PREFACE Bargarh, previously a Sub-Division of undivided Sambalpur District was conferred the status of a district on 1st April 1993 to usher in better and faster service delivery, to bridge the gap between the Government and the governed and to ensure governance at the doorstep. The district owes its name to “Vagharkotta” as revealed by the Rastrakuta inscription of 12th Century AD. This province acquired its present name "Bargarh “during the reign of Balaram Dev, the King of Chauhan dynasty of Sambalpur. Historically, this district as contributed its mite in India’s freedom struggle. Ghess Zamindar Madho Singh, his four sons Hatte Singh, Kunjel Singh, Bairi Singh, Airi Singh and his son-in-law Narayana Singh have become legends of the district due to their extraordinary valour shown during the first war of independence. Similarly, village Panimora has received a special recognition in the history of freedom struggle due to the participation of 42 young men in the Satyagraha Movement of Gandhiji out of which 32 persons were incarcerated by the Britishers. An enthusiastic young girl Parbati Giri of village Samaleipadar showed her bravery inthe freedom struggle, who in the post- independence time is credited with the opening of “Kasturaba Gandhi Matruniketan”, the first ever orphanage of the district at Paikmal. Further, Debrigarh, a peak in the Barapahad hills of Ambabhona block, was used as a rebel stronghold by Lakhanpur Jamidar Balabhadra Deo and the noted freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai stands as a mute spectator to the first revolt against the Britishin this area. In the post-independence period, Bargarh became the laboratory for different experimentations under the Cooperative Movement in Odisha. The co-operative farming in Remunda Village of Bheden Block, the establishment of the Co-operative Sugar Mill, Co-operative Spinning Mill, Sambalpuri Handloom Co-operative Society and Sambalpur District Central Co-operative Bankare some of the precious achievements of that era. In the field of agriculture, the district has earned the sobriquet “The Rice Bowl of Odisha” for its record paddy production and contribution of one-fourth of paddy requirement of the state at present. Moreover, this district has a very favourable climate for cultivation of pulses, vegetables, cotton, groundnuts, sugarcane, maize and a great many cash crops enabling farmers to earn their livelihood and strengthening sustainable development. Due to a well-organized network of roads and railways and its connectivity with major cities like, Raipur, Kolkata and Mumbai, this district has attracted the business communities like, Gujraties, Marwaris and Punjabis to settle here making Bargarh the business hub of western Odisha. “Sambalpuri Saree” crafted by the weavers of the district and produced by Sambalpuri Handloom has become an established brand- name over the years, getting uncontested national and international recognition due to its unique quality, texture, colour and design. Padmashree Kutartha Acharya, a committed son of the soil was the pioneer in this field who organized weavers of western Odisha under “Sambalpuri Bastralaya” – the world famous Primary Handloom Co-operative Society for production of exclusive Sambalpuri Tie and Dye fabric. A great literary colossus of the district is Swabhabkavi Gangadhar Meher, whose immortal verses are widely read and appreciated by millions even today. His literary genius in his works like Tapaswini, Rasa- Ratnakara, Pranaya Ballari and Kichaka Badha has stood against test of time. Gems of Sambalpuri literature of the district like Late Khageswar Seth, Late Hemachandra Acharya, Haldhar Nag etc. have contributed tremendously to the growth of Koshali/Sambalpuri language as a whole. With its unparalleled thematic richness, stage craft and use of colloquial language, Koshali/Sambalpuri drama in the district has scaled new heights in recent years. Specifically, themes like migration, displacement, urbanization and globalization are given prominent utterance in modern Koshali/Sambalpuri plays. Apart from this, the artists of this district play a very significant role in enriching Sambalpuri folk dance and folk music. As history bears witness, the renowned Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang visited Gandhamardan hills, during his tour to Dakhin Koshal. He has spoken of the flowering Buddhist University of PARIMALAGIRI (po-lo-mo-lo-ki-li) established here. This is the Abode of Lord Nrusinghnath, where Lord Vishnu is worshipped in the form of “Marjara Keshari”. This place is regarded as the omega pilgrimage specifically by the Hindus of this region as well as Chhattisgarh State. Debrigarh Range, which is transformed into a beautiful wildlife sanctuary housing Leopards, Sloth Bears, Gaur (Indian Bison), Chousingha (Four-horned Antelope), Peafowls and many other wild animals, has promoted eco-tourism in the district. The cultural identity of the district is inextricably linked with the famous “Dhanu Yatra”, eleven-day long festival of Bargarh generally celebrated every year in the months of December and January. This festival has drawn national and international attention and has become synonymous with the name of the district. This festival is considered as the largest open-air theatre, with the whole town virtually turning into a stage. Baisakha Mela, otherwise known as Narsingh Chaturdashi Mela is another important Mela of the district which is celebrated at Nrusinghanath Temple in the month of Baisakha (April-May) on the occasion of Nrusingha Janma (Birth). Besides, the Car Festival of Bhatli, Mahashivaratri of Kedarnath, Shitalshasthiof Barpali, Bali Yatra of Khuntppali, Maa Shyamakali Puja at Bargarh and Jugar Jatra at Kuchipali are the important festivals observed in the district bearing unique cultural significance. This district is known for its communal harmony. On 15th August, 1947 the flag- hoisting done by Mayuddin Ahmed, the then Muslim leader is an eloquent testimony. The peaceful co-existence of people belonging to different castes, creed and religions is a distinct feature of the district. JugarJatra festival of Kuchipali village, where both Hindus and Muslims celebrate together with full religious fervor and enthusiasm is another classic example of inter-communal peace, amity and harmony long prevalent in the district. Another special feature of the district is its harmonious blending of traditional and modern lifestyles which is conspicuous in both rural and urban areas. This is the first ever attempt made towards the compilation of a Gazetteer of Bargarh, with a view to creating a specific and authentic profile of the district and keeping in mind its need and importance for future reference. We owe a deep debt of gratitude to Dr.Taradatt, I.A.S., Director General of Gopabandhu Academy of Administration, Bhubaneswar for his valued guidance and inspiration for the compilation of the District Gazetteer. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the academicians, retired professors, intelligentsia, localelites, all government officers, the authorities of East Coast Railways, BSNL, AIR and Doordarshan, who have shared their relevant information to enrich the Gazetteer in its contents and outreach. Anjan Kumar Manik, I.A.S Collector and District Magistrate, Bargarh CONTENTS Chapter-I Page- 1 to 24 GENERAL A Brief Historical, Political, Social, Cultural, and Geo-physical Introduction of the District. Origin and Evolution of the name of the District and Significance thereof. Location of the District and its adjacent District and neighbouring Border state, Longitude and Latitude. Geographical Area of the District and a Brief outline of the Administrative Set up. Natural division of the State, and Land formation. Description of the hill system, River system, in and rivulets, springs, waterfall lakes and tanks, aquatic life, sanctuaries. Geological formation, mines, minerals and Rocks. Flora and Fauna Climatic condition and weather. Chapter-II HISTORY Page- 25-51 Pre-History, Proto-History and early Historical perspective of the District District under various dynasties, Maratha, Mughals, and other foreign rulers. British Rule in the District. Uprising and freedom movement in the District. Archaeological description of the District. Chapter-III PEOPLE AND DEMOGRAPHY Page- 52-74 Size and Growth Rate of population, Birth and Death Rates. Rural- Urban population distribution. Age, Sex, Occupational composition. Literacy and work participation rates. Castes and Tribes. Inter caste relations. Religion and religious beliefs. Manners, Customs and Traditions. Burial systems and Funeral Rites. Home, community and social lives. Fairs and Festivals and Ceremonial Practices. Migration, Displacement and Rehabilitation. Urbanization and Emerging Issues. Chapter-IV AGRICULTURE AND IRRIGATION Page-75-113 Physiographic and Agro climatic conditions. Natures and Types of Soil fertility Land utilization pattern in the District Irrigation - major, medium, minor irrigation projects, Traditional modes of irrigation. Soil erosion and soil conservation. Crops grown in the District and other Agricultural Produce Cropping pattern and crop rotation Use of Agricultural implements, Manures, and Fertiliser, Agriculture Technology and Productivity Crop Diseases, Control Mechanism and Crop Protection. Krishi vikash Kendra, Soil Testing and State Farms Agricultural credits, marketing, processing and storage and state support Animal Husbandry, Animal Diseases. Veterinary Heath Facilities Fisheries and Growth. Forestry,