. But it is less notorious than the komna area. Nawapara possesses
healthy climate. 79

The relative humidities are high in the south-west mansoon and post
monsoon months. Thereafter, the air becomes gradually drier. The summer
is the driest part of the year with the relative humidities particularly in the
afternoons. It is often going down below 30 percent during this period. 80

The sky is generally heavily clouded during the south-west monsoon

season. But there is moderate cloudiness in the summer and post-monsson
months, particularly the afternoon being more cloudy than the morning. In
the other months the sky remains clear and lightly clouded. 81

The Ex-state of Kalahandi was a wild tract almost inaccessible for

lack of communication in the remote past. There were numerous hill streams,
steep ghats and dense forests infested by wild animals which made the
journey most difficult in this region. 82

79. Ibid.
81. Ibid.
82. Senapati Nilamani- ODGK-1980, P-187
 “ We are reminded here of the well known saying that mountains
separate and rivers united the races of man.” 83

Those hilly wooded and inaccessible tracts of Orissa maintained their

separate political existence through the vicissitude of time. Their congenial
geographical features solely contributed to their separate political existence.
84

There are tanks in every village. They vary from less than a hectare to
about 40 hectare in area. They are generally classified as Kala, Sagar, Bandha,
and Sara. The people generally use the tank for bathing, drinking,pisciculture,
and irrigation purposes depending upon the popular needs of their locality.
There are largest number of tanks in Dharamgarh area. Purusottam, $ura-
terangini and Ram Sagar are the most important tanks in Bhawanipatna. 85

Junagarh, the old capital city of Kalahandi state alone possessed 120
tanks or ‘Bandhs’ besides numerous- Pani Mahara, Munda and Kata. Some
of them still exist today. They are Siba Sagar ( Ac. 13.15), Laxmi Sagar (
Ac17.05), Kastura ( Ac.4.50) .Chandra Sagar, ( Ac.3.80 ) Antara Bandha (
Ac.4.76 ), Chamara Bandha ( Ac.3.62 ) , Sunari Bandh( Ac.2.00 ), Khajuri
Bandh (Ac.0.93), Tala bansha (Ac. 2.56), Kurula bandha (Ac. 1.40), Tentuli
Jharia Bandha (Ac. 347), Gudia Bandha (Ac. 1.149), Rani Bandha (Ac. 0.457)
.Purruna Bandha (Ac. 1.70), Mundi Bandha (Ac. 3.54) Somia Bandha (
Ac.9.80), Simili Bandha (Ac. 3.90), San Simili Bandha (Ac.1.54), Ghasi Gadia
(Ac.0.98), and Hira Sagar ( Ac.6.50 ) etc. 86

83. Majumdar BC- Orissa in the making 1984, P-5

84. Das-, MN -Side hights on History and Cultureof Orissa, 1977, P-22
85. Senapati Nilamani- ODGK- 1980, PP-12-13
86. Junagarh R.I. Circle Nazu Register No. 1, Rule12, Thana 92/207
 There were numerous orchards in Kalahandi during the reign of the
Naga Rule. There were as many as 180 mango groves in Junagarh alone. 87

The modern Junagarh was the old capital city of ex-state of Kalahandi
/
until 1849 A.D and was called Kalahandi Nagara . The name of Kalahandi for
the first time occurs in the unpublished inscription of the Dadhibaman Temple
at Junagarh which was issued by Jugsai Deo, the Maharaja of Kalahandi
from Kalahandi Nagara in the Jugaera 4819 i,e 1718 A.D. 88

The Dadhibaman temple inscriptions mention in the following manners

“ A Satya Je Langhana Kariba tara Ma

Sura Bapa Gadha,
Kalijubda 4819 Khristabda 1718
Plabganamadheya Sambacchare
Magha Sukrabare
Kalahandi Nagare Brahmapura Ku
Dosamali chhal
Sri Jugsai Deo Maharajanka Sanmata.” 89

The remnants of an encircling moat, about a dozen of temples and a

few activities are the past glories of Junagarh. 90

Numerous animals were found in the forests of Kalahandi. The tiger or

panthera tigris occupied the most prominent position among them. It was
highly destructive to human life. Most of them were game killers,some of them
were cattle killers and others were man-eaters. 91

87. Junagarh R.l. Circle - Khata No. 185, Rule 12

88. Senapati Nilamani- ODGK- 1980, P-2
89. Rath, P. K. -Archaeological Remains of Kalahandi, P-13
90. Singh Deo - The Orissa Histroical Resourch Journal, XXXVII, No. 1 to 4
Jitamitra
91. Senapati Nilamani-ODGK- 1980, P-28
 Many books were written by British soldiers and officials on wild life,
particularly on tiger. Many Englishmen claimed to have shot many tigers during
their tours of duty. With the march of time, there was gradual decline of tiger
which would be totally extinct every where in the forests of Kalahandi within a
few years. In defence of the tiger in the 1930s,Jim Corbett published books
expressing concern about their declining population . He prophesied that
unless excessive hunting and the destruction of forests could be curbed, the
tiger would soon become extinct. 92

The panther or Leopard ( Panthera Pardus ) known as Chita in varied

size was found in a considerable number in the forest of Kalahandi. It is a
more bolder and more sneaking animal than a tiger. Its climbing habit makes
it a greater menace. It would easily attack men while watching their fields and
would lift cattle and other domesticated animals from the villages. 93

Bos gaurus or the Indian bison, usually called gayal were most
commonly found in the danser and most remote forests, particularly in the
high hills and ghat of Kalahandi. They live in a small herds headed by a fine
bull. 94

Another forest loving animal, the Sambhar ( cervus unicolor) was

frequently seen in the high and thick hills of Kalahandi . It was nocturnal in
habit and would graze chiefly at night and took shelter under a shady place in
hill tops during the day to avoid heat. It was the largest Indian deer. 95

92 G.C. Mountory, The Wildlife and Scnery of India and Nepal-1985, P-15
93 Senapati Nilamani- ODGK- 1980, P-28-29.
94 Senapati Nilamani- ODGK-1980, P-27
95 . I bid.
 The Black buck antelope{ Antelope cervicapra) the spotted deer (Axis
axis), known as chital in Kalahandi and the Indian mouse deer ( Tragulus
meninna) generally known as kebri and the Indian hare (iepus nigricoilis) were
very common in the forests of Kalahandi. The spotted deer preferred to live in
low lying lands close to water sources,whereas the Indian mouse deer would
choose bushy jungle to thick forests. 96

The elephants were most common in the north-eastern parts of

Kalahandi adjoining the hill tract of Baliguda in Phulbani district i,e, Baudh-
Kandamal when herds were reported to migrate to kalahandi during the harvest
season. Cobden Ramsay referred in his gazetteer of the Orissa Feudatory
states that elephants were fairly numerous in the central and north eastern
parts of Kalahandi. He reported that in a most unusual way a few stray
elephants appeared in the state of Kalahandi in 1907. 97

The elephants as forest animals like so many others had suffered from
the relentless erosion of their inhabitation. The traditional method of recruitment
known as the kheda,involved driving wild elephants into stockades, where
they were chained until trained. The rounding up and driving of wild herds
caused great psychological disturbance to such sensitive creatures and this
method was condemned by observanists. 98

The wild dog( cuon alpinus) was numerous in Kalahandi. It was

extremely destructive to game. 99

96. I bid, P-28

97. Senapati Nilamani-ODGK-1980, P-27
98. G. C. Grey Mountfort -The Wildlife and Scenery of India and Nepal-1985, P-17
99. Senapati Nilamani- ODGK-1980, P-29
 The wild dog like its African counterpart was most gregarious. All the
numbers of the group would hunt in packs in day light by pursuing.the victim
relentless, loping, gait, accolerating with a chorus of exciting yapping,thrilling
sound with full menace in the final climax surrounded the victim and brought
down and helped to feed the young. It was larger than jackal. The wild dog
would prefer to inhabitate in the danse forest of Kalahandi. 100

The jackal( conis aureus), the fox (vulpes bengalensis ) and the sloth
bear ( melursus ursinus) were found all over the forests of Kalahandi. However
the jackal would avoid heavy forests and would chiefly inhabit the scrub-jungle
near villages. The fox, preferred to live in the open areas and avoided heavy
woods. 101

The sloth bear was generally found in caves and plain areas of Udanti
Valley of Kalahandi in greater number. They would live on the mahua(Basia
latifolia) .flowers .berries and white ants. They woul seldom attack human
being except when taken by surprise. 102

The Hyaena was found all over the state of Kalahandi. It was nocturnal
in habit. It would feed chiefly on carrion, but very often, carry off dogs and
goats. Besides. Hyaena,there was a few number of wolfs in Kalahandi . It
would attack sheep and goats while grazing in the fields . Seldom more than
two wolfs were found together , the packs had been broken up very often
.103

The Indian boar ( sus eristatus ) was also found in Kalahandi. It was
extremely destructive to crops. 104

100 G.C. Grey Mountfort -The Wildlife and Scenery of India and Nepal -1985, P-21
101 Senapati Nilamani- Op.Cit, P-29
102 I bid.
103 Senapati Nilamanai - ODGK-1980. P-29.
104 I bid.

iM
 There were large varieties of birds in Kalahandi. Pavo cristatus or
peafowl was most common and numerous in the forests. It is declared pro­
tected by Law.being the national bird of India. Bush quail or Periodical Asiatica,
button quail or Tu.rnix Dussumicri and the common green peignoir,Treron
phoenicopterus were found in large number in Kalahandi. Besides, among
the migratory ducks the godwall and the blue-winged teal were most com­
mon . There were also fair number of spurred goose, the goose -teal whis­
tlings teal in the forests. Galliago caetestis the common snipe ,a winter visi­
tant , found in fair numbers along the beds of the tanks. 105

Kalahandi was a positive centre for both amateurbird - watchers and

v: ; ' , nithologists. 106

A large number of bird species known to science as inhabiting the

earth had been found in Kalahandi . If subspecies or geographical races
were taken into accounyhe figure would rise to a considerable number .
107

The little cormorant or Phalacrocsrax niges or Pan-Kowwa was found

in Kalahandi. It was a glistening black duck , like water bird with longish stiff
tail and slender , and compressed bill sharply looked at the tip . It would
inhabit on all inland waters and also in brackish Lagoons and tidal creeks . It
would live exclusively on fish . 108

105. Sanapati Nilamani - ODGK - 1980. P 29. 1

106. G. C. Grey Mountfort - Ther Wildlife and Scenery of India and Nepal -1985.
P-23
107. Salim Ali - The Book of Indian Birds. - 1990. P-XVII
108. Saiim Aii - The Book of India Birds - 1990. P-1.

WJ
 The little Egret or Karchia bagla locally being called Baga, the large
Egret and Median Egret, both pure white were largely found in jheels, rivers
and in tidal mudflats of Kalahandi .109

The Red Spurfowl or Red Junglefowl, Gtey jungle fowl or Gallus

Sonneratii (Temminck), the Hide name being Chhoti jungle murgi, Periodical
Asiatica or the jungle Bush Quil , the Button Quil and the Rock Bush Quil
were plentiful in the forests of Kalahadni. The Red Spurfowl and Grey jungle
fowl were found in pairs or family parties on ground in stony over grown nullahs,
deciduous scrub, dry ravines and overgrown ruins. Where as ,the jungle Bush
Quil and the Rock Bush Quil were fairly seen in deciduous forest, dry stony
grass and scrub jungle . 110

The Common peafowl was numerous in the forests of Kalahandi. It is

the national bird of India and protected by Law .111

Its partie's or droves would prefer to live in deciduous forest in dense

scrub plain , and foot-hill, preferably in the neighborhood of rivers and streams.
They were also locally semi-domesticated about villages and cultivation .112

Treron phoenicopterus, the common green pigeons, Koel or Eudynamys

Scolopacea (Linnaeus),Crow-Peasant or Coucai,Locally being called
Kumbhatua and in Hindi, Mahoka, Kuku were found in great number in the
jungle of Kalahandi . The green pigeons were commonly found in roadside
trees particularly banyan and peepul when in fruit. They were also found in
garden and groves near towns and villages. Where as , the Koel was found
singly or pairs in groves of trees etc. They were both resident and also locally
migratory . The Crow-Peasant was found largely in terrestial places open
forest, scrub and bush . 113

109. Ibid. P-3.

110. Ibid - PP - 34-35 .
111. Senapati Nilamani -ODGK - 1980, P-29
112. Salim Ali - The Book of Indian Birds-1990, P-36.
113. Ibid - PP-54-58 .

30
 The Blue Rock Pigeons, the Hindi name being Kabutar, Locally called
Panaka, the Alexandrine, the Hindi name being Rai-tota, the local name was
Rupa, the Blue throated Barbet, the Hindi being Nilakant basanth, and locally
called Basnt found every where in Kalahandi. The Blue Rock Pigeons were
found in flocks and colonies, about cliffs and human inhabitations and Rocky
hills. The Rai-tota or Alexandrine was found rnlarge number in wooded coun­
try, orchards and cultivation . The Bluethroated Barbet was found singly or
parties in leafy fruiting trees .114

The Spotted owlet, Athene brama (Temminck), locally being called

Pecha, the Osprey, Pandion haliaetus (Linnaeus) or Machhlimar, Maccharang
were found in Kalahadni . The spotted owlet would move in pairs or family
parties about villages, in ruins and groves of ancient trees etc. and would
inhabit chiefly in Crepuscular and nocturnal places . The Machharang was a
fish-eating hawk, commonly found in winter on larger rivers, irrigation tanks
andjheels. 115

Indian Myna (Acridotheres tristis), the House Crows and House Spar­
row, passer domesticus (Linnaeus) were most familiar and numerous in
Kalahandi. The Indian Myna was the confirmed associate of man, following
wherever he opened up new habitation. The House Crows was would live in
close association with man and would obtain their livelihood from his works .
The House Sparrow was a confirmed hanger on of man in hills and plains,
alike whether in a bustling noisy city or outlying forest hamlet .116

114 Salim AH - The Book of Indian Birds . -1990. PP. 53-60 .

115 Ibid - PP - 65-66 .
116 Ibid.

3I
 Among the migratory birds, Gadwall, the Buie winged teal and.Gallinago
caetestis, the common snipe were most commonly found in Kalahandi .117

The Gadwall was a winter visitor. It was one of the commonest and
locally abundant migratory wildfowl. It migrated from Pakistan and Northern
India to Kalahandi and in parties and Flocks in-habitude on shallow, reedy
jheels and marshes. The Buie Winged Teal was also a winter visitor. It mi­
grated from various parts of Indian Union, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Ceylon and
Burma to Kalahandi. It was one of the earliest migrants, along with the com­
mon Teal and found Flocks in flocks on grassy.jheels etc. in Kalahandi .118

Gallinago caetestis migrated from Bangladesh, Ceylon and Burma to

Kahadndi about September and would leave by April. It was found in squelch
paddy stubbles and grassy margins of jheels and tidal creeks etc. 119

The Crocodile was found in the deep narrow gorge or ravines the moun­
tain cleft over the mountain plateau of Kalahandi. 120

The Jonk river in the Sonabeda plateau of Kalahandi was very deep
in between the villages Lodra and Patora. Crocodiles were seen in the
water of Jonk river near about Lodra village . 121

Apart from the skin traders the buried eggs of all the Crocodians were
subject to heavy predation by monitor Lizards Mongooses and many other
animals . As such the Crocodiles gradually vanished far from sight. 122

117. Senapati Nilamany -ODGK. 1980. P-29.

118. Salim Ali - The Book of Indian Birds, 1990. P P.16-17.
119. Ibid P-50.
120 Senapati Niiamani - ODGK 1980, P-30.
121. Ibid-P-11.
122. G.C. Grey Mountfort - The Wild Life and.Scenery of India and Nepal. 1985,
P-25.

32
 Most poisonous Snakes iike Naja naja, Cobra-Tampa and Gokhara
Echis carinates, saw scales Viper or chiti, Bungarus Fasciatus, Banded Krait
or Rana were found in the forests and plains of Kalahandi. 123

Among the Lizards the attractive little Spatula-toed geckos were com­
monly found in the house of the people of Kalahandi. They could be seen
running about on the walls ceilings even in kitchen .124

A considerable number of turtles could be seen around the villagers

pounds of Kalahandi. They were taken as food by the village like fish . 125

There are large number of temples in Kalahandi. On the confluence of

river Tel and Utei at Rajpadar or Belkhandi. There are ruins of Sculpture and
temples . The most famous temples at this place are Chandi temples or
Saptmatrika or seven Goddess and the Uma Maheswar Siva temple or the
Dhabaleswar temple . 126

There is a broken Siva temple on the bank of hill stream called Kali
Ganga at Mohanagiri which is situated at about 80 Km. northeast of
Bhawanipatna . 127

Bhawanipatna is a seat of small and big temples . It was the headquar-

tersof the Kalahandi ex-state . The town has been nomenclature after its
presiding daily Bhawanishankar . The biggest temple of the town is dedi­
cated to Goddess Manikeswari which is located inside the palace of the Ma­
haraja . Besides, there are temples of Kalithakurani, Balaji Mahaprabhu,
Rasikaraj, Ramaswamy, Bhawanishankar, Bhandeswar, Jagannath,
Madanmohan, Gopinath (inside the palace) Jaleswar, Tara Tarini and
Radhakrishna. 128

123. Senapati Nilamani - ODGK 1980, P-30.

124. G.C. Grey Mountfort -The Wild Life and Scenery of India and Nepal,1985, P-25
125. G.C. Grey Mountfort -The Wild Life and Scenery of India and Nepal,1985 ,P-25
126. District Statistical Hand Book - Kalahandi-1976-77, P-12 .
127. Senapati Nilamani - ODGK - 1980, P-38 .
128. Ibid p P-446 .

3-b
 Junagarh was the old capital of the ex-state of Kalahandi . The rem­
nants of an encircling moat , about a dozen of temples and a few festivities
are the past glory of Junagarh . None of the temples of Junagarh are exceed­
ing 50 ft. in height and are devoid of ornamentation and scuptures. They are
built by the Naga rulers of Kalahandi. The temple of Goddess Lankeswari,
the presiding deity of Naga rulers and the temple of Junagarh, Ramaswari,
Balaji Gopinath, Kanakadurga, Dadhibaman and Budnaraja occupied impor­
tant place among the temples of Junagarh . Besides, there are number of
Siva Shrines at this place .129

The temple of Gopinath and a female deity called Dokri are greatly
revered in the ex-zamindari of Lanjigarh in Kalahandi. A local festival known
as Jhami Yatra or Jhamu Yatra in the month of Chatra (March-April) is cel­
ebrated at this place . Besides , the Siva temple with large sized phallus of
Siva which is called Swayambhu Linga in Rampur in the ex-Madanpur Rampur
Zamindari occupied most important place in this area. 130

Ruins of old temple are also found at Topigaon near Lanjigarh and at
Sankosh near Madnapur Rampur and at Dadpur, Deheli and Amatha. The
temples at Maraguda Valley , Bhullia Sikua Dharainal, Bhimkela and
Amathagarh sites are unforgetable . 131

Many old temples are found at Nawapara, Sunabeda regionThere is a

brick Pataleswar Siva temple of Tri-rath type at Budhi Komna . It is mostly in
a dilapidated condition . There is another ruined Siva temple at Rajana. Both
these temples belong to the medieval period. There are two other temples of
pre-Chauham period at Khariar. One of them is dedicated to Lord siva and
the other to Lord Jagannth. These temples were renovated during the rules
of the Chauhans . 132

129. Senapati Nilamani - ODGK -1980, P-449

130. Ibid - PP-452-53
131. Ibid - P-38.
132. Senapati Nilamani - ODGK- 1980, P - 38

! 3Lf j
 The old temples of Kalahandi stand as a dumb and mute witness to
the past culture of this region . 133

Numerous ancient monuments lying scattered in historical places like

Amathaghat, Belkhandi, Narla, Asurgarh, Rampur, Mohanagiri, Sankosh and
Junagarh etc. in Kalahandi ex-state . It was only after the creation of
Archaeological Department a thorough Survey of these places was carried
on gradually by the state Achacologist K.N.Mahapatra under-the patronage
of Maharaja Pratap Keshari Deo of the ex-state of Kalahandi in 1946.134

There are two ancient sites at Belkhandi (Rajpadar). One of them is

located in the west of the present Chandi Temple and the other in the east of
the present Dhabaleswar Temple . The Chandi Temple brought to view some
immensely valuable relics of great historical signification of the past . The
existing southern and northern walls of the old Chandi Temple were made of
white sand stone . 135

A circular Chaoushat Yogini Temple and not less than fifty temples in
ruins are found near a village named Surada in the jungle of ex-zamindari of
Madanpur - Rampur of Kalahandi ex-state . As many a!s 120 Pagodas are
collected from this place . They are made of cut stones without cement. Simi­
lar temple of Choushat Joginis is located at Ranipur Jharial near Titilagarh in
the district of Bolangir of Orissa . The ruins of temples at Surada are the
remarkable monuments of this region .136

133. Ibid.
134. Mahapatra K.N. - Excavation of Belkhandi on Kalahandi state, - 1946.
PP- 1-2
135. Ibid .
136. A, Cunningham - Report of Tour V? Centra Provinces and Lower Gangetic
Doad in 1881-82, Vol. - XII - Temples of Orissa. PP- 64-65 .
 In the excavation of Asurgarh at a selected site in the residential
area a circular brick structure of about 40 ft. in diameter has been dis­
covered. It is most probably a temple of the Mother Goddess as known
from a small terra-cotta figure o.f different animals . The circular bricks
temple of a Goddess and broken terra-cotta figure of different animals ,
the circular bricks Temple had probably wooden roof as indicated by
grooves for wooden pillaers. But no wooden remains were traced out in
cause of digging . It is presumed that the ruins of the temple may be
assigned to the period of 5th century A.D. 137

The old hill forts of Jumlaggarh and Manikgarh on the bank of river
Jonk in Sunabeda Plateau stand for a considerable historical importance
in Kalahandi ex-state . There is Jumlagarh fort on the right bank of river
Jonk on the ‘ U ‘ shaped curve . The main gate is facing towards the east
and at a distance of 50 ft. there id Chheliagarh . A temple is located at
this place . It is was the temple of the presiding deity of this garh or fort
most probably Goddess Chandi . There is also another temple of God­
dess Kankalen towards the south of the fort. She is also being worshipped
as Goddess Chamunda . 138

Besides , the Jhalap village in f^araguda valley near Patora village is

an important site for archaeological remains, mostly for its ruins and dilapi­
dated temple. 139

137. . Senapati Nilamani - ODGK, 1980 P-36.

138. Ibid - PP- 38-39 .
139. Singh Deo Jitamitra Pr- Cultural Profile of South Kosala. -1987. P-359.
 r

Sapta-Matruka Statues are discovered from the ruins of the Chandi

temple . A long sinhasan bordering the entire west wall of the old temple is
also discovered . Eight statues are installed on this sinhasana. Among them
one statue is leaning against the south wall in the south west corner and the
other seven statues are standing in a row leaning against the west wall .
Though the first statue has a bull as its vehicle it is not properly identified .
However, it is presumed that it is no other than Viseswar Siva who is gener­
ally found in the company of the Sapta-Matruka group. The seven other stat­
ues are safely identified with those of Koumari, Maheswari, Brahmani,
Vaishnabi, Barachi, Indrani and Chamunda. These deities are considered as
the famous Sapta-Matruka group of the Hindu Pantheon .140

The statues of Hara Parvati, Laxinarayana, Ganesh, Kartikeya, Brahma,

Garuda, Bhushava, Gaja, Sinha of different variation Maheswara, Parvati,
Durga, Nagas, Yogis (mendicants), brother statues-of some other Dods and
Goddesses the statue of standing Uma-Maheswar depicting the marriage
scene, standing Hara-Parvati displaying sexual intercourse , Kapali of the
Dasa Mahavidya group Maheswari etc. which lay broken Scattered and cov­
ered with earth have been set properly after some repair are the excellent
Sculpture of the statues at Belkhandi. These statue are regarded as the best
specimen of the Hindu art on workmanship displayed in them . 141

A big Svayambhu ling of black chloride stone has been discovered

from the ruins of the Siva temple at Mohanagiri . Tradition mentionsthat the
monuments of this place were built by its people .142

140. Mahapatra K.N.- Excavtion at Belkhandi in Kalahandi State-1946. PP - 2-3.

141. Mahapatra K.N- Excavation at Belkhandi in Kalahandi State - 1946. PP- 5-7
142. Singh Deo Jitamitra Pr- Cultural Profile of South Kisaia -1987. PP - 334-36.

37
 The inscriptionson the walls of the temples, copper plate grants and
gold coins etc. which are found scattered in the ex-state of Kalahandi played
a vital role in the reconstruction of the history of this region .
Terasinga Copper Plate Grant of Maharaja Tustikara is a most remark­
able historical record of the Kalahandi ex-state . The grant Charter consists
of three plates . One side of the first plate records a grant made from
Parvatadvaraka, while other side of the same plate records another grant
which was issued from the city of Tarabhamaraka . Both of these grants con­
tain two different types of letters engraved by two different writers. The first
grant was issued by Shri Sobhini, the queen mother, while the second grant
was made by Maharaja Tustikara who wasgdevotee of the goddess
Stambheswari. However, the donee of the grant was the same person named
Dronaswami of Kasyapa gotra . It is presumed that this record belongs to the
5th century A.D. .143

A copper plate charter of Mahasiva Gupta Balarjuna, a Somavasi King

of Sirpur has been recently discovered and deciphered by Pandit. L.P. Padeya
Sharma . In this inscription the names of two villages Khairapadraka and
Baidyapadraka, are mentished . These villagesare donated to a Siva Temple
which have been satisfactorily identified with the villages of Khairpadar and
Bhejipadar in the Kalahandi ex-state . Thus it is a clear testimony to the fact
that Kalahandi ex-state or at least, its plain portion was under the sway of the
Somavamsi Kings during the period of Mahasiva Gupta Balarijuna wo was
the grandson of the younger brother of Tiveradeva and ruled in the last quar­
ter of the 6th century or circa 580-600 A.D. 144

143. Journsl of Kalinga Historical Research Society. Vol.- II PP- 107-110.

Ep. Ind. Vol. - XXX. PP - 274-278 .
144. Mahapatra K.N -Excavation at Belkhandi in Kalahandi State-1946. PP -8-9

3Sr
 The Mohanagiri Temple contains two small undated stone inscriptions.
One of them mentions the name of Spita Chandra of Mudgalkula dynasty
who was probably, the ruler of this region and the other mentions the name of
the deity of Vyuha Bhairava, the presiding deity of the royal house . 145

The unpublished in ascription on the wall of Dadhivaman Temple at

Junagarh which is yet to be edited was issued by Maharaja Jugasai Deo III
from Kalahandi Nagar . This record is most prolific about the history of
Kalahandi .This grant gave some concession to the Brahmana organisation
(Brahmapur) at Junagarh. The record is dated in the Yuga era, 4819 i.e. 1718
A.D. This is the most pompous inscription in which the name of the ex-state
occurs for the first time as.Kalahandi and the modern Junagarh is referred as
Kalahandi Nagar or the capital city of the ex-state . 146

Khariar Copper plate grant of Mahasudevaraja is a valuable source

material for the reconstruction of the history of the ex-state of Kalahandi .
This grant was issued by a Sarabhapuriya King .Mahasudevaraja, in his sec­
ond regnal year on 29th day of Sravana and registered the grant of the vil­
lage, Navanaka . The village, Navanaka was located near Sambitaka in
Kshitimandahara (district Khitimanda) Navanaka has been identified with the
modern village, Nahna which is situated within 5 Km. in the Southern periph­
ery of Khsriar in the present district of Nawapara . Sambitaka has been iden­
tified with Borasambar, a neighboring estate . However Kshitimanda is yet to
be identified . The record belongs to the 6th century A.D. Thus, the
Sarabhapuriya Kings were ruling over Kalahandi during this period . 147

145 Senapati Nilamani - ODGK - 1980. P-41 .

146 Ibid.
147 EP. Idn. Vol. IX PP- 170-173 .
 Most probably, the modern name, Kalahandi is derived from the medi­
eval name Kamala Mandala which is mentioned in the unpublished inscrip­
tion of Narla Siva Temple . This Narla Siva temple inscription is yet to be
edited . It has been greatly damaged by sun and rain . This record was made
by King Madana Mahadev in Rama Vanan Rudra Samvatsara. This record is
dated in 1153 Saka era or 1231 A.D.. It is known from this record that Kalahandi
region was called Kamala Mandala in the 13th century and was under the
rule of King Madan Mahadeva. 148

Kalahandi Durbar Copper Plate Inscriptionof Maharaja Jugasai Deo

records that Maharaja Kumar Sri Kesaisingh, the Zamindar of Thuamul and
Depur under Kalahandi^ought against the father of Budha Biswambhara Deo
and after defeating him, installed Biswambhar Deo on the Gadi of Jeypore
,as a result of which, Biswambhar Deo gave four garhs namely Kashipur,
Chandragiri, Bissamyiri and Mahulapatna lo Maharaj ol Kalahandi who in his
turn granted these garhs to Kesaisingh who was to pay Rs. 700/- as Malguzari
per annum including Rs. 300/- for the two garhs of Thuamul and Depur. This
grant was issued on the 5th day of the bright fortnight of Magh in Samvat
1769 i.e. in 1712 A.D.. 149

A Gold Coin has been discovered in Madanpur Rampur in Kalahandi

on which the name of Mahandradity is mentioned in box head Character of
4th and 5th century A.D. .It is probable that Mahandradity of this gold coin
might be the same as Mahandra, mentioned in the Allahabad Prasasti who
was defeated by Gupta monarch, Samudragupta . 150

149. Senapati Nilamani (ed) - Orissa District Gazetteers Koraput - 1966. P- 442.
150. Rajgu$j S.N. - History of the Ganges - Part -I - 1968. PP - 42-43 .

1,0
 Four gold coins of Maharaja Prasannamatra , the Sarabhapuriga King
of South Kosala were discovered by Yuvaraj Jitamitra Prashad Singh Deo at
Nehna which is situated about 5 km. off Khariar Town . The coins bear the
name of King Prasannamatra on the observe and the figure of Gaja Lakshmi
on the reverse. These coins are now preserved in the museum ofSambalpur
University. 151

In 1966 ,a hoard of 539 punch marked silver coins at Asurgarh near

Narla in Kalahandi has been discovered . According to Dr. P.L. Gupta, out of
these 539 coins, 69 are belonged to Pre-Maurya period, 272 are to the pe­
riod of Mourya Rule and the remaining 198 are belonged to the post-Mouryan
period . In 1973, Prpf. N.K. Sahu and the Department of Cultural Affairs of the
Government of Orissa had undertaken the excavation work of Asurgarh site
and had brought to light as many as fifty punch marked silver and copper
coins Besides, various types of red glazed Kushan pottery along with highly
polished black wares of the 1st-2nd century B.C. and Kaniskajs coins beads
of various colors sizes and shapes were discovered from Asurgarh and pre­
served in Sambalpur Museum . 152

Beads, terra-cottas and pottery are also discovered from Nehna site
on the left bank of river Sundar and the foot hill of Nages Pahad and on the
right bank of Udanti river and preserved in Khariar Branch Museum . 153

In Maraguda valley, the Manikgarh hill fort, probable named after the
famous Chauhan warrior Manik Ray. Manikgarh was the strong hold of vir
Surendra Sai during his fight with the Britishers from 1857 to 1862. There are
two lion figures carved out of sandstone at the foot hill of Manikgarh valley .
Its presence brings to light the existence of a palace and a capital in this
place .154

151. Senapati Nilamani - ODGK - 1980. P-40.

152. Senapati Nilamani -ODGK - 1980. PP- 40-43.
153. Singh Deo Jitamitra Pre- Cultural Profile of South Kosala - 1987. PP -79-80
154. Senapati Nilamani -ODGK - 1980 P-39 .
 Kalahandi boasts pf pre-historic paintings on the walls of caves which
brought to light the fact that man many thousands of year ago had an artistic
mind which found expression while living in forests . 155

Pre- historic drawing has been discovered at Gudahandi which is situ­

ated about 64 Km. to the South-West of Bhawanipatna in Kalahandi . At
Gudahandi, the facedes of the natural caves are decorated with drawings
painted in red ochre and black tint, mostly of geometrical designs in squares,
rectangles, circles and the like figures. These drawings represent a most in­
teresting hunting seen of a primitive man throwing a stone missile at a run­
ning bison, In fact the Gudahandi painting is a great achievement of the primi­
tive artist. The painting at Gudahandi may be placed about 15th millennium
B.C. 156

The Jogimath hill paintings which are located about 10 Km. towards
south pf Khariar in Kalahandi ex-state brings to light the pre-historic writings
of the early man in two or tree wavy lines from right to left in the form of
pictography, mostly of implements, musical instruments, animals and human
figures, all having their movements towards the left direction . The Jogimath
paintings are somewhat of later period and may be assigned to 10 millen­
nium B.C. 157

Thus Kalahandi with its rich forests, valleys, and mineral deposits, fer­
tile land, rich historical monuments, varied and colorful fairs, festivals, tradi­
tion and above all, its simple, nature -loving people naturally attract us to
make an1 undefiled study of its history and culture .

155. Senapati Nilamani - ODGK -1980. P-1.

156. Ibid - PP - 35-36.
157. Ibid .

i
Facsimile of the rock-painting at Gudahandi
Courlesy—Shri Dinanath Pathi

n
Facsimile of the rock-painting at Jogimath
Courtesy—Shri Dinanath Pathi